cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel approach for removal of a retained calcified ureteral stent using a single robotic procedure

Abstract Objective To describe a unique approach for removal of a retained calcified ureteral stent of 4 years, originally placed at another institution, via a combined robotic assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and cystolithotomy. Materials and Methods Utilizing the Da Vinci Xi platform, four 8 mm ports were placed in the left mid-clavicular line, and a 12 mm midline assistant port at the umbilicus. The platform's multi-quadrant ability and port-hopping feature allowed us to perform this with a single procedure. Following opening of the renal pelvis, the encrusted stent and stones were removed. The distal end of the stent had already been detached from the bladder stone and was removed via the pyelotomy. A ureteral stent was placed in an antegrade fashion. The renal pelvis was closed in a running fashion, with Gerotas fascia re-approximated over the closure. We then performed a standard cystotomy with removal of the calcified distal stent and closed the bladder in a standard 2-layer fashion. A Jaxon-Pratt drain was placed in the left retroperitoneal space. The proximal stent portion and the bladder stone were placed in to separate specimen bags, which were extracted through the periumbilical assistant trocar by extending the incision 3.5 cm. Results The robotic operative time was 125 min, the estimated blood loss was 100cc. The patient's post-op course was uneventful and the Jaxon-Pratt drain was removed on post-operative day 1 after obtaining a negative drain-fluid creatinine. She was discharged with oral antibiotics for 5 days. A Foley catheter was kept for 1 week and the ureteral stent was kept for 6 weeks. A renal ultrasound was obtained one month following stent removal which showed normal renal anatomy without evidence of hydronephrosis, a basic metabolic panel was also obtained which showed the patients renal function had remained normal. Stone analysis revealed a mixed struvite and calcium phosphate stone. Conclusion This combined procedure has been reported in the pediatric population, via pure laparoscopy. The Da Vinci Xi platform with multi-quadrant and port hopping ability, allows us to translate this renal and bladder procedure to the adult population. In the case of this encrusted stent, we were able to remove both portions utilizing a single procedure without the need for additional port placement, re-docking, or re-positioning of the patient which in some cases can compromise the airway and sterility, thus resulting in a safe and successful operation with minimal hospital stay and procedure time.
Off-shell N = 2 → N = 1 reduction in 4D conformal supergravity

We discuss N = 2 → N = 1 reduction in four dimensional conformal supergravity. In particular, we keep the off-shell structure of supermultiplets (except hypermultiplets). As we will show, starting with (almost) off-shell conformal supergravity makes the procedure simpler than that from N = 2 Poincare supergravity, which makes it easier to show the correspondence to the standard N = 1 conformal supergravity. We find that the N = 1 superconformal symmetry is simply realized by truncating the gravitino multiplet. We also discuss the consistency with the original N = 2 system and show the reduced N = 1 conformal supergravity action.
Constellations of Consumer Beliefs: Relationships to Intentions and Behavior

Using cluster analysis it was found that a homogeneous group of cigarette smokers could be meaningfully grouped on the basis of the beliefs they endorsed concerning continued cigarette smoking and that systematic relationships existed among these groups relative to their intentions to continue smoking and their present product usage rates.
Calculation and prediction of casing collapse strength based on a new yield strength acquisition method

Abstract Collapse is an inevitable phenomenon. A successful and economical casing design must make use of a casing collapse equation to predict the collapse pressure of the selected tubulars to ensure that they will survive the expected downhole pressures. As the quest for hydrocarbons drilling goes deeper, the applied external pressure to well casing is becoming greater. Consequently, a well casing must have acceptable collapse strength to withstand and meet the criteria to withstand subjected external pressures without deformation of High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) reservoirs and difficult conditions downhole. To account for these conditions, a modern and accurate collapse resistance equations and true yield strengths should be used. The accuracy of the collapse pressure prediction depends upon the equation selected and the value of yield strength used in that equation which normally validated through full scale experiments. These experiments are time intensive and costly. The research study proposes a novel method for the acquisition of yield strength in the hoop direction. An experimental study is carried out by through determination of tubular yield strength in the hoop direction. Applying the new testing method to the best performing collapse pressure formula to create an improved system for predicting tubular collapse resistance. The validated new method of yield strength acquisition simplifies the testing procedure in anticipations of encouraging an increase in testing frequency. The new acquisition method was compared against the tested yield strengths given by the pipe manufacturer. Testing was performed on a variety of outer diameters, wall thicknesses, and pipe grades. The new method proved to be very accurate, yielding just a 0.5% variation from the mean yield strength values.
An interpretation of the 4-point condition of metric trees via Ptolemy's inequality

We identify a family of Ptolemaic inequalities in $\operatorname{CAT}(\kappa)$ spaces parametrized by $\kappa$ and identify that the limit as $\kappa \to -\infty$ gives the 4-point condition of tree metric spaces.
The International Face of the Philippine Sugar Industry: 1836-1920

The role of international trade in the development of the sugar industry in the Philippines is explored here. It is established that the formation of the Philippine sugar industry during the crucial 84-year period from 1836 to 1920 presents an example where outside forces supplied both the initial impulse for change and the guiding force of development. Moreover, Filipino entrepreneurship was essential for the creation of new sugar estates, and native labor transformed the Philippine jungle into prime agricultural land. These actions led to the creation of a sugar society decidedly colonial Filipino in structure, culture and outlook.
Ribonuclease-Sensitive Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerase Activity in Uninfected Rat Cells and Rat Cells Infected with Rous Sarcoma Virus

Rat cells infected with the B77 strain of avian sarcoma virus [R(B77) cells] produced no virus-like particles but contained information for the production of infectious B77 virus. 3 H-labeled deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) product of the B77 virus endogenous DNA polymerase system was used to determine the relative amounts of B77 virus-specific ribonucleic acid (RNA) in B77 virus-infected chicken and R(B77) cells. R(B77) cells were found to contain much less B77 virus RNA than did B77 virus-infected chicken cells. Ribonuclease-sensitive DNA polymerase activity was present in high-speed pellet fractions from Nonidet extracts of B77 virus-infected rat cells. Similar preparations from some uninfected rat cells contained lesser amounts of a similar ribonuclease-sensitive DNA polymerase activity. The endogenous template for the DNA polymerase activity in high-speed pellet fractions from R(B77) cells was not related to B77 virus RNA or to RNA of a rat C-type virus. The DNA product of the endogenous DNA polymerase in high-speed pellet fractions of R(B77) cells hybridized to a small extent with RNA from the same fraction and to a similar extent with RNA from uninfected rat cells.
Measures of Adiposity and Risk of Breast Cancer in Older Postmenopausal Women

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether higher adiposity is associated with greater breast cancer risk in older postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with mean follow-up of 11.3 years. SETTING: Four U.S. clinical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Seven thousand five hundred twenty-three women (mean age 73.5) enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. MEASUREMENTS: Weight, height, and waist and hip circumference were measured at baseline. Body composition was determined using bioelectrical impedance. Risk factor information was obtained by interview and questionnaire. Bone mineral density was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The outcome was incident invasive breast cancer, confirmed using medical records. RESULTS: After adjustment for multiple risk factors, including bone density, women in the uppermost quartiles of weight, weight gain since age 25, body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat had higher breast cancer rates than women in the first quartiles of each measure. For example, breast cancer rates were 49% higher for women in the uppermost quartile of weight (hazard ratio (HR)=1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.05–2.10), 64% higher for women in the top quartile of weight gain since age 25 (HR=1.64, 95% CI=1.15–2.34), and 58% higher for women in the top quartile of percentage of body fat (HR=1.58, 95% CI=1.11–2.23) than for women in the lowest quartile of each measure. The associations between adiposity measures and breast cancer rates were not altered when the analyses were limited to very elderly women (≥70). CONCLUSION: Higher adiposity is an independent risk factor for breast cancer in elderly women.
An overview of laser effects on collision dynamics

The theoretical and experimental aspects of collision processes in the presence of laser radiation are discussed. (AIP)
Expansion of Public Libraries in the United States, 1870-1930

The period 1870-1930 witnessed the emergence of the local public library as a widespread and enduring American institution. In this paper we document the expansion of public libraries in the United States over these years, using data drawn from library surveys conducted by the federal Bureau of Education, and review some causal accounts for that expansion. Exploiting cross-state and temporal variation in the data, we estimate panel regressions to assess plausible demand and supply factors affecting the pace of library development. We consider a number of the social and economic variables that have been found to correlate with the development of educational institutions, including income, urbanization, and ethnic composition, as well as average levels of education and literacy themselves. We also examine the effect of supply-side factors that were specific to public libraries, such as state library commissions and associations.
Chapter 14. Quinolone Antibacterial Agents

Publisher Summary The renewed interest in quinolone antibacterials that began 5 years ago with the first descriptions of norfloxacin (NOR), pefloxacin (PEF), and enoxacin (ENO) has continued unabated. After two decades of only modest improvements in the antibacterial potency, the activity of the new fluoro- quinolones far surpasses that of the original quinolone, nalidixic acid (NAL, I). The most significant changes made in the quinolone nucleus, addition of fluorine and piperazine have provided these fluoroquinolones with activity against gram- negative bacteria that rivals that of the major classes of antibiotics. The increased potency of the new fluoroquinolones holds promise for a greatly expanded clinical use. This includes the potential for treatment of bacterial prostatitis, gastroenteritis, osteo-myelitis, some pneumonias and infections caused by multiply-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Engagement in the R&D of quinolone antibacterials has resulted in clinical trials with at least eight different fluoroquinolones throughout the world, of which four have received approval for clinical use outside the US. Relative to the first commercially introduced fluoroquinolone, NOR, subsequent analogues have shown greater oral absorption (PEF, ENO) and increased serum. This chapter complements recent reviews describing the mechanism of action and resistance, toxicity, pharmacology and SAR's of the quinolone antibacterials. The chapter discusses cirofloxacin (the most potent of the quinolone antibacterials), norfloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin, pefloxacin, amiflcucacin, difloxacin (A-56619), A-56620, CI-934, S-25930, S-25932, and other new quinolones—their usefulness against various microbes, and also the comparison of one compound's effectiveness to another.
Exploiting Wind Versus Coal

Today, the direct and health and environmental costs of wind energy are less than are those of coal energy. The United States could displace 10% of coal energy at no net federal cost by spending 3 to 4% of 1 year9s budget on 36,000 to 40,000 large wind turbines and selling the electricity over 20 years. The authors of this Policy Forum recommend replacing 59% of coal energy with energy from 214,000 to 236,000 turbines, which would allow the United States to meet Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas targets as of 1999 and simultaneously to improve health, acid deposition, smog, and visibility problems associated with coal.
Alternatives to Finite Difference Methods in Numerical Relativity

Finite difference techniques have played a dominant role in numerical relativity. This situation will likely prevail; for instance, the current grand challenge effort in the United States to simulate, by the end of the century, black-hole collisions is entirely based on finite difference codes. Furthermore, the power of finite difference techniques has recently been enhanced with the implementation of adaptive mesh refinements. In spite of the finite difference success, there have been a significant number of numerical studies in gravitation in which finite difference methods are either not used, or applied in combination with other techniques. These lectures review four alternative approaches to numerical relativity from those of finite difference. The first lecture addresses solutions to the initial-data problem in general relativity using multiquadrics and finite elements methods. The second lecture reviews particle-mesh and smoothed particle hydrodynamics methods used in conjunction with finite differences to solve the Einstein-hydro field equations.
Biomarkers associated with severe hypoglycaemia and death in ACCORD.

Aims and hypothesis In patients with Type 2 diabetes, intensive glycaemic control is associated with hypoglycaemia and possibly increased mortality. However, no blood biomarkers exist to predict these outcomes. Using participants from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study, we hypothesized that insulin deficiency and islet autoantibodies in patients with clinically diagnosed Type 2 diabetes would be associated with severe hypoglycaemia and death. Methods A nested case–control study design was used. A case (n = 86) was a participant who died with at least one episode of severe hypoglycaemia, defined as hypoglycaemia requiring assistance, at any point during ACCORD follow-up. A control (n = 344) was a participant who did not die and did not have severe hypoglycaemia during follow-up. Each case was matched to four controls (glycaemic intervention arm, race, age and BMI). Baseline insulin deficiency (fasting C–peptide ≤ 0.15 nmol/l) and islet autoantibodies [glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), tyrosine phosphatase-related islet antigen 2 (IA2), insulin (IAA) and zinc transporter (ZnT8)] were measured. Conditional logistic regression with and without adjustment for age, BMI and diabetes duration was used. Results Death during ACCORD in those who experienced at least one episode of severe hypoglycaemia was associated with insulin deficiency [OR 4.8 (2.1, 11.1): P < 0.0001], GAD antibodies [OR 2.3 (1.1, 5.1): P = 0.04], the presence of IAA or baseline insulin use [OR 6.1 (3.5,10.7): P < 0.0001], which remained significant after adjusting for age, BMI, and diabetes duration. There was no significant association with IA2 or ZnT8 antibodies. Conclusions In patients with Type 2 diabetes, C–peptide or GAD antibodies may serve as blood biomarkers predicting higher odds of subsequent severe hypoglycaemia and death. (Clinical Trial Registry No: NCT00000620, www.clinicaltrials.gov for original ACCORD study)
Reconfigurable memory architecture for scalable IP forwarding engines

Abstract In this paper, a reconfigurable memory architecture and lookup technique for IP packet forwarding engines is presented. This is achieved by partitioning the forwarding table into smaller partial lookup tables for each output port and allowing a forwarding engine to process them in parallel. This effectively reduces the complexity of finding the ‘longest prefix match’ problem to the ‘first prefix match’ problem. Our method is a flexible technique that significantly elevates the scalability of the next generation network processors and other packet processing devices. Such scalability facilitates migration to IPv6 and benefits network equipments especially in terms of growing routing table size, traffic, frequency of route updates and bandwidth requirement.
Shyness and Relationship Satisfaction: Evaluating the Associations Between Shyness, Self-Esteem, and Relationship Satisfaction in Couples

In the present study we explored the relationship between personality characteristics and relationship satisfaction in couples. Using a sample of 14,807 couples from the RELATE dataset, a model was tested examining the direct and indirect (via self-esteem) associations between personality traits (i.e., shyness) and relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, the model assessed shyness, self-esteem, and relationship satisfaction for both partners in the relationship. The results indicated that higher levels of shyness were associated with lower self-esteem in individuals, as well as lower relationship satisfaction. Implications of results and the use of partner ratings of personality indicators are discussed.
Evolution and propagation of grating envelopes during erasure in bulk photorefractive media

We present a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of a grating envelope, in both transmission and reflection geometry, during the erasure process in various readout configurations in bulk photorefractive media. We derive a single partial differential equation that describes grating evolution. This equation shows that under certain conditions the grating envelope propagates and shares several features with either bright or dark solitons. Details of the grating envelopes directly relate to the dynamics of the observed diffraction efficiency. We derive analytical expressions for diffraction during nondestructive readout. Finally, we discuss the effects of nonzero absorption, finite dark conductivity, fringe bending, fanning, and nonlinear responses on the propagating envelope.
A phase I study of a weekly schedule of paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced carcinoma.

BACKGROUND We conducted a Phase I study of weekly paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C) in patients with advanced malignancies to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this combination. METHODS Dose levels were escalated independently for patients with and without previous chemotherapy exposure and advanced malignancies. Both agents were administered weekly for 6 weeks followed by a 2-week break per cycle. P, escalated to tolerance starting at 135 mg/m2 per week, and C, fixed dose at area under the curve (AUC) = 2 mg/mL/min, were administered to groups of three or six patients. Doses were modified for granulocyte counts less than 1800/μL or for neurotoxicity greater than Grade 1. MTD was defined as the highest dose level at which less than 50% of patients developed unacceptable toxicity and received more than 80% of the intended dose during the first cycle. Dose levels were escalated until these conditions were exceeded. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients (12 patients with previous chemotherapy exposure and 15 chemotherapy-naive patients) were examined for toxicity. Dose escalation was halted due to neutropenia and/or Grade 2/3 neuropathy in both arms. The MTD was P = 135/C = 2 for patients with previous chemotherapy exposure and P = 150/C = 2 for chemotherapy-naive patients. CONCLUSIONS The combination of P and C administered on a weekly schedule permits a two to threefoldenhancement of P dose intensity with full doses of C. Phase II trials of this regimen in patients with various malignancies are being evaluated to determine efficacy and tolerance. Cancer 2002;95:2000–5. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10902
Ya wanna trade—just for awhile: Children's requests and responses to peers∗

This study examined requests and responses of first‐grade children interacting in peer reading groups. The subjects were 45 first‐grade students who comprised 9 separate reading groups. Interactions in the all‐student groups were audio‐ and video tape recorded during a reading activity. Requests for information and action/object and responses were identified and analyzed according to linguistic form and function. Data analysis revealed that children differed in the variety and complexity of their requests.
Regional and Technological Implications of the Recent Buildup in American Defense Spending

Abstract American defense policy emphasizes technological sophistication of weapons and equipment. The current military buildup focusing on modernization of military hardware is influencing the character of American regional change. Much of the high-technology manufacturing growth in California. Texas, and New England is related to the distribution of Department of Defense contracts. The particular nature of the current military expansion has aggravated the failure of the industrial heartland to replace its declining mature industries with newer high-technology ones. A significant positive relationship exists between a state's recent manufacturing employment growth and its degree of specialization in defense production. Decomposing employment change using shift-share analysis suggests that defense spending on high-technology goods has generated a large number of new jobs and is partially responsible for the spatial redistribution of American manufacturing.
Traveling Theory: Mark Leone, Slavery, and Archaeology’s Critical Imagination

This article presents considerations inspired by Mark P. Leone’s keynote address at the African Diaspora Archaeology Network Forum convened at the 2012 Society for Historical Archaeology annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Leone’s reflections raised poignant historical and conceptual questions, with relevance for the historical archaeology of African experience and critical scholarship on African diasporas. In a more disciplinary reading, the symposium offered a fascinating look at Leone’s intellectual method and theoretical project, with relevance for the history of archaeological thought.
The “Single Consciousness-and-‘I’” of the Child at Different Ages Consciousness in the Study of Human Life and Experience VI

In elaborating their thesis that the subjective being of a person should be regarded as “a single consciousness-and-‘I’” or as “a single reality of consciousness” “from childhood to old age,” Witz and Goodwin based themselves only on their experience in qualitative research with adults (with the consciousness-and-“I” of participants who were adults aged 12 to 60 or so). The bulk of the present article first argues that the fundamental characteristics of the single consciousness-and-“I” in adults (“Foreshadowing the future,” “Consciousness-and-‘I’ distilling in innumerable ‘I-feelings’ throughout the day,” and “Taking for granted one is always the same person”) exist already but take different forms at every age in childhood and that these forms merge into the conscious-and-“I” in the adult. The final portion of the article then discusses how one can in principle go about getting an idea of the consciousness-and-“I” of a child at a particular age.
Numerical solution of nonlinear equations for spinning shallow spherical shells

Nonlinear spinning shallow spherical shell equations solved for equilibrium stress and displacement distributions, discussing inertia loading
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation Mediates Substance P-induced Mitogenic Responses in U-373 MG Cells

Ligand-induced activation of G protein-coupled receptors is emerging as an important pathway leading to the activation of certain receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Substance P (SP) exerts many effects via activation of its G protein-coupled receptor (neurokinin-1, NK-1). SP participates in acute inflammation and activates key proteins involved in mitogenic pathways, such mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), stimulating DNA synthesis. We tested the hypothesis that SP-induced MAPK activation and DNA synthesis require activation of the EGFR. In U-373 MG cells, which express functional NK-1, SP induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins including EGFR. SP induced formation of an activated EGFR complex containing the adapter proteins SHC and Grb2, but not c-Src. SP activated the MAPK pathway as shown by increased Erk2 kinase activity. SP induced Erk2 activation, and DNA synthesis was inhibited in cells transfected with a dominant negative EGFR plasmid lacking kinase activity, as well as in cells treated with a specific EGFR inhibitor. In addition, pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of Galpha(iota) protein subunits, prevented SP-induced EGFR transactivation and subsequent DNA synthesis. Our results implicate EGFR as an essential regulator in SP/NK-1-induced activation of the MAPK pathway and cell proliferation in U-373 MG cells, and these events are mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive Galpha protein. We suggest that this mechanism by which SP controls cell proliferation is an important pathway in tissue restoration and healing.
Duopoly supergames with product differentiation

Abstract When goods are complements or very close substitutes, more tacit collusion is supported by trigger strategies in price setting supergames than in quantity setting supergames. For moderate or poor substitutes, the situation is reversed. This contrasts with the static situation, where price setting strategies always lead to higher welfare.
An Atg13 Protein-mediated Self-association of the Atg1 Protein Kinase Is Important for the Induction of Autophagy

Autophagy pathways in eukaryotic cells mediate the turnover of a diverse set of cytoplasmic components, including damaged organelles and abnormal protein aggregates. Autophagy-mediated degradation is highly regulated, and defects in these pathways have been linked to a number of human disorders. The Atg1 protein kinase appears to be a key site of this control and is targeted by multiple signaling pathways to ensure the appropriate autophagic response to changing environmental conditions. Despite the importance of this kinase, relatively little is known about the molecular details of Atg1 activation. In this study we show that Atg13, an evolutionarily conserved regulator of Atg1, promotes the formation of a specific Atg1 self-interaction in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The appearance of this Atg1-Atg1 complex is correlated with the induction of autophagy, and conditions that disrupt this complex result in diminished levels of both autophagy and Atg1 kinase activity. Moreover, the addition of a heterologous dimerization domain to Atg1 resulted in elevated kinase activity both in vivo and in vitro. The formation of this complex appears to be an important prerequisite for the subsequent autophosphorylation of Thr-226 in the Atg1 activation loop. Previous work indicates that this modification is necessary and perhaps sufficient for Atg1 kinase activity. Interestingly, this Atg1 self-association does not require Atg17, suggesting that this second conserved regulator might activate Atg1 in a manner mechanistically distinct from that of Atg13. In all, this work suggests a model whereby this self-association stimulates the autophosphorylation of Atg1 within its activation loop.
The Mirror Pelvic Examination: Assessment in a Clinic Setting

The traditional pelvic examination is often viewed by patients with mixed feelings, and there are reasons to believe that enhanced patient knowledge might foster more positive attitudes toward this important aspect of women‧s health care. One proposed technique in accomplishing this goal is the mirror pelvic examination (MPE). However, there is a paucity of reported clinical experience dealing with this modification of the traditional pelvic examination. Accordingly, a questionnaire was designed to assess attitudes and impressions toward the MPE among a sample of 21 women who were offered the procedure at a metropolitan clinic. This survey revealed the MPE to be well received by patients, both as a method of anxiety reduction and as one of patient education.
Evidence for modulatory sites at the lipid-protein interface of the human multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein.

The human multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp or ABCB1) sets up pharmacological barriers to many clinically important drugs, a therapeutic remedy for which has yet to be formulated. For the rational design of mechanism-based inhibitors (or modulators), it is necessary to map the potential sites for modulator interaction and understand their modes of communication with the other functional domains of Pgp. In this study, combining directed mutagenesis with homology modeling, we provide evidence of two modulator-specific sites at the lipid protein interface of Pgp. Targeting 21 variant positions in the COOH-terminal transmembrane (TM) regions, we find residues M948 (in TM11) and F983, M986, V988, and Q990 (all four in TM12) critically involved in substrate-site modulation by a thioxanthene-based allosteric modulator cis-(Z)-flupentixol. Interestingly, for ATP-site modulation by the same modulator, only two (M948 and Q990) of those four residues appear indispensable, together with two additional residue...
Communicable disease in day-care facilities: Planning for community-level intervention

Abstract With increasing numbers of infants and children being cared for outside the home in day-care settings, there is growing concern about the spread of communicable diseases in these facilities. The purpose of this paper is to describe the scope and nature of the problem of communicable diseases in day-care facilities and to discuss the major issues in the development of community-level interventions.
Therapeutic range of spontaneous breathing during mechanical ventilation

In the 4th century before the common era, the Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates expressed his wisdom on the value of activity to the sick and the healthy by stating that: “The sick will of course profit to a great extent from gymnastics with regard to the restoration of their health and the healthy will profit with regard to its maintenance” (On Regimen in Acute Diseases, 3, 400 BCE). In contemporary critical care medicine, driven by the goal of protecting our patients from self-inflicted injury, pain, and anxiety – and in contrast to Hippoctrates’ suggestions – we have built a culture of immobilizing our patients: we prescribe high doses of opioids, sedatives, anxiolytics, and anti-pychotics, and with the best intentions, place bed-rest and restraints orders. In patients with severe respiratory failure, we frequently use immobilizing ventilator settings such as volume control ventilation. Recent data have been increasingly challenging this tenet in relation to the fields of neuropsychiatry, rehabilitation, and respiratory medicine1–5. In this issue of Anesthesiology, two papers bring new information on why the concept of muscle activity is also relevant to lung biochemistry and regional function. Guldner et al.6 and Bruells et al.7 provide important experimental data on the relationship between the dose of diaphragmatic activity (spontaneous contribution to breathing during mechanical ventilation) and the resulting response in terms of lung mechanical stress, gas exchange, and markers of muscle deconditioning. As the main respiratory muscle, the diaphragm contributes 72% for tidal breathing8 and its role in respiratory mechanics and gas exchange goes well beyond this global number. One of the reasons is its curvature during spontaneous breathing in the supine position, which facilitates expansion of dependent lung regions9, optimizes the regional distribution of lung ventilation, and prevents loss of dependent lung aeration and increase in shunt observed when muscle paralysis is produced10. Accordingly, modes of ventilation proposed since the 1970s tried to explore those advantages in patients with acute respiratory failure. The beneficial effects of maintaining continuous spontaneous breathing during mechanical ventilation of patients with acute respiratory failure have been described by Putensen and coworkers in two well-designed studies11,12. However, in patients with severe respiratory failure, barriers to spontaneous breathing during mechanical ventilation including patient-ventilator asynchrony, high oxygen consumption of the respiratory pump muscles, and the risk of barotrauma, have hindered a clear determination of the value of spontaneous breathing during mechanical ventilation.
EVOLUTIONARY CONSERVATION AND TISSUE-SPECIFIC PROCESSING OF HOXA 11 ANTISENSE TRANSCRIPTS

We previously described the existence of abundant, processed, polyadenylated murine Hoxa 11 antisense transcripts. Of particular interest, in the developing limbs the antisense transcripts were observed to be present in a pattern complementary to that of the sense transcripts, suggesting a possible regulatory function (Hsieh-Li et al. 1995). We have analyzed the human HOXA 11 genomic locus, showing strong evolutionary conservation of regions potentially encoding antisense transcripts. Human HOXA 11 fetal kidney antisense cDNAs were identified and sequenced, demonstrating the evolutionary conservation of Hoxa 11 antisense transcription. As for the mouse, the human antisense RNAs were polyadenylated and showed several alternative processing patterns, but shared the sequences of a common 3′ exon. The evolutionary conservation of the opposite strand transcripts strongly suggests function. A significantly long open reading frame was observed, but mouse-human comparisons argued against true coding function. Murine kidney Hoxa 11 antisense transcription and processing was also examined, revealing tissue-specific differences between limb and kidney. A novel procedure, designated Race in Circles, was devised and used to define mouse limb antisense transcription start sites. Furthermore, comparisons of human, mouse, and chicken sense transcript Hoxa 11 homeobox nucleotide sequences and their respective encoded homeodomains indicate a very strong selective pressure in vertebrates against mutations that result in coding changes. Given the significant differences in amino acid sequences of the homeodomains of different Hox genes, this observation argues for individual homeodomain functional specificity.
The Possibility of Detecting a Doubly-Charged Proton by the Photographic Method

BHABHA1 has recently shown, on theoretical grounds, that there probably exists a proton having a double charge. Such a particle might be expected to occur in the nuclear explosions produced by cosmic rays, and it has been suggested that the most likely way of detecting it would be by examining the tracks which are found in photographic plates exposed at a high altitude.
Pulmonary cytology of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome: an analysis of 36 cases.

The infectious pathogens and associated cellular reactions in 75 pulmonary cytological specimens obtained largely by fiberoptic bronchoscopy from 36 patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome are described and correlated with the biopsy specimens. An opportunistic pathogen was diagnosed in 33% of cytological preparations. Pneumocystis carinii was encountered most frequently; Cryptococcus neoformans and cytomegalovirus were also seen. The polymorphonuclear neutrophil was the predominant inflammatory cell. Cells of secondary import were bronchial cells and type II pneumocytes with atypia and hyperplasia. Bronchoalveolar lavage had the highest yield, positive predictive value, and sensitivity for all pathogens and for P. carinii. An opportunistic pathogen was diagnosed in 69% of patients utilizing histological material and in 33% using cytological samples; the rate of diagnosis increased to 72% when the samples were combined. Diagn Cytopathol 1986;2:181-186.
Attitude toward motherhood: Gender, generational, and religious comparisons

Attitudes toward mothering and motherhood are examined within a sample representative of college-educated young adults and their mothers. Factor structures are compared based upon response to the 40-item Motherhood Inventory. Two factors are indicated for males: a “chauvinism” factor describing women as appropriately serving and providing for men and children, and a factor that represents acceptance of contraceptive choice for women. For younger women, the theme of reproductive freedom includes autonomy in choice of motherhood as well as personal fulfillment; a second factor describes traditional rewards and responsibilities of motherhood. For older women, a single dominant factor represents a highly conventionalized definition of women's familial roles. On a scale of acceptance of reproductive freedom (the single common dimension observed for all groups), men score lower than women and Catholics score lower than non-Catholics.
Sharing instructional materials for IT degree programs

The goal of this session is to start a discussion among IT educators about the value and possible approaches to sharing instructional materials.IT is the computing discipline for which the community of educators has most recently organized (as measured by milestones such as accreditation and development of a curriculum model). Sharing instructional materials and providing broader access to materials is an important step in continuing to develop a cohesive community of IT educators.At the same time, sharing materials is very difficult to do well. Faculty reward systems generally do not give much weight for any efforts that faculty members make to share their instructional materials with others. In addition, it is difficult to find the right form so that materials are easy to locate, and useful in contexts beyond the course for which they were developed. As organizer of this session, my interest in this topic is driven by the experience of leading an effort to create a BSIT degree program and obtain accreditation for it. My interest is also driven by current and prior work in several areas including:SWENET - SWENET is an NSF-funded repository of instructional materials related to software engineering. SWENET is a possible model for an IT materials collection. SWENET is located at http://swenet.org.IT 2008 - With the release of this curriculum model, there is a framework that could provide a basis for developing and organizing shared instructional materials.Ensemble - Ensemble is an NSF-funded effort to create a digital library to support all of computing education, including IT. Additional information about Ensemble can be found at http://computingportal.org
Changing conceptions of species

Species are thought by many to be important units of evolution. In this paper, I argue against that view. My argument is based on an examination of the role of species in the synthetic theory of evolution. I argue that if one adopts a gradualist view of evolution, one cannot make sense of the claim that species are “units” in the minimal sense needed to claim that they are units of evolution, namely, that they exist as discrete entities over time. My second argument is directed against an appeal to Eldredge and Gould's theory of punctuated equilibria to support the claim that species are units of evolution. If one adopts their view, it may be possible to identify discrete temporal entities that can plausibly be termed ‘species’, but there is no reason to claim that those entities are “units of evolution”. Thus, on two plausible interpretations of the role of natural selection in the process of evolution, species are of no special importance. I then consider some of the reasons why species have been thought to be important evolutionary units by many contemporary evolutionary biologists. Finally, I discuss briefly the implications of this conclusion for evolutionary biology.
Borrelia burgdorferi induces matrix metalloproteinases by neural cultures.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with chronic neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and senile dementia. Lyme disease is a multisystemic infection involving the nervous system, skin, joints, and heart. Neurologic manifestations of chronic Lyme disease include encephalopathy and cranial and peripheral neuropathy. Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochaete causing Lyme disease, has been cultured from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and B. burgdorferi DNA is frequently detected in the CSF of patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis. We used cerebral and cerebellar primary cultures to determine whether B. burgdorferi induces the production of MMPs by primary neural cultures. B. burgdorferi in a dose- and time-dependent manner induced the expression of MMP-9 by primary neural cultures but had no effect on the expression of MMP-2. Human and rat type I astrocytes expressed MMP-9 when incubated with B. burgdorferi in the same manner as primary neural cultures. This response may play a role in the symptomatology and the pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis.
Shallow parsing by inferencing with classifiers

We study the problem of identifying phrase structure. We formalize it as the problem of combining the outcomes of several different classifiers in a way that provides a coherent inference that satisfies some constraints, and develop two general approaches for it. The first is a Markovian approach that extends standard HMMs to allow the use of a rich observations structure and of general classifiers to model state-observation dependencies. The second is an extension of constraint satisfaction formalisms. We also develop efficient algorithms under both models and study them experimentally in the context of shallow parsing.
Amino Acid Determinants in Cyclooxygenase-2 Oxygenation of the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonylglycerol

The endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), is an endogenous ligand for the central (CB1) and peripheral (CB2) cannabinoid receptors and has been shown to be efficiently and selectively oxygenated by cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. We have investigated 2-AG/COX-2 interactions through site-directed mutagenesis. An evaluation of more than 20 site-directed mutants of murine COX-2 has allowed for the development of a model of 2-AG binding within the COX-2 active site. Most strikingly, these studies have identified Arg-513 as a critical determinant in the ability of COX-2 to efficiently generate prostaglandin H(2) glycerol ester, explaining, in part, the observed isoform selectivity for this substrate. Mutational analysis of Leu-531, an amino acid located directly across from Arg-513 in the COX-2 active site, suggests that 2-AG is shifted in the active site away from this hydrophobic residue and toward Arg-513 relative to arachidonic acid. Despite this difference, aspirin-treated COX-2 oxygenates 2-AG to afford 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid glycerol ester in a reaction analogous to the C-15 oxygenation of arachidonic acid observed with acetylated COX-2. Finally, the differences in substrate binding do not alter the stereospecificity of the cyclooxygenase reaction; 2-AG-derived and arachidonic acid-derived products share identical stereochemistry.
Seismicity at the Cascadia Plate Boundary Beneath the Oregon Continental Shelf

Since 2003, 39 small earthquakes have been detected off the coast of central Oregon in the nominally locked part of the Cascadia subduction zone, where very little seismic activity has been recorded in spite of a paleoseismic record of great subduction events. Although the regional earthquake bulletin reports depths of 29 and 28 km for the two largest events ( M w 4.9 and M w 4.7, which occurred in 2004), analysis by Trehu et al. (2008) indicates that they were low-angle thrust events that occurred on the plate boundary at depths of 9–11 and 16 km, respectively. Because of sparse onshore station coverage, most of the smaller events have large location uncertainties. Double-difference relative location of 30 of these earthquakes reveals two tight clusters approximately 30 km apart; each cluster is associated with one of the two larger events. Within each cluster, relocation reduces the hypocenter depth spread from >15 km to <3 km, with uncertainties on the order of 0.1 km. The relocations, combined with independent absolute hypocenter locations for two 2008 events using a deployment of land and ocean-bottom seismometers, suggest that the seismicity occurred at plate boundary depths, possibly on the Cascadia megathrust. This concentrated activity in the seismogenic zone may represent patches on the fault plane with anomalous frictional characteristics, possibly caused by subducted topographic features, which can affect the propagation of a large megathrust rupture.
Etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss in women over the age of 35 years

Objective To determine the rate of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities, thrombophilias, and uterine anomalies in women over the age of 35 years with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic. Patient(s) Women ≥35 years old with ≥3 first trimester miscarriages. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Age, number of prior losses, cytogenetic testing of the products of conception (POC), uterine cavity evaluation, parental karyotype, TSH, and antiphospholipd antibody (APA) and thrombophilia testing. Aneuploidy in the POC in women with RPL was compared with sporadic miscarriages (≤2 losses) in women ≥35 years. Result(s) Among 43 RPL patients, there were 50 miscarriages in which cytogenetic analysis was performed. In the RPL group, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the POC was 78% (39 out of 50) compared with a 70% incidence (98 out of 140) in the sporadic losses. Thrombophilia results in the RPL patients were normal in 38 patients, four patients had APA syndrome, and one had protein C deficiency. Forty out of 43 had normal uterine cavities. Both TSH and parental karyotypes were normal in all of the patients tested. When the evaluation of RPL included karyotype of the POC, only 18% remained without explanation. However, without fetal cytogenetics, 80% of miscarriages would have been unexplained. Conclusion(s) In older patients with RPL, fetal chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for the majority of miscarriages. Other causes were present in only 20% of cases.
N-phosphonacetyl-L-isoasparagine a potent and specific inhibitor of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase.

The synthesis of a new inhibitor, N-phosphonacetyl-l-isoasparagine (PALI), of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) is reported, as well as structural studies of the enzyme·PALI complex. PALI was synthesized in 7 steps from β-benzyl l-aspartate. The KD of PALI was 2 μM. Kinetics and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments showed that PALI can induce the cooperative transition of ATCase from the T to the R state. The X-ray structure of the enzyme·PALI complex showed 22 hydrogen-bonding interactions between the enzyme and PALI. The kinetic characterization and crystal structure of the ATCase·PALI complex also provides detailed information regarding the importance of the α-carboxylate for the binding of the substrate aspartate.