cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bait and Trap: Enriching Autoreactive T Cells With β-Cell Antigen-Loading Biomaterial Scaffolds for Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes

Developing effective immune therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains an immense challenge. To date, results from most of the clinical trials have been largely disappointing, with only temporary improvement and limited efficacy (1,2). One of the major obstacles is the heterogeneous and multifactorial nature of the disease. Developing a personalized immune intervention protocol that can attenuate the specific anti-islet autoimmune responses in high-risk individuals or new-onset patients would be a more productive approach. It is well established that autoreactive T lymphocytes that recognize pancreatic β-cell antigens (Ags) (e.g., insulin, GAD65, and Znt8) play central roles in mediating the anti-islet autoimmunity in T1D (3–7). Recent studies demonstrated the presence of a variety of islet-infiltrating, β-cell Ag-reactive T cells in T1D patients (8). Characterizing these autoreactive T cells, including their frequencies, phenotypes, predominant Ag targets, cytokine production, and T-cell receptor specificities, in high-risk individuals or new-onset patients will help to monitor the disease progression and develop the right regimens for immune intervention. However, unlike the well-established autoantibody assays that can detect the presence of the autoantibodies against β-cell antigens with high sensitivity and specificity, detecting autoreactive T cells is more challenging (9). Tissue biopsy is clinically prohibitive and unjustifiable, as the procedure is dangerously invasive and the immune cell–infiltrated islets are likely distributed irregularly within the pancreas. Liquid biopsy is the primary tool to assess autoreactive T cells in T1D patients. Regrettably, autoreactive T cells are extremely rare and hard to detect in peripheral blood, even with recent advances of the highly sensitive tetramer- and multimer-based technologies (10,11). In addition, the limited amount of blood that can be sampled provides only …
Conclusion: Educating for Social Justice—Learning from Service-Learning Alumni

Using interviews from alumni of the Citizen Scholars Program, in this chapter, the author explores the participants’ definitions of social justice and the ways they enact their commitments to a more just world in order to understand how service-learning experiences can serve to support students at research universities toward taking action for a more just and equitable world.
Potential risk factors of pneumonitis associated with consolidation pembrolizumab after chemoradiation in unresectable NSCLC patients.

167Background: We have previously shown that consolidation pembrolizumab after chemoradiation is safe in a 93 patient-clinical trial of unresectable stage III NSCLC patients (Durm, ASCO 2016). However 15 patients (16%) developed grade ≥2 pneumonitis. There is limited data on risk factors for developing pneumonitis in this population. We conducted a retrospective review of these patients to identify potential clinical, biologic, radiographic and radiation treatment related risk factors for developing pneumonitis. Methods: We evaluated ECOG PS, age, gender, smoking status, stage, histology, chemo regimen, consolidation chemotherapy, TILs, PDL-1 status, PFTs, PET SUVs, grade of pre-existing ILD, COPD and Radiation dosimetry plans. Logistic regression and fisher’s-exact test were used for the odds ratio and p-values. Results: See Table. [1] [1] Age, histology, stage, chemo, PFTs, SUVs and PDL1 were not significant [2] n = sample size p = pneumonitis [3] Moderate/severe COPD was not seen in any patients with p...
SZF1: A novel KRAB-zinc finger gene expressed in CD34+ stem/progenitor cells

Abstract The identification and study of genes expressed in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells should further our understanding of hematopoiesis. Transcription factors in particular are likely to play important roles in maintaining the set of genes that define the stem/progenitor cell. We report here the identification of a putative KRAB-zinc finger gene (SZF1) from a cDNA library prepared from human bone marrow CD34 + cells. Characterization of SZF1 implicates its role in hematopoiesis. The predicted protein contains a highly conserved KRAB domain at the NH 2 terminus and four zinc fingers of the C 2 H 2 type at the COOH terminus. Two alternatively spliced products of SZF1 were isolated, which predict proteins of 421 (SZF1-1) and 361 (SZF1-2) amino acids, differing from each other only at the carboxy terminus. The two transcripts of SZF1 have different expression patterns. SZF1-2 is ubiquitously expressed, as indicated by Northern blot, RNase protection, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. SZF1-1 expression, in contrast, was detected only in CD34 + cells. We recently isolated the promoter region for the stem/progenitor cell expressed FLT3/FLK-2/STK-1 gene and used this region to generate a reporter construct to test the effect of SZF1 expression. Cotransfection of the reporter construct with SZF1 constructs showed that SZF1-2 repressed transcription three- to fourfold, whereas SZF1-1 showed a lower level of repression. The expression pattern of SZF1 transcripts and the transcriptional repression of a CD34 + -specific promoter demonstrate a possible role for SZF1 in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell dif-ferentiation.
Performance Comparison of Two Identification Methods for Analysis of Head Related Impulse Responses

-Head-Related Impulse Responses (HRIRs) are used in signal processing to model the synthesis of spatialized audio which is used in a wide variety of applications, from computer games to aids for the vision impaired. They represent the modification to sound due to the listener’s torso, shoulders, head and pinnae, or outer ears. As such, HRIRs are somewhat different for each listener and require expensive specialized equipment for their measurement. Therefore, the development of a method to obtain customized HRIRs without specialized equipment is extremely desirable. In previous research on this topic, Prony’s modeling method was used to obtain an appropriate set of time delays and a resonant frequency to approximate measured HRIRs. During several recent experimental attempts to improve on this previous method, a noticeable increase in percent fit was obtained using the Steiglitz-McBride interative approximation method. In this paper we report on the comparison between these two methods and the statistically significant advantage found in using the Steiglitz-McBride method for the modeling of most HRIRs.
RU486 suppresses prolactin production in explant cultures of leiomyoma and myometrium.

Objective To assess the action of RU486 (mifepristone), in the presence and absence of P, on PRL production by explant cultures of leiomyoma and myometrium. Design Explant cultures using tissue from nine premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle; immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections from five patients for P receptor (PR) subtype. Main Outcome Measures Prolactin secretion (measured by RIA), lactate dehydrogenase secretion (measured by quantitative colorimetric assay), and immunohistochemistry for PR subtype. Results Prolactin secretion was decreased in leiomyomas by RU486 at concentrations of 10 −7 M and 10 −5 M when normal serum-containing medium was used. In experiments with all detectable P removed from serum, PRL secretion was suppressed in both leiomyomas and myometrium at an RU486 concentration of 10 −7 M. Immunohistochemistry results suggest that the A form of the PR is the dominant form in both leiomyomas and myometrium. Conclusion Prolactin production is suppressed in both leiomyomas and myometrium after treatment with RU486 in vitro, and this suppression may serve as a marker for the clinical effectiveness of agents used in the treatment of leiomyomas.
A Web-Based Approach to Competitive Intelligence

Increasingly, companies are using the Internet to present themselves to customers and provide most up-to-date information and offerings. Hence it can be used to gain competitive information on a regular and timely basis. However, right now this process is mainly based on manual searches and is thus very costly and time consuming. This chapter discusses technical approaches supporting this process.
Suppression of ferroportin expression by cadmium stimulates proliferation, EMT, and migration in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) has been linked to a variety of cancers, including breast cancer; however, the molecular mechanism of its carcinogenic activity is not fully understood. To this end, the present study investigated the roles of ferroportin (FPN), a prognostic marker of breast cancer, in Cd-induced stimulation of cell proliferation and cell migration. Triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with 1–3 μM Cd. The cells exhibited significant reduction in FPN expression and concomitant increase in iron concentration. Cells treated with Cd for 8 weeks displayed elevated proliferative and migratory activities which were inversely related with FPN expression. Reduced FPN expression also resulted in EMT as indicated by an increase in the expression of E-cadherin, and a decrease in the expression of N-cadherin, Twist and Slug. Further investigation revealed that Cd suppressed FPN expression at least partially by activating TGF-β, a known regulator of FPN expression. Taken together, these results indicate that Cd-induced stimulation of MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, EMT, and migration is brought about by suppression of FPN expression and associated disruption of iron homeostasis.
The rationale, design, and methods of a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of single-dose dexamethasone in reducing post-embolization syndrome in patients undergoing uterine artery embolization.

Author(s): Wang, Melinda; Kohi, Maureen P | Abstract: BackgroundUterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive technique well established for treating symptomatic uterine fibroids. However, the post-procedure recovery for UAE involves a notable inflammatory process in response to ischemia known as post-embolization syndrome (PES). PES encompasses transient leukocytosis, low-grade fever, and can result in readmission of up to 10% of patients. In surgical settings, multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of glucocorticoids in reducing inflammation and associated pain. However, this approach has not yet been assessed in predominantly ischemia-driven PES.MethodsThis paper describes the protocol of a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial to test the efficacy and safety of single-dose dexamethasone on inflammatory responses, pain, nausea, and readmission rates after UAE. The study will enroll pre-menopausal patients between 25 and 55 years (planned enrollment, n = 60) with MRI confirmed symptomatic fibroids. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups: single-dose intravenous dexamethasone plus standard of care or placebo (normal saline) plus standard of care.ResultsThe primary endpoint is the patient pain score 4 h following the UAE procedure. Secondary endpoints include pain scores at 7 h and 24 h following UAE; narcotic usage in the first 24 h following UAE; and serum inflammatory markers (white blood cell count, C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and cortisol) 24 h after UAE.ConclusionGiven the high incidence of post-procedure pain and difficulty with pain control after uterine artery embolization, results of this trial may directly influence the standard of care in perioperative management of patients undergoing UAE.
Focal amplification and suppression of West Nile virus transmission associated with communal bird roosts in northern Colorado

To explain the patchy distribution of West Nile virus (WNV), we propose that avian immunity encountered by Culex vectors regulates WNV transmission, particularly at communal bird roosts. To test this hypothesis, we selected two test sites with communally roosting American robins (Turdus migratorius) and two control sites that lacked communal roosts. The density of vector-vertebrate contacts, represented by engorged Culex pipiens, was 23-fold greater at test sites compared to control sites, and the density of blood-engorged Cx. pipiens measured in resting mosquito traps correlated positively with the presence of robins and negatively with the presence of other birds, confirming an attraction to robins for blood feeding. WNV transmission was alternately up-regulated (amplification) and down-regulated (suppression) at both test sites. At one test site, infection in resting Cx. pipiens surged from zero to 37.2 per thousand within four weeks, and robin immunity rose from 8.4% to 64% before reducing to 33%. At this site, ten potentially infectious contacts between vector and vertebrates (including nine robins and a mourning dove [Zenaida macroura]) were documented. Infectious vector-vertebrate contacts were absent from control sites. The use of infectious vector-vertebrate contacts, rather than infected mosquitoes, to evaluate a transmission focus is novel.
Identifiers of Language Impairment for Spanish-English Dual Language Learners.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if a standardized assessment developed for Spanish–English dual language learners (SEDLLs) differentiates SEDLLs with language impairment (LI) fro...
Synaptic pruning and trophic factor interactions during development

Abstract During development it is essential that unnecessary synapses be removed to produce a properly wired circuit. This process is called synaptic pruning. Inactive synapses are marked by the addition of two proteins to their surface, C1 and C3. Microglia recognize these synapses, phagocytose them, and digest them in lysosomes. Some neurons that lose synaptic trophic support don’t die. Corollary 1, presented in Chapter 14, The roles of receptors and trophic factors in the development of the enteric nervous system and in the connections between viruses, the microbiota, ENT, and brain, provides a plausible explanation. For example, if a neuron contains three quanta of a receptor it will require three quanta of the complementary trophic factor. However, it is conceivable that the neuron can stay alive indefinitely by upregulating its receptors. This mechanism allows the neuron to produce a new neurite, which can locate another neurite that secretes a complementary trophic factor, and form a synapse with it. A mechanism similar to synaptic pruning occurs in the mature brain and is called synaptic plasticity.
Phosphorothiorate oligodeoxynucleotides induce antimicrobial epithelial mitochondrial reactive oxygen species that protect against pneumonia

Background: Pneumonias exert tremendous worldwide morbidity, especially among immunocompromised populations. Our laboratory has identified an inhaled therapeutic comprised of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/6 and TLR9 agonists that protects mice against a broad array of respiratory pathogens. This protection is associated with the generation of an antimicrobial environment in the lungs and requires induction of epithelial reactive oxygen species of both dual oxidase and mitochondrial sources. Objective: To discern how the treatment induces generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Results: Inducible mtROS generation was driven by epithelial exposure to a class C CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN M362), a reported TLR9 ligand. However, ODN M362-induced mtROS generation was not dependent on TLR9 signaling, but required that the oligodeoxynucleotide include phosphorothiorate linkages, rather than the phosphodiester linkages common in the DNA of most species. Phosphorothiorate ODN directly interacted with mitochondrial permeability transition pores, altering the ATP:ADP ratio in both cytosol and mitochondria, activating AMPK and ACC pathways and increasing beta-oxidation. This led to enhancement of electron transport chain complex II activity and reduction of complex III activity, causing increased electron leakage that resulted in superoxide (O2- ·) production. The resultant mtROS both exerted directly microbicidal effects and stabilized Hif1α to support antimicrobial peptide production. Conclusions: These data identify novel means to manipulate mtROS and may provide an opportunity to protect vulnerable patients against pneumonia.
Ribosome quality control antagonizes the activation of the integrated stress response on colliding ribosomes.

Stalling during translation triggers ribosome quality control (RQC) to maintain proteostasis. Recently, stalling has also been linked to the activation of integrated stress response (ISR) by Gcn2. How the two processes are coordinated is unclear. Here, we show that activation of RQC by Hel2 suppresses that of Gcn2. We further show that Hel2 and Gcn2 are activated by a similar set of agents that cause ribosome stalling, with maximal activation of Hel2 observed at a lower frequency of stalling. Interestingly, inactivation of one pathway was found to result in the overactivation of the other, suggesting that both are activated by the same signal of ribosome collisions. Notably, the processes do not appear to be in direct competition with each other; ISR prefers a vacant A site, whereas RQC displays no preference. Collectively, our findings provide important details about how multiple pathways that recognize stalled ribosomes coordinate to mount the appropriate response.
Process Optimization of Bending SS 304L Sheets using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm and FEA

With the advancement in fabrication technology and the requirement for assembling intricate parts, the sheet metal bending accuracy needs to be improved. The sheet metal bending errors arise from the variation in material properties of the bent part and the bending process parameter discrepancies. In this work, the effect of displacement of part with respect to bending dies and the variation in yield strength of the material is studied. The bending process is simulated by preparing the finite element model of the part and bending dies. Explicit dynamic analysis is performed to find bending stresses, displacement, reaction forces, and residual stresses of the part. The variable input parameters in the analysis are part displacement with respect to die and punch and the yield strength of the material. The design of experiments approach is deployed, and a response surface is generated to study the effect of input parameters on residual stresses and reaction forces. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is used further to optimize the process and find the minimum reaction force and residual stress. The sensitivity analysis reveals that among the two input parameters yield strength of the material has a major effect on bending force and residual stresses.
Isotopic data for bioarchaeological samples from Polynesia (pre-Contact and modern periods).

Abstract Two datasets are presented in this paper, one from archaeologically-derived human remains and one from modern plants and animals. First, isotopic data (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, and 87Sr/86Sr) along with some radiocarbon dates from archaeologically-derived bone and teeth from individuals buried in pre-Contact Tonga and Fiji are provided. The second dataset is comprised of modern plant and animal samples (n = 27) collected from the island of Atiu (Cook Islands). δ13C and δ15N data from these samples are presented, and this data is integrated with other datasets to provide an aggregated tropical Pacific dietary baseline for paleodietary studies in this region. First collected to explore the interactions between diet, mobility, social status, and the physical environment, the archaeologically-derived samples are from two Polynesian islands. From the Tongan island of Tongatapu, two burial mounds designated To-At-1 and To-At-2 and collectively called ‘Atele, are radiocarbon dated to the Complex Centralized Chiefdom period (c. 500—150 BP). The second collection is from the coastal site of Bourewa in the Republic of Fiji, dated to the Vuda Phase (c. 750—150 BP). From these human remains the following tissues and isotopes were analyzed: bone and dentine collagen analysis of δ15N and δ13C (n = 81) as well as δ34S where collagen yield was large enough (n = 37), tooth enamel 87Sr/86Sr (n = 47), and radiocarbon dates to supplement the relative dating of the burial sites (n = 16). The human data provides a relatively large dataset (for the region) to compare to other contemporaneous sites to consider intra- and inter-island dietary practices and consider movement in the wider region (while being mindful of issues with interpretation). The amalgamated dietary baseline has utility for placing archaeological and ecological samples within the tropic Pacific foodweb.
Exploiting the yeast stress-activated signaling network to inform on stress biology and disease signaling

Healthy cells utilize intricate systems to monitor their environment and mount robust responses in the event of cellular stress. Whether stress arises from external insults or defects due to mutation and disease, cells must be able to respond precisely to mount the appropriate defenses. Multi-faceted stress responses are generally coupled with arrest of growth and cell-cycle progression, which both limits the transmission of damaged materials and serves to reallocate limited cellular resources toward defense. Therefore, stress defense versus rapid growth represent competing interests in the cell. How eukaryotic cells set the balance between defense versus proliferation, and in particular knowledge of the regulatory networks that control this decision, are poorly understood. In this perspective, we expand upon our recent work inferring the stress-activated signaling network in budding yeast, which captures pathways controlling stress defense and regulators of growth and cell-cycle progression. We highlight similarities between the yeast and mammalian stress responses and explore how stress-activated signaling networks in yeast can inform on signaling defects in human cancers.
Steady State Heat Transfer in Food Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the issue of reducing heat transfer through a wall using insulation materials. Under steady state conditions, the rate of heat transfer through a wall depends on the temperature difference between the two sides of the wall, the thermal conductivity of the material, and the thickness of the wall. Cylindrical pipes are commonly used in the food industry to transport steam, a variety of liquid foods, and chemicals. When the liquids or vapors being transported are hot, the heat transfer from the pipes must be minimized to conserve energy. The coordinates of log mean and average areas in cylindrical pipes are considered to calculate convective heat transfer coefficients in laminar and turbulent flow conditions. If instead of logarithmic mean an arithmetic average is used, between the outside area and inside area of the pipe, a certain error is introduced. The chapter attempts to determine the amount of error incurred when arithmetic average is used instead of the logarithmic mean. Problem statements are presented and various approaches are discussed.
An Alginate-Antacid Formulation (Gaviscon Double Action Liquid) Can Eliminate or Displace the Postprandial 'Acid Pocket' in Symptomatic GERD Patients

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 59–66 Summary Background Recently, an ‘acid pocket’ has been described in the proximal stomach, particularly evident postprandially in GERD patients, when heartburn is common. By creating a low density gel ‘raft’ that floats on top of gastric contents, alginate-antacid formulations may neutralise the ‘acid pocket’. Aim To assess the ability of a commercial high-concentration alginate-antacid formulation to neutralize and/or displace the acid pocket in GERD patients Methods The ‘acid pocket’ was studied in ten symptomatic GERD patients. Measurements were made using concurrent stepwise pH pull-throughs, high resolution manometry and fluoroscopy in a semi-recumbent posture. Each subject was studied in three conditions: fasted, 20 min after consuming a high-fat meal and 20 min later after a 20 mL oral dose of an alginate-antacid formulation (Gaviscon Double Action Liquid, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, Hull, UK). The relative position of pH transition points (pH >4) to the EGJ high-pressure zone was analysed. Results Most patients (8/10) exhibited an acidified segment extending from the proximal stomach into the EGJ when fasted that persisted postprandially. Gaviscon neutralised the acidified segment in six of the eight subjects shifting the pH transition point significantly away from the EGJ. The length and pressure of the EGJ high-pressure zone were minimally affected. Conclusions Gaviscon can eliminate or displace the ‘acid pocket’ in GERD patients. Considering that EGJ length was unchanged throughout, this effect was likely attributable to the alginate ‘raft’ displacing gastric contents away from the EGJ. These findings suggest the alginate-antacid formulation to be an appropriately targeted postprandial GERD therapy.
A New Method to Evaluate Human-Robot System Performance

One of the key issues in space exploration is that of deciding what space tasks are best done with humans, with robots, or a suitable combination of each. In general, human and robot skills are complementary. Humans provide as yet unmatched capabilities to perceive, think, and act when faced with anomalies and unforeseen events, but there can be huge potential risks to human safety in getting these benefits. Robots provide complementary skills in being able to work in extremely risky environments, but their ability to perceive, think, and act by themselves is currently not error-free, although these capabilities are continually improving with the emergence of new technologies. Substantial past experience validates these generally qualitative notions. However, there is a need for more rigorously systematic evaluation of human and robot roles, in order to optimize the design and performance of human-robot system architectures using well-defined performance evaluation metrics. This article summarizes a new analytical method to conduct such quantitative evaluations. While the article focuses on evaluating human-robot systems, the method is generally applicable to a much broader class of systems whose performance needs to be evaluated.
Ordered assembly of a functional preinitiation transcription complex, containing vaccinia virus early transcription factor and RNA polymerase, on an immobilized template.

Abstract A functional preinitiation transcription complex was formed by incubating vaccinia virus early transcription factor VETF and RAP94+ RNA polymerase with an early promoter template immobilized on paramagnetic particles. A preferred order of assembly, VETF followed by RNA polymerase, was demonstrated by stepwise addition experiments. ATP was unnecessary for preinitiation transcription complex formation, but divalent cations were required specifically for the association of RNA polymerase.
Operads and Moduli Spaces of Genus 0 Riemann Surfaces

In this paper, we study two dg (differential graded) operads related to the homology of moduli spaces of pointed algebraic curves of genus 0. These two operads are dual to each other, in the sense of Kontsevich [21] and Ginzburg and Kapranov [14].
Alcoholics Anonymous: Warts and All

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the progenitor of all 12-step programs. It was founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. The fellowship has been revered, sanctified, vilified, ...
Kinetics of silica nucleation on carboxyl- and amine-terminated surfaces: insights for biomineralization.

An in situ, atomic force microscopy- (AFM-)-based experimental approach is developed to directly measure the kinetics of silica nucleation on model biosubstrates under chemical conditions that mimic natural biosilica deposition environments. Relative contributions of thermodynamic and kinetic drivers to surface nucleation are quantified by use of amine-, carboxyl-, and hybrid NH3+/COO−-terminated surfaces as surrogates for charged and ionizable groups on silica-mineralizing organic matrices. The data show that amine-terminated surfaces do not promote silica nucleation, whereas carboxyl and hybrid NH3+/COO− substrates are active for silica deposition. The rate of silica nucleation is ∼18× faster on the hybrid substrates than on carboxylated surfaces, but the free energy barriers to cluster formation are similar on both surface types. These findings suggest that surface nucleation rates are more sensitive to kinetic drivers than previously believed and that cooperative interactions between oppositely charge...
Understanding the formation and evolution of interdiffusion grown organolead halide perovskite thin films by thermal annealing

Organolead trihalide perovskites are emerging excellent active materials for thin film solar cells. Here, the formation and evolution of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite thin films grown by the low-temperature thermal annealing induced interdiffusion process are investigated. It is found that thermal annealing not only drives the formation of perovskite but also affects the morphology, optoelectronic properties and correlated device performance. Thermal annealing at 105 °C quickly drives the formation of phase-pure perovskite in a short time of 15 min, and continued thermal annealing up to two hours continuously increases the perovskite crystallinity and grain size without losing film continuity or coverage. The measured Hall mobility increases monotonically to 36.0 cm2 V−1 s−1 upon annealing, which is correlated with the increased crystallinity and grain size. Device efficiencies increase with an increased short circuit current density and fill factor with a longer annealing time up to two hours, and the highest device efficiency of 13.4% is achieved. It is found that the reduction of work function in the perovskite films, caused by the increased annealing duration, is linearly correlated with the open circuit voltage loss, which points out a path for the further increase of the device efficiency.
The olfactory loss that accompanies an HIV infection.

Abstract HORNUNG, D. E., D. B. KURTZ, C. B. BRADSHAW, D. M. SEIPEL, P. F. KENT, D. C. BLAIR AND P. EMKO. The olfactory loss that accompanies an HIV infection. PHYSIOL BEHAV 64 (4) 549–556, 1998.—A number of studies have shown that HIV infection is associated with decreased olfactory ability. Additionally, it has been hypothesized that a reduced odorant identification may precede the advent of AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC). However, it is not known whether changes in olfactory ability are a manifestation of neurocognitive decline which may precede the appearance of AIDS Dementia Complex, damage to the peripheral olfactory system from opportunistic infection, or whether olfactory structures have a particular sensitivity to HIV. These issues were addressed in a cross-sectional study examining variability in the neuropsychological, neurological, otolaryngological, auditory, and olfactory status in HIV-positive subjects. A stepwise regression provided evidence that the ability to identify odorants was influenced by age, nasal structure and pathology, neurocognitive ability, and level of AIDS Dementia Complex. On the other hand, only nasal pathologies accounted for the variability in olfactory thresholds. These data suggest that identification and thresholds tests may reflect different olfactory pathologies. Additionally, these data suggest at least part of the decline in olfactory ability accompanying an HIV infection may be secondary to nasal pathologies. Because of their rapidly changing neurocognitive status, HIV-positive patients represent an excellent group in which to study the determinants of olfactory ability.
Die Epiduralanalgesie zur Geburtshilfe

Die Epiduralanalgesie (EDA) ist die effektivste Form der geburtshilflichen Schmerztherapie und wird als "Goldstandard" angesehen. Fur eine gute geburtshilfliche Analgesie ist eine Schmerzausschaltung uber einen weiten Bereich von Th 10 bis S 4 notwendig. Dieser Weiterbildungsartikel umfasst sowohl pathophysiologische Grundlagen, aufklarungsspezifische Aspekte als auch praktische Empfehlungen zur Katheteranlage, zur Medikamentenwahl und zum Applikationsmodus. Der Einfluss der EDA auf den Geburtsverlauf, die instrumentelle Entbindungsrate und Sectiorate wird besprochen.
Energy efficiency and renewables policies: Promoting efficiency or facilitating monopsony?

Abstract The cliche in the electricity sector, the “cheapest power plant is the one we don’t build,” neglects the benefits of the energy that plant would generate. That economy-wide perspective need not apply in considering benefits to only consumers if not building that plant was the exercise of monopsony power. A regulator maximizing consumer welfare may need to avoid rationing demand at monopsony prices. Subsidizing energy efficiency to reduce electricity demand at the margin can solve that problem, if energy efficiency and electricity use are substitutes. Renewable energy subsidies, percentage use standards, or feed in tariffs may also serve monopsony as well with sufficient inelasticity in fossil fuel electricity supply. We may not observe these effects if the regulator can set price as well as quantity, lacks buyer-side market power, or is legally precluded from denying generators a reasonable return on capital. Nevertheless, the possibility of monopsony remains significant in light of the debate as to whether antitrust enforcement should maximize consumer welfare or total welfare.
A generalized solution to the quadtree expected complexity problem

Abstract Complexity in tree-structured hierarchical representation of images is defined as the total number of nodes in the tree. An a priori knowledge of this quantity is of considerable interest in problems involving tree traversal-based search algorithms and storage and transmission of imagery using hierarchical compression coding. This paper derives a closed-form expression for expected complexity by developing a generalized weighting function defined over a primitive element of a soft-linked quadtree.
Octylcyanoacrylate for the treatment of small, superficial, partial-thickness burns: a pilot study.

Background: Octylcyanoacrylate (OCA) is a tissue adhesive used to close wounds and to treat minor abrasions. Objective: To explore the use of OCA in patients with superficial, partial-thickness burns. Methods: A prospective, noncomparative, pilot study was conducted in an emergency department (ED) and burn center. Consecutive patients with early (,6 hours), small (,5% total body surface area [TBSA]), superficial, partial-thickness burns were enrolled. Burns were cleaned and any nonadherent necrotic epidermis was removed. Tense blisters were aseptically aspirated. Burns were then covered with a liquid OCA that was applied with a sponge brush. Pain of cleansing and OCA application was recorded, and physicians assessed ease of application. Burns were evaluated every one to two days until complete epithelialization for the presence of infection and exudation, and the OCA was reapplied as necessary. Main outcomes measured were the need for additional topical therapy, pain and ease of application, patient comfort, and satisfaction. Results: Ten patients were enrolled. Mean patient age (6 standard deviation [SD]) was 23 (616) years, four were female, and nine were white. Burns were located on the hands (5), forearms (3), ankle (1), and back (1). Etiologies included contact (4), flame (4), and scald (2) burns. Mean (6SD) burn size was 71 (672) cm 2 . Blisters were present on admission in all patients and remained intact in five. Application of OCA was very easy in all patients; it immediately relieved pain in four patients and had no effect in three patients, while three patients complained of a brief increase in pain on OCA application. Exudation was present in four of ten patients within one to two days, all of whom had ruptured blisters at initial presentation. OCA was reapplied in two of these patients, and two patients were changed to silver sulfadiazine due to excessive exudation. The OCA was removed in one patient due to accumulation of exudate. There was no infection, and all burns were epithelialized within five to ten days. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that OCA may be useful for some, but not all, small, superficial, partial-thickness burns. Further studies may help clarify the indications and contraindications to proper usage of OCA in small, superficial burns. Key words: octylcyanoacrylate; tissue adhesives; burns; wounds. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2005; 12:900‐904.
Observation of a semimetal–semiconductor phase transition in the intermetallic ZrTe5

Temperature dependent high-resolution angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy has been performed on the quasi-two-dimensional compound ZrTe5, a metal at low temperatures ( K) that exhibits a maximum resistivity at a temperature (Tc), concomitant with a sign change of the thermopower. A semiconducting gap has been observed in the photoemission spectra, where the valence band maximum shifts upward from 82 meV (75 K) to 40 meV (170 K) as a function of temperature. The band shifts are accompanied by small band distortions. Based on the photoemission experiments, in conjunction with the metallic character of ZrTe5 at low temperatures, we have modelled the thermopower of ZrTe5 by treating it as a metal at low temperatures and a semiconductor at elevated temperatures.
Analysis of Fatigue and Fracture of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures

An accurate assessment of the fatigue life of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures depends on the criteria used in the fatigue analysis. In the past, various studies have been conducted on crack initiation and crack propagation of the HMA mixtures. Most of these studies were focused on the beam samples with or without a sawed crack at the bottom. This paper presents and discusses two different fatigue life criteria for two-dimensional problems represented by cylindrical samples. One criterion is based on the rate of accumulation of the tensile horizontal plastic deformation (HPD) as a function of the number of load repetitions. The second criterion is based on fracture mechanics, stress intensity factor, and the rate of crack growth with respect to the number of load repetitions. It was found that, because of three-dimensional nature of the crack growth in cylindrical samples, the Paris' law was violated. It is shown that the rate of crack growth criterion provides higher values of fatigue life relative to the rate of accumulation of HPD criterion. Although a trend could be established among the fatigue lives obtained by using the two criteria, it was found that the fatigue lives obtained from the rate of accumulation of HPD were consistent and based on the actual measurement of HPD for HMA mixtures.
Is there a need for guidelines for OB/GYN residents to use the laser?

Background and Objective: With the developing technologies and the extensive use of different wavelength lasers for treatment of some gynecologic conditions, many residencies in the United States face pressure to give credentialing to residents wishing to utilize the laser(s). The objective of this study was to assess the need for credentialing. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A survey was sent to all U.S. program directors of obstetrics and gynecology. Results: Of 281 surveys mailed, 138 responded (49.1%); 136 utilized some wavelength laser in the treatment of some gynecologic conditions. The most commonly used laser was the carbon dioxide (CO2), and the least used was the argon laser. Eighty-four programs (61.8%) had a written policy; 54 (38.2%) did not. Postgraduate courses were necessary in 81 programs (59.6%), leading to some form of credentialing. Conclusions: The vast majority of programs (98.6%) utilized some wavelength laser as a therapeutic modality in gynecology, and 73.5% of the residency programs would like standardized guidelines for residents. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of a depression-related model of alcohol problems in 430 probands from the San Diego prospective study

Abstract Background Some individuals might use alcohol to help cope with stress and feelings of depression. Studies of such depression or affect-related models have produced divergent results, which might reflect different definitions of affective disturbances, varying emphasis on excluding substance-induced depressions, and different approaches to defining family histories (FH). This paper describes a prospective study that evaluates a model of the role of depressive episodes in the development of alcohol-related problems, while controlling for substance-induced mood disorders. Methods Personal interviews were obtained 10 and 15 years after 430 Caucasian subjects entered a study of drinking but not alcohol-dependent 20-year olds. An AMOS Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to evaluate the development of alcohol problems in the context of the FH of alcoholism and independent (i.e., not substance induced) depressive episodes, personal histories of independent depression, levels of stress, social support, drinking to cope with stress, expectations of the effects of alcohol, and peer drinking. Results The SEM explained 51% of the variance for the 15-year outcome, and demonstrated good fitness characteristics. The FH of mood disorders (FHdep) predicted depressive episodes through interactions with higher stress and an FH of alcoholism (FHalc), as well as in the context of lower social support. Depressive episodes contributed to the development of alcohol problems both directly and through drinking to cope. Conclusions In this model when independent depressive syndromes developed in individuals with a FH of alcoholism, they modestly enhanced the risk for alcohol-related problems, but FHalc did not by itself increase the risk for independent depressions.
Phase transitions, resistivity, and the suppression of direct hydrogen-atom interactions in tantalum hydride films

Abstract Phase equilibrium between the interstitial solution α and stoichiometric hydride β or e phases was investigated in tantalum hydride films, 5 μm in thickness, on Al2O3 ceramic substrates, by determination of the phase transition temperatures in samples with various fixed proportions of hydrogen. This was the first study of canonical phase transitions in metal hydride films. The transition temperatures were determined by accurate resistivity measurements. The experimental results were interpreted using a new phase equilibrium condition which incorporates the effect of the existence of the hydride phase on the number of available interestitial sites in the solution phase. There are significant differences observed between the film and bulk systems. The temperature-dependent part of the resistivity is greater in the films. The film phase transition data fit the new equilibrium condition almost exactly, indicating that the direct hydrogen-atom interactions in the α phase are completely suppressed. No isotopic effects were observed. The hydrogen-atom site energy difference between the two phases is 0.101 eV in the films, compared with 0.112 eV in the bulk.
Possible Relationship Between Bone Strength and Rib Breakage: A Case Study

Abstract Reduced bone strength was thought to be a contributing factor to a high incidence of rib breakage noted at a commercial broiler processing plant. In two studies, percent bone ash determinations were made on birds exhibiting either intact or broken ribs. No indication was found that reduced bone strength was associated with the broken ribs, which clarified the overall review of possible causes. The approach employed in this study might be considered in similar situations where bone weakness is suspected as a single or contributing cause of a field problem.
Systematic and automated discovery of patterns in PROSITE families

PROSITE is a method for protein classification which relies on a database of biologically significant sites and patterns in protein sequences. Most patterns in PROSITE have been gathered by a a labor intensive combination of experimental characterization of functional residues and sequence alignment. In this paper we present a new and efficient supervised learning procedure, based on the Splash deterministic pattern discovery algorithm and on a framework to assess the statistical significance of patterns. We demonstrate its application to the fully automatic discovery of patterns in 974 PROSITE families. For these families, Splash generates patterns with better specificity and/or sensitivity in 28%, identical statistics in 48%, and worse statistics in 15% of the cases; for the remaining families, patterns exhibited mixed behavior. Second, we have characterized the amount of overlap, on the sequences, between newly discovered patterns and those in PROSITE. In about 75% of the cases, Splash patterns identify sequence sites that overlap more than 50% with those reported in PROSITE. Of the 272 patterns which perform strictly better than the corresponding PROSITE pattern, 178 show more than 70% overlap with the PROSITE pattern. Third, our results suggest that the statistical significance of discovered patterns correlates well with their biological significance. Finally, we use the trypsin subfamily of serine proteases to illustrate the use of this method to exhaustively discover all motifs in a family that are statistically and biologically significant. The complete analysis is sufficiently rapid, taking less than a day for all PROSITE families, to enable the use this methodology for routine curation of existing motif and profile databases.
Stabilization of uncertain distributed networked control systems with minimal communications network

We derive a network stability condition for linear time-invariant distributed networked systems as the system parameters are allowed to take values within a specified class of model uncertainties. We use the modified Lyapunov equation which provides a sufficient condition for robust stability of the entire networked control system. We then proceed to design a communications network which satisfies the derived network stability condition but has minimum number of links. Reducing the number of communication links implies minimization of the communication network's cost and energy consumption.
Median regression using nonparametric kernel estimation

The fitting of heteroscedastic median regression models to right censored data has been a topic of much research in survival analysis in recent years. McKeague et al. (2001) used the missing information principle to propose an estimator for the regression parameters, and derived the asymptotic properties of their estimator assuming that the covariate takes values in a finite set. In this paper the large sample properties of their estimator are derived when the covariate is continuous. A kernel conditional Kaplan-Meier estimator is used in the missing information principle estimating function. A simulation study involving a one-dimensional covariate is presented.
Synthesis and structure of a five-coordinate triarylgallium complex

The neutral gallium(III) compounds L3Ga, L2GaCI and [L2GaOH]2(L =-C6H4-o-CH2NMe2) are synthesized and shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis to adopt trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometries; L3Ga is the first example of a five-coordinate triorganogallium(III) complex.
Degree sets ofk-trees: Smallk

Ak-tree is ak-uniform hypergraph constructed from a single edge by the successive addition of edges each containing a new vertex andk−1 vertices of an existing edge. We show that ifD is any finite set of positive integers which includes 1, thenD is the set of vertex degrees of somek-tree fork=2, 3, and 4, and that there is precisely one such set,D={1, 4, 6}, which is not the set of degrees of any 5-tree. We also show for eachk≧2 that such a setD is the set of degrees of somek-tree provided only thatD contains some elementd which satisfiesd≧k (k−1)−2 [k/2]+3.