cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Struggle for Liberty in the Renaissance: Florence, Venice, and Milan in the Early Quattrocento

THE period when the Florentine Commonwealth defended civic liberty against Giangaleazzo Visconti was but a fleeting episode in the development of the Italian Renaissance. The cataclysmic events which, within four or five years, had wiped out every independent state between Rome and Milan with the exception of Florence, and in 1402 for a while had left the Florentine Republic the only opponent to universal monarchy in Italy, did not repeat themselves. But the calmer days that had preceded the storm of Giangaleazzo's expansion-the days when each region of Italy was relatively free to attend to its own affairs-were also gone. Events at the turn of the century had wrought an irrevocable transformation in the interstate relations of the peninsula. The time had passed when small states could defend their independence in isolation. Soon Giangaleazzo's place was taken by other powerful princes: first by the ruler of the south Italian kingdom, and then by Giangaleazzo's son and successor. A generation tired by twelve years of ceaseless diplomatic conflict and open war (I390-I402) was gradually forced to recognize that what had happened in Giangaleazzo's last years had been only the first of a series of events that were to repeat themselves more than once during the early Quattrocento. Again and again Florence found herself called upon to defend the fruits of her past struggle. Now trying to stir up all dormant elements of resistance in Italy, now acting within coalitions, she was for decades to remain the barrier against successive threats of new monarchical expansion. How did it happen that the ambitious program of the Visconti, the outgrowth of a century of north Italian development, was, soon after Giangaleazzo's death, for a while taken over by the king of Naples? Giangaleazzo had dealt a deathblow to medieval localism in three great
Leveraging input and output structures for joint mapping of epistatic and marginal eQTLs

Motivation: As many complex disease and expression phenotypes are the outcome of intricate perturbation of molecular networks underlying gene regulation resulted from interdependent genome variations, association mapping of causal QTLs or expression quantitative trait loci must consider both additive and epistatic effects of multiple candidate genotypes. This problem poses a significant challenge to contemporary genome-wide-association (GWA) mapping technologies because of its computational complexity. Fortunately, a plethora of recent developments in biological network community, especially the availability of genetic interaction networks, make it possible to construct informative priors of complex interactions between genotypes, which can substantially reduce the complexity and increase the statistical power of GWA inference. Results: In this article, we consider the problem of learning a multitask regression model while taking advantage of the prior information on structures on both the inputs (genetic variations) and outputs (expression levels). We propose a novel regularization scheme over multitask regression called jointly structured input–output lasso based on an 1/2 norm, which allows shared sparsity patterns for related inputs and outputs to be optimally estimated. Such patterns capture multiple related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that jointly influence multiple-related expression traits. In addition, we generalize this new multitask regression to structurally regularized polynomial regression to detect epistatic interactions with manageable complexity by exploiting the prior knowledge on candidate SNPs for epistatic effects from biological experiments. We demonstrate our method on simulated and yeast eQTL datasets. Availability: Software is available at http://www.sailing.cs.cmu.edu/. Contact: epxing@cs.cmu.edu
ADEQUACY OF ASYMPTOTIC THEORY FOR GOODNESS-OF-FIT CRITERIA FOR SPECTRAL DISTRIBUTIONS

. Any of the Cramer-von Mises, Anderson-Darling, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics can be used to test the null hypothesis that the standardized spectral distribution of a stationary stochastic process is a specified one. The asymptotic distributions of the criteria have been characterized (Anderson, 1993). They are the same as for probability distributions if the observations are independent (all autocorrelations zero), but are different when there is dependence. In this paper simulation with 10000 replications has been used to determine the distributions of the criteria for samples of size 6, 10, 30 and 100 when the observations are independent. These empirical distributions have been compared with the asymptotic distributions in order to ascertain the sample sizes necessary for using the asymptotic tables. For practical purposes they are 30 for the Cramer-von Mises and Kolmogorov statistics and over 100 for Anderson-Darling.
Peanut Drying Energy Consumption

Abstract Total energy consumption and drying times were determined for drying peanuts with various equipment and procedures commonly used by the peanut industry. Total peanut drying times were significantly shorter with 3.73 kW, single-trailer (ST) dryers than with 7.46 kW, double-trailer (DT) dryers. Total energy consumption was significantly higher per tonne of peanuts dried for drying with ST dryers. Total energy consumption and drying times were not significantly different for drying in side-air-entry or rear-air-entry trailers. Precleaning reduced energy requirements for drying and slightly reduced total drying times. Drying peanuts at 40.56°C decreased drying times but required considerably more energy than drying at 35°C. Type of temperature control, constant (Co) or cycling (Cy), had no effect on drying times or energy consumption.
A study of ten cases of focal peritarsal infection as a cause of severe lameness in the thoroughbred racehorse: clinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

Summary The differential diagnoses of tarsal joint infection, fractur e and peritarsal focal infection are of particularimportance in practice. The objective of the present report is to provide additional clinical data to assist in the understanding of one of these conditions. The haematological parameters, clinical signs, treatment and outcome of 10 cases of severe lameness associated with peritarsal infection are reviewed. All horses had a significant rise in rectal temperature. The majority of cases (6/10) had haematological changes consistent with acute bacterial infection on the day of first examination. In the remaining cases these changes were not apparent on a blood sample taken on the first examination, but became so after24 h. Nine out of 10 cases made a complete recovery on a regimen of i.v. antibiotic therapy, in conjunction with administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and repeated forced exercise. One case developed osteomyelitis of the third and fourth metatarsal bones, but made a full recovery in due course. It is concluded that, in the majority of cases, prompt treatment with antibiotic therapy, analgesics and forced exercise results in complete resolution of the condition.
Evolution of social P2P networks based on the dynamics of heterogeneous multimedia peers

In this paper, we consider social peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, where peers are sharing their resources (i.e., multimedia content and upload bandwidth). In the considered P2P networks, peers are self-interested, thereby determining their resource divisions (i.e., actions) among their associated peers such that their utility (e.g., multimedia quality) is maximized. Peers determine their optimal strategies for selecting their action based on a Markov Decision Process (MDP) framework, which enables the peers to maximize their cumulative utilities. We consider heterogeneous peers that have different and limited ability to characterize their resource reciprocations using only a limited number of states. We investigate how the limited number of states impacts the resource reciprocation and the resulting multimedia quality over time. Simulation results show that peers simultaneously refining their state descriptions can improve the multimedia quality in the resource reciprocation. Moreover, peers prefer to interact with other peers that have higher available upload bandwidths as well as have similar capabilities for refining their number of states.
Bexxar®: Novel Radioimmunotherapy for the Treatment of Low-Grade and Transformed Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Purpose. Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies to specifically target B cells has provided new hope to many patients with indolent lymphomas, particularly those with chemotherapy-refractory disease. Lymphomas are extremely sensitive to radiation, and significant progress has been made over the last decade in the development of radioimmunotherapy with anti-CD20 antibodies. Materials and Methods. Herein we review clinical experience with tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab (Bexxar ® ; Corixa Corporation; South San Francisco, CA; and GlaxoSmithKline; Philadelphia, PA) in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Results. Therapy with Bexxar has demonstrated high response rates and long durations of response compared with unconjugated anti-CD20 antibodies in patients with relapsed low-grade and transformed low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Iodine-131 (I131) has a long history of clinical experience, an excellent safety record, and favorable nuclear and pharmacologic properties. Importantly, the gamma emissions of iodine-131 facilitate accurate dosimetry to calculate the appropriate patient-specific therapeutic activity to deliver a predetermined total-body dose of radiation, thereby minimizing hematologic toxicity. In clinical trials of Bexxar, objective response rates ranged from 54%-71% in heavily pretreated patients. In the pivotal trial, the number of patients with a longer duration of response after treatment with Bexxar was significantly greater than the number of patients with a longer duration of response after their last qualifying chemotherapy regimen. In 76 newly diagnosed patients, the objective response rate was 97%, and 63% of patients achieved complete responses. Conclusion. These data suggest that Bexxar will become an important new option in the treatment of indolent lymphoma. The Oncologist 2004;9:160-172
New Approaches to the novel: from Terra Nostra to twitter literature

Este articulo aborda nuevos enfoques al genero de la novela en el siglo XXI -- Al inicio sustenta que incluso los criticos contemporaneos mas vanguardistas de finales del siglo XX e inicios del XXI, comparten una caracteristica fundamental: un referente en lo que se identifico como “close reading” en el mundo academico angloamericano y “analyse de texte” en frances -- Despues de numerosas declaraciones en las ultimas decadas sobre la muerte de la novela, del autor y de la critica literaria, resulta evidente que la novela como genero ha sobrevivido, los autores siguen siendo tema de estudio y nuevos enfoques son posibles -- El estudio del trauma en la ficcion (como lo introdujeron Cathy Caruth y David Aberbach), asi como la eco-critica, prometen nuevos puntos de partida -- La necesaria “close Reading” requerida por Twitter tambien abre nuevas posibilidades.
Low Threshold 1.3/spl mu/m Strained and Lattice-Matched Quantum Well Lasers

Abstract Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has been used to grow low threshold 1.3 μm lattice matched and strained quantum well lasers. By careful optimization of growth conditions and growth interruptions between different layers, we have been able to grow good quality lattice matched and strained In x Ga 1- x As y P 1- y layers and quantum wells. This is demonstrated by achieving broad area lasers with threshold current densities as low as 190 A/cm 2 for a two quantum well device with 0.85% compressive strain.
Medical Home Transformation: A Gradual Process and a Continuum of Attainment

PURPOSE The patient-centered medical home is often discussed as though there exist either traditional practices or medical homes, with marked differences between them. We analyzed data from an evaluation of certified medical homes in Minnesota to study this topic. METHODS We obtained publicly reported composite measures for quality of care outcomes pertaining to diabetes and vascular disease for all clinics in Minnesota from 2008 to 2010. The extent of and change in practice systems over that same time period for the first 120 clinics serving adults certified as health care homes (HCHs) was measured by the Physician Practice Connections Research Survey (PPC-RS), a self-report tool similar to the National Committee for Quality Assurance standards for patient-centered medical homes. Measures were compared between these clinics and 518 non-HCH clinics in the state. RESULTS Among the 102 clinics for which we had precertification and postcertification scores for both the PPC-RS and either diabetes or vascular disease measures, the mean increase in systems score over 3 years was an absolute 29.1% (SD = 16.7%) from a baseline score of 38.8% (SD = 16.5%, P ≤.001). The proportion of clinics in which all patients had optimal diabetes measures improved by an absolute 2.1% (SD = 5.5%, P ≤.001) and the proportion in which all had optimal cardiovascular disease measures by 4.4% (SD = 7.5%, P ≤.001), but all measures varied widely among clinics. Mean performance rates of HCH clinics were higher than those of non-HCH clinics, but there was extensive overlap, and neither group changed much over this time period. CONCLUSIONS The extensive variation among HCH clinics, their overlap with non-HCH clinics, and the small change in performance over time suggest that medical homes are not similar, that change in outcomes is slow, and that there is a continuum of transformation.
A Series of Supramolecular Complexes for Solar Energy Conversion via Water Reduction to Produce Hydrogen: An Excited State Kinetic Analysis of Ru(II),Rh(III),Ru(II) Photoinitiated Electron Collectors

Mixed-metal supramolecular complexes have been designed that photochemically absorb solar light, undergo photoinitiated electron collection and reduce water to produce hydrogen fuel using low energy visible light. This manuscript describes these systems with an analysis of the photophysics of a series of six supramolecular complexes, ({(TL)2Ru(dpp)}2RhX2)(PF6)5 with TL = bpy, phen or Ph2phen with X = Cl or Br. The process of light conversion to a fuel requires a system to perform a number of complicated steps including the absorption of light, the generation of charge separation on a molecular level, the reduction by one and then two electrons and the interaction with the water substrate to produce hydrogen. The manuscript explores the rate of intramolecular electron transfer, rate of quenching of the supramolecules by the DMA electron donor, rate of reduction of the complex by DMA from the 3 MLCT excited state, as well as overall rate of reduction of the complex via visible light excitation. Probing a series of complexes in detail exploring the variation of rates of important reactions as a function of sub-unit modification provides insight into the role of each process in the overall efficiency of water reduction to produce hydrogen. The kinetic analysis shows that the complexes display different rates of excited state reactions that vary with TL and halide. The role of the MLCT excited state is elucidated by this kinetic study which shows that the 3 MLCT state and not the 3 MMCT is likely that key contributor to the photoreduction of these complexes. The kinetic analysis of the excited state dynamics and reactions of the complexes are
Additive diversity partitioning in palaeobiology: revisiting Sepkoski’s question

: Using Whittaker’s concepts of alpha, beta, and gamma diversity, Sepkoski asked how global diversity was assembled at scales ranging from the community to the province. In the years since, ecologists have recast diversity in terms of additive partitions where total diversity can be decomposed into sample-level alpha diversity plus the sum of a series of beta diversity terms that reflect progressively larger spatial scales. Given that marine alpha diversity represents a tiny fraction of global diversity, Phanerozoic global diversity patterns must be dominated by changes in beta diversity at one or more scales. A ballooning ecological literature demonstrates wide variation in beta diversity among ecosystems, regions, and taxa, suggesting that large changes in beta diversity on evolutionary timescales are likely. But the question is which scales are the most important. Several recent palaeontological studies help to constrain beta diversity within sedimentary basins, and the emergence of sample-based databases puts an answer to Sepkoski’s question within reach. A new method for calculating diversity partitions for richness is introduced, which allows the calculation of each species’ contribution to alpha and beta diversity, as well as the contribution of each sampling unit to beta diversity.
Using Speech Statistics to Achieve Flexibility and Spectral Efficiency in Wireless Communication Systems

Public demand for cellular telecommunications systems and services has increased at a speed far outstripping the capacity of present systems. Restrictions on the amount of available spectrum require that future systems provide significantly improved spectral efficiency. The next generation of cellular systems (called second generation systems) will offer improved spectral efficiency by using advanced voice encoding and RF modulation techniques, but these advanced techniques alone will be insufficient to provide enough capacity to meet all of the increased demand. Third generation systems are currently being proposed which will provide further spectral efficiency and flexibility by exploiting the silent periods inherent in speech communication. This paper examines various third generation systems and the techniques they will use to exploit the silence within speech.
English Alphabet Recognition with Telephone Speech

A recognition system is reported which recognizes names spelled over the telephone with brief pauses between letters. The system uses separate neural networks to locate segment boundaries and classify letters. The letter scores are then used to search a database of names to find the best scoring name. The speaker-independent classification rate for spoken letters is 89%. The system retrieves the correct name, spelled with pauses between letters, 91% of the time from a database of 50,000 names.
The Removal of Organics from Tape Cast YBa2Cu3O7−x

The decomposition of tape cast YBa2Cu3O7−x during the removal of organics was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA). The YBa2Cu3O7−x phase decomposes in the presence of carbon dioxide and water produced from the volatilization of organic matter, forming an intermediate carbonate phase. This carbonate phase was found to decompose at higher temperatures upsetting the stoichiometry of the YBa2Cu3O7−x phase and producing some barium cuprate phase (Ba2Cu3O5).
A fully-integrated RF LC transponder platform for implantable wireless sensor applications

In this work, we report a SU-8-based fully integrated miniaturized inductively powered LC transponder for generic implantable wireless sensor applications. It consists of a 1 mm diameter octagonal spiral inductor and a micro fabricated MIM (metal insulator metal) capacitor. Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) copolymer is applied as a dielectric material for the capacitor fabrication due to its high dielectric constant. The 1 mm diameter, 154 nH spiral inductor is built on top of the capacitor. The capacitor and the inductor are in parallel connection through SU8 via holes. SU8 is used as a packaging material due to its biocompatibility, and also it serves as an insulator between the capacitor and the spiral inductor. The operating frequencies of the LC tanks are decided by the sizes of the capacitors (45 × 45, 55 × 55, 95 × 95 and 100 × 100 µm), and measured operating frequency range is from 385 to 485 MHz. The fabricated LC tanks are held to the power transmitting coil coaxially at distances of 2, 5, 7 and 10 mm, and rectified induced voltage at the LC tank is 8.5 V with 29 dBm input power at a 5 mm distance.
Calcium-dependent degradation of surfactant protein A by activated neutrophils due to serine proteases.

The effects of activated leukocytes on surfactant function and composition were examined to better define the mechanisms by which acute inflammation contributes to respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy volunteers were incubated in vitro with surfactant for 4 hours: (1) in the absence of activation; (2) following activation by addition of phorbol myristate acetate (PM A); (3) following addition of PM A + FeCl2/EDTA; (4) PM A + FeCl2; (5) PM A + EDTA; (6) PM A + FeCl2 + superoxide dismutase (SOD) + catalase; (7) PM A + EDTA + serine or cysteine protease inhibitors. Surfactant was then repurified by sucrose gradient centrifugation, and function, phospholipid and protein composition, and extent of lipid peroxidation were assessed. PM A caused activation of leukocytes as detected by dichlorofluorescene assay. Lipid peroxidation (assessed by conjugated diene assay) was detected in all samples containing PM A. Abnormal function was noted in surfactant exposed to activated...
'It is Not Wisdom, but Authority that Makes a Law:' A Historical Perspective on the Problem of Creating a Restatement of Employment Law

When the American Law Institute (ALI) first began creating the Restatements in 1923, its goal was to solve the problem of the increasing incoherence of the common law. Langdellian legal science was supposed to have generated objectively “correct” legal rules, yet the ever increasing number of published opinions revealed quite the opposite. The common law was developing chaotically, without consistency or logic. Yet the creation of Restatements has never been a smooth, uncontroversial process. Indeed, as the various critiques of the proposed Restatement (Third) of Employment Law that are the subject of this conference demonstrate, restating the law can create as many problems as it solves.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induces Signs of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in Wild-Type Mice and Accelerates Pathological Signs of AD in an AD Model

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease afflicting about one third of the world’s population and 30 % of the US population. It is induced by consumption of high-lipid diets and is characterized by liver inflammation and subsequent liver pathology. Obesity and consumption of a high-fat diet are known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we investigated NAFLD-induced liver inflammation in the pathogenesis of AD. WT and APP-Tg mice were fed with a standard diet (SD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2, 5 months, or 1 year to induce NAFLD. Another set of APP-Tg mice were removed from HFD after 2 months and put back on SD for 3 months. During acute phase NAFLD, WT and APP-Tg mice developed significant liver inflammation and pathology that coincided with increased numbers of activated microglial cells in the brain, increased inflammatory cytokine profile, and increased expression of toll-like receptors. Chronic NAFLD induced advanced pathological signs of AD in both WT and APP-Tg mice, and also induced neuronal apoptosis. We observed decreased brain expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) which is involved in β-amyloid clearance, in both WT and APP-Tg mice after ongoing administration of the HFD. LRP-1 expression correlated with advanced signs of AD over the course of chronic NAFLD. Removal of mice from HFD during acute NAFLD reversed liver pathology, decreased signs of activated microglial cells and neuro-inflammation, and decreased β-amyloid plaque load. Our findings indicate that chronic inflammation induced outside the brain is sufficient to induce neurodegeneration in the absence of genetic predisposition.
Characterization and the Effect of Maturity at Harvest on the Phenolic and Carotenoid Content of Northeast USA Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Varieties

The phenolic and carotenoid content and quality indices of five Northeast apricot varieties were assessed over two years and the impact of maturity at harvest was evaluated. Four varieties were analyzed at commercial and tree ripe stages and one variety after storage for 4 weeks (0–1 °C, 90–95% relative humidity). Total phenolic content ranged from 44.0 to 345.1 mg/100 g, total antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay) from 2096.9 to 7165.1 μmol/100 g, and total carotenoid content from 1312.1 to 7371.1 μg/100, fresh weight. ‘Hargrand’ apricot had the highest phenolic and carotenoid content. Catechin, chlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid were the predominant phenolic compounds and β-carotene was the predominant carotenoid compound. Carotenoid content increased with ripening and postharvest storage while changes in phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were variety-dependent. Results show the apricot varieties studied to be good or excellent sources of vitamin A despite modera...
Amino-acid Content of the Blood Following Intravenous Injection of Hydrolyzed Casein:

ConclusionAfter a relatively slow, intravenous injection of 5% amino-acid solution, the concentration of ammo-acids in the serum rises, but falls rapidly within 30 minutes to the normal level. After a massive intravenous injection, the value rises much higher but returns to normal within 2 1/2 hours. The range of the amino-acid nitrogen concentration of the serum of 10 fasting dogs extends from 4.1 to 6.7, with the average at 5.3 mg. %.
Oxysterols promote encephalitogenic CD4+ T cell migration during neuroinflammation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) leading to progressive neurological dysfunction. Interferon beta (IFNbeta) represents a standard treatment for relapsing–remittingMS that decreases the frequency of relapses and slows disease progression. Exogenous administration of IFNbeta was also demonstrated to exert protective effects in theMS animalmodel of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) while genetic deletion of IFNbeta in mice leads to an aggravation of disease symptoms. This suggests IFNbeta producing cells as a target for new therapy strategies for autoimmune CNS inflammation. However, neither the source of IFNbeta nor its immunomodulatory mechanisms are known. In this report activated residentmicroglia were identified as themajor IFNbeta source in the CNS during peak EAE presentation using a YFP knock-in reportermodel for IFNbeta. IFNbeta-producingmicroglia migrated efficiently towardsmyelin debris in organotypic slice cultures and IFNbeta deficient microglia failed to induce efficient removal of myelin degradation products in this ex vivo model of lysolecithininduced demyelination, underscoring the prominent role for IFNbeta in controlling myelin clearance. Treatment with IFNbeta alone was sufficient to stimulate specific phagocytotic uptake of degraded myelin by cultured microglia indicating that IFNbeta regulates myelin phagocytosis in primary microglia. These data identify activated microglia as the major endogenous producers of protective IFNbeta at the peak of EAE and demonstrate their involvement in the clearance of myelin debris and possibly neuronal regeneration in CNS autoimmunity. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.08.454
North Carolina's Continuing Assignment of Responsibility for its Children: Boseman v. Jarrell

With an increasing number of children who have parents who are not married, states are balancing the familiar “best interest of the child” standard with another standard, a rather pragmatic one – should the state look to assign legal and financial responsibility for a child to a second parent who is willing to fulfill this role? Historically, the state looked for the “putative father” to step up legally and financially for his children, and the state actively sought out ways to urge mothers and fathers to get married so that their children would have two parents in the world responsible for them, financially and otherwise. Statutory law evolved so that it was less burdensome for stepparents to become legal parents, and so that married couples having children by artificial insemination could more easily become legal parents. However, these rules do not address many of the would-be parents in today’s world, where many parents are not permitted to legally marry, and where these same parents have to use modern means to create their children. Many states have already addressed this with what has come to be known as “second-parent adoption,” and this paper discusses another state that is on the cusp of deciding this issue. The North Carolina Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on this issue in September 2010 in the case of Boseman v. Jarrell. The premise of this Article is that North Carolina is a state that has historically looked to assign responsibility for its children. States similarly situated (each state has a “mini-DOMA” but no constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between a man and a woman) are discussed in the paper, including Indiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Delaware. This comparative analysis is made to illustrate how North Carolina can continue the “assignment of responsibility” policy that the state has practiced over the years with this upcoming decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Efficacy of HAART in AIDS patients with different baseline CD_4 cell counts

Objective To analyze the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy( HAART) in AIDS patients with different baseline CD4 cell counts. Methods A total of 110 AIDS patients receiving the first HAART in Lanzhou Infectious Disease Hospital were recruited and divided into two groups with the baseline CD4 cell count of 200 /μL and200- 349 /μL. CD4 cell count of the patients at 3,6,and 12 month of HAART was detected and the viral load of baseline,at 9 and 12 month of HAART treatment was also measured. Baseline viral load,increase of CD4 cell count at different treatment stage,and viral load at 12 month of the treatment were compared between the two groups. Results The baseline viral load and the increase of CD4 cell counts after HAART showed significant differences between the two groups(t = 2. 808,P 0. 01;t =- 2. 780,P 0. 01),while the difference in viral load after HAART was not significant(χ2= 0. 921,P 0. 05). The CD4 cell count showed significant differences among the patients in different treatment stages(F = 12. 674,P 0. 001). Conclusion Beginning HAART in the AIDS patients with higher baseline CD4 cell count may achieve a better treatment outcome.
Case Series With Histopathologic and Radiographic Analyses Following Failure of Fresh Osteochondral Allografts of the Talus.

Background:Fresh osteochondral allografting of the talus is one treatment option for large chondral defects. Following positive early term results, failure rates of up to 35% have been reported. A retrieval study was performed to characterize failed talar allografts.Methods:Failed fresh osteochondral allografts of the talus were retrieved on revision. Cases of deep infection were excluded. After tissue fixation, samples were decalcified, embedded, and stained with Safranin-O/Fast Green, osteocalcin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), CD4, CD8, and CD68. Slides were graded according to the modified Mankin scoring system or severity scale. Medical record review was performed.Results:Eight allografts (7 patients) were retrieved from patients, following an average term of implantation of 31 months (range, 12-58). There were 3 types of allografts in this series (hemidome, n=5; segmental, n=2; bipolar, n=1). Reasons for transplantation were post-traumatic arthritis or osteonecrosis; reasons for revision were ...
Giving back to the community: microbial mechanisms of plant–soil interactions

Summary The role of both plants and soil microbes on ecosystem functioning has been long recognized, but the precise feedback mechanisms between them are more elusive. Definition of these interactions is critical if we aim to achieve an integral understanding of ecosystem functioning, and ultimately explain natural, agricultural and synthetic systems. Advances in genomic technologies and the development of more appropriate statistical, mathematical and computational frameworks enable researchers to almost fully describe and measure the diversity of microbial communities in soil, rhizosphere and plant tissues. Under the scaffold of community ecology, we integrate the observed patterns of microbial diversity with current mechanistic understanding of plant–microbe mutualistic and pathogenic interactions, and propose a model in which plant microbial communities are shaped by different ecological forces differentially through the plant life cycle. The same genomic technologies, applied on natural and reconstructed systems, establish that plant genotype has a small, but significant, effect on the microbial community composition in, on and around plant organs. Despite these advances, technical limitations are still important and only a handful of studies exist where a precise genetic element definitively participates in these interactions. Studies at the field or ecosystem level are dominated by agricultural settings, examining microbial species and communities effects on plant productivity; and conversely, that plant genetics and agricultural practices can potentially impose selective pressures on specific microbes and microbial communities. Revitalized interest in plant–soil microbial feedbacks requires researchers to systematically pose and evaluate more complex hypotheses with increasingly more realistic microbial settings. Despite the advances reviewed here, most studies focus on one aspect of plant, microbe and soil interactions. Experiments that simultaneously and methodically manipulate multiple components are necessary to establish the ecological principles, and molecular mechanisms, which drive microbially mediated plant–soil interactions. This knowledge will be critical to predict how environmental changes affect microbial and plant diversity, and will guide efforts to improve agricultural and conservation practices.
Estimation of ribosomal RNA transcription rate in situ

Traditionally, the rate of transcription is measured by metabolic labeling (e.g., the run-on assay), which can be carried out only in isolated or cultured cells. It has been difficult if not impossible to assess the rate of transcription of a gene in a specific cell type in situ. We show here that the quantity of 47S precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA), which correlates positively with the rate of rRNA transcription as measured by the run-on assay, can serve as an indicator for the rate of its transcription. We adopted this method as an in situ hybridization procedure to demonstrate its validity in vivo. The notion of using the quantity of the primary transcript as an indicator of the rate of transcription has the potential application in monitoring the rate of messenger RNA transcription in single cells within a tissue of complex cellular composition.
Drugs and Pituitary Function

Publisher Summary Many drugs, both therapeutic and recreational, alter the function of the pituitary gland, usually as a side effect unrelated to the primary indication for which the drug was given. Consumption of beverages containing ethanol may alter pituitary function in several ways: by direct effects on the brain or pituitary gland; by altering the function of end organs (e.g., testis) and provoking feedback-mediated changes in pituitary hormone secretion; and by modifying the peripheral metabolism or action of hormones with resulting effects on pituitary function. In some studies, the acute administration of ethanol has been reported to stimulate adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol secretion. Cigarette smoking results in the acute release of several pituitary hormones, and the effects appear to be due to nicotine. Several studies have reported increases in plasma cortisol, DHEA, ACTH and bendorphin/ β-lipotropin in response to smoking one or more medium- or high-nicotine cigarettes; sham smoking or smoking low-nicotine cigarettes had no such effect. Acute administration of opiates (e.g., morphine, heroin, codeine, fentanyl, β-endorphin, enkephalins) has profound and generally consistent effects on human pituitary function. In males, serum LH is lowered, followed by a fall in serum testosterone. In females, opiates suppress serum LH in premenopausal subjects, often resulting in irregular menses or amenorrhea. Effects of various other substances and hormones are discussed in this chapter.
Exercise (Substrate Utilization and Endocrine Parameters)

Abstract: Anaerobic metabolism provides little energy for the aerobic athlete. Major muscle fuels during prolonged exercise are usually glucose (33%) and free fatty acids (66%) (i.e., “fats are burned in a carbohydrate flame”). The plasma glycerol concentration is a better indicator of the extent of lipolysis occurring during aerobic exercise than is the plasma FFA concentration. Liver glycogen stores may be depleted during exercise in about 30 minutes. During exercise ketone body and lipoprotein production by the liver are normally reduced, and their clearance from the circulation is usually increased. Circulating levels of cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and glucagon are all normally increased during exercise, while those of insulin are reduced. The insulin sensitivity of muscle and adipose tissue is normally increased for a few hours following a healthy bout of aerobic exercise. Exercise can be an effective tool for reducing the insulin requirement of a diabetic animal.
Using mixed-mode networks to disentangle multiple sources of social influence

Social network analysis has been widely used to model various forms of network influence on individual behavior. In network studies into peer influence on adolescent risk-taking health behavior, either friendship influence (using one-mode networks) or affiliation-based peer influence (using two-mode networks) have been employed to examine potential sources of network influence on adolescent substance use behavior. However, these sources of peer influence may be potentially confounded with each other. This paper introduces a new network method of incorporating one network's influence into another network's influence patterns, enabling us to decompose the different sources of network influences though the use of a combination of the networks. Specifically, the method incorporates affiliation-based peer influence (operationalized by a two-mode network) with either a second two-mode network, or the peer influence (operationalized by a one-mode network). Empirical examples are included to demonstrate the utility of this new approach.
Chasing boundaries and cascade effects in a coupled barrier-marsh-lagoon system

Abstract The long-term dynamic evolution of an idealized barrier-marsh-lagoon system experiencing sea-level rise is studied by coupling two existing numerical models. The barrier model accounts for the interaction between shoreface dynamics and overwash flux, which allows the occurrence of barrier drowning. The marsh-lagoon model includes both a backbarrier marsh and an interior marsh, and accounts for the modification of the wave regime associated with changes in lagoon width and depth. Overwash, the key process that connects the barrier shoreface with the marsh-lagoon ecosystems, is formulated to account for the role of the backbarrier marsh. Model results show that a number of factors that are not typically associated with the dynamics of coastal barriers can enhance the rate of overwash-driven landward migration by increasing backbarrier accommodation space. For instance, lagoon deepening could be triggered by marsh edge retreat and consequent export of fine sediment via tidal dispersion, as well as by an expansion of inland marshes and consequent increase in accommodation space to be filled in with sediment. A deeper lagoon results in a larger fraction of sediment overwash being subaqueous, which coupled with a slow shoreface response sending sediment onshore can trigger barrier drowning. We therefore conclude that the supply of fine sediments to the back-barrier and the dynamics of both the interior and backbarrier marsh can be essential for maintaining the barrier system under elevated rates of sea-level rise. Our results highlight the importance of considering barriers and their associated backbarriers as part of an integrated system in which sediment is exchanged.
An examination of teacher authenticity in the college classroom

ABSTRACTThis study sought to generate a more robust understanding of teacher (in)authenticity. In other contexts, authenticity is regarded as a display of true self and has been positively linked to beneficial psychological (e.g., increased self-esteem) and social outcomes (e.g., higher relational satisfaction). However, what it means to be authentic in relational contexts may be very different from what it means to be authentic in teaching. Indeed, the concept of authentic teaching has been discussed by many, but has yet to be examined from a social science perspective. Using a grounded theory approach, this study sought to determine student perceptions of both authentic and inauthentic teacher behavior and communication. Open-ended data from 297 college students indicate that there are distinct behaviors employed by (in)authentic teachers. Results indicated that authentic teaching is perceived when teachers are viewed as approachable, passionate, attentive, capable, and knowledgeable. Alternatively inau...
Knockdown of subunit 3 of the COP9 signalosome inhibits C2C12 myoblast differentiation via NF-KappaB signaling pathway

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is a conserved protein complex composed of 8 subunits designated CSN1-CSN8. CSN3 represents the third subunit of the CSN and maintains the integrity of the complex. CSN3 binds to the striated muscle-specific β1D integrin tail, and its subcellular localization is altered in differentiated skeletal muscle cells. However, the role of CSN3 in skeletal muscle differentiation is unknown. The main goal of this study was to identify whether CSN3 participates in myoblast differentiation and the signalling mechanisms involved using C2C12 cells as a skeletal muscle cell model. Small-hairpin (shRNA) was used to knockdown CSN3 in C2C12 cells. Differentiation was evaluated by immunostaining and confocal microscopy. Markers of differentiation, NF-κB signaling and CSN subunits expression, were assessed by immunoblotting and/or immunostaining. Cell proliferation was analysed by cell counting, flow cytometry and a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Data were analyzed by one or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post-hoc testing. Transduction of C2C12 cells with two distinct CSN3 shRNAs led to the production of two cells lines expressing 7% of CSN3 protein (shCSN3-Low) and 43% of CSN3 protein (CSN3-Med) compared to controls. Knockdown of CSN3 was accompanied by destabilization of several CSN subunits and increased nuclear NF-κB localization. shCSN3-Med cells expressed less myogenin and formed shorter and thinner myotubes. In contrast, the shCSN3-Low cells expressed higher levels of myogenin prior and during the differentiation and remained mononucleated throughout the differentiation period. Both CSN3 knockdown cell lines failed to express sarcomeric myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein during differentiation. The fusion index was significantly higher in control cells than in shCSN3-Med cells, whereas shCSN3-Low cells showed no cell fusion. Interestingly, CSN3 knockdown cells exhibited a significantly slower growth rate relative to the control cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that CSN3 knockdowns delayed in S phase and had increased levels of nuclear p21/Cip1 and p27/Kip1. This study clarifies the first step toward unrevealing the CSN3/CSN-mediated pathways that controls C2C12 differentiation and proliferation. Further in vivo characterization of CSN/CSN3 may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic target of skeletal muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophies.
Effects of Task Type, Task Duration, and Age on Body Kinematics and Subjective Fatigue:

Investigating the effects of workload on body kinematics is the first step to identify, monitor, and ultimately reduce the incidence of fatigue, a prevalent phenomenon in the workplace that leads t...
Considerations for antibiotic prophylaxis in head and neck cancer surgery

Peri/post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (POABP) has become standard practice for preventing surgical site infections (SSI) in head and neck cancer patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction, but few data exist on optimal POABP regimens. Current surgical prophylaxis guideline recommendations fail to account for the complexity of microvascular reconstruction relative to other head and neck procedures, specifically regarding wound classification and antibiotic duration. Selection of POABP spectrum is also controversial, and must balance the choice between too narrow, risking subsequent infection, or too broad, and possible unwanted effects (e.g. antibiotic resistance, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea). POABP regimens should retain activity against bacteria expected to colonize the upper respiratory/salivary tracts, which include Gram-positive organisms and facultative anaerobes. However, Gram-negative bacilli also contribute to SSI in this setting. POABP doses should be optimized in order to achieve therapeutic tissue concentrations at the surgical site. Antibiotics targeted towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa are not warranted for all patients. Prolonged POABP durations have shown no differences in SSI when compared to short POABP durations, but prolonged durations provide unnecessarily antibiotic exposure and risk for adverse effects. Given the lack of standardization behind antibiotic POABP in this setting and the potential for poor patient outcomes, this practice necessitates an additional focus of surgeons and antimicrobial stewardship programs. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of POABP evidence and discuss pertinent clinical implications of appropriate use.
A model for cross-institutional collaboration: how the intercollegiate biomathematics alliance is pioneering a new paradigm in response to diminishing resources in academia

AbstractWe present an emerging model of shared academic, intellectual and infrastructure resources that addresses the need for institutions to sustain their educational and scholarship missions under ever-declining funding. The (IBA) was created in 2014 by Illinois State University for this purpose, eventually growing to a state-recognized ‘Center for Collaborative Studies’ in 2017. As the impact of the IBA continues to expand, it is on its way to become a new education paradigm in response to diminishing resources, and it can serve as a model to foster collaboration for other fields of mathematics.
High Precision Detection of Rare Splice Isoforms Using Multiplexed Primer Extension Sequencing

Targeted RNA-sequencing aims to focus coverage on areas of interest that are inadequately sampled in standard RNA-sequencing experiments. Here we present a novel approach for targeted RNA-sequencing that uses complex pools of reverse transcription primers to enable sequencing enrichment at user-selected locations across the genome. We demonstrate this approach by targeting hundreds to thousands of pre-mRNA splice junctions, revealing high-precision detection of splice isoforms, including rare pre-mRNA splicing intermediates.