cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lamprey fibrinopeptide B is a glycopeptide.

Abstract One of the peptides released from lamprey fibrinogen during its transformation into fibrin has been found to contain covalently bound carbohydrate. The peptide, which also contains tyrosine O-sulfate, corresponds to the mammalian fibrinopeptide B and is the amino-terminal segment of the lamprey fibrinogen β-chain. As noted previously, this peptide is the only one released when lamprey fibrinogen is coltted by mammalian thrombin. Of the more than fifty sets of fibrinopeptides characterized from various species, this is the first one found to contain carbohydrate.
Characteristics of glaucoma drainage implants during dynamic and steady-state flow conditions.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to ascertain whether the Optimed, Krupin, and Ahmed drainage devices function as valves that vary resistance depending on flow conditions to maintain pressure within a desired range. Study Design Experimental study. Intervention The three devices and a control cannula were submerged in fluid and perfused with balanced salt solution using a computer-driven apparatus that continuously monitors flow (Q) and pressure (P). In one set of experiments, the flow rates were maintained at 2, 5, 10, 25, or 50 μl/min until steady-state pressures were achieved. In another set of experiments, the flow rate was increased linearly from 0 to 100 μl/min over 15 to 20 minutes. Main outcome measures The resistance of each implant was calculated from the first set of experiments by dividing the change in pressure (P) by the change in flow (Q) between successive perfusion rates. Flow-pressure curves were plotted from the experiments in which perfusion rate was increased linearly. Results Resistance remained relatively constant for the cannula (0.18–0.24 mmHg/μl/min), the Krupin (0.09–0.25 mmHg/μl/min), and the Optimed implants (0.04–0.08) throughout the tested flow rates. For the Ahmed device, conversely, resistance decreased proportionally (2.86–0.05 mmHg/μl/min) to the increase in flow. When flow rate was increased linearly from 0 to 100 μl/min, the Optimed and Krupin devices as well as the cannula generated a linear pressure response with a constant slope. The pressure in the two devices increased at a rate of 0.11 mmHg/μl compared to 0.23 mmHg/μl/min for the cannula. The flow-pressure curve for the Ahmed implant was distinct with a steep initial pressure rise and an essentially constant pressure of 12 mmHg thereafter. Conclusion The Optimed and Krupin devices displayed resistance and pressure responses to various flow conditions that were similar to those of a cannula or flow resistor. In these devices, resistance remained relatively stable and pressure increased linearly with flow. The Ahmed device, conversely, functioned as a valve that closely regulated pressure within a desired range by decreasing or increasing resistance as a function of flow.
Growth, unavoidable words, and M. Sapir's conjecture for semigroup varieties

Let R be a nonperiodic semigroup variety satisfying the nontrivial identity Zn=W, where Zn is the nth element of the so-called Zimin's sequence Z1=u1,Zn+1=Znun+1Zn (n=1,2,…) of unavoidable words. It is shown that every finitely generated (f.g.) semigroup S∈R has subexponential growth and every uniformly recurrent infinite word which is geodesic and lexicographically reduced relative to S is periodic. Furthermore, the length of the period is bounded above by a constant which depends only on the number n and on the number of generators of S. The first of these results gives a positive answer to the problem posed by M. Sapir. Some applications including examples of f.g. relatively free semigroups having intermediate growth and maximal (equals 1) superdimension are considered.
Drug Treatment of Hypertension in Older Persons in an Academic Hospital‐Based Geriatrics Practice

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of hypertension in older persons, the prevalence of the different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension, the prevalence of the different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension in persons with prior myocardial infarction (MI) or congestive heart failure (CHF), and the prevalence of lowering the blood pressure to < 140/90 mm Hg with therapy. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of charts from all older patients seen from December 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998, at an academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice was performed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension in older persons, the prevalence of different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension, the prevalence of different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension in persons with prior MI or CHF, and the prevalence of lowering the blood pressure to < 140/90 mm Hg with therapy. SETTING: An academic hospital-based geriatrics practice staffed by fellows in a geriatrics training program and full-time faculty geriatricians. PATIENTS: A total of 459 men and 1360 women, mean age 80 ± 8 years (range 59 to 101 years), were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hypertension was present in 1051 of the 1819 persons in the study (58%). Target organ damage, clinical cardiovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus was present in 738 (70%) of these 1051 persons. Of the 1051 persons with hypertension, 520 (49%) were treated with diuretics, 297 (28%) with beta-blockers, 445 (42%) with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, 171 (16%) with calcium channel blockers, and 13 (1%) with other antihypertensive drugs; 41 (4%) received no antihypertensive therapy. The last blood pressure recorded on the chart was <140/90 mm Hg for 735 of the 1051 persons (70%) with hypertension. Of 306 persons with hypertension and prior MI, 182 (59%) were treated with beta-blockers, 146 (48%) with ACE inhibitors, 96 (31%) with diuretics, and 29 (9%) with calcium channel blockers. Of 103 persons with hypertension and CHF, 103 (100%) were treated with diuretics, 94 (91%) with ACE inhibitors, 22 (21%) with beta-blockers, and 3 (3%) with calcium channel blockers. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension in the 1819 older persons seen in an academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice was 58%. Educational efforts led to increased use of diuretics and beta-blockers and decreased use of calcium channel blockers in treating hypertension. The last blood pressure recorded on the chart was <140/90 mm Hg in 70% of older persons with hypertension in the study. J Am Geriatr Soc 47:597–599, 1999.
A Block Pseudospectral Method for Maxwell's Equations

A block pseudospectral (BPS) method is proposed as a new way to couple pseudospectral discretizations across interfaces in computations for a linear hyperbolic system. The coupling is achieved via discretized derivative-matching conditions obtained from the system. Compared to the standard technique of imposing compatibility conditions based on characteristics of the system, the BPS method offers better stability and accuracy, especially in the case where equation coefficients are discontinuous. Computational examples for Maxwell's equations in nonhomogeneous media demonstrate that BPS retains high accuracy over times that are orders of magnitude larger than those for not only low-order methods (such as Yee's), but also high-order methods, such as characteristic-based spectral elements.
Exact one-sided simultaneous confidence bands via Uusipaikka’s method

Computation of one-sided simultaneous confidence bands is detailed for a simple linear regression under interval restrictions on the predictor variable, using a method due to Uusipaikka (1983,J. Amer. Statist. Assoc.,78, 638–644). The case of a single interval restriction is emphasized. A WWW-based applet for computing the bands is described.
The effects of alternative forms of knowledge representation on decision-making consensus

Abstract This research compared three different forms of feedback in a Delphi exercise, and demonstrated the consensus building effectiveness of feedback represented by if-then rules. The rules, similar to those employed in expert system knowledge bases, were induced from experts' decisions on a sequence of test cases and used to summarize the group's decision policy. Consensus was measured in terms of pairwise subject agreement after each round of decisions, and the measurement was obtained from panels of experts making decisions with three forms of feedback: if-then rules, frequency distributions or regression weights. The going concern decision scenario provided test cases derived from small business data and required evaluation of the likelihood of a company's economic viability 1 year in the future. Subjects were experienced bank loan officers and small business development center consultants. A three-round Delphi experiment accomplished by mail showed that if-then rules were more effective in motivating consensus than either frequency distributions or regression weights. As a result of this research, a prototype Group Decision Support System (GDSS) has been implemented to facilitate repetitive group decisions such as those required in evaluating loan applications or capital investment projects.
Intestinal Glutamate Metabolism

Although it is well known that the intestinal tract has a high metabolic rate, the substrates that are used to generate the necessary energy remain poorly established, especially in fed animals. Under fed conditions, the quantification of substrate used by the gut is complicated by the fact that potential oxidative precursors are supplied from both the diet and the arterial circulation. To circumvent this problem, and to approach the question of the compounds used to generate ATP in the gut, we combined measurements of portal nutrient balance with enteral and intravenous infusions of [U- 13 C]substrates. We studied rapidly growing piglets that were consuming diets based on whole-milk proteins. The results revealed that 95% of the dietary glutamate presented to the mucosa was metabolized in first pass and that of this, 50% was metabolized to CO 2 . Dietary glucose was oxidized to a very limited extent, and arterial glutamine supplied no >15% of the CO 2 production by the portal-drained viscera. Glutamate was the single largest contributor to intestinal energy generation. The results also suggested that dietary glutamate appeared to be a specific precursor for the biosynthesis of glutathione, arginine and proline by the small intestinal mucosa. These studies imply that dietary glutamate has an important functional role in the gut. Furthermore, these functions are apparently different from those of arterial glutamine, the substrate that has received the most attention.
Soil respiration within riparian buffers and adjacent crop fields

We quantified rates of soil respiration among sites within an agricultural landscape in central Iowa, USA. The study was conducted in riparian cool-season grass buffers, in re-established multispecies (switchgrass + poplar) riparian buffers and in adjacent crop (maize and soybean) fields. The objectives were to determine the variability in soil respiration among buffer types and crop fields within a riparian landscape, and to identify those factors correlating with the observed differences. Soil respiration was measured approximately monthly over a two-year period using the soda-lime technique. Mean daily soil respiration across all treatments ranged from 0.14 to 8.3 g C m−2 d−1. There were no significant differences between cool-season grass buffers and re-established forest buffers, but respiration rates beneath switchgrass were significantly lower than those beneath cool-season grass. Soil respiration was significantly greater in both buffer systems than in the cropped fields. Seasonal changes in soil respiration were strongly related to temperature changes. Over all sites, soil temperature and soil moisture together accounted for 69% of the seasonal variability in soil respiration. Annual soil respiration rates correlated strongly with soil organic carbon (R = 0.75, P < 0.001) and fine root (<2 mm) biomass (R = 0.85, P < 0.001). Annual soil respiration rates averaged 1140 g C m−2 for poplar, 1185 g C m−2 for cool-season grass, 1020 g C m−2 for switchgrass, 750 g C m−2 for soybean and 740 g C m−2 for corn. Overall, vegetated buffers had significantly higher soil respiration rates than did adjacent crop fields, indicating greater soil biological activity within the buffers.
Performance of a Correlator Filter in Betatron Tune Measurements and Damping on the NSLS Booster

A "compensated correlator filter", described by Kramer, et al.[1] has been used for measurement and damping of betatron oscillations in the NSLS booster. The filter consists of a zero-degree power splitter, a 180-degree splitter, a length of 7/8" air dielectric coaxial cable, and a short length of RG-58 cable. Connected to a beam position monitor, the output of the filter is proportional to the difference in transverse position of each bunch on subsequent turns. The useful bandwidth of the filter for damping rigid bunch oscillations extends from 10 MHz to 250 MHz, in contrast with the gigahertz bandwidth requirements for stochastic cooling, for which the filter was originally proposed. Attenuation of all rotation harmonics in this bandwidth is 40-60 dB.
Evaluating the benefits of a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell combined heat and power plant for energy sustainability and emissions avoidance

Recent developments in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology have increased interest in their application towards distributed electricity generation. In addition to demonstrated SOFC fuel-to-electricity conversion advantages over conventional generation methods, heat from SOFC exhaust can be recovered for combined heat and power (CHP) operations to improve overall system efficiency. This paper presents a system model, developed using MATLAB/Simulink®, for a 1.0 MW SOFC-CHP power plant and evaluates its ability to provide electricity and hot water to a 500-home residential neighborhood more sustainably and avoiding substantial environmental emissions when compared to conventional power delivery. Actual residential electrical and hot water end-usage profiles are utilized for simulations of the SOFC-CHP plant operating interconnected with the utility power system. Results are compared to data from conventional electricity regional suppliers in the United States. The simulation findings indicate the suitability of SOFC technology with CHP for distributed generation applications, highlight unique benefits of CHP operations for the residential case, and show the functional value of SOFC-CHP technology in the broader context of energy sustainability goals while significantly reducing emissions.
Social visualization in software development

Most software development tools focus on supporting the primary technical work -- writing code, managing requirements, filing bugs, etc. Yet with large teams, managing the social aspects of a project can be as complex as managing code. Here, we discuss the iterative design of a visualization that helps developers better understand the social aspects of their work.
Risk of Repetitive-Use Syndromes and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Endoscopists may not be aware of the physical risks to which they are exposed each day as a result of repetitive-use. Repetitive-use, that is repeating motions and actions over and over again as when performing endoscopy, increases one's risk of sustaining acute musculoskeletal injuries, which ultimately can result in permanent injury and disability. The risks for sustaining injuries from repetitive-use include the duration of activity, the force required to complete the activity, local contact stresses and work postures. The environment in which one works can and does influence injury such as floor surfaces, seating, working heights and over-reaching. Of course injuries occur more frequently in people who are predisposed (one who already has a "bad back" or strained leg muscle), and the injuries are perpetuated by task variability, work rate and work recovery cycles. More commonly, endoscopists complain of low back pain or the recently described "endoscopist's thumb," but the entire musculoskeletal system can be affected from head to toes. Symptoms may vary from mild aches and pains to more severe lancinating low back pain to numbness, tingling, atrophy and weakness. These symptoms can result in permanent damage and disability. It is incumbent upon endoscopists and their supervisors to be aware of potential risks, the symptoms and injuries that can result from repetitive-use and to familiarize physicians and their co-workers with techniques to avoid these problems. Those who become injured should seek medical attention early to prevent permanent injury. Repetitive injuries are serious, but they can be prevented.
Characterization and comparison of modern layer-2 Ethernet survivability protocols

Ensuring the survivability and recoverability of computer networks under fault conditions requires the selection and testing of the appropriate protocols that handle failure events. While testing using the actual networking equipment is the most accurate, it is not always feasible due to cost and time constraints. Instead, simulation can be used. However, results may not always represent actual network behaviors. This study first looks at selected layer-2 Ethernet protocols available for increasing the survivability of a network, i.e., spanning tree protocol and rapid spanning tree protocol. These protocols are tested on two small live networks and then via simulation. After the simulations are validated by these tests, the protocol's performance is then characterized for larger topologies.
The Cost-Benefit of a Randomized Trial to a Health Care Organization

Clinicians and patients make many decisions in situations where optimal treatment is uncertain. Despite well-published advantages of clinical trials for reducing such uncertainties, a trial may not be conducted because the sample size indicated by classical, hypothesis-testing methods is so large that no one institution could afford to sponsor the trial. By explicitly taking into consideration the costs and benefits of a trial, Bayesian statistical methods permit estimation of the value to a health care organization conducting a randomized trial instead of continuing to treat patients in the absence of more information. This paper describes a method for calculating the cost-benefit to a health care organization conducting a clinical trial, and the expected sample size to adequately resolve the uncertainties about which treatment is better. The method is illustrated in the case of a proposed clinical trial of a drug to prevent multiorgan system failure and death in patients admitted to the Stanford University surgical intensive care unit. This method should permit health care organizations to evaluate a proposed trial's expected cost-benefit and the expected sample size that will resolve the question of interest, and thereby assist in the process of deciding whether to conduct the trial.
Structure, magnetism, and thermodynamics of the novel rare earth-based R5T4 intermetallics

After approximately 30 years of dormancy, the binary, ternary, and multicomponent intermetallic compounds of rare earth metals (R) with the group 14 elements (T) at the R 5 T 4 stoichiometry have become a goldmine for materials science, condensed matter physics, and solid-state chemistry. In addition to providing numerous opportunities to clarify elusive structure-property relationships, the R 5 T 4 compounds may soon be developed into practical materials by exploiting their unique sensitivity toward a variety of chemical and physical trig- gers. The distinctiveness of this series is in the remarkable flexibility of the chemical bond- ing between well-defined, self-assembled, subnanometer-thick slabs and the resultant mag- netic, transport, and thermodynamic properties of the R 5 T 4 compounds that can be controlled by varying either or both R and T, including mixed rare earth elements on the R-sites and dif- ferent group 14 (and 13 or 15) elements occupying the T-sites. In addition to chemical means, the interslab interactions are tunable by temperature, pressure, and magnetic field. Presently, a substantial, yet far from complete, body of knowledge exists about the Gd compounds with T = Si and Ge. In contrast, only a little is known about the physics and chemistry of R 5 T 4 al- loys with other lanthanides, while compounds with T = Sn and Pb remain virtually un- explored.
Gene expression profile of aging in human muscle

Studies of gene expression related to aging of skeletal muscle have included few subjects or a limited number of genes. We conducted the present study to produce more comprehensive gene expression ...
B2Sim: a fast micro-architecture simulator based on basic block characterization

State-of-the-art architectural simulators support cycle accurate pipeline execution of application programs. However, it takes days and weeks to complete the simulation of even a moderate-size program. During the execution of a program, program behavior does not change randomly but changes over time in a predictable/periodic manner. This behavior provides the opportunity to limit the use of a pipeline simulator. More precisely, this paper presents a hybrid simulation engine, named B2Sim for (cycle-characterized) Basic Block based Simulator, where a fast cache simulator e.g., sim-cache and a slow pipeline simulator e.g., sim-outorder are employed together. B2Sim reduces the runtime of architectural simulation engines by making use of the instruction behavior within executed basic blocks. We have integrated B2Sim into SimpleScalar and have achieved on average a factor of 3.3 times speedup on the SPEC2000 benchmark and Media-bench programs compared to conventional pipeline simulator while maintaining the accuracy of the simulation results with less than 1% CPI error on average.
Systematic and Logical Problems in Global Warming Science

Arguments put forth in favor of anthropogenic global warming (AGW) are frequently lacking in objectivity due to the use of imprecise terms and unwarranted extrapolations. A salient characteristic of such arguments is, moreover, the seemingly arbitrary attribution of causes to certain phenomena [Singer, 2012a]. As a result, such arguments run counter to the reasoning that is a hallmark of the scientific method. The purpose of this paper is to reason about some of those erroneous arguments in order to better inform people about pitfalls from a misuse of the scientific method in arguments about AGW.
Another crack in the mirror: the politics of AIDS prevention in Mexico.

Beginning in the mid-1980s nongovernmental groups and the government in Mexico launched efforts to combat AIDS by addressing the population openly and directly. The content and tone of AIDS prevention messages in Mexico have been strongly influenced by models developed in the US even when the social conditions of Mexico are strikingly different. However the local organization of AIDS prevention efforts in Mexico has differed sharply from efforts in large US cities in terms of the distribution of funds and the role played by civil society in the creation of programs. Based on the premise that social and political forces may strongly influence the success or failure of health education interventions this article analyzes the emergence of AIDS prevention in the Mexican context. The epidemiological characteristics of AIDS in Mexico the governmental response to the epidemic the role of nongovernmental groups the availability of funds the opposition of the political right and the adoption of models imported from the US are all considered to be important factors that shape current efforts. This article highlights possible directions for future development of AIDS prevention in Mexico. (authors)
What are the risks and benefits to increasing dietary bone minerals and vitamin D intake in infants and small children

Bone minerals and vitamin D are crucial for infants and small children. Human milk has little vitamin D, and supplemental vitamin D must be given to all infants either via drops or as contained in infant formula or foods. The calcium and phosphorus in human milk are adequate for infants in the first six months of life, with supplemental minerals coming from weaning foods after six months. Long-term benefits to providing bone minerals at greater levels than in human milk have not been shown. There is no evidence to support high-dose bone mineral supplementation or high-dose vitamin D supplementation in infancy, and controlled trials are needed before these can be advocated.
Strategies for choosing process improvement projects.

d ith ost in ofecgy ries s. nd of ed tudiity itTHE first article in this series ill trated how errors during medical ca are a serious problem ( 1). Error rate of 1% are common when humans p form simple tasks ( 2,3) and increase t 30% or more during complex mu step procedures such as cardiac su gery or caring for hospitalized patien (4,5). Despite the prevalence of hum error, well-designed systems such those used in aviation and nucle power diminish the rate of serious rors to less than one in a million. though medical errors will always inevitable, much can be done to duce their burden. We suggested th it would be impractical and impos ble to simultaneously tackle all typ of medical errors. Rather, a systema approach is needed. The ideal a proach would examine any health ca process and create a prioritized list error reduction or quality improv ment projects. Herein, we describ how the scientific method can be plied to this problem.
Prolonged Elevation of IL-1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ocular Infection Regulates Macrophage-Inflammatory Protein-2 Production, Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Persistence, and Corneal Perforation

The kinetics of IL-1 (alpha and beta) production after Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection was examined in susceptible (cornea perforates) C57BL/6J (B6) and resistant (cornea heals) BALB/cByJ (BALB/c) mice. IL-1alpha and -1beta (mRNA and protein) were elevated in both mouse strains, and levels peaked at 1 day postinfection (p.i. ). Significantly greater amounts of IL-1 protein were detected in B6 vs BALB/c mice at 1 and 3 days p.i. At 5 days p.i., IL-1alpha and -1beta (mRNA and protein) remained elevated in B6, but began to decline in BALB/c mice. To test the significance of elevated IL-1 in B6 mice, a polyclonal neutralizing Ab against IL-1beta was used to treat infected B6 mice. A combination of subconjunctival and i.p. administration of IL-1beta polyclonal Ab significantly reduced corneal disease. The reduction in disease severity in infected B6 mice was accompanied by a reduction in corneal polymorphonuclear neutrophil number, bacterial load, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 mRNA and protein levels. These data provide evidence that IL-1 is an important contributor to P. aeruginosa corneal infection. At least one mechanism by which prolonged and/or elevated IL-1 expression contributes to irreversible corneal tissue destruction appears to be by increasing macrophage inflammatory protein-2 production, resulting in a prolonged stimulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophil influx into cornea. In contrast, a timely down-regulation of IL-1 appears consistent with an inflammatory response that is sufficient to clear the bacterial infection with less corneal damage.
Provision of a soy-based intravenous lipid emulsion at 1 g/kg/d does not prevent cholestasis in neonates.

Background: One of the most common and severe complications of long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) is PN-associated cholestasis. The soybean oil–based lipid emulsion administered with PN has been associated with cholestasis, leading to an interest in lipid reduction strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the provision of a soybean oil–based lipid emulsion at 1 g/kg/d compared with 2–3 g/kg/d is associated with a reduced incidence of cholestasis. Methods: Retrospective review of neonates admitted between 2007 and 2011 with a gastrointestinal condition necessitating ≥21 days of PN support. Neonates were divided into 2 groups based on the intravenous lipid emulsion dose: 1-g group (1 g/kg/d) and 2- to 3-g group (2–3 g/kg/d). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of cholestasis. Results: Sixty-one patients met inclusion criteria (n = 29, 1-g group; n = 32, 2- to 3-g group). The 2 groups did not differ in any baseline characteristics other than associated comorbidities that were...
Low-temperature processing of a solution-deposited CuInSSe thin-film solar cell

article i nfo Article history: A low-temperature (~350 °C) solution-processed CuInSSe photovoltaic cell is reported. The CuInSSe film was solution-deposited via spin-coating from a precursor solution consisting of metal chalcogenides (Cu2S and In2Se3) dissolved in hydrazine (N2H4). X-ray diffraction data indicated a full conversion from the hydrazine precursor to CuInSxSe2�x structure at 350 °C with an average crystallite size of approximately 45 nm. Bandgap tuning of the CuInSxSe2�x was achieved by varying the excess amount of sulfur in the precursor solution. Based on the (220) reflection of the XRD pattern, the bandgap of CuInSxSe2�x ranged from 1.00 to 1.14 eV. Standard testing conditions at 1-sun intensity resulted in a power conversion efficiency of 7.43%. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Near infrared scanning imaging of cancerous and normal prostate tissues enhanced by a receptor-targeted contrast agent (Cytate) and independent component analysis

Cytate, a receptor-targeted contrast agent and independent component analysis (ICA) was used to enhance the contrast between a pair of stained small pieces of cancerous and normal prostate tissues embedded in large piece normal tissue.
Asymptotically optimal blind estimation of multichannel images

Optimal estimation of a two-dimensional (2-D) multichannel signal ideally decorrelates the data in both channel and space and weights the resulting coefficients according to their SNR. Many scenarios exist where the required second-order signal and noise statistics are not known in which the decorrelation is difficult or expensive to calculate. An asymptotically optimal estimation scheme proposed here uses a 2-D discrete wavelet transform to approximately decorrelate the signal in space and the discrete Fourier transform to decorrelate between channels. The coefficient weighting is replaced with a wavelet-domain thresholding operation to result in an efficient estimation scheme for both stationary and nonstationary signals. In contrast to optimal estimation, this new scheme does not require second-order signal statistics, making it well suited to many applications. In addition to providing vastly improved visual quality, the new estimator typically yields signal-to-noise ratio gains 12 dB or higher for hyperspectral imagery and functional magnetic resonance images.
Depression, survival, and epidermal growth factor receptor genotypes in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Although depression appears to be associated with worse survival from cancer, the underlying mechanisms of this association are unknown. Tumor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genotype is a known predictor of survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and appears to be associated with depression. We hypothesized that tumor EGFR genotype may account for a relationship between depression and survival in this population. We investigated this possible relationship in a cohort of patients with metastatic NSCLC, in which we had previously demonstrated an association between depression and worse survival. METHOD: A cohort of 151 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic NSCLC were enrolled and followed in a randomized controlled trial of early palliative care. At enrollment, 150 had depression assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and categorical scoring for major depressive syndrome (MDS) was used for analyses. Patients with tumor tissue available underwent EGFR genotyping. Associations with survival were tested using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (14.0%) met criteria for MDS. Forty-four patients (29.3%) had EGFR genotyping, and 17 (38.6%) of these harbored EGFR mutations. Patients with EGFR mutations had significantly lower PHQ-9 scores (p = 0.03), and none met criteria for depression. EGFR mutations were significantly associated with superior survival (p = 0.02). When both depression and EGFR genotype were simultaneously entered into the model, only EGFR mutations remained significantly associated with survival (p = 0.02), and the effect of depression was attenuated. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Depression is associated with worse survival in metastatic NSCLC, and this relationship may be at least partially explained by tumor EGFR genotype. Further study into whether depression could be associated with specific biologic properties of cancer that vary by genotype is warranted.
Updates in Critical Care 2012-2013

Important advances in treating critically ill patients often proceed in fits and starts. Thematic studies are often published in clusters and concordant negative or positive results can accelerate ...
A randomized pilot trial testing the safety and immunologic effects of a MAGE-A3 protein plus AS15 immunostimulant administered into muscle or into dermal/subcutaneous sites

Methods to induce T cell responses to protein vaccines have not been optimized. The immunostimulant AS15 has been administered with the recombinant MAGE-A3 protein (recMAGE-A3) i.m. but not i.d. or s.c. This study tests hypotheses that the i.d./s.c. route is safe and will increase CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to MAGE-A3. Twenty-five patients with resected stage IIB-IV MAGE-A3+ melanoma were randomized to immunization with recMAGE-A3 combined with AS15 immunostimulant (MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic) either i.m. (group A, n = 13) or i.d./s.c. (group B, n = 12). Adverse events were recorded. Ab responses to MAGE-A3 were measured by ELISA. T cell responses to overlapping MAGE-A3 peptides were assessed in PBMC and a sentinel immunized node (SIN) after 1 in vitro stimulation with recMAGE-A3, by IFN-γ ELISPOT assay and by flow cytometry for multifunctional (TNF-α/IFN-γ) responses. Both routes of immunization were well tolerated without treatment-related grade 3 adverse events. All patients had durable Ab responses. For all 25 patients, the T cell response rate by ELISPOT assay was 30 % in SIN (7/23) but only 4 % (1/25) in PBMC. By flow cytometry, multifunctional CD8+ T cell responses were identified in one patient in each group; multifunctional CD4+ T cell response rates for groups A and B, respectively, were 31 and 64 % in SIN and 31 and 50 % in PBMC. The MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic was well tolerated after i.d./s.c. administration, with trends to higher CD4+ T cell response rates than with i.m. administration. This study supports further study of AS15 by i.d./s.c. administration.
Changes in a hemlock-dominated forest following woolly adelgid infestation in southern New England1

Abstract Small, M. J., C. J. Small (Department of Botany, Connecticut College, New London, Connecticut 06320), and G. D. Dreyer (Goodwin-Niering Center for Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies, Connecticut College, New London, Connecticut 06320). Changes in a hemlock-dominated forest following woolly adelgid infestation in southern New England. J. Torrey Bot. 132: 458–470. 2005.—The hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA; Adelges tsugae), a small aphid-like insect introduced from Japan, has caused widespread hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) mortality throughout the mid-Atlantic and southern New England region over the last twenty years. We examined long-term (1952–2002) changes in hemlock-dominated stands before and after the appearance of the HWA in 1987 in the Connecticut College Arboretum, southeastern Connecticut. With HWA infestation, basal area of T. canadensis declined dramatically, dropping 70% from 1982 to 2002. Forest communities responded to the elimination of the dominant species by quickly filling va...
Faithfully Interpreting 'Faithfully'

Currently, debate swirls over “Executive Disregard” — the purported presidential prerogative to disregard laws deemed unconstitutional. Scholars on both sides of the issue have latched on to the Constitution’s used of the word faithfully. To Professors Michael Stokes Paulsen, Saikrishna Prakash and other proponents of Executive Disregard, the Take Care Clause demands that the President act faithfully to the Constitution. To Professor Christopher May and others, the Constitution clearly commands that the President “faithfully execute” laws passed by Congress. As this essay demonstrates, neither side is correct. By undertaking a brief but rigorous review of texts and speeches at the time of the founding, I demonstrate that the clause represents mere boilerplate then found in a wide variety of contexts. That is not to say the clause is meaningless. It demands a minimum level of conduct — with honesty and integrity — that applies to the President himself and everyone under him in the Executive Branch. This conclusion fits neatly with recent scholarship recognizing an anti-corruption principle underlying many provisions of the Constitution. The scope of this essay is concededly narrow — a single word used only twice in the Constitution. But a better understanding of the word should sharpen the greater debate over Executive Disregard, requiring both sides to cast aside their convenient assumptions about the word and focus instead on arguments with merit. Further, the essay makes a second, not inconsequential, observation: There exists a constitutional standard of conduct for the President, and the President must “take care” that subordinates in the Executive Branch also satisfy that standard.
Red cell distribution width is a novel biomarker that predicts excess body-mass index loss 1 year after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Bariatric surgery is the most effective method for producing sustained weight loss, improving obesity-associated comorbidities and reducing inflammation in the morbidly obese population. The red cell distribution width (RDW) is a novel marker of inflammation that is usually reported as part of a complete blood count. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that red cell distribution width might represent a novel biomarker predictive of excess body-mass index loss (EBMIL) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Five hundred and forty-seven LRYGB patients included from a single institution were individually reviewed, noting both preoperative RDW and percent excess BMI loss at 6 months and 1 year post-LRYGB (%EBMIL180 and %EBMIL365, respectively). Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted between age, gender, initial body-mass index (BMI0) and RDW and each of the two endpoints, to assess the independence of RDW as a predictor of postoperative success. The median RDW was 13.9 (13.3–14.6) %, and median EBMIL180 and EBMIL365 were 55.4 (45.2–66.7) % and 71.3 (58.9–87.8) %, respectively. After controlling for age, gender and BMI0, RDW was associated with %EBMIL365 (B = −1.4 [−2.8 to −0.002] %, P = .05), but not %EBMIL180 (B = −0.6 [−1.6 to 0.5] %, P = .30. Upon Kruskal–Wallis analysis, patients with a preoperative RDW > 15.0 % had significantly lower %EBMIL than those in the <13.0 % (P < .001) and 13.0–15.0 % (P < .01) strata. RDW is predictive of EBMIL at 1 year following LRYGB. This represents a novel preoperative biomarker that may provide clinically useful prognostic information.
BALLOON-EXPANDABLE TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH EXTREME AORTIC VALVE CALCIFICATION

Quantity of aortic valve calcification predicts rates of perivalvular leak (PVL) post TAVR. Nonetheless, short-term outcomes of balloon-expandable TAVR in patients with extremely high calcified aortic valves have not been previously described. We studied patients with severe aortic stenosis that
Computational discovery and in vivo validation of hnf4 as a regulatory gene in planarian regeneration.

Motivation Automated computational methods can infer dynamic regulatory network models directly from temporal and spatial experimental data, such as genetic perturbations and their resultant morphologies. Recently, a computational method was able to reverse-engineer the first mechanistic model of planarian regeneration that can recapitulate the main anterior-posterior patterning experiments published in the literature. Validating this comprehensive regulatory model via novel experiments that had not yet been performed would add in our understanding of the remarkable regeneration capacity of planarian worms and demonstrate the power of this automated methodology. Results Using the Michigan Molecular Interactions and STRING databases and the MoCha software tool, we characterized as hnf4 an unknown regulatory gene predicted to exist by the reverse-engineered dynamic model of planarian regeneration. Then, we used the dynamic model to predict the morphological outcomes under different single and multiple knock-downs (RNA interference) of hnf4 and its predicted gene pathway interactors β-catenin and hh Interestingly, the model predicted that RNAi of hnf4 would rescue the abnormal regenerated phenotype (tailless) of RNAi of hh in amputated trunk fragments. Finally, we validated these predictions in vivo by performing the same surgical and genetic experiments with planarian worms, obtaining the same phenotypic outcomes predicted by the reverse-engineered model. Conclusion These results suggest that hnf4 is a regulatory gene in planarian regeneration, validate the computational predictions of the reverse-engineered dynamic model, and demonstrate the automated methodology for the discovery of novel genes, pathways and experimental phenotypes. Contact michael.levin@tufts.edu.
Abstract IA06: SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex mutations in cancer: Mechanisms and potential therapeutic insights

Data emerging over the last several years implicate the SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodeling complex as a major tumor suppressor as frequent inactivating mutations in at least eight SWI/SNF subunits have been identified in a variety of cancers. These include inactivating mutations of the gene encoding the ARID1A (BAF250a) subunit in ovarian, endometrioid, bladder, stomach, colorectal and pancreatic cancers; of the PBRM1 (BAF180) subunit in renal carcinomas; of the ARID2 subunit in hepatocellular, lung, and pancreas carcinomas as well as melanomas; of the BRD7 subunit in breast cancers; and of the BRG1 (SMARCA4) subunit in non-small cell lung cancers, medulloblastomas and ovarian small cell carcinomas. The SWI/SNF complex includes both core and lineage-specific subunits and utilizes the energy of ATP to modulate chromatin structure and regulate transcription. My laboratory began studying the SWI/SNF complex when the SNF5 (SMARCB1/INI1/BAF47) subunit was first identified as a tumor suppressor over a decade ago when it was found to be recurrently and specifically inactivated in a highly aggressive type of pediatric cancer called malignant rhabdoid tumor. We now study the complex using mouse models, cell lines and primary human tumor samples. Our goals are to elucidate the normal function of the complex, identify the mechanisms by which subunit mutations drive cancer formation, and utilize this insight to identify and develop novel therapeutic approaches. Insights into the normal function of SWI/SNF complexes, the mechanisms by which mutation of the complexes drive cancer formation, and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities created by mutation of the complex will be presented. Citation Format: Charles W.M. Roberts. SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex mutations in cancer: Mechanisms and potential therapeutic insights. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Sep 24-27, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA06.
Biochemical variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase giving rise to congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic disease.

Previous investigations have shown considerable biochemical heterogeneity in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of G-6-PD deficient patients with congenital hemolytic disease. The red cells of four subjects with this disorder and of some family members have been investigated. The G-6-PD of the first subject was different than any previously described mutant enzyme and was named Albuquerque. It resembled the Oklahoma variant of G-6-PD, but the elevation of the Km values for TPN and G-6-PD were less, the pH optimum was slightly different, the enzyme activity of the red cells was much lower, and the enzyme had marked thermal lability. The second patient also showed the presence of a new type of variant, which has been named Duarte. This enzyme was characterized by a marked shift of the pH optimum to the acid side, with otherwise normal kinetic and electrophoretic characteristics. The other two patients were found to have enzymes which appeared to be identical to the previously described Chicago variant and Mediterranean variant. The reasons why patients with Mediterranean variant may sometimes show congenital hemolytic disease are discussed.
cAMP- and swelling-activated chloride conductance in rat hepatocytes

An outwardly rectifying Cl- conductance was identified in primary isolated rat hepatocytes, and the whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to characterize its properties and mechanisms of activa...
Studies in genera similar to Torula: Bahusaganda, Bahusandhika, Pseudotorula, and Simmonsiella gen. nov.

A generic key is presented to delimit Torula from seven hyphomycete genera whose type species were at one time included in the genus or whose conidium ontogeny and conidium development appear similar or superficially similar to that of Torula herbarum, the type of the genus. In Bahusaganda, two new species are described (B. elliseverhartiiand B. simmonsii spp. nov.) and three new combinations made (B. ambrosiae, B. elaeodes, and B. heteromorpha combs. nov.). In Bahusandhika, one new species (B. hughesii sp. nov.) is introduced, and two new combinations made (B. rhombica and B. terrestriscombs. nov.), along with emendations in the circumscription of B. caligans and B. intercalaris. Latorua is considered synonymous with Bahusandhika. In Pseudotorula, one new combination is made (P. sundara comb. nov.), and one emendation proposed (P. helica). The transfer of Dwayabeeja sundara, the type species of the genus, to Pseudotorula will require a new generic name to be introduced for D. aethiopica and D. cubensis. The new generic name Simmonsiella is established for Torula ndjilensis. Bahusandhika compacta is shown to be synonymous with Torula verrucospora.
Mobile Work Continuance of Knowledge Workers: An Empirical Study

Mobile work has been found to offer the benefits of flexibility and empowerment to employees as well as improved savings, productivity, and employee retention to organizations. Nevertheless, challe...