cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic analysis of anion exchange during heteroepitaxy

A thermodynamic approach is presented to assess the extent of anion exchange reactions during the heteroepitaxy (molecular beam epitaxy) of dissimilar anion III–V compound semiconductor structures. It is shown that the extent of anion exchange can be predicted by the change in the Gibbs free energy. Bond strength changes can only be used as a guide in comparing the relative tendency for exchange, rather than as a criterion. The driving force for anion exchange strongly depends on the conditions during interface formation. A number of important factors, including bond strength, misfit strain energy, surface structure and energy, the equilibrium between dimers V2 and tetramers V4, and segregation are discussed in terms of their contributions to the thermodynamics. r 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae Species Isolated from Grapevine Cankers in California

Fungal species in the family Botryosphaeriaceae have been recently recognized as the most common fungi isolated from grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cankers in California. However, the role of these fungi in causing grapevine dieback as well as their status as canker-causing agents was unknown. Therefore, pathogenicity studies were conducted to determine their importance as grapevine pathogens in California. A total of 72 isolates representing all nine Botryosphaeriaceae species isolated from grapevine cankers from California were used in five different pathogenicity studies. Overall, experiments showed all nine Botryosphaeriaceae species able to infect both young and mature tissues as well as green shoots of the new vegetative growth causing cankers, vascular discoloration, and/or otherwise dark streaking of the wood. However, virulence varied among species. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most virulent species followed by Neofusicoccum luteum, N. parvum, and N. australe, all categorized as highly virulent. Botryosphaeria dothidea was considered intermediately virulent and Diplodia mutila, D. seriata, Dothiorella iberica, and D. viticola were shown to be weakly virulent. This study shows species of Botryosphaeriaceae to be much more important pathogens on grapevines than originally thought, and some of them, in view of their virulence, should be considered high risk for causing severe and rapid canker and dieback diseases in the grapevine industry in California.
National trends in the use of partial nephrectomy: a rising tide that has not lifted all boats.

Purpose: Treatment of organ confined renal masses with partial nephrectomy has durable oncologic outcomes comparable to radical nephrectomy. Partial nephrectomy is associated with lower risk of chronic kidney disease and in some series with better overall survival. We report a contemporary analysis on national trends of partial nephrectomy use to determine partial nephrectomy use over time, and whether nontumor related factors such as structural attributes of the treating institution or patient characteristics are associated with the underuse of partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: We performed an analysis of the NIS (National Inpatient Sample), which contains 20% of all United States inpatient hospitalizations. We included patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy for a renal mass between 2002 and 2008. Survey weights were applied to obtain national estimates of nephrectomy use and to evaluate nonclinical predictors of partial nephrectomy.Results: A total of 46,396 patients were include...
Effect of a Novel Prolyl Endopeptidase Inhibitor, JTP-4819, on Spatial Memory and Central Cholinergic Neurons in Aged Rats

The effects of a novel prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor (PEP), (S)-2-[[(S)-2-(hydroxyacetyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]carbonyl]-N-(phenylmethyl)- 1-pyrrolidinecar-boxamide (JTP-4819), on performance of the Morris water maze task and on central cholinergic function were investigated in aged rats. Spatial memory (escape latency, path length, and swimming speed to the platform) was impaired in aged rats performing the Morris water maze task when compared to young rats. Administration of JTP-4819 (1 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days improved this memory deficit in aged rats, as shown by the decrease in escape latency and path length. In addition, when JTP-4819 (at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 3 wk, it reversed the age-related increase of ChAT activity in the cerebral cortex and the decrease of 3H-choline uptake in the hippocampus. These data suggest that JTP-4819 ameliorates age-related impairment of spatial memory and partly reverses central cholinergic dysfunction, possibly due to the enhancement of neuropeptide function by inhibition of PEP mediated degradation of substance P, arginine-vasopressin, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone.
Attachment Classification from the Perspective of Infant-Caregiver Relationships and Infant Temperament.

Recently a number of investigators have suggested that classification differences in the Ainsworth Strange Situation (anxious and secure patterns of attachment) may be due largely or in part to endogenous temperamental variation. In doing so, these investigators have suggested a dimensional-trait approach in place of a qualitatively different taxonomic approach. Moreover, much evidence is directly contrary to a strong temperament interpretation of attachment patterns (changing attachments, differing attachments with different caregivers, prospective data on the early characteristics of infants later classified as securely or anxiously attached). Other interactionist temperament models currently have not been tested sufficiently. At the same time, a host of research findings support the interpretation that Ainsworth assessments capture aspects of the relationship between infant and caregiver, as derived from the history of their interaction. This includes direct evidence from observations of infants and mothers over time, the influence of varying patterns of care within and between cultures, the impact of factors presumed to influence quality of care (e.g., social support, life stress, caregiver family history), and predictions of later parent behavior from strange situation assessments of infant behavior. The importance of understanding attachment as a relational concept is twofold: it represents a theoretical and paradigmatic shift of importance for many aspects of developmental psychology, and it opens the way for more productive research on temperament, the interaction between temperament and experience, and important process studies of the unfolding of the infant-caregiver relationship.
Modelling night-time ecosystem respiration by a constrained source optimization method

One of the main challenges to quantifying ecosystem carbon budgets is properly quantifying the magnitude of night-time ecosystem respiration. Inverse Lagrangian dispersion analysis provides a promising approach to addressing such a problem when measured mean CO2 concentration profiles and nocturnal velocity statistics are available. An inverse method, termed ‘Constrained Source Optimization’ or CSO, which couples a localized near-field theory (LNF) of turbulent dispersion to respiratory sources, is developed to estimate seasonal and annual components of ecosystem respiration. A key advantage to the proposed method is that the effects of variable leaf area density on flow statistics are explicitly resolved via higher-order closure principles. In CSO, the source distribution was computed after optimizing key physiological parameters to recover the measured mean concentration profile in a least-square fashion. The proposed method was field-tested using 1 year of 30-min mean CO2 concentration and CO2 flux measurements collected within a 17-year-old (in 1999) even-aged loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand in central North Carolina. Eddy-covariance flux measurements conditioned on large friction velocity, leaf-level porometry and forest-floor respiration chamber measurements were used to assess the performance of the CSO model. The CSO approach produced reasonable estimates of ecosystem respiration, which permits estimation of ecosystem gross primary production when combined with daytime net ecosystem exchange (NEE) measurements. We employed the CSO approach in modelling annual respiration of above-ground plant components (c. 214 g C m−2 year−1) and forest floor (c. 989 g C m−2 year−1) for estimating gross primary production (c. 1800 g C m−2 year−1) with a NEE of c. 605 g C m−2 year−1 for this pine forest ecosystem. We conclude that the CSO approach can utilise routine CO2 concentration profile measurements to corroborate forest carbon balance estimates from eddy-covariance NEE and chamber-based component flux measurements.
Incidence, Evolution, and Spatial Distribution of Functional Reentry During Ventricular Fibrillation in Pigs

Abstract —Functional reentry has been hypothesized to be an underlying mechanism of ventricular fibrillation (VF); however, its contribution to activation patterns during fully developed VF is unclear. We applied new quantitative pattern analysis techniques to mapping data acquired from a 21×24 unipolar electrode array (2-mm spacing) located on the ventricular epicardium of 7 open-chest, unsupported pigs. Data epochs 4 seconds long beginning 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 seconds after electrical induction were analyzed. Reentrant circuits were automatically identified and quantified. We found that 2.3% of activation pathways could unambiguously be classified as reentrant. From scaling analysis, an additional 28% of the pathways may also have been reentrant. Reentry was short-lived with 1.5±1.5 (mean±SD) complete cycles per circuit. The fraction of reentrant pathways, number of cycles per circuit, cycle duration, and area and perimeter of the cores all increased significantly as VF progressed. Core drift speed decreased significantly. Neither the orientation of the cores nor the direction of drift was well predicted by the epicardial fiber orientation ( r 2=0.108 and 0.138, respectively, by linear regression). Reentrant circuits were clustered in regions of the epicardium. We conclude the following: (1) Epicardial reentry is relatively uncommon and short-lived during VF, suggesting either that sustained reentry is transmural or that mechanisms governing sustained reentry are relatively unimportant to the dynamics of VF. (2) Reentrant circuits become more common, larger, and longer-lived as VF progresses, which may explain a recently observed increase in VF organization during the first minute of VF. (3) The conditions necessary to induce and sustain reentry are distributed nonuniformly.
Criminal and civil liability of physicians for institutional elder abuse and neglect.

The significant mistreatment of some nursing home residents by staff members of some facilities is an unfortunate modern reality. It is a problem that the nursing home industry, physicians who practice within nursing homes, and society—acting through legal strategies and other avenues—must take seriously. The legal system embodies a variety of mechanisms intended to address, and ideally deter, egregious instances of abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Most of the advocacy, governmental, and scholarly attention devoted to the abuse of institutional residents thus far has focused on administrators, nurse aides, and nurses as the direct perpetrators of harm. Reactions to the dilemma emphasize such interventions as mandatory criminal background checks of employees and maintenance of state nurse aide registries. In general, the corporate owners of nursing homes have been portrayed as the primary villains, and attempted legal remedies have been pointed mainly in that direction. The role of the facility’s medical director and attending physicians has been analyzed for the most part in terms of their professional expertise in detecting abuse, reporting it to designated authorities, and providing evidence about the resident’s condition in the context of legal protective proceedings. However, lately there are increasing anecdotal indications of rising physician anxiety about the possibility of criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits being brought against physicians practicing in nursing homes for elder abuse and neglect, based on alleged deficiencies in the quality of residents’ medical treatment. This article examines the bases of this anxiety, in actual practice and in the relevant law. It then discusses some additional and/or alternative sources of liability exposure confronting physicians who care for nursing home residents. THE POTENTIAL FOR PHYSICIAN LIABILITY FOR ABUSE OR NEGLECT
Atypical acropustulosis in infancy

A 20-month-old white girl had a 4-month history of an intensely pruritic widespread eruption that began as crops of 1–3-mm papules and vesicles predominantly on her hands and feet. These lesions evolved into pustules after 24–48 h. Identical lesions would then erupt over large areas of her scalp, trunk, and extremities. Her primary care physician initially interpreted this eruption as chickenpox complicated by impetigo, and also considered a diagnosis of scabies. Antiscabetics, topical steroids, oral antibiotics, and antihistamines failed to control the eruption or alleviate the pruritus which interrupted sleep and her dally activities. The lesions waxed and waned, with new crops developing every 2–3 weeks and fading slowly before the next crop appeared. There was no history of significant exposure to pets or insects. The patient was otherwise in reasonable health and without systemic symptoms. No other children in her day care center nor any family members had a similar eruption. The family history was negative for skin disorders. On physical examination, there was an extensive pustular eruption, most pronounced on the hands and feet (Fig. 1), but also involving the legs (Fig. 2), chest, and scalp, which was remarkable for the confluent, crusted lesions. There was sparing of the intertriglnous areas. Burrows were absent. Cultures of the pustules for fungi and bacteria were negative, as were KOH and scabies preparations. Our clinical impression was acropustulosis of infancy. Because of some unusual features of presentation, namely the late age of onset, the widespread distribution, and the severity of the eruption, we obtained a 3-mm punch biopsy of an intact pustule from the right foot. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen revealed a subcorneal, unilocular pustule containing small clusters of neutrophils invading the intact epithelium (Fig. 3). Hyperplasia and spongiosis of the surrounding epidermis were also noted. There was a sparse mononuclear infiltrate in the papillary dermis, occasionally in a perivascular distribution. Eosinophils were absent. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain was negative for fungal elements. These histologic findings were considered to be representative of acropustulosis of infancy. Prior to starting dapsone therapy, initial laboratory studies, including a complete blood count with differential, platelet count, liver function tests, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and G-6-PD level, were obtained and determined to be within normal limits. Dapsone therapy was initiated at 1 mg/kg/day for 1 week and then increased to 2 mg/kg/day. She showed a dramatic response to therapy with clearing of all lesions. The dapsone dose was then slowly reduced over the next few months and discontinued after 11 months without recurrence of the disorder. She was carefully monitored and at no time experienced untoward effects from this medication.
Patterns and mechanisms of phytoplankton variability in Lake Washington (USA).

Temporal variability in lake phytoplankton is controlled largely by a complex interplay between hydrodynamic and chemical factors, and food webinteractions. We explored mechanisms underlying phytoplankton interannual variability in Lake Washington (USA), using a 25-yr time series of water quality data (1975–1999). Time-series analysis and PCA were used to decompose chlorophyll data into modes of variability. We found that phytoplankton dynamics in Lake Washington were characterized by four seasonal modes, each of which was associated with different ecological processes. The first mode coincided with the period when the system was light limited (January–March) and phytoplankton patterns were driven by the amount of available solar radiation. The second mode (April–June) coincided with the peak of the spring bloom and the subsequent decline of phytoplankton biomass, and was largely controlled by total phosphorus levels and grazing pressure from cladoceran zooplankton. Evidence of co-dependence and tight relationship between phytoplankton and cladoceran dynamics were also found from July to October when a large portion of the phosphorus supply in the mixed layer was provided by zooplankton excretion. The fourth mode (November–December) was associated with the transition to thermal and chemical homogeneity and the winter phytoplankton minima (2–2.5mg/l). Finally, we examined the effects of meteorological forcing and large-scale oceanic climate fluctuations (ENSO and PDO) on phytoplankton dynamics and assessed the significance of their role on the interannual variability in the lake. r 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The synthesis of N‐nitrosohexamethyleneimine labeled with 14C in the 2‐position

A synthetic procedure for 2-14C-N-nitrosohexamethyl-eneimine 1-aza-l-nitroso-(2-14C)-cycloheptane is presented. The starting material was 1-14 C-cyclohexanone which underwent ring expansion, reduction, and finally nitrosation. The synthesis resulted in a product in good yield (68% overall), which is chemically and radiochemically pure.
Handling linkage disequilibrium in linkage analysis using dense single-nucleotide polymorphisms

The presence of linkage disequilibrium violates the underlying assumption of linkage equilibrium in most traditional multipoint linkage approaches. Studies have shown that such violation leads to bias in qualitative trait linkage analysis when parental genotypes are unavailable. Appropriate handling of marker linkage disequilibrium can avoid such false positive evidence. Using the rheumatoid arthritis simulated data from Genetic Analysis Workshop 15, we examined and compared the following three approaches to handle linkage disequilibrium among dense markers in both qualitative and quantitative trait linkage analyses: a simple algorithm; SNPLINK, methods for marker selection; and MERLIN-LD, a method for modeling linkage disequilibrium by creating marker clusters. In analysis ignoring linkage disequilibrium between markers, we observed LOD score inflation only in the affected sib-pair linkage analysis without parental genotypes; no such inflation was present in the quantitative trait locus linkage analysis with severity as our phenotype with or without parental genotypes. Using methods to model or adjust for linkage disequilibrium, we found a substantial reduction of inflation of LOD score in affected sib-pair linkage analysis. Greater LOD score reduction was observed by decreasing the amount of tolerable linkage disequilibrium among markers selected or marker clusters using MERLIN-LD; the latter approach showed most reduction. SNPLINK performed better with selected markers based on the D' measure of linkage disequilibrium as opposed to the r2 measure and outperformed the simple algorithm. Our findings reiterate the necessity of properly handling dense markers in linkage analysis, especially when parental genotypes are unavailable.
WCM Practices of North American Manufacturing Organizations

Determines the extent to which world‐class philosophy and methods are being adopted and utilized by North American manufacturing organizations. Using mailing lists obtained from several US and Canadian chambers of commerce, 800 organizations were identified as a target group. Managers of 251 manufacturing organizations served as respondents to the survey (31.37 per cent response rate). Results indicate that these manufacturers are aware of and committed to the basic concepts underlying world class manufacturing status. However, some weaknesses in translating philosophy into policies and methods were identified. Future research directions are suggested.
Wavelet methods for extracting objects from complex backgrounds

In previous work we use B-spline wavelets to detect Gaussian objects in Markov noise. The authors now generalize the method and use it to adaptively enhance images according to the detector output. They examine a class of multiscale matched filters implemented using the wavelet transform, and show how these filters may be employed to detect objects in complex backgrounds. In two contrasting applications they use the approach to detect microcalcifications in mammograms and ships in infrared images.
Use of new computer modeling methods in the study of cardiac action potential propagation

A new algorithm is presented for the simulation of action potentials propagating in cardiac tissue. The algorithm definition reflects the multicellular, dynamical nature of the system. It is explicit, but allows the use of large timesteps, which may be individually chosen for each time advance and each cell. The method is well over an order of magnitude faster than standard fixed-timestep methods, and is particularly efficient for small cell sizes compared to other variable timestep methods.
A short report on the highlights of world-wide development of RIX4414: a North American experience comparative evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of two dosages of an oral live attenuated human rotavirus vaccine (RIX4414) in infants in the United States and Canada.

Abstract This randomized, double-blind trial conducted in the US and Canada was conducted to compare the safety and immunogenicity of two dosages of live attenuated oral monovalent G1 human rotavirus (HRV) vaccine administered orally at a 2-month interval concomitantly with routine childhood vaccines to healthy infants 5–15 weeks of age. No SAEs considered related to vaccine were reported. The incidence of solicited symptoms was similar among treatment groups during the 15-day post-vaccination surveillance periods. No significant difference in vaccine take after 2 doses (88.0% in high dose group and 81.5% in low dose group) was seen between vaccine groups. Two doses of either dosage level of HRV vaccine administered concurrently with routine childhood vaccines to healthy infants were well tolerated and elicited excellent vaccine takes.
Nonlinearity and Chaos

One of the most exciting areas of current research in classical mechanics is the dynamic behavior of nonlinear systems. Nonlinear systems exhibit a much richer variety of behaviors than do linear systems. However, most nonlinear systems are impossible to solve using paper and pencil methods. It was only with the advent of digital computers that nonlinear dynamics really came into its own. With computer software like Maxima we can explore nonlinear dynamics in a way that is impossible without a computer.
The Mechanism of Sound Absorption in Solutions of Nucleotides and Nucleosides

The various mechanisms which can lead to concentration independent relaxation frequencies are discussed. Results are presented of base stacking studies of 6-methylpurine in water urea. It is found that 7M urea does not totally eliminate stacking. The major effect of urea is to decrease the rate of formation of stacks. The most probable mechanism for the concentration independent relaxation at low frequencies in nucleotides is shown to be an anion desolvation.
Stochastic SIS metapopulation models for the spread of disease among species in a fragmented landscape

Two stochastic models are derived for a susceptible–infectious–susceptible epidemic spreading through a metapopulation: a continuous time Markov chain (CTMC) model and an Ito stochastic differential equation (SDE) model. The stochastic models are numerically compared. Close agreement suggests that computationally intense CTMC simulations can be approximated by simpler SDE simulations. Differential equations for the moments of the SDE probability distribution are also derived, the steady states are solved numerically using a moment closure technique, and these results are compared to simulations. The moment closure technique only coarsely approximates simulation results. The effect of model parameters on stability of the disease-free equilibrium is also numerically investigated.
Aging well: Processing speed inhibition and working memory related to balance and aerobic endurance.

Aim The present study explored whether certain physical performance measures could be linked to specific cognitive domains in healthy older adults. Method A total of 50 adults (mean age 69.5 years, SD 8.1) were evaluated on physical performance using measures of balance (Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale), functional mobility (8-ft up-and-go), lower body strength (30-s chair stand), gait (30-ft walk velocity) and aerobic endurance (6-min walk). Cognitive measures included Stroop Color–Word Test, Digit Span Backward, Trail Making Tests, Everyday Problems Test, Digit Symbol Substitution and a Brown–Peterson test. Principal component analyses reduced cognition to domains of processing speed, inhibition and working memory. Results Hierarchical regression analyses were carried out with age and each physical measure as potential predictors of the three cognitive domains. The balance scale and 6-min walk were specifically associated with processing speed, inhibition and working memory. Conclusions Better dynamic balance and aerobic endurance predicted enhanced processing speed, inhibition and working memory in older adults, with these last two domains considered components of executive function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
New Taxa of Columbid (Aves) Feather Mites (Falculiferidae) with Suprategumental Shields

Hyperaspidacarus , n. gen., and 2 new species, H. tridentatus and H. abbreviatus , are described from American ground doves (Columbidae). The males have suprategumental excrescences originating from the anterior hysterosoma and extending anteriorly over the propodosoma.
First fossil record of cerocephaline wasps with a description of a new genus and species from Dominican amber (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae: Cerocephalinae)

Dominocephala vibrissae gen. et sp. nov. is described from lower Miocene to mid-Oligocene Dominican amber. The new species represents the first fossil record of the pteromalid subfamily Cerocephalinae within the megadiverse parasitoid superfamily Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera). Selected morphological characters of the new species are discussed from a phylogenetic perspective with reference to extant cerocephaline taxa. An updated key to the genera of world Cerocephalinae is presented. D. vibrissae was trapped in resin with a number of other insects, including six specimens of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Platypodidae), which represent a possible host species of the new species. The fossil provides a minimum age of 23–30 Ma for the subfamily Cerocephalinae and for a potential host switch within Chalcidoidea to endophytic (wood-, cone- or seed-boring) beetles.
A New Technique for Determining Midgap States and Hole Localization in a-Si:H Devices

We describe a technique for measuring localization of holes in mid-gap states in high quality a-Si:H devices. The localization of holes is determined by measuring quantum efficiency of a-Si:H devices as a function of reverse bias voltage and wavelength of light. It is shown that the QE of localized holes increases significantly upon application of high electric fields, whereas the QE of de-localized holes does not show such a behavior. The voltage-induced increase in QE is explained using a Frenkel-Poole tunneling model. It is also shown that the density of mid-gap states (states in which holes are localized) increases significantly upon light soaking, and that a major consequence of this increase in mid-gap density is a decrease in the electric field in the device. The decrease in electric field is experimentally estimated by fitting the increased current due to tunneling to the expression for Frenkel-Poole tunneling.
Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on gastric mucosa. II. Mucosal ATP and phosphocreatine content, and salicylate effects on mitochondrial metabolism.

The effects of acetylsalicylic acid on gastric mucosal ATP and phosphocreatine and mucosal O2 consumption were studied using in vitro bullfrog gastric mucosa. Electrophysiological parameters (potential difference and resistance) changed rapidly after exposure to 10 or 20 mM acetylsalicylic acid at pH 3.0, 4.0, or 6.0 in the mucosal solution. ATP and phosphocreatine content decreased rapidly after exposure. Control mucosae contained 11.8 ± 0.98 nmoles of ATP and 11.5 ± 0.68 nmoles of phosphocreatine per mg of protein. ATP content decreased 21% and phosphocreatine decreased 45% after 15 to 30 min of exposure. Longer durations of exposure reduced both ATP and phosphocreatine to 10 to 15% of control levels. O2 consumption was increased during the first 15 to 30 min after exposure to acetylsalicylate. Longer durations of exposure reduced O2 consumption to near control levels. Study of isolated mitochondria confirmed that acetylsalicylate itself did not significantly affect mitochondrial respiration, respiratory control ratio, or ADP:O ratio. Salicylate had a biphasic effect which was concentration dependent. Salicylate initially stimulated and later inhibited mitochondrial respiration. Using various substrates the site of inhibition appeared to be located in the segment of the respiratory chain between coenzyme Q and cytochrome c1.
Differential effects of HIV transmission from monocyte‐derived dendritic cells vs. monocytes to IL‐17+CD4+ T cells

HIV infection leads to CD4 helper T cell (Th) loss, but not all Th cells are equally depleted. The contribution of other immune cells in the Th depletion also remains unclear. This study investigates HIV transmission from monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) vs. monocytes to Th17 and Th1 cells using an allogeneic coculture model. The addition of HIV to MDDCs increased the expression of the negative regulatory molecule PD-L1 and decreased the expression of the activation markers HLA-DR and CD86, whereas the virus up-regulated HLA-DR and CD86, but not PD-L1, on monocytes. Coculturing of CD4+ T cells with MDDCs pretreated with HIV led to the decline of Th17, but not Th1, responses. In contrast, pretreatment of monocytes with HIV increased Th17 without affecting Th1 responses. The enhanced Th17 responses in the cocultures with HIV-treated monocytes were also accompanied by high numbers of virus-infected CD4+ T cells. The Th17 expansion arose from memory CD4+ T cells with minimal contribution from naive CD4+ T cells. The Th17-enhancing activity was mediated by the HIV envelope and did not require productive virus infection. Comparison of MDDCs and monocytes further showed that, although HIV-treated MDDCs reduced Th proliferation and increased the activation of the apoptosis mediator caspase-3, HIV-treated monocytes enhanced Th proliferation without increasing the active caspase-3 levels. This study indicates the potential role of distinct myeloid cell populations in shaping Th17 responses during HIV infection.
Persistence with biologic therapies in the medicare coverage gap

OBJECTIVES To describe persistence with teriparatide and other biologic therapies in Medicare Part D plans with and without a coverage gap. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective (2006) cohort study of Medicare Part D prescription drug plan beneficiaries from a large benefits company. Two plans with a coverage gap (defined as "basic") were combined and compared with a single plan with coverage for generic and branded medications (defined as "complete"). METHODS Patients taking alendronate (nonbiologic comparator), teriparatide, etanercept, adalimumab, interferon β-1a, or glatiramer acetate were selected for the study. For patients with complete coverage, equivalent financial thresholds were used to define the "gap."The definition of discontinuation was failure to fill the index prescription after reaching the gap. RESULTS For alendronate, 27% of 133,260 patients had enrolled in the complete plan. Patients taking biologic therapies had more commonly enrolled in complete plans: teriparatide (66% of 6221), etanercept (58% of 1469), adalimumab (52% of 824), interferon β-1a (60% of 438), and glatiramer acetate (53% of 393). For patients taking either alendronate or teriparatide, discontinuation rates were higher in the basic, versus complete, plan (adjusted odds ratios, 2.02 and 3.56, respectively). Discontinuation did not significantly vary by plan type for etanercept, adalimumab, interferon β-1a, or glatiramer acetate. CONCLUSIONS For patients who reached the coverage gap, discontinuation was more likely for patients taking osteoporosis (OP) medication. Not having a coverage gap was associated with improved persistence with OP treatment.
Using Symmetry to Uncover a Group

In this lab, we try to discover some of the basic properties of a group by considering the symmetries of a regular triangle.
Reduced SnO2 Porous Nanowires with a High Density of Grain Boundaries as Catalysts for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 -into-HCOOH Conversion.

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into energy-dense liquids, such as formic acid, is desirable as a hydrogen carrier and a chemical feedstock. SnOx is one of the few catalysts that reduce CO2 into formic acid with high selectivity but at high overpotential and low current density. We show that an electrochemically reduced SnO2 porous nanowire catalyst (Sn-pNWs) with a high density of grain boundaries (GBs) exhibits an energy conversion efficiency of CO2-into-HCOOH higher than analogous catalysts. HCOOH formation begins at lower overpotential (350 mV) and reaches a steady Faradaic efficiency of ca. 80 % at only −0.8 V vs. RHE. A comparison with commercial SnO2 nanoparticles confirms that the improved CO2 reduction performance of Sn-pNWs is due to the density of GBs within the porous structure, which introduce new catalytically active sites. Produced with a scalable plasma synthesis technology, the catalysts have potential for application in the CO2 conversion industry.
Breast cancer prevention with phytochemicals in mushrooms

5186 White button mushrooms (species Agaricus bisporus) are thought to be a useful chemopreventive agent for breast cancer, given that it suppresses aromatase/estrogen biosynthesis. Aromatase is the enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen. An abnormal expression of aromatase in breast tissue is considered to be a risk factor for breast cancer. In our laboratory, we have found that of the seven vegetable extracts tested, mushroom extract was the most effective in inhibiting the activity of human placental aromatase activity. Of the other extracts evaluated, celery had a modest inhibitory effect. Extracts prepared from green onion, carrot, bell pepper, broccoli and spinach did not exhibit significant aromatase inhibition under these experimental conditions. Cell culture experiments were performed to further evaluate the anti-aromatase and anti-breast cancer activity of mushrooms. Our laboratory has prepared one breast cancer cell line, MCF7aro. This cell line is ER-positive/aromatase-positive and demonstrates increased cell proliferation in the presence of testosterone. The addition of mushroom extract decreased the advantage gained by the addition of testosterone to a similar level as seen with 4-OHA, a known aromatase inhibitor. Furthermore, mushroom extract was found not to affect the proliferation of MCF-10A, a non-cancer cell line. These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of white button mushroom extract is through a specific anti-aromatase action, not a cytotoxic effect. To better understand the cancer protective effects of mushrooms, our laboratory decided to characterize the anti-aromatase chemicals and to investigate the in vivo action of mushroom extract. Three sets of animal experiments have been conducted and the results suggest that the oral intake of mushroom extracts might slow down MCF-7aro-derived tumor growth in nude mice. Histological examination of the tumors revealed that the levels of apoptosis between tumors from the control and mushroom extract-fed animals were similar, therefore indicating again that the tumor suppressing effect of mushroom extract is not through a cytotoxic effect. These results significantly indicate that these phytochemicals in mushroom are orally active and maintain their activity after ingestion. Preliminary studies from this laboratory have found more than one chemical in mushrooms that can inhibit aromatase and some of them may be fatty acid derivatives. The exact nature of the active chemicals is not yet determined. Based on these results, we hypothesize that postmenopausal women can benefit from a diet which includes mushrooms, a common vegetable, since they contain phytochemicals which has been shown to be effective aromatase inhibitors.
Development of the Flame Test Concept Inventory: Measuring Student Thinking about Atomic Emission

This study reports the development of a 19-item Flame Test Concept Inventory, an assessment tool to measure students’ understanding of atomic emission. Fifty-two students enrolled in secondary and postsecondary chemistry courses were interviewed about atomic emission and explicitly asked to explain flame test demonstrations and energy level diagrams. Analysis of students’ explanations offered insight into students’ alternative conceptions and was used to design items and distractors for a 19-item Flame Test Concept Inventory about atomic emission. Results from a pilot study with first-year university chemistry and with upper-division chemistry students were analyzed to create a final version of the inventory that was administered to both secondary students (N = 459) and first-year university students (N = 100) who had completed formal instruction and course assessment about atomic emission. Analysis of student responses indicated the inventory generated valid and reliable data. Common alternative concepti...
Improving efficiency in preoperative assessment: A pilot study on visit times for preoperative evaluation

Abstract Purpose Preoperative clinics are an increasingly common mechanism for preoperative evaluation. Factors predicting prolonged visit times are poorly understood. Our objective was to identify patient factors that would allow non-medically trained staff to determine appropriate scheduling needs. Methods At the preoperative assessment center of a tertiary care hospital, patient data were prospectively collected on 25 risk factors hypothesized to be related to a prolonged visit length, defined as greater than the unit benchmark of 75 min. The association between these risk factors and prolonged visit length was assessed. Results Data were collected on 1053 patients seen at the preoperative center over a two month period. The median patient age was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 47, 67). A total of 446 patients (42%) had a prolonged visit length. Significant multivariate predictors of a prolonged visit length were: age greater than 80 years ( p = 0.003), taking >6 prescription medications ( p = 0.0002), functional status of p = 0.002), currently having > 3 medical providers ( p = 0.0005), inability to explain details of one's medical history ( p = 0.001), and planned ICU postoperative stay ( p = 0.0004). Conclusions Predictors of prolonged visit length include factors that can be obtained prior to the date of evaluation. Scheduling models integrating such predictors into workflow processes have the potential to improve patient care and allow for more efficient use of resources for the preoperative assessment.
Biology of Microbial Pathogens

All organisms belong to one of the three domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. As foodborne pathogens, general properties such as the morphological and structural characteristics of bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites, and algae are reviewed in this chapter. The cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria contain a thick peptidoglycan (PGN), which is highly complex and dynamic containing a disaccharide N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) and linked by β-1,4-glycosidic linkage (GlcNAc-(β1–4)-MurNAc) and pentapeptide. The PGN not only protects the bacterial cells against mechanical or physical damages but also hosts numerous structural and functional proteins for rigid exoskeleton and for functional attributes such as bacterial pathogenesis and induction of host immune response. The Gram-negative cell envelope consists of the outer membrane (OM) which carries LPS (an endotoxin), a thin PGN layer, and a cytoplasmic membrane. Due to the presence of OM, the protein secretion system in Gram-negative bacteria is mediated by several secretory pathways designated as type I–VI secretory pathways, of which type III secretion system is known as the molecular syringe that delivers bacterial virulence proteins directly to the interior of the host cell. Some bacteria produce endospores, which are essentially a long-term survival strategy for the bacteria.
The Westminster Standards and the possibility of a Reformed virtue ethic

The renaissance of virtue ethics in Christian moral discourse has led a handful of Reformed theologians to consider whether or not the Reformed tradition is compatible with classical and medieval concepts of virtue. Barthians, in particular, express doubt regarding the prospect of such a retrieval, arguing that classical notions of virtue compromise the Reformed hallmark of divine sovereignty and Luther's dictum simul justus et peccator. This essay counters that the Reformed tradition is broad enough to find more productive ways to engage virtue ethics. In particular, the Westminster Standards provide both the formal space for a significant theological exploration of human agency and the material content for the development of something like a classical virtue ethic. Barthian concerns regarding divine sovereignty and moral progress are satisfied by a demonstration that Westminster's attention to human agency is always within the context of a greater emphasis on divine agency.
A Bioresponsive Membrane for Insulin Delivery

Treatment of diabetics with conventional insulin injection therapy results in poor control of glucose levels when compared to the normal homeostatic system. Insulin levels are higher than normal immediately after injection but are below normal levels at any other times, and glucose levels are correspondingly abnormal. Many degenerative conditions associated with diabetes (e.g., increased vascular disease, impairment of kidney function and vision) may stem from poor control of glucose (1). Because of this, the National Commission on Diabetes has recommended an expansion of efforts to deal with these problems (2). As a result, a variety of approaches to improved treatment of diabetics have been studied, including pancreas or islet cell transplantation; artificial beta cell devices; and combined therapy with both insulin and somatostatin (3).
The Virtual Museum: Virtualisation of Real Historical Environments and Artefacts and Three-Dimensional Shape-Based Searching

An intuitive technique for managing three-dimensional objects by shape is presented. This technique is applied to the Virtual Museum in the framework of heritage applications. The Virtual Museum is a virtual reality-based museum that allows the public to visualise, compare, manipulate and search the collection with an intuitive query by shape paradigm. The artefacts and the museum are virtualised with laser scanners and photogrammetric techniques. A high degree of realism can be attained by those techniques and the context in which the artefacts were discovered or were used can be recreated.
Use of surface markers to identify a subset of acute myelomonocytic leukemia cells with progenitor cell properties

The expression of differentiation-associated surface antigens was used to identify subsets of human acute myelomonocytic leukemia cells. The leukemic colony-forming cells expressed antigens characteristic of very immature myeloid cells (Ia, MY7), while the majority of leukemic cells also expressed an antigen (MY4) characteristic of later myeloid cells. The highly proliferative MY4 negative colony-forming cells may serve as progenitor cells for the less proliferative MY4 + leukemic cells.
High Frequency Electric Machines for Boundary Layer Ingestion Fan Propulsor

High specific power electric motor is a key enabling technology for electric/hybrid-electric propulsion for aircraft. High-frequency, ‘air-core’ machine topologies show potential for high specific power when the machines are integrated within jet engines at high speed, e.g. 15,000 rpm. In this paper, we explore how these machines scale to electric propulsion systems at a range of speeds, to also include ‘boundary layer ingestion’ fan in newly proposed Single-aisle Turboelectric Aircraft with an Aft Boundary-Layer (STARC-ABL) propulsors. Detailed analytical models that have been experimentally verified, and an evolutionary genetic algorithm are utilized to study the effect of speed on weight of the topology. The results show that the topology, especially with proper selection of support structure design, maintains high specific power even at lower speeds. Furthermore, a case study shows that rim-driven fan topology is favorable for the boundary layer ingestion fan.
Patterns and correlates of urban trail use: Evidence from the Cincinnati metropolitan area

Abstract Transportation, parks, and health organizations are collaborating to develop multiuse trail networks that meet the needs of metropolitan residents for utilitarian travel, recreation, and fitness. This paper describes how trails are used and explores correlates of trail use in the Greater Cincinnati region. Drawing on a systematic survey of users, we use ordinary probit and spatial models to explore the effects of socio-demographics, trip characteristics, attitudes, and the built environment, on recreational and utilitarian use. Most (89%) respondents report using trails for recreation; just 8.8% say they use trails for utilitarian purposes. Ordinary probit models show that users reporting recreational use are significantly more likely to be female, have incomes greater than $120,000, and travel longer distances on trails, but less likely to bike or walk to access trails. Transit connectivity is negatively correlated with recreational use. Trail users reporting utilitarian purposes are disproportionately male, significantly less likely to have incomes greater than $120,000, and more likely to take short trips on trails and to access trails by cycling or walking. They say they would commute more by cycling if connectivity were improved. Spatial probit model indicates negative spatial relationships among recreational users, implying the absence of a spatially-based common culture of trail use. Trail planners in this region can use these findings to strengthen the planning and design of trail networks and to meet the needs of different users. Given the finding most trail use is for recreational purposes, additional studies of the needs of utilitarian users are warranted.