cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment in myositis

As with the treatment of many immune-mediated diseases, managing myositis encompasses diverse factors, which present a challenge to the physician caring for these patients. The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs, also known as myositis), are fundamentally heterogeneous; many contributory immunological perturbations are involved in the pathogenesis of myositis, leading to varying clinical phenotypic presentations. Targeting any one or several of these deleterious pathways with a therapeutic agent might seem reasonable, but the desired response is not uniformly predictable. The presence of many serious extramuscular manifestations, such as severe skin rash, interstitial lung disease and arthritis, complicates the management of myositis. Myositis is rare, and very few large treatment trial results are available to guide clinicians. Outcome measures to effectively gauge treatment responses have been available for only a few years, and response criteria that incorporate critical core set measures continue to evolve. Nevertheless, a multitude of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents are available to clinicians managing myositis, and the emergence of biologic agents targeting potential pathogenic pathways offers hope for mitigating or curing this enigmatic group of diseases. Paradigm shifts in the nonpharmacological approach to treat myositis have also occurred as more aggressive exercise regimens have shown benefit in patients, even those with active disease.
Measuring Social Class with Changing Occupational Classifications: Reliability, Competing Measurement Strategies, and the 1970–1980 U.S. Classification Divide:

Periodic changes in occupational classifications make it difficult to obtain consistent measures of social class over time, potentially jeopardizing research on class-based trends. The severity of ...
Exotic Terranes in the Central-Southern Appalachian Orogen and Correlations With West Africa

Central and southern segments of the Appalachian orogen have long been subdivided into several northeast-trending lithotectonic “belts” (Fig. 1) on the basis of contrasts in lithologic character, metamorphic grade, and/or structural style (e.g. King 1955; Hatcher 1972,1978b, 1987; Rankin 1975; Glover et al. 1983). The nomenclature and regional configuration of these belts as well as the character of intervening boundaries has changed markedly over the last 30 years (e.g. King 1955; Overstreet and Bell 1965a, b; Hatcher 1972, 1978b, 1987; Butler 1980). Such subdivision of the orogen has become increasingly more difficult to reconcile with results of recent detailed geologic mapping where, for example, protolith sequences within a low-grade belt may be traced directly into an adjacent high-grade belt (e. g. Overstreet and Bell 1965b; Griffin 1972; Secor et al. 1986a). In addition, contrasting times of regional metamorphism have been documented within different areas of the same belt (e. g. Dallmeyer et al. 1986; Noel et al. 1988). These and other similarly contradictory relationships have led to the suggestion by some workers (e. g. Zen 1981; Williams and Hatcher 1982, 1983; Secor et al. 1986b; Higgins et al. 1986, 1988; Noel et al. 1988; Dallmeyer 1986, 1989a; Horton et al. 1989, 1991) that the central-southern Appalachian orogen is comprised of several markedly different, fault-bounded structural units (Fig. 2) with tectonic significance similar to that of tectonostratigraphic terranes defined within Mesozoic-Cenozoic orogens of the Circum-Pacific realm (e.g. Coney et al. 1980; Jones et al. 1983a, b; Howell and Jones 1984).
INTERACTION OF GUANETHIDINE AND BRETYLIUM WITH ADRENERGIC NEURONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the interaction of guanethidine and bretylium with adrenergic neurons. Guanethidine and a number of basic organic compounds have many characteristics in common. They possess a two-carbon chain separating a ring system from a guanidine group. They decrease the norepinephrine content of peripheral tissues, and they make adrenergic neurons unresponsive to nerve stimulation. Reports demonstrated that in rat, after intravenous injections of guanethidine, the drug levels decline initially at a very fast rate, but after 2 h the rate of disappearance becomes exponential, and has a half-life of about 7 h. About half of the injected guanethidine has disappeared during the first 2 h, but at this time, the residual drug is localized in tissues. After pretreatment with amphetamine, guanethidine in a dose of 8 mg/kg, depleted heart NE by only 14% despite a guanethidine level of 4.5 μ/g, and in rats not treated with amphetamine, this concentration is more than sufficient to deplete the catecholamine by 60% or more.
Nature vs. Nurture in Negative Campaigning: Examining the Role of Candidate Traits and the Campaign Environment in Negative Advertising

Even to the casual observer of politics it would be hard to question the increasing prominence of political advertisements in modern campaigns. In Congressional races advertising has become the most predominant form of voter contact and serves as the primary means by which campaigns attempt to persuade potential voters and mobilize probable supporters. To this end, it is unsurprising that a significant amount of ink has been spilled in an effort to explain the effects political ads, with a particular emphasis on negative ads, have on voter turnout, voter learning, and candidate evaluations. On the candidate side of the equation, research suggests that, while more likely to produce a significant effect than their positive counterparts, negative ads come at a risk for candidates, as campaigns can quickly devolve into ‘mud-slinging’ contests that result in depressed turnout and reduced candidate affect for both sides. This dilemma then lends the question: Why do candidates decide to go negative at all? If we assume candidates are aware of the added cost of negative ads, what prompts them to still engage in negative advertising?In this paper I examine the campaigns for the United States Senate from 2000 through 2008 to examine whether candidate traits or the campaign environment are responsible for candidates’ decisions to go negative. I utilize data from the University of Wisconsin Advertising Project in conjunction with candidate bios, Federal Election Commission funding reports, and trial-heat polling data to provide a dynamic analysis of candidate advertising behavior. Through the use of Heckman-style selection models I model candidates’ choice to go negative in the final three months of the campaign cycle as a function of their personal traits and their relative position in their respective contests. Results suggest that, contrary to expectations, candidate traits are largely insignificant predictors of advertising behavior. Rather, candidates tend to go negative primarily in response to the advertising tone of their opponents and their relative position in the race. Perhaps most interestingly, once a candidate has made the decision to go negative, they are more likely to go negative in each successive week of the campaign, suggesting that the use of negative advertising is a threshold behavior that, once crossed, is much more likely to be repeated.
INDUCTION OF MYELINATING OLIGODENDROCYTES IN HUMAN CORTICAL SPHEROIDS

The invention described herein provides a method for generating oligocortical spheroids from (human) pluripotent stem cells. The cortical spheroids so generated produces maturing oligodendrocytes that can, for example, myelinate axons, and model myelin disease and drug effects.
Gross National Happiness (GNH): Linkages to and Implications for Macromarketing

This theoretical commentary explores the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and connects it with several central macromarketing concepts such as QoL, ethics, the common good, the purpose of ...
Production and characterization of a novel HPV anti-L2 monoclonal antibody panel.

Abstract The major capsid protein of HPV, L1, assembles into pentamers that form a T = 7 icosahedral particle, but the location of the co-assembled minor capsid protein, L2, remains controversial. Several researchers have developed useful monoclonal antibodies targeting L2, but most react with linear epitopes toward the N-terminus. As a means to better define the virus capsid and better assess the localization and exposure of L2 epitopes in the context of assembled HPV, we have developed a panel of 30 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which target the N-terminus of L2 amino acids 11–200, previously defined as a broadly protective immunogen. Select mAbs were processed with enzymes and anti-L2 Fabs were generated. These new mAb/Fab probes will be beneficial in future studies to unravel the placement of L2 and to help better define the role of L2 in the HPV lifecycle and the nature of the broadly protective epitopes.
Quantitative assessment of tumor-infiltrating neutrophils to predict immunotherapy responses in metastatic melanoma.

e21039Background: Tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs) and their myeloid precursors play an important role in cancer biology. While activated neutrophils have been shown to kill tumor cells, there...
Measurement Invariance of the Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale Across Racial Groups

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess measurement equivalence of the 15-item Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (PBSS) across White and Black college students. Results partially suppo...
From the Casbah to Père Jules’s cabin: theorising the exotic-abject in 1930s French cinema

This essay examines two oft-commented on films of 1930s France, Pepe le Moko (Julien Duvivier, 1937) and L’Atalante (Jean Vigo, 1934). The author argues that representations of the exotic in both f...
Estimating the Effects of Small Voltage and Frequency Changes on Industrial Induction Motor Loading

This work develops expressions for estimating the change in active and reactive power for industrial motors in response to voltage and frequency variations around the operating point. Magnetizing circuit saturation is accounted for by using incremental reactance. The expressions are simplified for a quick estimate using stator measurements and parameters. The expressions are validated using simulation, and further, a test was carried out in a nuclear power plant to determine the voltage sensitivities experimentally. Both simulation and test show that the expressions are capable of yielding a fair estimation of the required sensitivities.
Stable, low-resistance, 1.5 to 3.5 kΩ sq−1, diamond surface conduction with a mixed metal-oxide protective film

Abstract Semiconducting diamond has the potential for an order-of-magnitude increase in power handling over currently used semiconductors. This is made possible by diamond's higher thermal conductivity and a higher breakdown voltage than any other device-quality semiconductor. Diamond power devices have numerous potential applications in the power grid and in high-power high-frequency RF applications. One approach to leverage diamond's abilities is through the fabrication of field-effect transistors (FETs). The FET is made by forming a p-type surface conductive layer on the diamond surface. This is accomplished by terminating the diamond surface with hydrogen atoms and then coating the surface with a material that contains negative charges to compensate for the positive holes in the p-type layer. Impressive drain current (1.3 A mm−1), maximum operational voltages (>2000 V), and frequencies of unity current gain (fT of 75 GHz) have been demonstrated with this surface conductance method. This surface layer, however, is not stable and FET performance degrades over time on the scale of hours to days. This paper describes an encapsulating layer with a mixed oxide, Al2O3-SiO2, which maintains the resistance of the conductive layer in the range of 1.5 to 3.5 kΩ sq.−1 by protecting the diamond surface while maintaining a stable negative charge.
Sentido de la formación ética en la universidad

Can today’s university students, qualified future professionals, dispense with ethics in their formation? In the complex and ever–changing world where they will exercise their professions, common ethical intuitions are no longer enough, if they ever were, to answer the second Kantian question:”What should we do?”, “How valuable is this formation?”, “How can one go about dealing with this in the university?” Professionals have to make decisions that take into account serving society while exercising a profession. Professors, researchers, people working in the university including academic authorities, all must always bear in mind this ethical component in their decisions. As part of their formation, it is necessary for students to develop ethical skills –reflexive and practical– for exercising their professions, and we believe that this has to be done in the university. In the current crisis, society as well expects this of university education. The intent of this editorial is to reflect upon the teaching and learning of ethics in the university because, although conscious of the difficulties inherent in this task, we also realise that this formation is urgent and therefore more necessary than ever before. The editorial begins by contemplating the possibility of this formation, as well as its relevance in the university. We go on to outline the contents and methodological options of teaching ethics in the university
E-080 Gender characteristics, comorbidity and outcomes of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a novel u.s. population

Introduction Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) has an estimated incidence of 1.32–1.57/100,000/yr, with death or severe disability in less than 10%. There is a reported elevated incidence in young -middle age females. The majority of reported epidemiologic and outcome data has been collected outside the United States (US). Available US data shows low representation of the Appalachian region, which has relatively a higher burden of disease and lower socioeconomic level. The objective of this study was to examine the gender characteristics of CVST patients in the United States, with greater representation of the Appalachian region. Methods Data were collected in a retrospective cohort using the Kentucky Appalachian Stroke Registry (KApSR), collected from admissions in a Comprehensive Stroke Center serving 554,300 from the central-eastern United States. All diagnosed CVST patients found in the database from 2010–2018 greater than 18 years of age were included in the data set. Descriptive data were computed using SPSS statistics. Results 101 patients diagnosed with CVST were included. 58 patients were female (57.4%). Median age was 44 years. The National Institutes of Health Stoke Scale (NIHSS) was reported for 32 female and 21 male patients. Median NIHSS was.5 in females and 0 in males at admission. Median length of stay was 7 days in females vs. 4 days in males. Discharge data were available for 51 female and 33 Male patients. Of female patients, 28 (55%) were discharged to home, 17(33%) were transferred to continued care, 4(8%) were transferred to hospice and 2(4%) died within 48 hours of admission. Of male patients, 25(76%) were discharged to home, 7 (21%) were transferred to continued care, and 1 (3%) was transferred to hospice. Female patients had a higher burden or comorbidities and multimorbidity compared to male patients. Conclusion The results of this study indicate a higher burden of comorbidity, more severe presentation, and worse prognosis in female patients. This is in contrast to the majority of CVST research, many of which have found the male sex to be an independent risk factor for worse outcomes. This may reflect a particular variant among the Appalachian population Disclosures S. Walsh-Blackmore: 1; C; University of Kentucky Center for Clnical and Translational Sciences Professional Student Mentored Research Fellowship. J. Fraser: None. P. Kitzman: None. M. Dobbs: None.
Relationship between DTI Brain Connectivity and Functional Performance in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

this study examines the relationship between brain structural connectivity, and physical and cognitive performances in individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Nine moderate to severe TBI participants were included in the study, and regression analysis was performed to explore if DTI connectivity of 16 regions of interest can predict individuals’ : 1) Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC), 2) time component of Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), 3) Reaction Time (RT) during bimanual force matching task, 4) Performance Error Measurement (PEM) during bimanual force matching task, and 5) cognitive assessment of task switching using Trail Making (TM) test. Results showed that slower WMFT, PEM, and TM can be predicted by weaker cerebrospinal tract connectivity. Higher Caudate connectivity predicted higher WMFT and slower RT, and higher right Cingulum predicted faster TM. Current results suggest that measures of cognitive-motor interference may be better indicators of functional performance than single cognitive and motor performance tests.
Cost comparison of different treatment approaches of dacryocystitis and dacrocystocele

Purpose:Congenital dacrocystocele with potential for dacryocystitis are common ophthalmic findings in children. There are multiple surgical approaches to open the mucocele. In this study, we look a...
COVID-19 impacts on participation in large scale biodiversity-themed community science projects in the United States

Abstract Shutdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have had extensive impacts on professional and volunteer-based biodiversity and conservation efforts. We evaluated the impact of the widespread pandemic-related closures in the spring of 2020 on participation patterns and rates on a national and a state-by-state basis in the United States in four biodiversity-themed community science programs: eBird, eButterfly, iNaturalist, and Nature's Notebook. We compared the number of participants, observations submitted, and proportion of observations collected in urban environments in spring 2020 to the expected values for these metrics based on activity in the previous five years (2015–2019), which in many cases exhibited underlying growth. At the national scale, eButterfly and Nature's Notebook exhibited declines in the number of participants and number of observations submitted during the spring of 2020 and iNaturalist and eBird showed growth in both measures. On a state-by-state basis, the patterns varied geographically and by program. The more popular programs – iNaturalist and eBird – exhibited increases in the Eastern U.S. in both the number of observations and participants and slight declines in the West. Further, there was a widespread increase in observations originating from urban areas, particularly in iNaturalist and eBird. Understanding the impacts of lockdowns on participation patterns in these programs is crucial for proper interpretation of the data. The data generated by these programs are highly valuable for documenting impacts of pandemic-related closures on wildlife and plants and may suggest patterns seen in other community science programs and in other countries.
Abstract P695: Rural-Urban Differences in Functional Outcomes After Acute Therapy for Stroke

Introduction: The Southeastern United States, known as the “the stroke belt,” has the highest stroke mortality rate in the country. One possible reason is the high proportion of its residents livin...
Neonatal syringocystadenoma papilliferum: A case report.

Background Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) represents a rare, noncancerous adnexal tumor predominantly presenting at birth or in early childhood. Case summary In this study, a 35-day-old girl was admitted to Kunming Children's Hospital in October 2019 due to a lesion in the right frontotemporal region since birth. The surface of the lesion was bright red, granular, and papillary and easily bled upon touch, with about 1.5 cm × 4 cm in size. A subcutaneous mass was felt at the base of the lesion, with a size of about 3 cm × 5 cm. Dermatoscopy showed that the skin lesion was lobular and crumby. The lesion center was reddish or white, while the edges were white or yellowish band-like. There were polymorphic vascular structures and white radial streaks in the lesion, with some vascular clusters scattered. Pathological examination showed papilloma-like hyperplasia of the epidermis, with the epidermis partly sinking into the dermis to form several cystic depressions. Combining clinical and histopathological features, the child was diagnosed with SCAP. Follow-up is ongoing, and surgical resection will be performed. Conclusion This was a special clinical manifestation of SCAP, which complements the clinical manifestations of the disease and provides new insights for the diagnosis and differentiation of neonatal skin tumors.
Analyzing the Simultaneous Use of Auctions and Posted Prices for On-Line Selling

Many firms in the business to consumer market sell identical products online using auctions and posted prices at the same time. In this paper, we develop and analyze a model of the key tradeoffs sellers face in such a dual-channel setting that is built around the interplay of three design parameters, the posted price, the auction lot size, and the auction duration. Our results show that a monopolist seller can increase his revenues by offering auctions and a fixed price concurrently, and we identify when either a posted price only or a dual channel strategy is optimal for the seller. We model consumer choice of channels, and thus market segmentation, and find that consumers who value the item for more than its posted price use a threshold policy to choose between the two channels. The threshold defines an upper bound on the remaining time of the auction. We explain how optimizing the design parameters enables the seller to effectively segment the market so that the two channels reinforce each other and cannibalization is mitigated. Our findings also demonstrate that there are two dominant auction design strategies in this setting: one-unit auctions that tend to be short and long multi-unit auctions. Which of these two strategies is optimal for the seller depends on the consumer arrival rate and the disutility of delivery delay incurred by high valuation consumers. In either case, the optimal auction design of the dual channel can significantly outperform a single posted price channel. Our results indicate that the seller's surplus from offering auctions is lower when consumers are more sophisticated in estimating their expected discount from participating in the auction.
Finding the middle ground with the clinical laboratory's role in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance.

Continued replacement of the dominant SARS-CoV-2 lineages, and associated surges, highlights the importance of genomic surveillance to identify the next possible threats. Despite concerted efforts between clinical laboratories and public health to generate sequence data, the U.S. has lagged behind in percent of SARS-CoV-2 cases sequenced. A more simple and cost-effective option is needed to allow front line clinical laboratories to perform high throughput surveillance and refer important samples for slow and expensive next-generation sequencing. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Babiker et al (J Clin Microbiol 59:e01446-21, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01446-21) describe a rapid and flexible multiplex SNP assay targeting mutations associated with Alpha, Beta/Gamma and, later added, Delta variants. They show 100% accuracy in characterized variant pools and clinical samples confirmed by NGS. Such an approach could be a happy medium in the role of front line laboratories to assist with critically needed high-throughput genomic surveillance.
AC Network-Constrained Unit Commitment via Relaxation and Decomposition

We propose an approach to solving the AC network-constrained unit commitment problem (AC-NCUC) of large-scale power systems. This approach relies on solving convex (continuous and mixed-integer) optimization problems. First, we formulate a second-order conic relaxation of the original optimization problem, which renders a mixed-integer second-order conic optimization problem. To solve this problem, we use Benders' decomposition, which decomposes it into a master problem, which is mixed-integer linear, and a subproblem, which is continuous and second-order conic. To improve the convergence of the Benders' algorithm, we add several linear feasibility constraints to the master problem. Since the second-order relaxation of the original problem cannot guarantee AC feasibility of the solution found, we ensure such feasibility by solving a sequence of continuous convex optimization problems. We numerically validate the proposed approach using a Texas 2000-bus system.
Evaluation of Plasma-Activated Plasmid DNA Delivery to Skin

Nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is a promising method for medical applications. In particular, it can induce temporary or permanent damage to tissue known as reversible electroporation (RE) and irreversible electroporation (IRE), respectively. RE enables the transfer of genes, drugs and proteins into cells. APPJ generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which induces oxidative and nitrosative stress to cells. By generating low level of RONS, APPJ may change the sensitization of cells to RE and facilitate plasmid DNA delivery to cells and tissue. In this paper, we report pilot studies where air or helium plasma jets were applied to Guinea pigs for plasmid DNA delivery in vivo. Both devices were based on a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) configuration. The air plasma jet was powered by a compact DC power supply, while the He plasma jet was driven by 200 ns, 8 kV pulses at 1 kHz. Plasmid encoding luciferase was delivered with each device. Bioluminescence was measured using an IVIS in vivo imager to evaluate expression levels achieved using the different delivery methods including plasma alone and the combination with pulsed electric fields (electroporation). The power consumptions were determined based on voltage and current measurements. RONS production by different plasma jets were evaluated.
Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury.

Abstract Introduction Optimal male reproductive health is dependent upon critical mediators of cell-cell communication: exosomes or extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are nano‐sized particles released into a variety of bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. Exosomes are highly stable and can carry genetic and other molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, which provide information about their origin cells. Objective To identify exosomes as potential biomarkers or therapeutic mediators in male sexual and reproductive disorders like erectile dysfunction (ED), varicocele, and testicular injury. Methods A PubMed search was performed to highlight all articles available relating to exosomes and extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of different male sexual and reproductive disorders, and their importance in clinical use as both diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic mediators. Results Various male reproductive system disorders, such as ED, varicocele, and testicular injury, are linked to increased or decreased levels of exosomes. Exosomes have a higher number of molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, which can give a more precise and comprehensive result when compared to other biomarkers. Exosomes can be considered as plausible diagnostic biomarkers for male sexual and reproductive diseases, with considerable advantages over other diagnostic procedures such as invasive tissue biopsy. Exosomes can carry cargo such certain drugs and therapeutic molecules making them a promising therapeutic approach. Several studies have begun to test treating various male sexual reproductive disorders with exosomes. Conclusion Exosomes deliver many components that can regulate gene expression and target signaling pathways. Understanding how extracellular vesicles can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosing men, particularly those with idiopathic erectile dysfunction, will not only aid in diagnosis but also help with making therapeutic targets. Khodamoradi K, Golan R, Dullea A, et al. Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX–XXX.
Protein Folding and Aggregation in in vitro Models of Parkinson's Disease: Structure and Function of α-Synuclein

Publisher Summary This chapter explores structure and functions of α-synuclein and role of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease (PD). The chapter also reviews protein folding and aggregation in In Vitro models of PD. α-synuclein plays an important role in idiopathic as well as familial PD. One pathway in which α-synuclein is clearly involved and which may play a crucial role in PD is the aggregation of the protein from its highly soluble native form into the amyloid fibril form that is found within Lewy body and other α-synuclein deposits. Structural studies of α-synuclein, both in its disordered-free state and in its highly helical lipid-bound state provide important insights into the protein's behavior both in vitro and in vivo. Electron microscopy using immunogold labeling shows that α-synuclein is localized to the vicinity of synaptic vesicles in presynaptic termini, but is only occasionally found directly associated with the vesicle exterior. In fractionation studies, synuclein is found predominantly in cytosolic fractions, with lesser quantities of the protein found in fractions containing synaptic vesicles. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies between a membrane-partitioned dye and immunofluorescently labeled α-synuclein document a close association of the protein with membranes in primary cortical neurons.
Variation in floral longevity in the genus Leptosiphon: mating system consequences.

Pollination or fertilisation trigger floral senescence in a wide range of flowering plants, and yet little attention has been given to the implications of this phenomenon to mating system evolution. We examined the effects of pollination on floral senescence in the genus Leptosiphon. Species in the genus exhibit a wide range of breeding systems. In all cases, compatible pollination induced senescence; emasculated flowers lived longer than hand-outcrossed flowers. In the self-compatible species, Leptosiphon acicularis and L. bicolor, and in one highly selfing population of L. jepsonii, unmanipulated flowers had reduced longevity compared to emasculated flowers, suggesting that autonomous self-pollination limits floral longevity in these species. Limited floral longevity in these highly selfing taxa may reduce opportunities for male outcross success, representing a possible source of selection on the mating system. In turn, the mating system might influence how selection acts on floral longevity; obligately outcrossing taxa are expected to benefit from longer floral longevities to maximise opportunities for pollination, while selfing taxa might benefit from earlier floral senescence to reduce resource expenditure. Overall, the longevity of unpollinated flowers increased with the level of outcrossing in the genus Leptosiphon. Our results taken together with those of a previous study and similar results in other species suggest that floral longevity may represent a largely unexamined role in mating system evolution.
The Pivot to Asia: The Persistent Logics of Geopolitics and the Rise of China

The 2011 pivot illustrated the persistence of post-World War II geopolitical thinking that seeks to prevent a single state or coalition from dominating Eurasia. For nearly seven decades, the U.S. has relied on a forward deployed presence and alliances in the Asia Pacific to maintain stability and deter conflict. This article will analyze the long-standing policy and the continuation of the policy with the 2011 pivot, and will explore the logics behind the policy. Next, the paper will explore three topics: the current-day situation in Eurasia, how nuclear weapons have altered the geopolitical logics, and the rise of China as an economic and military power in Asia.
The Value of Merge-Join and Hash-Join in SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server was successful for many years for transaction processing and decision sup- port workloads with neither merge join nor hash join, relying entirely on nested loops and index nested loops join. How much difference do addi- tional join algorithms really make, and how much system performance do they actually add? In a pure OLTP workload that requires only record-to-record navigation, intuition agrees that index nested loops join is sufficient. For a DSS workload, however, the question is much more complex. To answer this question, we have analyzed TPC-D query perform- ance using an internal build of SQL Server with merge-join and hash-join enabled and disabled. It shows that merge join and hash join are both re- quired to achieve the best performance for decision support workloads.
Chloroplast DNA Replication in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Publisher Summary Chlamydomonas reinhardtii occupies a central position in cytoplasmic inheritance because it is the simplest organism that contains a chloroplast and non-Mendelian inheritance. Being unicellular and heterothallic, Chlamydomonas can be handled in the laboratory with the same ease as bacteria and yeast. The vegetative, haploid life cycle and the diploid meiotic sexual cycle can be physiologically controlled in large synchronous populations to facilitate either cell cycle biochemistry or genetic analysis. This chapter discusses the replication of the chloroplast DNA in vivo. Chloroplast replication usually is initiated 1–3 hours after the onset of the light period and continues for six hours, whereas nuclear DNA synthesis is initiated 2–3 hours into the dark period and continues for six hours. If cell division results in the production of four daughters, then two rounds of replication of chloroplast DNA synthesis precede two rounds of nuclear DNA synthesis. Both DNAs replicate by a semiconservative mechanism. Chlamydomonas does not appear to have dark repair reactions, so the chloroplast chromosome is stable over the entire cell cycle
Collaborative information seeking (CIS) behavior of LIS students and undergraduate students: An exploratory case study

This study investigates the collaborative information seeking (CIS) behavior among three different user groups: LIS students, undergraduates, and a mixture of LIS and undergraduate students. Each group consisted of a pair of participants. Out of 28 participants, 16 were graduate students of library and information science and 12 were undergraduates from different majors. Results of this case study revealed that undergraduate groups visited library website and library databases more frequently than other groups. They had the highest average frequency in reading an abstract or a full text article compared to two other groups. Undergraduate groups also held the highest success rate. Mixed groups had the highest frequency of verbal dialogue and spent the longest time on tasks. Most of the LIS student groups found search results faster and spent the shortest time on completing tasks and reading the abstract and full texts. Surprisingly, LIS groups had the lowest success rate among the three groups. Participants described the positive aspects of collaborative search as gaining greater search insights, good learning process, positive partnership and being more efficient with task completion. They also pointed out that collaboration drawbacks may include not having equal control/sharing of keyboard or mouse and other obstacles in the collaborative decision-making process. Participants further provided suggestions on database and search engine design to facilitate the collaborative search process.
The vulnerable window for unidirectional block in cardiac tissue: characterization and dependence on membrane excitability and intercellular coupling.

Vulnerable Window of Unidirectional Block. Introduction: Unidirectional block is a requisite event in the initiation of reentry in cardiac tissue, but its initiation and behavior in the presence of tissue pathologies remain poorly understood. Previous experimental and theoretical reports on vulnerability to unidirectional block under conditions of reduced cellular coupling and reduced membrane excitability have varied due to differences in experimental and simulation protocols. Methods and Results: We have addressed the issue of vulnerability to unidirectional block using the recent Luo-Rudy membrane model and computer simulations of propagation in a one-dimensional cardiac fiber. The vulnerable window (VW) of unidirectional block from premature stimulation is expressed in units of time, VWtime, and as a range of membrane potentials at the stimulus site, VWpot VWpot and VWtime, were quantified over a range of membrane excitability and gap junction resistances (intercellular coupling). With normal membrane excitability and intercellular coupling, VWpot, and VWtime, were small (VWPot, = 0.44 mV, VWtime, = 0.39 msec). A uniform reduction (0.25 ×) in the degree of intercellular coupling increased VWtime, and VWpot, by factors of 3.6 and 4.7, respectively, whereas a uniform decrease (0.25 ×) in membrane excitability (same resulting velocity) increased VWtime, by only a factor of 0.4 and decreased VWpot, to negligible levels. When inhomogeneities in fiber properties were introduced (intercellular coupling and membrane excitability), VWtime, increased more due to inhomogeneity in membrane excitability (VWtime= 4.5 msec) than to inhomogeneity in intercellular coupling (VWtime, = 1.5 msec). The simulations also clarify the dependence of the VW on the dimensions of the stimulating electrode. The length of the stimulating electrode added a factor, equal to the propagation time across the eiectrode length, to the intrinsic VW of the fiber. Conclusions: VWpot, and VWtime, are both important parameters for quantifying vulnerability to unidirectional block. In an environment with uniform distribution of fiber and membrane properties, reduced intercellular coupling bas a greater effect on the VW than reduced membrane excitability. Inhomogeneous reduction of membrane excitability can significantly enhance vulnerability to unidirectional block, much more so than inhomogeneous reduction of intercellular coupling. Theoretically, stimulation at a point should be used to define the VW. Finite electrode dimensions introduce a geometrical factor that affects the measurement of the VW.
Ceftriaxone Sodium: Comprehensive Profile

Publisher Summary The chapter presents a comprehensive profile of ceftriaxone sodium. Ceftriaxone belongs to a group of antibiotics known as the cephalosporins, which are closely related to penicillin. The chapter describes the nomenclature, formulae, elementary analysis, and appearance of ceftriaxone sodium. The main therapeutic advantages of Ceftriaxone include its once-daily dosing schedule, its usefulness in the treatment of bacterial meningitis and gonorrhea caused by susceptible organisms, and its use in the outpatient setting. Indeed, patients can be given Ceftriaxone at home with once-daily intravenous dosing of the antibiotic. Ceftriaxone is synthesized by using 7-amino-cephalosporanic acid (7-ACA) as the starting material. The synthetic method is illustrated in the chapter. Physical properties are described in the chapter, including ionization constants, partition coefficient, solubility characteristics, optical activity, X-ray powder diffraction, thermal methods of analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The chapter discusses the methods of analysis of ceftriaxone sodium, such as spectrophotometric analysis, chromatographic methods of analysis, and biological methods. A number of parenteral formulations of Ceftriaxone sodium are available, and the defining properties of these are summarized in the chapter. The pharmacokinetics of Ceftriaxone dosing has been extensively characterized following intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous administration of single and multiple daily doses in both healthy patients and those with bacterial disease. Pharmacokinetic parameters have also been studied in children with various bacterial infections, and in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. The toxic effects of Ceftriaxone are outlined in the chapter.
Intra-observer and interobserver reliability of the ‘Pico’ computed tomography method for quantification of glenoid bone defect in anterior shoulder instability

To evaluate the intra-observer and interobserver reliability of the ‘Pico’ computed tomography (CT) method of quantifying glenoid bone defects in anterior glenohumeral instability. Forty patients with unilateral anterior shoulder instability underwent CT scanning of both shoulders. Images were processed in multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) to provide an en face view of the glenoid. In accordance with the Pico method, a circle was drawn on the inferior part of the healthy glenoid and transferred to the injured glenoid. The surface of the missing part of the circle was measured, and the size of the glenoid bone defect was expressed as a percentage of the entire circle. Each measurement was performed three times by one observer and once by a second observer. Intra-observer and interobserver reliability were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standard errors of measurement (SEMs). Analysis of intra-observer reliability showed ICC values of 0.94 (95% CI = 0.89–0.96; SEM = 1.1%) for single measurement, and 0.98 (95% CI = 0.96–0.99; SEM = 1.0%) for average measurement. Analysis of interobserver reliability showed ICC values of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.82–0.95; SEM = 1.0%) for single measurement, and 0.95 (95% CI = 0.90–0.97; SEM = 1.0%) for average measurement. Measurement of glenoid bone defect in anterior shoulder instability can be assessed with the Pico method, based on en face images of the glenoid processed in MPR, with a very good intra-observer and interobserver reliability.
Modeling Elution Histories of Copper and Lead from Contaminated Soil Treated by Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers

A dynamic “two-site” model was formulated and tested for simulating the elution histories of copper ( Cu2+ ) and lead ( Pb2+ ) from a contaminated soil treated by poly(amidoamine) dendrimers. In the model, the metal sorption sites of the soil were divided into two compartments: one with a fast desorption rate and the other with a slow desorption rate. The model was tested for simulating and predicting Cu2+ and Pb2+ elution histories obtained from column experiments. Compared to the classical “one-site” model and the modified “gamma distribution” model, the “two-site” model not only provides much improved power for simulating the observed metal elution data, but also can more accurately predict the metal elution histories under various experimental conditions including initial metal concentration in soil, dendrimer concentration, and pH.
Suppression of IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression by trichostatin A (TSA) in human endometrial stromal cells

Abstract Objective Over-production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the positive feedback loop that leads to proliferation and inflammation in endometriosis. Following our observation that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) trichostatin A (TSA) and valproic acid (VPA) can suppress proliferation of endometrial stromal cells, we sought to determine whether TSA suppresses IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression in endometrial stromal cells. Study Design In vitro study using a recently established immortalized endometrial stromal cell line. The stromal cells were pretreated with TSA before stimulation with IL-1β, and COX-2 gene and protein expression was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results IL-1β stimulated COX-2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner in endometrial stromal cells. The induced COX-2 gene and protein expression were suppressed by TSA pretreatment. Conclusions TSA suppresses IL-1β-induced COX-2 gene and protein expression in endometrial stromal cells. This finding, coupled with the findings that TSA and another HDACI, valproic acid, suppress proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest, suggests that HDACIs are a promising class of compound that has therapeutic potential for endometriosis.
Self-Inverse Yang-Baxter Operators from (Co)Algebra Structures

Some attempts to find Yang–Baxter operators in a systematic way have led to the theory of quantum groups (see [4]). Many papers in the literature are devoted to the construction of them (see [5, p. 198]). We adopt the terminology of [5] in giving some relevant examples: the twist, operators on modules over braided bialgebras, and operators on comodules over cobraided bialgebras. The FRT construction showed that any Yang–Baxter operator on a finite dimensional space V can be obtained from a cobraided bialgebra coacting on V . (Other authors might use the term “quasi triangular bialgebras” instead of “braided bialgebras”; see, for example, [4, 7].) All these constructions have proved of great utility in low-dimensional topology. We present here a new method to construct self-inverse Yang–Baxter operators. Thus, to every (co)algebra structure on a space we associate an operator. We describe the algebra (respective coalgebra) structures producing the same operator. Yang–Baxter operators associated to algebras are different from those associated to coalgebras except for a special case. We give characterizations for operators which are associated to (co)algebra structures, and construct the structures which produce them. We give an
Application of Optimum Control to Nuclear Reactor Start-Up

A simplified form of the reactor kinetics equations is developed which is suitable for application of optimization techniques. The mechanization of the simplified reactor kinetics equations uses instruments already developed. Optimization techniques are applied to a desired start-up program of constant period followed by operation at constant power. The optimum controller which results is relatively simple, requiring two amplifiers with time varying gains. Numerical results are presented.
Rethinking hypertensive kidney disease: arterionephrosclerosis as a genetic, metabolic, and inflammatory disorder

Purpose of review Hypertension is the attributed cause of approximately 30% of end-stage kidney disease cases in the United States, but there has been controversy as to whether benign hypertension is a cause of chronic kidney disease.
Parallax-Tolerant Image Stitching

Parallax handling is a challenging task for image stitching. This paper presents a local stitching method to handle parallax based on the observation that input images do not need to be perfectly aligned over the whole overlapping region for stitching. Instead, they only need to be aligned in a way that there exists a local region where they can be seamlessly blended together. We adopt a hybrid alignment model that combines homography and content-preserving warping to provide flexibility for handling parallax and avoiding objectionable local distortion. We then develop an efficient randomized algorithm to search for a homography, which, combined with content-preserving warping, allows for optimal stitching. We predict how well a homography enables plausible stitching by finding a plausible seam and using the seam cost as the quality metric. We develop a seam finding method that estimates a plausible seam from only roughly aligned images by considering both geometric alignment and image content. We then pre-align input images using the optimal homography and further use content-preserving warping to locally refine the alignment. We finally compose aligned images together using a standard seam-cutting algorithm and a multi-band blending algorithm. Our experiments show that our method can effectively stitch images with large parallax that are difficult for existing methods.