cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleosome repeat lengths in the definitive erythroid series of the adult chicken

Abstract Morris [1] has suggested that the difference in nucleosome repeat length between chicken liver (200 base pairs) and mature chicken erythrocytes (212 base pairs) may be due to the presence of histone H5 which is found in chicken erythroid cells but not in other tissues. Levels of H5 increase during erythroid maturation in the adult chicken. To determine what influence H5 might have on repeat length, erythroid populations at various stages of maturation were isolated, and repeat lengths and levels of H5 were determined. Bone marrow cells from anemic chickens were cultured in vitro to permit non-cycling erythroblasts to mature and thus increase in density. Less dense cycling basophilic erythroblasts were then isolated by buoyant density centrifugation. This population has a repeat length of 205 base pairs and an H5 content roughly two-thirds that of mature erythrocytes, which have a repeat length of 212 base pairs. A population intermediate in maturation, consisting of cells of the anemic peripheral blood, has a repeat length of 218 base pairs, and the predominant cell type in this population has an H5 content greater than that of mature erythrocytes. Therefore, changes in histone H5 content are reflected by the nucleosome repeat length during erythroid maturation.
Plasmonic lasers: On the fast track

Plasmons offer the tantalizing prospect of accelerated light–matter interactions. Accelerated dynamics has now been observed in a hybrid plasmonic laser or spaser, capable of producing pulses on ultrafast timescales.
Molecular cloning, sequencing, and characterizing the bovine receptor for gonadotropin releasing hormone (GNRH)☆☆☆★★★

Abstract Receptors for gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), located in the cell membranes of adenohypophysial gonadotropes, mediate the action of GnRH to stimulate the secretion of the gonadotropic hormones (LH and FSH). In the present studies, we have isolated a GnRH receptor cDNA from bovine pituitary, determined its primary structure, and studied the regulation of its gene expression. The cDNA is composed of 1326 nucleotides and encodes a protein containing 328 amino acids. The GnRH receptor of cattle, like that in humans and mice, is a seven transmembrane receptor and has structural characteristics homologous with the family of G protein-coupled receptors. It exhibits 91% identity at the amino acid level with the human and 86% identity with mouse and rat receptors. Northern blot analysis of the RNA from bovine pituitary, probed with 32 P-labeled bovine GnRH receptor cDNA, revealed the presence of four different transcripts (5.0, 3.5, 2.5 and 1.5 kb) in the pituitary of which the 5.0 kb form was most abundant. Using the reverse transcriptase/PCR technique, we detected expression of GnRH receptor mRNA in the pituitary but not in any other extrapituitary tissues such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, testis, corpus luteum, ovary (containing follicles), myoendometrium, adrenal, kidney, liver and spleen. Higher levels of GnRH receptor mRNA were found in the pituitaries of steers than in cohort bulls, suggesting regulation of GnRH receptor gene expression by testicular steroids.
Chemistry of the cyclopentoxy and cyclohexoxy radicals at subambient temperatures

The Cl-atom initiated oxidation mechanisms of both cyclopentane and cyclohexane have been studied as a function of temperature using an environmental chamber/FTIR technique. The oxidation of cycloh...
Caustic oxidation as a pretreatment to high pressure bituminous coal gasification

Abstract Illinois No. 6 bituminous coal, which had been pretreated with potassium hydroxide, could not be efficiently gasified at the high pressure of 3.5 MPa in a fluidized-bed gasifier. The same feedstock performed well at a much lower operating pressure. However, at the high pressure the pyrolysed coal swelled significantly. The resulting low bed density produced a small carbon inventory in the gasifier. In addition, the coal char was very friable and large quantities of fine particulate material were entrained by the product gas. To prevent the swelling the coal was initially oxidized. A way was discovered to selectively convert the coal bitumen to humic acid, a substance that is rich in carboxylic acid groups. A direct correlation was found between the humic acid's carboxylate content and the swelling characteristics of the pyrolysed coal. The char bulk density was greatest when the humate carboxylic acid group content was maximized. It appears that when the coal was fed to the hot gasifier, these carboxylic acids decarboxylated and produced radical centres. The crosslinks that resulted from these radicals formed relatively stable carbon-carbon bridges, and this was sufficient to prevent the pyrolytic swelling.
Colonic injuries and the damage control abdomen: does management strategy matter?

Background The optimal management of colon injury patients requiring damage control laparotomy (DCL) is controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the safety of colonic resection and anastomosis versus fecal diversion in trauma patients requiring DCL.
Time-resolved nanosecond emission spectroscopy: spectral shift due to solvent-solute relaxation☆

Abstract : A report is given of an investigation of the temperature-dependent emission spectral shifts of aminophthalimide in propanol by (1) time resolved emission spectroscopy on a nanosecond time scale, and (2) fluorescence decay studies as a function of emission wavelength across the emission band.
Dietary folate and biogenic amines in the CNS.

: Abnormal biogenic amine biosynthesis has been observed in humans and animals with endogenous and exogenous disturbances in folate metabolism. In an attempt to study this interaction biochemically, rats were depleted or repleted with folate for 10 weeks. Folate levels in depleted animals in serum and CSF correlated with stores in liver and brain, respectively. In depleted or repleted animals, there was no significant effect on biogenic amine metabolism in the CNS, as determined by quantitation of biogenic amines in brain and their respective metabolites in brain and CSF. These results are contrary to studies by other investigators. We suspect, however, that specific genetic defects in folate metabolism do result in impaired biogenic amine metabolism and probably at the level of disturbed biopterin cofactor functions.
Noise of deflectors used for flow attachment with STOL‐OTW configurations

Future STOL aircraft may utilize engine-over-the-wing installations in which the exhaust nozzles are located above and separated from the upper surface of the wing. An external jet flow deflector can be used with such installations to provide flow attachment to the wing/flap surfaces for lift augmentation. Deflector noise in the flyover plane measured with several model-scale nozzle/deflector/wing configurations is examined. The deflector-associated noise is correlated in terms of velocity and geometry parameters. The data also indicate that the effective overall sound pressure level of the deflector-associated noise peaks in the forward quadrant near 40 deg from the inlet axis.
On benchmarking digital testing systems

An approach to quantify the digital testing system (DTS) attributes is presented. The quantification will help in determining criteria according to which benchmark circuits are selected. Two main parameters that can be used in the comparison are the speed of operation and memory requirements. Attempts are made to relate each of these two parameters to different attributes of the DTS. Experiments were carried out using a commercial automatic test-pattern generator to generate test sets for some ISCAS circuits. The results of the experiments are presented. >
Effect of Heat Inactivation of Serum on Bordetella pertussis Antibody Determination by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay

The effect of heat inactivation on Bordetella pertussis antibodies determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was studied. Sera were heated at increasing temperatures (from 30 to 50 degrees C at 5 degrees C increments and from 52 to 70 degrees C at 2 degrees C increments). Between 30 and 50 degrees C, no significant differences were observed in immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies to pertussis toxin (PT). From 50 to 56 degrees C the antibody values were twofold higher than those of uninactivated sera; at 64 degrees C the values were 3.6- to 9.1-fold higher. The increase in PT IgG antibody values was more pronounced in sera with low antibody values. ELISA antibody values of sera from a vaccine trial were determined in unheated and heat inactivated sera. The geometric mean value (GMV) of the heat inactivated samples was 3.2 times the geometric mean value of the uninactivated sera. ELISA IgG antibodies to filamentous hemagglutinin, fimbriae-2, and pertactin were studied, and the values of heat inactivated sera did not differ significantly from the values of the uninactivated sera. Our findings indicate that heat inactivation of sera leads to higher, variable, and false-positive PT and IgG values.
Characterization of pancreatic cancer and intra-abdominal lymph node malignancy using spectrum analysis of endoscopic ultrasound imaging

This study assessed the ability of spectral analysis of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) RF signals acquired in humans in vivo to distinguish between (1) benign and malignant intraabdominal and mediastinal lymph nodes and (2) pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and normal pancreas. Mean midband fit, slope, intercept, and correlation coefficient from a linear regression of the calibrated RF power spectra were computed over regions of interest defined by the endoscopist. Linear discriminant analysis was then performed to develop a classification of the resulting spectral parameters. For lymph nodes, classification based on the midband fit and intercept provided 67% sensitivity, 82% specificity, and 73% accuracy for malignant vs. benign nodes. For pancreas, classification based on midband fit and correlation coefficient provided 95% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and 93% accuracy for diseased vs. normal pancreas and 85% sensitivity, 71% specificity, and 85% accuracy for pancreatic cancer vs. chronic pancreatitis. These promising results suggest that mean spectral parameters can provide a non-invasive method to quantitatively characterize pancreatic cancer and lymph malignancy in vivo.
Photoaffinity Labeling of the Rubisco Active-Site and Small Subunit with 8-Azidoadenosine 5′-Triphosphate

The 8-azidopurine analogs have been used as probes for identifying nucleotide-binding proteins in many biological systems (1). Irradiation with UV light converts the azido moiety to a reactive species that can bind covalently to residues in or near the nucleotide site. In the present study, photoaffinity labeling was used to probe for possible binding sites on the subunits of Rubisco. The results presented herein provide evidence for distinct binding sites on the Rubisco subunits by showing that [32P]8-N3ATP labels four active site peptides of the large subunit (LSu) and two peptides from conserved regions of the small subunit (SSu).
A Cognitive Therapy Conceptualization of Codependency Among Women

Clinical observation has demonstrated that codependency is the maladaptive behavior of taking unrealistic responsibility for other people, consequently sabotaging their own well-being. Nurses and other healthcare providers can help point out these maladaptive patterns. Utilizing the aforementioned interventions, the nurse can help patients modify faulty beliefs and change dysfunctional behavioral patterns. Healthcare providers also can serve as role models for their patients. Acknowledging, accepting, and normalizing these emotional difficulties allows the nurse to therapeutically utilize the nurse-patient relationship.
Multimodal endovascular management of a Jehovah's Witness patient with Hugues-Stovin syndrome presenting with ruptured pulmonary artery aneurysm and cardiopulmonary thromboembolism

Hughes-Stovin syndrome is a very rare disease with fewer than 40 cases reported in the literature. The disease is thought to be a variant of Behcet's disease that can manifest with massive haemoptysis due to ruptured pulmonary arterial aneurysms in the setting of deep venous thrombosis. This association might impose a therapeutic dilemma when anticoagulation has to be balanced with the excessive risk of bleeding, especially if the patient refuses any blood replacement, and is not a surgical candidate. We present a case of a 41-year-old Jehovah's Witness patient with Hughes-Stovin syndrome that presented to the emergency room with haemoptysis due to multiple ruptured pulmonary artery aneurysms. Her work-up showed concomitant cardio-venous thromboembolism and pulmonary infarction. She was successfully managed via a bloodless single-wall venous puncture, allowing endovascular treatment of bilateral pulmonary aneurysms with subsequent caval filtration. The course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged under immunosuppressant.
Pollinators of the Rocky Mountain columbine: temporal variation, functional groups and associations with floral traits

† Background and Aims Pollinators together with other biotic and some abiotic factors can select for floral traits. However, variation in pollinator abundance over time and space can weaken such selection. In the present study, the variation in pollinator abundance over time and space was examined in populations of the Rocky Mountain columbine. The variation in three floral traits is described and correlations between pollinator type, functional pollinator groups or altitude and floral traits are examined. † Methods Pollinator observations took place in six Aquilegia coerulea populations over 1 ‐4 years and spur length, flower colour and sepal length were measured in 12 populations. Pollinator abundance, measured as visits per flower per hour, was compared among populations and years. Pollinators were grouped into two functional groups: pollen or nectar collectors. The following associations were examined: annual presence of hawkmoths and whiter flowers with longer spurs; the presence of Sphinx vashti and longer spurs; and higher altitudes and whiter flowers. The study looked at whether an increase in the proportion of hawkmoths in a population was associated with whiter and larger flowers with longer spurs. † Key Results The abundance of different pollinator groups varied over time and space. Floral traits varied among populations. Higher altitude was correlated with bluer flowers. Whiter flowers were associated with the annual presence of hawkmoths. Populations visited by Sphinx vashti had longer spurs than populations visited only by Hyles lineata. Populations with greater percentage of nectar-collecting pollinators did not have whiter, larger flowers with longer spurs. † Conclusions Despite the large variation in pollinator abundance over time and space, one species of bumble-bee or hawkmoth tended to predominate in each population each year. Future studies of Aquilegia coerulea should examine the specific influences of pollinators and the environment on flower colour and of hawkmoth species on spur length.
Correlations of lymphocyte subset infiltrates with donor-specific antibodies and acute antibody-mediated rejection in endomyocardial biopsies.

Abstract Background Acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major complication after heart transplantation, posing a significant risk for allograft failure, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and poor survival. While the inflammatory milieu of cellular rejection and Quilty lesions is well known, the immunologic components of AMR are not well understood. Our aim was to better define the immunophenotype of infiltrating lymphocytes in biopsies with AMR, specifically in relation to donor-specific antibodies to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, II, or both. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of cardiac transplant patients with concurrent endomyocardial biopsies (EMB), donor-specific antibody (DSA) measurements, and immunofluorescence for C4d at our institution (2005–2011). DSA was evaluated against HLA class I and class II specificities pre- and posttransplant using flow cytometry and/or Luminex bead assays. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) and pathologic AMR (pAMR) were based on the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 2005/2013 reports. Immunohistochemical analysis for CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD79a was performed using standard immunohistochemical protocols on one formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded EMB from each patient. The number of lymphocytes expressing each protein was enumerated microscopically at 400 ×. Ratios of T:B cells and CD4:CD8 T cells were then calculated for each EMB. Results Seventy-nine cardiac transplant patients who had pre- and posttransplant DSA measurements were analyzed. Of these 79 patients, 37 had DSA against HLA class I, HLA class II, or both. Of patients with DSA, the average CD4:CD8 ratio in the EMB was 0.80, while those with only ACR had a CD4:CD8 ratio of 1.49. Interestingly, the T:B cell ratio in patients with and without DSA was 5.7 and 5.5, respectively. Conclusion Cardiac transplant patients with DSA against HLA have more CD8 cytotoxic T cells than CD4 helper T cells in the EMB lymphocytic infiltrate compared with patients without DSA against HLA. The inflammatory infiltrate T:B cell ratio was similar in patients both with and without DSA. The relative increase of cytotoxic T cells in EMB while the patient has DSA suggests a possible pathogenic role of these cells and may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of AMR.
Generating Evanescent Bessel Beams Using Near-Field Plates

We present a near-field plate that can generate an evanescent Bessel beam. The metallic plate consists of nonperiodic concentric corrugations that surround a coaxially fed aperture. The design procedure for such a device is outlined. The designed plate is simulated using a full-wave electromagnetic solver and is shown to produce an evanescent Bessel beam, thereby verifying its design and operation. The performance of the near-field plate is contrasted against a coaxial probe and a near-field plate designed to produce an Airy focal pattern with the same beamwidth. Such a device, capable of producing evanescent Bessel beams, will find applications in near-field probing/imaging systems, data storage, and biomedical devices.
Amino Acid-Carbohydrate Intake Combined with Multiple Bouts of Resistance Exercise Increases Resting Energy Expenditure

Increasing the rate of muscle protein synthesis is an energy consuming process that explains the acute elevations in resting energy expenditure (REE) observed 12 to 72 hours after a resistance exercise session. We hypothesized that multiple sessions of resistance exercise combined with the intake of amino acids would increase REE and alter the nonprotein respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Ten male participants completed two separate seven-day trials where REE and RER were measured on each morning via indirect calorimetry. On four consecutive days within each seven-day trial, acute resistance exercise was performed, and nutritional intake was manipulated by providing (1) amino acids and carbohydrate (AA-RT) or (2) nonnitrogenous, isoenergetic carbohydrate (CHO-RT) before and during each resistance exercise session. Average REE within the training period was 3.61% greater in AA-RT (7897 ± 252 kJ) compared to CHO-RT (7622 ± 289 kJ; P = 0.02). RER declined (P < 0.0001) from baseline after each resistance exercise was initiated in both AA-RT (0.82 ± 0.01 to 0.77 ± 0.01) and CHO-RT (0.82 ± 0.02 to 0.77 ± 0.02). We conclude the provision of amino acids with multiple bouts of resistance exercise enhances energy expenditure at rest without altering the utilization of lipid.
Improving instruction delivery with a block-aware ISA

Instruction delivery is a critical component for wide-issue processors since its bandwidth and accuracy place an upper limit on performance. The processor front-end accuracy and bandwidth are limited by instruction cache misses, multi-cycle instruction cache accesses, and target or direction mispredictions for control-flow operations. This paper introduces a block-aware ISA (BLISS) that helps accurate instruction delivery by defining basic block descriptors in addition to and separate from the actual instructions in a program. We show that BLISS allows for a decoupled front-end that tolerates cache latency and allows for higher speculation accuracy. This translates to a 20% IPC and 14% energy improvements over conventional front-ends. We also demonstrate that a BLISS-based front-end outperforms by 13% decoupled front-ends that detect fetched blocks dynamically in hardware, without any information from the ISA.
Jewish socialism in ottoman Salonica

The Socialist Workers’ Federation of Salonica was established, mostly by Salonican Jews, after the Young Turk revolution of 1908. The Federation was indeed unique in several respects and has attracted much attention from historians. However, in this article it is argued that this attention is disproportional to the Federation's actual influence on the corporate community structure of Salonican Jewry.
INVERSION AND SANDY OCEAN SEDIMENTS

Inverting the acoustic wave speed of sandy sediments from its acoustic reflection coefficient, using viscoelastic wave theory, can lead to gross errors. The reflection coefficient of sandy sediments significantly deviates from viscoelastic wave theory predictions, with important ramifications for applications involving acoustic sediment classification, reflection and propagation loss predictions.
Work In Progress: Tablet PC's as a Leveling Device!

Hewlett Packard Tablet PC's were used to alter the accessibility of the academic learning environment within a core Information Technology course entitled "Needs Assessment." This class deals with the softer side of IT, as it relates to communication and information-gathering. Taught in a classroom, technology has not been a part of the course learning style. The implementation of wireless tablet PC's augmented the curriculum on several levels. Interactions between diverse students (RIT has 1500 Deaf and hard of hearing students, due to the presence of the national Technical Institute for the Deaf) were impacted positively. The ability for students to communicate online while working face to face was unique, and the collaborative learning experience was heightened due to the functionality of the Tablets. However, there were also interesting trade-offs. In addition, it was discovered that students with other disabilities benefited in ways that were not anticipated.
Robust camera calibration tool for video surveillance camera in urban environment

Video surveillance applications such as smart room and security system are prevailing nowadays. Camera calibration information (e.g. camera position, orientation, and focal length) is very useful for various surveillance systems because it can provide scene knowledge and limit search space for object detection or tracking. In this paper, we describe a camera calibration tool that does not require any calibration object or specific geometric objects by using vanishing points. In urban environment, vanishing points are easily obtainable since there exist many parallel lines such as street lines, light poles, buildings, etc in either outdoor or indoor scene images. Experimental results from various surveillance cameras are presented.
Asymmetric Distribution of Myosin IIB in Migrating Endothelial Cells Is Regulated by a rho-dependent Kinase and Contributes to Tail Retraction

All vertebrates contain two nonmuscle myosin II heavy chains, A and B, which differ in tissue expression and subcellular distributions. To understand how these distinct distributions are controlled and what role they play in cell migration, myosin IIA and IIB were examined during wound healing by bovine aortic endothelial cells. Immunofluorescence showed that myosin IIA skewed toward the front of migrating cells, coincident with actin assembly at the leading edge, whereas myosin IIB accumulated in the rear 15–30 min later. Inhibition of myosin light-chain kinase, protein kinases A, C, and G, tyrosine kinase, MAP kinase, and PIP3 kinase did not affect this asymmetric redistribution of myosin isoforms. However, posterior accumulation of myosin IIB, but not anterior distribution of myosin IIA, was inhibited by dominant-negative rhoA and by the rho-kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, which also inhibited myosin light-chain phosphorylation. This inhibition was overcome by transfecting cells with constitutively active myosin light-chain kinase. These observations indicate that asymmetry of myosin IIB, but not IIA, is regulated by light-chain phosphorylation mediated by rho-dependent kinase. Blocking this pathway inhibited tail constriction and retraction, but did not affect protrusion, suggesting that myosin IIB functions in pulling the rear of the cell forward.
Application of Radioisotopes to Absorption in Pharmaceutical Closures

Moisture absorption by rubber stoppers was determined by means of tritiated water. Residual activity in the stoppers and ferrules was determined after storage at room temperature at 50° and observed to be 0.56 and 0.025 per cent, respectively, at maximum for time periods involved.
Performance comparison of 1 watt Ka-band MMIC amplifiers using pseudomorphic HEMTs and ion-implanted MESFETs

We have demonstrated a high-gain, high-efficiency Ka band three-stage MMIC power amplifier providing >1 watt CW output power, >20 dB power gain, with an average 35% power-added efficiency (378 peak) over a 26.5 to 28 GHz band using 0.25 /spl mu/m AlGaAs/InGaAs pseudomorphic HEMT (HEMT) process technology. The pHEMT amplifiers exhibit third-order intermodulation products >29 dBc with the output power backed off by 5 dB. As an alternate low-cost solution, we processed three wafers of the Ka-band monolithic amplifier designed with pHEMT technology using direct ion-implanted 0.2 /spl mu/m GaAs MESFETs achieving >1 watt CW output power, >18 dB power gain, with an average 24% power-added efficiency (27% peak) over the band. The MESFET amplifiers demonstrate third-order intermodulation products >21 dBc with the output power backed off by 5 dB. All amplifier results reported here contain no de-embedding of fixture and connector losses. This paper presents 0.25 /spl mu/m pHEMT and 0.2 pm MESFET device results, as well as amplifier design and performance over a 26.5 to 28 GHz band.
Outcomes of vacuum-assisted closure for the treatment of wounds in a paediatric population: case series of 58 patients.

Summary Objective This retrospective case series describes our experiences and outcomes using the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) Therapy System for the management of difficult acute and chronic wounds in paediatric patients. Summary background data Difficult wounds that cannot be closed primarily can create major challenges in paediatric patient care. Decreasing the time to wound closure is especially critical when managing paediatric patients. Methods A retrospective review of medical records for 58 consecutive paediatric patients treated with VAC therapy was performed. Demographics, diagnosis, length of therapy, time to closure, time to discharge, type of VAC dressing used, dressing change schedule, therapy settings, and complications were recorded for each patient. Results The median age of all 58 patients was 10 years (range, 10 days to 16 years). Fifty-four of the 58 wounds reached full closure. Patients were divided into five different groups according to diagnosis. The median time to closure for each group follows: Group 1 (abdominal wounds) 10 days (range, 3–99 days); Group 2 (surgical soft tissue deficit) 12 days (range, 3–30 days); Group 3 (trauma wounds) 7 days (range, 3–10 days); Group 4 (stage III/IV pressure ulcers) 15 days (range, 14–15 days); Group 5 (fasciotomy wounds) 5 days (range, 5–10 days). No complications were recorded for any of the patients. Conclusions The results demonstrate that VAC therapy may be a viable, safe and effective method of managing this difficult-to-treat population.
Effec ts of Age and Income on Individual Health Insurance Premiums

This paper examines the effect of an individual's age and income on the premiums that she pays in the individual (non-employer sponsored) health insurance market. After controlling for medical conditions, insurance plan type, and demographic characteristics, it was found using both OLS and 2SLS that older and wealthier people pay higher premiums than younger and less wealthy individuals, which raises the possibility of adverse selection in the individual insurance market. These results may have important policy implications for regulation in the individual health insurance market.
AB Initio Computation of Molecular Structures Through Configuration Interaction

From its very beginning with the calculation on the hydrogen molecule by Heitler and London,1 quantum chemistry has been faced with severe computational difficulties in the application of its theories and models. This is particularly true because it is concerned with interactions of atoms and molecules which by their very nature cannot be described concisely in a single coordinate system. Yet, these computational hurdles must be overcome if the subject is to advance to the level of providing tools for quantitative prediction, as well as evaluating approximations used in less rigorous applications in the vast range of chemical systems for which the quantum mechanical equations of motion must be severely approximated.
90-90-90--Charting a steady course to end the paediatric HIV epidemic.

Introduction : The new “90-90-90” UNAIDS agenda proposes that 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression by 2020. By focusing on children, the global community is in the unique position of realizing an end to the paediatric HIV epidemic. Discussion : Despite vast scientific advances in the prevention and treatment of paediatric HIV infection over the last two decades, in 2014 there were an estimated 220,000 new paediatric infections attributed to mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) and 150,000 HIV-related paediatric deaths. Furthermore, adolescents remain at particularly high risk for acquisition of new HIV infections, and HIV/AIDS remains the second leading cause of death in this age group. Among the estimated 2.6 million children less than 15 years of age living with HIV infection, only 32% were receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment. After decades of languishing, good progress is now being made to prevent MTCT. Unfortunately, efforts to scale up HIV treatment services have been less robust for children and adolescents compared with adult populations. These discrepancies reflect substantial gaps in essential services and numerous missed opportunities to prevent HIV transmission and provide effective life-saving antiretroviral treatment to children, adolescents and families. The road to an AIDS-free generation will require bridging the gaps in HIV services and addressing the particular needs of children across the developmental spectrum from infancy through adolescence. To reach the ambitious new targets, innovations and service improvements will need to be rapidly escalated at each step along the prevention-treatment cascade. Conclusions : Charting a successful course to reach the 90-90-90 targets will require sustained political and financial commitment as well as the rapid implementation of a broad set of systematic improvements in service delivery. The prospect of a world where HIV no longer threatens the lives of infants, children and adolescents may finally be within reach. Keywords: paediatric HIV; prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission; antiretroviral treatment; antiretroviral adherence. (Published: 2 December 2015) Citation: Abrams EJ and Strasser S. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2015, 18(Suppl 6) :20296 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/20296 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.18.7.20296
An atomistic characterization of the interplay between composition, structure and mechanical properties of amorphous geopolymer binders

Abstract The amorphous geopolymer binder-phase is the primary adhesive constituent within a geopolymer and consists of completely polymerized glassy networks of (SiO 4 ) and (AlO 4 ) − tetrahedra as well as interstitial charge-balancing alkali cations. In this context, the mechanical properties of the geopolymer binder-phase were examined as a function of the underlying silicon to aluminum ratio using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Detailed structural analysis reveals that the presence of edge-sharing (AlO 4 ) − tetrahedra, nanoscale voids as well as non-bridging oxygen and penta coordinated aluminum atoms significantly impact the ensuing elastic moduli, ultimate tensile strength and the nature of failure of the geopolymer binder-phase. In particular, the simulations indicate that there is an optimal silicon to aluminum ratio (~ 2–3) that results in enhanced mechanical properties. This study provides, for the first time, valuable insight into the structural mechanisms that are responsible for the strength and mechanical properties of the geopolymer binder-phase.
Targeting aurora kinase A inhibits hypoxia-mediated neuroblastoma cell tumorigenesis.

Neuroblastoma is an aggressive extracranial solid tumor that affects infants and children. It is characterized by several features, such as rapid tumor growth and frequent metastasis. The development of multi-modality therapy has had some impact on the treatment of neuroblastoma; however, patients with advanced-stage tumors are difficult to cure, with a dismal long-term survival of 40%. One factor known to contribute to aggressive tumor behavior is a hypoxic tumor environment (1). The disorganized vasculature often found in solid tumors prevents the supply of consistently oxygenated blood. The hypoxic microenvironment selects out tumor cells by up-regulating certain factors, such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, which then allow tumor cells to adapt and survive under these conditions. HIF-1α does not undergo degradation, and becomes stabilized under hypoxic conditions, leading to the activation of downstream targets, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and carbonic anhydrase IX (2, 3). Hypoxia is known to cause neuronal changes in neuroblastoma that promotes an aggressive tumor phenotype (3). Additionally, up-regulation of HIF-1α is associated with clinically more aggressive neuroblastoma and poor overall survival (4). Overexpression of aurora kinase A (AURKA), a member of a family of mitotic serine/threonine kinases, has been associated with disease progression and, subsequently, poor prognosis in neuroblastoma (5). Our laboratory has shown that it is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis and tumorigenicity in neuroblastoma (6)}. The function of AURKA under hypoxic conditions in neuroblastoma has not been extensively studied but others have demonstrated that the transcriptional regulation of AURKA is increased by both hypoxia and HIF-1α (7). Furthermore, in renal cell carcinoma, HIF-1α stabilization induces AURKA expression and promotes an aggressive tumor phenotype (8). These studies clearly highlight that hypoxia and HIF-1α stabilization can induce the activity and expression of AURKA, which subsequently results in sustaining a malignant phenotype via features such as cell proliferation and tumor metastasis. Given the lack of research describing the behavior of AURKA under hypoxia in neuroblastoma, we sought to determine whether hypoxic conditions altered its regulation and if it mediated hypoxia-induced tumorigenicity.
Absorption, distribution and excretion of phenindamine (thephorin).

SummaryPhenindamine (Thephorin) was determined in biologic material with a high degree of specificity by a modification of the Brodie methyl orange technic. Negligible amounts of phenindamine can be recovered in the urine of humans following oral administration. In studies on rats the compound appears to be rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The compound rapidly leaves the blood and concentrates in tissues. High concentrations of the drug were found in the lungs, liver, kidneys and brain. Extensive accumulation of phenindamine did not occur after repeated administration of the compound twice daily for 4 consecutive days. It is concluded that the compound is metabolized to a considerable extent in the body since less than 12 per cent of the total dose of phenindamine could be recovered unchanged in the urine and feces 24 hours following oral administration.We are grateful to the American Allergy Foundation and the Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Public Healt...
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life and Knee Function After Knee Injury in Young Female Athletes

Background:Recent literature has called for greater attention to evidence-based practice in sports medicine with the documentation of overall status and impairments following injury. The prospective documentation of impairments associated with knee injuries in female athletes regarding their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and knee function (KF) of high school and collegiate athletes is limited. Assessing the effect knee injuries have on young female athletes may allow clinicians to better understand the perspectives of the athletes who sustain these injuries.Purpose:To document the changes over 12 months in self-reported HRQoL and KF in young females who have sustained a knee injury.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A convenience sample of 242 females (mean age, 17.4 ± 2.4 years) who injured their knee participating in sport or recreational activities was utilized. Injuries were categorized as anterior cruciate ligament tears (ACL), anterior knee pain (AKP), patellar instabili...
Genetics of Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus a Recessive Gene Closely Linked to HLA D and with 50 per Cent Penetrance

Abstract We investigated the genetic predisposition to juvenile diabetes in the families of 31 index cases in relation to the inheritance of the HLA system. The diabetes-predisposing gene was found to be recessive because the diabetic sibs in index cases shared both their HLA genes with a significantly increased frequency. Penetrance was estimated at 50 per cent because half the HLA-identical sibs in index cases were diabetic. These conclusions fit with published observations that the risk to sibs of patients is about 10 per cent, when both parents are normal. In three informative cases of recombination within HLA the predisposing gene traveled with the HLA D segment of the recombinant haplotype. We prepared tables for the computation of risks to relatives, based on the hypothesis of recessivity, HLA linkage and 50 per cent penetrance. (N Engl J Med 297:1036–1040, 1977)
Systemic design of Internet of Things for application in modern facility agriculture

The development of modern facility agriculture provides a broad application prospect for the Internet of Things technology.Based on the advantages and features of the Internet of Things technology,this paper puts forward the goals,needs and key technological innovation contents of Internet of Things applied in modern facility agriculture.It also gives systematic analysis and technological design for the overall structure of the application.Several application schemes are presented as well,including facility cultivation,facility breeding,agricultural resources and environmental monitoring,farm product processing safety,and rural information intelligent push service.
Building the rule of law in the Arab world: Tunisia, Egypt, and Beyond, edited by Eva Bellin and Heidi E. Lane

The ostensible purposes of the contributors to Building the Rule of Law in the Arab World are twofold. First, general experts seek to summarize global experiences on how to build the rule of law. S...
Lifestyle Medicine and HIV-Infected Patients

More than 30 years have passed since HIV/AIDS first emerged as an epidemic. Through significant developments in treatment options, people are living longer with HIV than ever before, with life expectancy approaching those in the general population. However, antiretroviral therapies do not offer a cure and many are associated with significant side effects. An integrative approach utilizing lifestyle modifications can lead to numerous benefits, including improvement of immune function, better tolerability of symptoms, and most importantly, increased quality of life. Through the incorporation of HIV medications with nutrition, exercise, and stress-reduction strategies, patients can be empowered to achieve greater health and longevity.
Nocturnal Enuresis: An Update on Treatment

The plethora of treatments for enuresis points to the shortcomings of each of them. While no single approach is consistently successful, some modalities are superior for particular age groups. This article compares the benefits and risks of motivational counseling, bladder exercises, medications, and enuresis alarms.
An approach to chivalry: was it real and practical?

Standing securely upon its spur of rock above the Charente River in south-central France, the castle of Verteuil seemed impregnable. A French force under the duke of Bourbon was besieging the castle in 1385 as part of a campaign to sweep away garrisons of routiers who, though formally aligned to the English crown, were simply robbing and devastating the countryside for their own profit. To attack this formidable fortress, the duke relied on two classic siege techniques: he bashed parts of the defenses with stone-throwing machines (leaving several projectiles embedded in the fabric for later discovery by archaeologists), and he cut mines under the walls to topple them (and traces of these, too, have been found). The defenders had to endure the missiles, but knew how to respond more actively to the mines: they dug counter-mines, eventually intersecting the advancing tunnels of the besiegers. Armored men fought in these cramped tunnels as torches cast fantastic shadows of their hacking and thrusting figures on the chiseled rock walls. One chronicler, Jean Cabaret d'Orville (who wrote about the duke of Bourbon under the patronage of the ducal family), tells that the duke himself, wanting a share in the danger and glory, descended into the mine with a few close followers and, gripping ax and sword, battled a defender named Regnaud de Montferrand. The duke's identity remained deliberately hidden until, in the heat of combat, one of his excited followers suddenly shouted out his lord's war cry, “Bourbon! Saint Mary!” Hearing these potent and revealing words, Regnaud, a nobleman who was an unknighted squire, dropped his sword, fell to his knees, and offered to hand over the castle if only the duke would knight him, for this would be the greatest honor that could come to him. At least this is Jean Cabaret's account. Another chronicler, the famous Jean Froissart, says simply that the garrison surrendered after their leader was fatally struck by one of the massive stone projectiles flung at the fortress. How can modern investigators understand these conflicting narratives of the capture of Verteuil and make sense of the chivalric culture they apparently reflect? Did Regnaud cheerfully surrender a strong base (from which plundering raids had sustained his band) in return for the honor of being knighted by a great lord?
Posttranslational Modification of Proteins

Posttranslational modifications diversify the limited amino acid pool, expanding 20 amino acids into a possibly limitless number of residues. These modifications are catalyzed by a large family of proteins specific to each modification. This chapter focuses on the function of common posttranslational modifications and highlights work done in the last 4 years (2005–08). Many of the modifications are needed for cell growth, transcriptional regulation, and metabolism. In other words, posttranslational modifications are required for everyday activity. Modifications covered include phosphorylation, sulfation, disulfide formation, methylation, N-acetylation, hydroxylation, glycosylation, ADP-ribosylation, prenylation, and tethering of biotin, lipoate, and phosphopantetheine. Here, we look at the functions that the modifications play in mammalian, plant, and bacterial systems as well as in virus production.
Trust Building Recruitment Strategies for Researchers Conducting Studies in African American (AA) Churches: Lessons Learned

Background:An initial and vital important step in recruiting participants for church-based hospice and palliative care research is the establishment of trust and credibility within the church commu...
Effective properties of cylinders in a square lattice

Periodic subwavelength structures on a boundary can enhance the transmission through the boundary. While rigorous methods are accurate for designing these structures, recent methods could benefit from an improved effective medium approximation. In this work, a modified Rayleigh mixture fomula is used to approximate the effective properties of periodic cylinders in a square lattice for transverse electromagnetic plane waves. The modified Rayleigh mixture formula outperforms the Maxwell Garnett formula where the height is greater than the diameter. A comparison is shown for completeness.
Experimental Methods in Valuation

This chapter discusses the role of behavioral experiments in evaluation of individual economic values. Principles of experimental design play a role in application and assessment of non-market valuation methods. Experiments can be employed to assess the formation of preferences and the role of personal characteristics, social factors, and economic constraints on economic values. Experiments can be used to test the efficacy of nonmarket valuation methods and to study the effect of the valuation task, information, and context on valuation responses. We discuss these issues in turn, incorporating pertinent literature, to provide a review and synthesis of experimental methods in valuation.
What Are Research Universities Doing for First-Year Students?.

Do research universities really care about their undergraduate population? What steps are being taken to create supportive environments? A new study looks at what these universities are doing for f...