cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 128: The Increasing Utilization of Hemicraniectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the United States

Background: The survival outcome of malignant middle cerebral artery infarcts is dismal. In 2007, the pooled analysis from the DECIMAL (Decompressive craniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery infarcts), DESTINY (Decompressive surgery for the treatment of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery) and HAMLET (Hemicraniectomy after middle cerebral artery infarction with life-threatening edema) trials demonstrated a substantial survival benefit from this procedure with a number needed to treat of two for survival. Our objective was to review the nationwide utilization of this potentially life-saving procedure over the last decade. Methods: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2001 through 2009 were reviewed. Hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of an acute ischemic stroke (ICD-9 codes: 433.01, 433.11, 433.21, 433.31, 433.81, 433.91, 424.01, 434.11, 434.91 and 436) were included. Hemicraniectomy utilization was determined using procedure codes 01.2, 01.25 and 02.01 within this subset. Nationwide estimates of utilization were calculated for each year. The Cochrane Armitage test was used to assess trend across the years. Results: From 2001 through 2009, there were an estimated 4,917,217 admissions for acute ischemic stroke. Over the 9 years of the study period, the estimated frequency of hemicraniectomy procedures progressively increased from 123 (0.02% of stroke discharges in 2001) to 850 (0.16% of stroke discharges in 2009); trend p Conclusion: The utilization of hemicraniectomy for acute ischemic stroke has increased significantly, coinciding with the publication of compelling results from clinical trials. Early transfer of patients with large middle cerebral artery infarcts to urban teaching centers could potentially extend the survival benefit to a larger population.
Evidence for M 2 muscarinic receptor modulation of axon terminals and dendrites in the rodent basolateral amygdala: An ultrastructural and electrophysiological analysis

Abstract The basolateral amygdala receives a very dense cholinergic innervation from the basal forebrain that is important for memory consolidation. Although behavioral studies have shown that both M1 and M2 muscarinic receptors are critical for these mnemonic functions, there have been very few neuroanatomical and electrophysiological investigations of the localization and function of different types of muscarinic receptors in the amygdala. In the present study we investigated the subcellular localization of M2 muscarinic receptors (M2Rs) in the anterior basolateral nucleus (BLa) of the mouse, including the localization of M2Rs in parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactive interneurons, using double-labeling immunoelectron microscopy. Little if any M2R-immunoreactivity (M2R-ir) was observed in neuronal somata, but the neuropil was densely labeled. Ultrastructural analysis using a pre-embedding immunogold-silver technique (IGS) demonstrated M2R-ir in dendritic shafts, spines, and axon terminals forming asymmetrical (excitatory) or symmetrical (mostly inhibitory) synapses. In addition, about one-quarter of PV+ axon terminals and half of PV+ dendrites, localized using immunoperoxidase, were M2R+ when observed in single thin sections. In all M2R+ neuropilar structures, including those that were PV+, about one-quarter to two-thirds of M2R+ immunoparticles were plasma-membrane-associated, depending on the structure. The expression of M2Rs in PV+ and PV-negative terminals forming symmetrical synapses indicates M2R modulation of inhibitory transmission. Electrophysiological studies in mouse and rat brain slices, including paired recordings from interneurons and pyramidal projection neurons, demonstrated M2R-mediated suppression of GABA release. These findings suggest cell-type-specific functions of M2Rs and shed light on organizing principles of cholinergic modulation in the BLa.
On system modeling and analysis using DQ-frame impedance models

The use of dq-frame impedance models for the analysis of ac power electronics systems is examined in this work. The method was originally proposed for small-signal stability analysis of shipboard power systems. In recent years, there have been increasing interests in the use of the method for stability and resonance analysis of multi-converter systems, such as wind and PV farms, as well as offshore wind with high-voltage dc (HVDC) transmission, as an alternative to the sequence impedance method. However, an important feature of the dq-frame impedance that has been neglected in the literature is its dependency on the local reference frame that is used to develop individual converter models. To apply the method to multi-converter systems will require converting individual models from their own and different dq reference frames into a common reference frame, which is virtually impossible in practice. This paper uses dq-frame impedance models of a typical two-level voltage-source converter (VSC) to explain the importance of angle dynamics introduced by the dq transformation for both the measurement and use of dq-frame impedance models. Practical difficulties in building system impedance models in a dq-frame are discussed to demonstrate the limitations of the method.
Living with chronic pain: Evaluating patient experiences with a medical group visit focused on mindfulness and non-pharmacological strategies.

Abstract Objectives Little is known about the acceptance of non-pharmacological group strategies delivered to low income racially diverse patients with chronic pain and depression. This paper examines how the Integrative Medical Group Visit (IMGV) addresses many of the deficits identified with usual care. Design and setting Six IMGVs cohorts were held at a safety net hospital and two federally funded community health centres. Data was gathered through focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using both a priori codes and inductive coding. Intervention The intervention included ten sessions of Integrative Medical Group Visits with a primary care provider and a meditation instructor. The curriculum uses principles of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and evidence based integrative medicine. The visit is structured similarly to other group medical visits. Main outcome measures Data was gathered through four focus groups held after the cohorts were completed. Results Participants (N = 20) were largely low income minority adults with chronic pain and comorbid depression. Six themes emerged from the coding including: chronic pain is isolating; group treatment contributes to better coping with pain; loss of control and autonomy because of the unpredictability of pain as well as dependence on medication and frequent medical appointments; groups improve agency and control over one’s health condition; navigating the healthcare system and unsatisfactory treatment options; and changes after the IMGV due to non-pharmacological health management. Conclusions The IMGV is a promising format of delivering integrative care for chronic pain and depression which addresses many of the problems identified by patients in usual care.
Synthesis of a terminal Ce(IV) oxo complex by photolysis of a Ce(III) nitrate complex

Reaction of [Ce(NR2)3] (R = SiMe3) with LiNO3 in THF, in the presence of 2,2,2-cryptand, results in the formation of the Ce(iii) "ate" complex, [Li(2,2,2-cryptand)][Ce(κ2-O2NO)(NR2)3] (1) in 38% yield. Photolysis of 1 at 380 nm affords [Li(2,2,2-cryptand)][Ce(O)(NR2)3] (2), in 33% isolated yield after reaction work-up. Complex 2 is the first reported example of a Ce(iv) oxo complex where the oxo ligand is not supported by hydrogen bonding or alkali metal coordination. Also formed during photolysis are [Li(2,2,2-cryptand)]2[(μ3-O){Ce(μ-O)(NR2)2}3] (3) and [Li(2,2,2-cryptand)][Ce(OSiMe3)(NR2)3] (4). Their identities were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Complex 4 can also be prepared via reaction of [Ce(NR2)3] with LiOSiMe3 in THF, in the presence of 2,2,2-cryptand. When synthesized in this fashion, 4 can be isolated in 47% yield. To rationalize the presence of 2, 3, and 4 in the reaction mixture, we propose that photolysis of 1 first generates 2 and NO2, via homolytic cleavage of the N-O bond in its nitrate co-ligand. Complex 2 then undergoes decomposition via two separate routes: (1) ligand scrambling and oligomerization to form 3; and, (2) abstraction of a trimethylsilyl cation to form a transient Ce(iv) silyloxide, [CeIV(OSiMe3)(NR2)3], followed by 1e- reduction to form 4. Alternatively, complex 4 could form directly via ·SiMe3 abstraction by 2.
Molecule-Based Devices

The constituent components of conventional devices are carved out of larger materials relying on physical methods. This top-down approach to engineered building blocks becomes increasingly challenging as the dimensions of the target structures approach the nanoscale. Nature, on the other hand, assembles nanoscaled biomolecules relying on chemical strategies. Small molecular building blocks are joined to produce nanostructures with defined geometries and specific functions. It is becoming apparent that Nature's bottom-up approach to functional nanostructures can be mimicked to produce artificial molecules with nanoscaled dimensions and engineered properties. Indeed, examples of artificial nanohelices , nanotubes and molecular motors are starting to be developed. Some of these fascinating chemical systems have intriguing electrochemical and photochemical properties, which can be exploited to manipulate chemical, electrical and optical signals at the molecular level. This tremendous opportunity has led to the development of the molecular equivalent of conventional logic gates. Indeed, simple logic operations can be reproduced with collections of molecules operating in solution. Most of these chemical systems, however, rely on bulk addressing to execute combinational and sequential logic operations. It is essential to devise methods to reproduce these useful functions in solid-state configurations and, eventually, with single molecules. These challenging objectives are stimulating the design of clever devices that interface small assemblies of organic molecules with macroscaled and nanoscaled electrodes. These strategies have already produced rudimentary examples of diodes, switches and transistors based on functional molecular components. The rapid and continuous progress of this exploratory research will, hopefully, lead to an entire generation of molecule-based devices that might ultimately find useful applications in a variety of fields ranging from biomedical research to information technology.
Electrochemical and Mott-Schottky Behaviour of the Oxide Films on 1625 Exposed to Gamma Radiation

Abstract Polarization and Mott-Schottky experiments were performed on alloy 625 samples previously exposed to 1.2 MeV gamma radiation at dose rates up to 1 Mrad/hour. While the breakdown potential is dependent on dose rate, the repassivation potential is not. These residual effects of the radiation exposure were not observed on samples exposed to the field in an air environment. At the highest dose rate, trapped holes at the surface at potentials above the repassivation potential result in a significant reduction in the crevice corrosion nucleation time.
Bluetooth-based context modeling

In this work, we explore the feasibility of using only the Bluetooth received signal strength of a smart device to infer its user context. Devices that use Bluetooth wireless communication constantly transmit their wireless signal, especially in the case of smart watches that communicate via Bluetooth with their paired smart phones for their most basic functions. Adversaries or non-malicious applications can monitor Bluetooth signal strength to extrapolate the activities in which a user is engaged and the location of certain devices (e.g. cellphone in pocket or on a desk). We experimentally evaluate the accuracy with which a range of activities, including walking, typing, writing, and using a mouse, can be differentiated, simply by using the RSSI of a user-worn smart watch.
Género, poder y lengua en los poemas de Florencia Pinar

Con base en el analisis del poema “Destas aves su nacion”, de Florencia de Pinar, se observa que las estrategias linguisticas, el tratamiento al tema femenino y la propia labor en cuanto compositora o lectora son elementos interconectados que las escritoras emplean como medios de resistencia frente al dominio masculino.
SIMULTANEOUS MONITORING OF MEAN AND VARIANCE THROUGH OPTIMALLY DESIGNED SPRT CHARTS

Four essential properties that a control chart must have are applicability, high sensitivity for detecting shifts, cost-optimality, and the capability of jointly controlling all the important parameters that characterize a process. This paper introduces a quality monitoring system design for jointly monitoring the mean and the variance of a Gaussian process. The design of this monitoring system, the Economic Mean and Variance —Sequential Probability Ratio Tests (EMV-SPRT) charts, possesses all of the desired properties mentioned above. The applicability of the design comes from the utilization of assumptions that fit many actual processes. The sensitivity is a consequence of the use of SPRT. The determination of the design parameters through an economic model ensures cost optimality.
Encapsulation systems for lutein: A review

Abstract Background The increased demand by consumers for clean labels has encouraged industry to search for replacements of synthetic ingredients in food products, and in particular, colorants. Lutein, a xanthophyll found in marigolds and corn, can be used in food products as a natural colorant replacing yellow food dyes. Moreover, lutein is considered a nutraceutical due to its potentially beneficial health effects, such as prevention of macular degeneration, role in the development of the visual and nervous systems of fetuses, and its antioxidant properties. However, incorporation of lutein into foods is often limited because of its low-water solubility, chemical instability, and poor oral bioavailability. For this reason, colloidal encapsulation systems have been developed to facilitate the incorporation of lutein into aqueous food and beverage products. Scope and approach This review focuses on exploring encapsulation options for lutein using various emulsion-based, nanoparticle- and microparticle-based and molecular inclusion encapsulation systems, as well as additives that can be used to increase its chemical stability in these systems. This review covers all aspects of lutein encapsulation, including both food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade encapsulation systems. Key findings and conclusions Though lutein-loaded encapsulation systems are extensively explored in this review, emulsions are of the most interest in industry as they are cost efficient and can be designed to increase the stability of lutein by selecting the proper emulsifiers and emulsification techniques. Despite the extensive amount of research carried out on the encapsulation of hydrophobic bioactive molecules such as lutein, there are still opportunities to develop encapsulation systems that further protect these molecules during storage and also increase their bioavailability after ingestion.
Single Agent Indirect Herding via Approximate Dynamic Programming

An approximately optimal herding problem is considered for a single herder and single target agent. The problem is called indirect herding because the target agent's movements are only indirectly controlled through interaction with the herding agent. To address this challenge, a virtual controller is used to yield a desired influence, inspired by backstepping methods. Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) is used to develop an approximate optimal solution. To facilitate the ADP development, integral concurrent learning is used along with a novel state following kernel for computational efficiency. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis is performed which proves the closed-loop herder and agent systems are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB).
The role of neurofilament aggregation in neurodegeneration: lessons from rare inherited neurological disorders

Many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are well known to involve the accumulation of disease-specific proteins. Less well known are the accumulations of another set of proteins, neuronal intermediate filaments (NFs), which have been observed in these diseases for decades. NFs belong to the family of cytoskeletal intermediate filament proteins (IFs) that give cells their shape; they determine axonal caliber, which controls signal conduction; and they regulate the transport of synaptic vesicles and modulate synaptic plasticity by binding to neurotransmitter receptors. In the last two decades, a number of rare disorders caused by mutations in genes that encode NFs or regulate their metabolism have been discovered. These less prevalent disorders are providing novel insights into the role of NF aggregation in the more common neurological disorders.
High Impedance Fault Detection and Isolation in DC Microgrids

Faults in dc microgrids require quick interruption than in traditional ac power systems. This is due to the reduced stiffness of dc microgrids being powered by low inertia DERs interfaced to through power converters. For a high impedance fault, the limited magnitude of the fault current poses additional challenges in identification and locating the faults in the system, with difficulty in distinguishing the fault condition from the normal operating condition. This paper focuses on designing a cost-effective protection system for fast identification, selective isolation of high impedance faults and system restoration in such dc microgrids through proper coordination of source converters with sectionalizers, and with no solid state circuit breakers in action. The high impedance faults are identified through multi resolution analysis of the locally measured current signals with discrete wavelet transform and K-nearest neighbor based classifier at each source converter and contactor. The selectivity is achieved through adaptive resistance time curves set by the controllers installed at each contactor in the system.
Histones To The Cytosol: Role Of Nuclear Protein Export In Erythroid Nuclear Condensation

Erythropoietin-refractory anemias and red cell aplasias are rare but devastating disorders in children, with no known treatment other than chronic transfusions and bone marrow transplant, with high morbidity and mortality. New, improved treatments for such anemias are severely limited by incomplete understanding of critical terminal erythroid processes such as enucleation. Our long-term goal is to understand the regulation of erythroid nuclear condensation culminating in enucleation in order to increase our basic knowledge of important cell biology concepts like nuclear export and nuclear condensation during erythropoiesis and ultimately help optimize new treatments for anemia. Proteomic examination of normal pycnotic nuclei from mouse fetal liver (definitive adult erythropoiesis) revealed a striking decrease in almost all nuclear proteins, suggesting that nuclear protein export occurs prior to extrusion . Expression of the nuclear exportin, Exportin 7 (Xpo7) is highly erythroid-specific—utilizing a tightly-regulated erythroid-specific promoter, induced during erythropoiesis, and abundant in late erythroblasts. Knockdown of Xpo7 in primary mouse fetal liver erythroblasts resulted in severe disruption of chromatin condensation and enucleation but otherwise had little effect on erythroid differentiation, including hemoglobin accumulation (manuscript submitted), suggesting that protein export is crucial to the process of nuclear condensation. Nuclei in Xpo7 knockdown cells were larger and less dense than controls. Strikingly, DNA binding proteins such as histones H2A and H3 accumulated in the cytoplasm of normal late erythroblasts prior to and during enucleation, but not in cells lacking Xpo7. We have confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and RACE-PCR that there is an erythroid-specific promoter (and start-site) for Xpo7, whose expression is not conserved in lower vertebrates or in primitive mouse erythroblasts. We hypothesize that the erythroid-specific function of Xpo7 therefore may account for the fact that red cells are not enucleated in these other biological systems. We have also performedimmunoprecipitation on the erythroid and non-erythroid forms of Xpo7 and determined several erythroid-specific cargo proteins of Xpo7 that are involved with other types of chromatin condensation (including Rcc1 which is involved in chromosome condensation). We are starting to build a model for how Xpo7 facilitates the removal and replacement of histones in the erythroblast nucleus in order to allow adequate nuclear condensation for extrusion. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Introducing Undergraduates to Concepts of Survey Data Analysis

Increasingly students, particularly those in the social sciences, work with survey data collected through a more complex sampling method than a simple random sample. Failing to understand how to pr...
Prosthetic model, but not stiffness or height, affects maximum running velocity in athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations.

The running-specific prosthetic (RSP) configuration used by athletes with transtibial amputations (TTAs) likely affects performance. Athletes with unilateral TTAs are prescribed C- or J-shaped RSPs with a manufacturer-recommended stiffness category based on body mass and activity level, and height based on unaffected leg and residual limb length. We determined how 15 different RSP model, stiffness, and height configurations affect maximum running velocity (vmax) and the underlying biomechanics. Ten athletes with unilateral TTAs ran at 3 m/s to vmax on a force-measuring treadmill. vmax was 3.8–10.7% faster when athletes used J-shaped versus C-shaped RSP models (p < 0.05), but was not affected by stiffness category, actual stiffness (kN/m), or height (p = 0.72, p = 0.37, and p = 0.11, respectively). vmax differences were explained by vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs), stride kinematics, leg stiffness, and symmetry. While controlling for velocity, use of J-shaped versus C-shaped RSPs resulted in greater stance average vGRFs, slower step frequencies, and longer step lengths (p < 0.05). Stance average vGRFs were less asymmetric using J-shaped versus C-shaped RSPs (p < 0.05). Contact time and leg stiffness were more asymmetric using the RSP model that elicited the fastest vmax (p < 0.05). Thus, RSP geometry (J-shape versus C-shape), but not stiffness or height, affects vmax in athletes with unilateral TTAs.
Identifying unique profiles of perceived dyspnea burden in heart failure

Abstract Background: Dyspnea is a common symptom of heart failure (HF) but dyspnea burden is highly variable. Objectives: Identify distinct profiles of dyspnea burden and identify predictors of dyspnea symptom profile. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from five studies completed at Oregon Health and Science University was conducted. The Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale was used to measure dyspnea burden. Latent class mixture modeling identified distinct profiles of dyspnea burden in a sample of HF patients (n = 449). Backwards stepwise multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of latent profile membership. Results: Four profiles of dyspnea burden were identified: no dyspnea/not bothered by dyspnea, mild dyspnea, moderate exertional dyspnea, and moderate exertional dyspnea with orthopnea and PND. Higher age was associated with greater likelihood of not being bothered by dyspnea than having moderate exertional dyspnea with orthopnea and PND. Higher NYHA class, anxiety, and depression were associated with greater likelihood of greater dyspnea burden. Conclusions: Burden of dyspnea is highly variable among HF patients. Clinicians should account for the nuances of dyspnea and the activities that induce dyspnea when assessing HF patients.
Creating Leaders for Systems Complexity

Abstract Complexity changes the nature of leading in organizations and communities. Leaders struggle to meet the demands of their positions and their own desires to contribute to the greater good when faced with uncertainty, continuous change, and wicked problems. Complexity theory encourages us to see organizations and communities as complex adaptive systems which thrive when a diversity of agents interact in ways that support collaborative movement toward shared vision and goals. Understanding systems enables leaders to recognize the limits of control-based leadership and find new ways to lead through dynamic engagement with others. This chapter presents a call for systems leaders, people who can create the conditions for collective creativity and collaborative action. It reviews the influences of systems theory on leadership theory and practice, discusses the development of system leaders, and provides examples of systemic approaches to building leadership capacity.
Fatigue resistant jaw muscles facilitate long-lasting courtship behaviour in the southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata)

The southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) exhibits a courtship behaviour during which the male firmly grips the female's head in his jaws for many hours at a time. This extreme behaviou...
Celiac Disease and the Liver

Liver inflammation in celiac disease (CeD) is not an uncommon phenomenon, as up to 10% of patients develop elevated transaminases. In most cases, the transaminases will normalize with a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, up to 2% of these patients will be diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Other associated liver diseases include cryptogenic hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cirrhosis. This chapter reviews the hepatic involvement in CeD.
Liberalize, Sanitize, Digitize: Three Urgent Trade Policy Priorities in a Pandemic Age

Within a few short weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has accomplished what multiple wars (hot and cold) failed to achieve over the past 75 years: massive simultaneous disruptions of international and local supply chains. Policymakers operating at the base of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs understandably seek to keep their countries safe. However, increasing barriers to trade during this vulnerable period is likely to backfire. Rather than delivering security of supply for domestic populations, these barriers will trigger a range of inefficient reactions (such as panic-buying and hoarding), make it difficult for domestic manufacturers to acquire the supplies they need, and increase prices for buyers in a worsening economy. Bold action now will enable the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the global trading system to be part of the economic solution, once people emerge from social distancing and the supply chain attempts to restart. Policymakers interested in keeping trade lines open and preparing the international trading system for a post-pandemic world must take three steps immediately: 1. Eliminate import tariffs, at least temporarily. 2. Sanitize the supply chain. 3. Digitize more of the supply chain.
Effect of halides on polyamide-based membrane flux and monomer degradation during chloramination

Abstract Polyamide (PA)-based membranes are widely used in reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) but can react with chlorine-based disinfectants (free chlorine and chloramines) applied for biofouling control. This study examined how chloramines affected PA layer reactivity and performance when individual and mixed halides (Cl−, Br−, and I−) were present, since these reactants can form a host of different halogenating agents and reactive species. Experiments measured membrane (SWC4-LD) performance via flux, membrane surface chemistry using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and PA monomer (i.e. benzanilide (BA)) reactivity, under varied halide (0 to seawater range) and pH (4–9) conditions. These experiments were also compared to other experiments that were chlorinated instead. Results indicated that flux differentials were the greatest after chlorination as compared to chloramination with or without Cl−, Br−, and/or I−, implying that chlorination was more detrimental to polyamide structural integrity. The limited role of Br− was supported by its low surface halogenation but contrasted its ability to rapidly transform the BA monomer to by-products. Mass transfer limitations within the rigid 2-D polymer structure likely drove this disparity. Subsequent addition of Cl− further lowered the membrane flux and advanced monomer transformation for all pH conditions, whereas I− did not significantly impact the membrane or monomer. As a consequence, membrane and monomer changes during chloramination were highly dependent on halide type. Such observations are intended to inform how chloramines may be used to reduce biofouling when halides are present in RO- and NF- feed waters.
Human Behavior/Social Environment: Past and Present, Future or Folly?

Abstract Because HB & SE courses are charged with being “the foundation on which the remainder of the curriculum must be based,” their chaotic development over several decades may be the best indicator of our incomplete and conflicted search for a common theoretical orientation. An analysis of 481 graduate HB & SE courses representing the offerings of 66 graduate schools indicates that formal guidelines have been minimally implemented, particularly in regard to achieving an interdisciplinary approach. Expectations of HB & SE content may be unrealistic until some preconditions for the development of social work theory are attained, and until progress in this development is realized.
Social Cause versus Profit Oriented Advertisements

A common theme in social marketing research has been that for a social cause message to be effective and encourage behavioral change it must be perceived as different from other advertising message...
Privacy Aware Data Management and Chase

One of the key applications that uses the knowledge discovered by data mining is called Chase. Chase is a process that replaces null or missing values with the values predicted by the knowledge, and it is mainly used to obtain more complete information systems or to replace unknown attribute values in user queries. The process improves the quality of query answers with increased volume of reliable data, and helps the system understand user queries that would otherwise be difficult. However, a security breach may occur when a set of data in an information system is confidential. The confidential data can be hidden from the public view. However, Chase has the capability to reveal the hidden data by classifying them as null or missing. In this paper, we discuss disclosure of confidential data by Chase and protection algorithms that reduce the risk. In particular, the proposed algorithms aim to protect confidential data with the least amount of additional data hiding.
Yellow fever vaccine: direct challenge of monkeys given graded doses of 17D vaccine.

In rhesus monkeys a wide dosage range of 17D yellow fever (YF) vaccine extending to a level even below that recommended for vaccination of man elicited an immune response providing solid protection to challenge with virulent YF virus. Forty-three of 45 monkeys vaccinated with 102.3 or greater weanling mouse mean lethal doses of 17D vaccine were resistant to challenge 20 weeks later with virulent Asibi strain YF virus. Monkeys given graded doses of lesser amounts of vaccine were progressively more susceptible to challenge. With a vaccine dose ≥ 102.3 weanling mouse mean lethal doses, plaque neutralization (PN) seroconversion rates were 90% or greater, whereas hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) and complement-fixing (CF) seroconversion rates were unrelated to vaccine dosage and were generally in the range of 20 to 80%. Ninety-six percent (51 of 54) of immune monkeys had PN titers ≥0.7 log10 (fivefold) neutralization index as compared to approximately 55 to 65% who showed HI or CF titers ≥2 log2 (fourfold) neutralization index. After challenge with Asibi strain YF virus, antibody titers of all three tests increaed equally. In rhesus monkeys PN antibody titers were well correlated with YF immunity, whereas HI and CF antibody titers were not.
Diameter caps for thinning southwestern ponderosa pine forests: Viewpoints, effects, and tradeoffs

Upper size limits of trees allowed to be cut, termed diameter caps, have resulted in polarization, litigation, and delays and alterations to thinning projects in many western forests. Using southwestern ponderosa pine forests as an example, we summarize viewpoints on caps, simulate effects of caps on thinning prescriptions, and provide examples of ecosystem-level tradeoffs of leaving extra trees during thinning projects. The importance placed on trees versus other ecosystem components primarily differentiates those who support caps and those who do not. We conclude that diameter caps may enhance some ecosystem components, such as densities of large trees, but they negatively impact many nontree components.
Microscopic detection of the toluene dioxygenase gene and its expression inside bacterial cells in seawater using prokaryotic in situ PCR

The toluene dioxygenase (todC1) gene and its mRNA transcripts were amplified by in situ PCR and in situ RT- PCR, respectively, in intact cells of the bacterium Pseudomonas putida F1. In situ amplicons of DNA and mRNA were then detected by hybridizing to a fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide. In situ PCR protocols were developed to distinguish between cells of P. putida F1 (possessing the todC1 gene) and P. putida AC10R (lacking the todC1 gene); the method was sensitive enough to detect amplified products from a single copy of the todC1 gene. P. putida F1 cells were also introduced into seawater with toluene addition. Cells expressing todC1 and total cells were detectable by in situ RT-PCR and Yo-Pro 1 counterstaining, respectively. Nearly 90% of cells expressing the todC1 gene were detected in seawater amended with toluene at day 3, but no cells expressing todC1 were detected in seawater not exposed to toluene. Our results suggest that in situ PCR amplification can be a useful technique for studying presence or absence of a specific gene and gene expression of bioremediative bacteria at the individual cell level following release into natural environments.
Initial development and testing of a questionnaire of parental self-efficacy for enacting healthy lifestyles in their children.

Purpose. Thepurposeofthisstudywastodevelopandtestaquestionnaire to assess parental self-efficacy for enacting healthy diet and physical activity behaviors in their 6- to 11-year-old children. Design and Methods. A 35-item questionnaire was developed and tested with 146 U.S. parents. Results. Participant responses resulted in a 34-item questionnaire with two subscales (dietary behaviors and physical activity behaviors), which were valid and reliable in the study sample. Practice Implications. This new measure will serve as a tool for the assessment of parental self-efficacy for enacting healthy lifestyles in their children 6‐11 years old.
Cloning and characterization of a region of the Enterococcus faecalis conjugative plasmid, pCF10, encoding a sex pheromone-binding function.

In order to investigate the mechanism by which peptide sex pheromones induce expression of the conjugation functions of certain Enterococcus faecalis plasmids, a biological assay was developed to measure the ability of cells carrying the conjugative plasmid pCF10 to bind the sex pheromone cCF10. The data indicated that pCF10 endows its host E. faecalis cell with the ability to specifically remove (apparently by irreversible binding) cCF10 activity from culture medium. The pCF10 DNA encoding this ability was localized to a 3.4-kb segment within a region involved in negative control of expression of conjugal transfer functions. This segment also encoded ability to bind the pheromone inhibitor peptide iCF10. DNA sequencing revealed three open reading frames, which have been denoted prgW (pheromone responsive gene W), prgZ, and prgY. The deduced product of prgW resembled regulatory proteins from other bacteria and eucaryotes, with a very high degree of identity within a putative DNA-binding domain. The prgY gene actually extended into an adjacent region of pCF10 and could encode a protein with significant similarity to a protein called TraB, believed to be involved in shutdown of pheromone cAD1 production by cells carrying the pheromone-inducible hemolysin plasmid pAD1, according to F.Y. An and D.B. Clewell (Abstr. Gen. Meet. Am. Soc. Microbiol. 1992, H70, 1992). The prgZ gene product showed significant relatedness to binding proteins encoded by oligopeptide permease (opp) operons in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and is highly similar to a pAD1-encoded protein, TraC, which is believed to mediate sex pheromone cAD1 binding (K. Tanimoto, F. Y. An, and D. B. Clewell, submitted for publication). A Tn5 insertion into prgZ abolished cCF10 binding ability.
Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Bacterial Cells Exposed to Oxygen

Abstract Pure oxygen at 1 atm exerts two opposite effects on Pseudomonas saccharophila: it inhibits sucrose uptake and lipid synthesis, but it enhances the formation of polysaccharides.
Solar ultraviolet-B radiation effects on growth and pigment composition of the intertidal alga Ulva expansa (Setch.) S. & G. (Chlorophyta)

Abstract Segments of Ulva expansa (Setch.) S. & G. (Chlorophyta) were grown in outdoor tanks under UV-B-transparent or UV-B-opaque screens. Growth rates of the segments were measured by changes in surface area. Amounts of chlorophyll a , carotenoids, and UV-absorbing compounds per segment did not vary systematically with treatments, but chlorophyll a and carotenoids per unit weight were higher after growth under UV-B-transparent screens than under UV-B-opaque screens. These results indicate that chlorophyll a and carotenoid synthesis was not inhibited by UV-B. Nitrogen supplementation (10 μM NaNO 3 ) enhanced the growth rates of both UV-B-exposed and -unexposed segments; however this supplementation did not affect the sensitivity of the algal segments to UV-B. Growth rates of Ulva segments grown attached to frames on the mudflats were similar to those measured in the outdoor tanks, supporting the assumption that the effects of UV-B measured in outdoor tanks used in this and other studies are relevant to natural populations.
Steroid withdrawal under tacrolimus for primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation and long-term survival.

END-STAGE liver failure from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are well recognized indications for liver transplantation (LT). Recurrence of autoimmune process in PBC, PSC, and AIH after LT is well recognized. Continuous small dose of steroids has been suggested to prevent the recurrence of disease. The longterm use of steroids obviously has disadvantages and it is generally accepted to avoid use of steroids as much as possible. The aims of the present study are to examine the long-term outcomes after LT for PBC, PSC, and AIH using tacrolimus and to review the requirements on when to use steroids.
Between Empire and Nation: A Micro-Historical Approach to Japanese Repatriation and the Korean Economy During the US Occupation of Korea, 1945–6:

After the Japanese surrender in August 1945, nearly a million Japanese people initiated a massive repatriation movement back to Japan from former imperial Japanese territories in Manchuria and Kore...
Replicate flasks are not necessary for in vitro chromosome-aberration assays in CHO cells

Abstract Some recommended protocols for in vitro chromosome-aberration assays call for two flasks per dose group. Use of replicate flasks allows for possible variation in percent aberrant cells (ABR) between flasks. We studied the magnitude of variation between replicate flasks of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using data from 211 assays from three laboratories, in order to assess the effect on assay sensitivity. Based on all 403 pairs of replicate “control” flasks, there was almost no excess variability between flasks. The standard deviation (SD) was only 4% larger than the value expected purely from sampling cells ( P P
Preparation, characterization, and activity of fluorinated aluminas for halogen exchange

Fluorinated aluminas with {alpha}-AlF{sub 3} contents up to 90+% were prepared by treatment with the fluoroalkanes CHF{sub 3} or C{sub 2}HF{sub 5} at 773 K. XPS results suggest that nearly complete fluorination of the surface occurs even at low extents of bulk fluorination. Neither {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nor {alpha}-AlF{sub 3} exhibits significant activity for reaction of CHF{sub 3} following adsorption at 300 K and subsequent temperature-programmed desorption. In contrast, partially fluorinated aluminas strongly adsorb CHF{sub 3}, CHClF{sub 2}, and CHCl{sub 2}F. TPD experiments indicate that all three C{sub 1}-HCFCs desorb from partially fluorinated alumina above 500 K; all react to liberate HF and CO{sub 2}, and the chlorine-containing species undergo fluorine-for-chlorine exchange to produce CHF{sub 3}. These results suggest that halogen-exchange reactions of HCFCs can be carried out with materials resembling conventional fluorination catalysts.
Single-pulse fabrication of improved fiber Bragg gratings using a phase-conjugated KrF excimer laser

EXCIMER LASERM.A. Putnam, C.G. Askins, G.M. Williams, E.J. Friebele, M. Baskansky and J.Reintjes Optical Sciences DivisionNaval Research LaboratoryWashington, DC 20375Indexing terms: Fiber Bragg gratings, phase conjugation, optical fiber sensors, smart structuresABSTRACTA phase-conjugate mirror was used in the amplifier section of a KrF excimer laser to fabricate fiber Bragg gratingsin single mode Ge-doped silica core fibers with an uncompensated interferometer. Reflectivities as high as 26% and FWHMlinewidths of 5.5 GHz at 0.817 im were obtained in as-drawn fiber with a single pulse exposure.INTRODUCTIONMethods for fabricating side-written optical fiber Bragg gratings (FBG's) can be broadly classified as those usingbeamsplitting interferometers 'or
Regulated shuttling of the histone deacetylase HDAC5 to the nucleus may put a brake on cocaine addiction.

The histone deacetylase HDAC5 has been shown to regulate behavioral adaptations to cocaine. In this issue of Neuron, Taniguchi et al. (2012) describe a cAMP-dependent signaling pathway that regulates nuclear accumulation of HDAC5, suggesting a mechanism to couple cocaine with changes in HDAC5 function.
Disgust mediates the relation between attentional shifting and contamination aversion.

Abstract Background and objectives Aversion of contaminants is important for several psychiatric disorders, particularly contamination-based obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Recent theoretical models have proposed that the ability to control one's attention, especially when processing affectively laden information, is important in the etiology of pathological anxiety. The present study tested the relations between attentional control, affective arousal, and behavioral approach toward contaminants (contamination aversion). Methods Thirty-three non-selected (undergraduate university students) participants completed a measure of trait attentional control and three behavioral approach tasks, which measured emotional reactivity and approach toward contaminants. Results Preliminary analyses showed that poorer attentional control and greater affective arousal predicted less behavioral approach toward contaminants. Modeling of direct and indirect relations showed that poor attentional shifting ability and greater subjective disgust were related to less behavioral approach. Moreover, disgust fully mediated the relation between attentional shifting and behavioral approach. Limitations The present study used a convenience sample, which is not representative of the general population or individuals with OCD; therefore, research using clinical samples is necessary before making clinical interpretations. Moreover, the present study utilized subjective measures of attentional control and affective arousal. The use of objective measures of attention and affective arousal would provide a more valid test of the role of attentional control in contamination aversion. Conclusions These findings suggest that attentional shifting abilities may serve as a vulnerability to affective arousal/regulation and behavioral avoidance of contaminants, but the latter relation only operated indirectly via disgust. These findings have clear implications for the etiology of contamination-related OCD.
Borohydride-polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether derivatives: chemo- and stereoselectivity studies under phase transfer conditions

Abstract Borohydride-polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (borohydride-PEGMME) derivatives were prepared by allowing low molecular weight polyethylene glycol ( M w = 350) to react with either LiBH 4 , NaBH 4 , or KBH 4 . After comparing the reactivity of these borohydrides toward aldehydes, ketones, halides and esters, it was established that the LIBH 4 -PEGMME derivative was the most active and the least selective, the NaBH 4 -PEGMME derivative exhibited moderate reactivity and selectivity, and the KBH 4 -PEGMME derivative was the most selective and the least reactive. Additionally, the NaBH 4 -PEGMME derivative was further functionalized by the addition of a chiral alcohol or chiral amino alcohol to the borohydride ion. In all cases, the activity of the phase transfer moiety increased and the enantiomeric induction that resulted from the reduction of acetophenone was low to moderate (23–40% ee). An attempted elucidation of the active reagent indicated that a significant amount of unreacted sodium borohydride was present in the reaction mixture. The presence of this achiral reagent probably accounts for the more modest levels of chiral induction that were observed.
Respiratory training in voice therapy

Summary Many patients with dysphonia do not need to modify their respiratory patterns. For those that do, a simple four-point program is offered that will usually aid the patient in developing better expiration control. First, the patient is instructed that inspiratory-expiratory respiration is a continuous ongoing movement. Imagery is used to show that there is little or no discernible gap between inspiration-expiration. The patient begins working on expiratory control by prolonging phonation with no instruction given for “taking in” a breath. The patient's task is to prolong a sound with no discernible inspiratory effort before the sound is made. The patient is then asked to match a verbal target model, making no special effort to take in a breath before producing the model. Finally, instruction is given in developing skills to take renewed breaths (catch-up breaths) when saying or singing an utterance
Three studies of semantic generalization

Summary Three group paper-and-pencil studies of semantic generalization were conducted. The first experiment was an analogue of the Mink situation with the addition of a control group. A second experiment provided training in the absence of an overt response which was first evoked in the test situation. Reliable evidence of semantic generalization was obtained in Experiment II which did not differ reliably in degree from the results of Experiment I. Directionality of the words was reversed in Experiment III. No evidence of semantic generalization was obtained when the stimulus words were presented in the test situation, in accord with results from earlier experiments. The results support the interpretation that semantic generalization occurs in the training session in this kind of operant-conditioning situation.