cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecological stoichiometry in freshwater benthic systems: recent progress and perspectives

SUMMARY 1. Ecological stoichiometry deals with the mass balance of multiple key elements [e.g. carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P)] in ecological systems. This conceptual framework, largely developed in the pelagic zone of lakes, has been successfully applied to topics ranging from population dynamics to biogeochemical cycling. More recently, an explicit stoichiometric approach has also been used in many other environments, including freshwater benthic ecosystems. 2. Description of elemental patterns among benthic resources and consumers provides a useful starting point for understanding causes of variation and stoichiometric imbalance in feeding interactions. Although there is considerable overlap among categories, terrestrially-derived resources, such as wood, leaf litter and green leaves have substantially higher C : nutrient ratios than other resources of both terrestrial and aquatic origin, such as periphyton and fine particulate organic matter. The elemental composition of these resources for benthic consumers is modulated by a range of factors and processes, including nutrient availability and ratios, particle size and microbial colonisation. 3. Among consumers in benthic systems, bacteria are the most nutrient-rich, followed (in descending order) by fishes, invertebrate predators, invertebrate primary consumers, and fungi. Differences in consumer C : nutrient ratios appear to be related to broad-scale phylogenetic differences which determine body size, growth rate and resource allocation to structural body constituents (e.g. P-rich bone). 4. Benthic consumers can influence the stoichiometry of dissolved nutrients and basal resources in multiple ways. Direct consumption alters the stoichiometry of food resources by increasing nutrient availability (e.g. reduced boundary layer thickness on substrata) or through removal of nutrient-rich patches (e.g. selective feeding on fungal patches within leaf litter). In addition, consumers alter the stoichiometry of resources and dissolved nutrient pools through the return of egested or excreted nutrients. In some cases, consumer excretion supplies a large proportion of the nutrients required by algae and heterotrophic microbes and alters elemental ratios of dissolved nutrient pools. 5. Organic matter decomposition in benthic systems is accompanied by significant changes in the elemental composition of organic matter. Microbial colonisation of leaf litter influences C : nutrient ratios, and patterns of microbial succession (e.g. fungi followed by bacteria) may be under some degree of stoichiometric control. Large elemental imbalances
Planning processes in preschool children

Abstract This study investigated different types of planning skills in 4- and 5-year-olds. The planning tasks consisted of three search tasks and two clustering tasks. Each task was measured in three ways: by a planning score, the Bronson task attack strategy measure of ongoing behaviors, and by self-report. A varimax rotation of the scores in a factor analysis produced the same two factors for both the planning scores and the Bronson task attack strategy scores. One factor was formed by tasks that allowed for a variety of open-ended solutions, but also had heavy information-processing demands. Tasks that allowed for only one task-imposed solution, but with lighter information-processing demands, formed the second factor. Two of the primary planning tasks used in prior research with preschoolers did not load on the same factor, the grocery store search task (Gauvain & Rogoff, 1989) and the Wellman search task (Wellman, Fabricus, & Sophian, 1985), which suggests that these tasks measure different types of planful search. Self-report data indicated that children were not able to adequately describe their plans. In addition, the one task that required semantic clustering was too difficult for the majority of the preschoolers. Taken together, this suggests that language-based planning measures will underestimate preschoolers' actual planning capacity.
Circular Loop Antennas at Ultra-High Frequencies

The radiation characteristics of single-turn circular loops are investigated at wavelengths of the order of loop dimensions. Expressions are obtained for the distant field intensity in the plane of the loop and on the axis. Radiation patterns are shown for loops of various dimensions.
Intrathoracic Osteosarcoma Diagnosed by CT Scan and Pleural Biopsy

Osteosarcoma rarely presents as a primary lesion in the chest, whereas pulmonary metastases are common. The diagnosis of primary intrathoracic osteosarcoma has invariably been by thoracotomy or autopsy. We present a case of a densely calcified, primary intrathoracic osteosarcoma where diagnosis was made antemortem by pleural biopsies and computed tomography scan.
Enantioselective synthesis of (-)-jiadifenin, a potent neurotrophic modulator.

The first enantioselective synthesis of (−)-jiadifenin (1), a potent neurite outgrowth promoter isolated from the Illicium species, is described. The synthetic strategy builds upon bicyclic motif 6, which represents the AB ring of the natural product and proceeds in 19 steps and 1.1% overall yield. Key to our approach is a Mn(III)-mediated oxidation reaction of A ring that, following a regio- and diastereoselective α-hydroxylation and methylation sequence, produces the desired functionalities of (−)-jiadifenin. The effect of synthetic 1 in NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth was also measured in PC-12 cells.
Large Scale Preparation of Selected Glucose Oligomers and Polymers by Gel Filtration Chromatography

Abstract A method for isolating relatively large quantities of glucose oligomer and polymer subfractions from a corn starch hydrolysate is described. Employing large columns of Bio-Gel P-2 (40–80 μm) at room temperature, we can prepare each day 0.5 to 1.2 grams of oligomeric fractions containing three to four adjacent homologues. The columns are homemade, require no flow adapters, and are operated by gravity elution with water as the solvent. The means for avoiding and overcoming potential difficulties, such as microbial contamination and declining flow rate, are described. With the use of the described method, we can operate a single column continuously for up to twelve months.
T-cell growth, cell surface organization, and the galectin-glycoprotein lattice

Basal, activation, and arrest signaling in T cells determines survival, coordinates responses to pathogens, and, when dysregulated, leads to loss of self-tolerance and autoimmunity. At the T-cell surface, transmembrane glycoproteins interact with galectins via their N-glycans, forming a molecular lattice that regulates membrane localization, clustering, and endocytosis of surface receptors. Galectin-T-cell receptor (TCR) binding prevents ligand-independent TCR signaling via Lck by blocking spontaneous clustering and CD4-Lck recruitment to TCR, and in turn F-actin transfer of TCR/CD4-Lck complexes to membrane microdomains. Peptide-major histocompatibility complexes overcome galectin-TCR binding to promote TCR clustering and signaling by Lck at the immune synapse. Galectin also localizes the tyrosine phosphatase CD45 to microdomains and the immune synapse, suppressing basal and activation signaling by Lck. Following activation, membrane turnover increases and galectin binding to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) enhances surface expression by inhibiting endocytosis, thereby promoting growth arrest. Galectins bind surface glycoproteins in proportion to the branching and number of N-glycans per protein, the latter an encoded feature of protein sequence. N-glycan branching is conditional to the activity of Golgi N-acetylglucosaminyl transferases I, II, IV and V (Mgat1, 2, 4, and 5) and metabolic supply of their donor substrate UDP-GlcNAc. Genetic and metabolic control of N-glycan branching co-regulate homeostatic set-points for basal, activation, and arrest signaling in T cells and, when disturbed, result in T-cell hyperactivity and autoimmunity.
Latest development in advanced sensors at Kennedy Space Center (KSC)

An inexpensive space transportation system must be developed in order to make spaceflight more affordable. To achieve this goal, there is a need to develop inexpensive smart sensors to allow autonomous checking of the health of the vehicle and associated ground support equipment, warn technicians or operators of an impending problem and facilitate rapid vehicle pre-launch operations. The Transducers and Data Acquisition group at Kennedy Space Center has initiated an effort to study, research, develop and prototype inexpensive smart sensors to accomplish these goals. Several technological challenges are being investigated and integrated in this project multi-discipline sensors; self-calibration, health self-diagnosis capabilities embedded in sensors; advanced data acquisition systems with failure prediction algorithms and failure correction (self-healing) capabilities.
Neutrophil elastase inhibition of cell cycle progression in airway epithelial cells in vitro is mediated by p27kip1

Neutrophil elastase (NE), a serine protease present in high concentrations in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients, injures the airway epithelium. We examined the epithelial response to NE-media...
C. elegans bicd-1, homolog of the Drosophila dynein accessory factor Bicaudal D, regulates the branching of PVD sensory neuron dendrites

The establishment of cell type-specific dendritic arborization patterns is a key phase in the assembly of neuronal circuitry that facilitates the integration and processing of synaptic and sensory input. Although studies in Drosophila and vertebrate systems have identified a variety of factors that regulate dendrite branch formation, the molecular mechanisms that control this process remain poorly defined. Here, we introduce the use of the Caenorhabditis elegans PVD neurons, a pair of putative nociceptors that elaborate complex dendritic arbors, as a tractable model for conducting high-throughput RNAi screens aimed at identifying key regulators of dendritic branch formation. By carrying out two separate RNAi screens, a small-scale candidate-based screen and a large-scale screen of the ~3000 genes on chromosome IV, we retrieved 11 genes that either promote or suppress the formation of PVD-associated dendrites. We present a detailed functional characterization of one of the genes, bicd-1, which encodes a microtubule-associated protein previously shown to modulate the transport of mRNAs and organelles in a variety of organisms. Specifically, we describe a novel role for bicd-1 in regulating dendrite branch formation and show that bicd-1 is likely to be expressed, and primarily required, in PVD neurons to control dendritic branching. We also present evidence that bicd-1 operates in a conserved pathway with dhc-1 and unc-116, components of the dynein minus-end-directed and kinesin-1 plus-end-directed microtubule-based motor complexes, respectively, and interacts genetically with the repulsive guidance receptor unc-5.
The influence of the pressure head on the Indonesian Seas circulation

A high resolution, regional, non-linear, barotropic ocean model (2D POM) was used to show that a pressure difference between the Pacific and Indian Ocean does not significantly influence the total transport of the Indonesian throughflow.
A Quantitative Test For Form Closure Grasps

Grasp and manipulation planning of slippery objects often relies on the 'lform'closure" grasp, which can he maintained regardless of the external force applied to the object. Despite its importance, a quantita- tive test ,for form closure valid for any number of contact points is not availuhle. The primary contribution of this paper is the introduction of such a test formulated as a lineor program, of which the optimal objective value provides a measure of how far a grasp is from losing ,form closure. While the test is formulated for frictionless grasps, we discuss how it can be modified to identify grasps with 'yrictional fortn closure." I. IX'l'IiODUClTOX
C-shaped, E-shaped and U-slotted patch antennas: Size, bandwidth and cross-polarization characterizations

A class of slotted antenna topologies have been compared with respect to their size, RF-performance and radiation properties. It has been shown that position and orientation of slots in these antennas can alter their properties in different ways. Comparison of these antenna topologies reveals that C-shaped and double C-shaped patch antennas are compact, narrow band antennas with relatively high cross-pol. The U-slotted and E-shaped patch antennas have been shown to have wide-band response with relatively large size.
Gender in the Middle East: Islam, State, Agency

The scholarship on gender in the Middle East takes two objectives as its mandate: first, to dismantle the stereotype of passive and powerless Muslim women and, second, to challenge the notion that Islam shapes women's condition in the same way in all places. The urgency of this endeavor is heightened by the fact that gender has come to demarcate battle lines in geopolitical struggles since September 11, 2001, and to occupy a central place in the discourse of international relations in regard to Muslim countries. To reflect the major developments in the field, I offer a critical analysis of the scholarship on issues that constitute the core of the intellectual discourse on gender in the Middle East. These include the critique of Orientalism past and present; the exploration of the diversity within Islam; the study of states and gender with respect to symbolic representations, institutions, and kin-based solidarities; the analysis of women's agency; and the debates surrounding feminism and the veil.
A Si-based FPW sensor array system with polymer microfluidics integrated on a PCB

Many methods for fabricating structures for microfluidic-based sensors have been developed in recent years. However, little has been reported on effective methods for integrating these structures into electronic systems for analysis and fluidic delivery. This paper describes a straightforward and versatile fabrication platform for polymer microfluidics that readily accommodates integration with silicon-based sensors, printed circuit, and surface mount technologies. In particular, we have demonstrated a novel system for distributed fluid delivery to a flexural plate wave (FPW) chemical/biological sensor where micromachined fluidic components are combined in a single package with silicon die, multilayer printed circuit board, and surface mount electronics. In the same fabrication platform, we have demonstrated temperature control of the sensor with 0.1/spl deg/C precision using integrated metal thin-film heater and sensor elements. This is an important capability for FPW sensors to compensate for temperature-induced drift. We present results for the on-board microfluidic system where the sensor is used to detect changes in the composition of the supplied fluid.
Convergent functional genomic studies of omega-3 fatty acids in stress reactivity, bipolar disorder and alcoholism

Omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed as an adjuvant treatment option in psychiatric disorders. Given their other health benefits and their relative lack of toxicity, teratogenicity and side effects, they may be particularly useful in children and in females of child-bearing age, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. A comprehensive mechanistic understanding of their effects is needed. Here we report translational studies demonstrating the phenotypic normalization and gene expression effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in a stress-reactive knockout mouse model of bipolar disorder and co-morbid alcoholism, using a bioinformatic convergent functional genomics approach integrating animal model and human data to prioritize disease-relevant genes. Additionally, to validate at a behavioral level the novel observed effects on decreasing alcohol consumption, we also tested the effects of DHA in an independent animal model, alcohol-preferring (P) rats, a well-established animal model of alcoholism. Our studies uncover sex differences, brain region-specific effects and blood biomarkers that may underpin the effects of DHA. Of note, DHA modulates some of the same genes targeted by current psychotropic medications, as well as increases myelin-related gene expression. Myelin-related gene expression decrease is a common, if nonspecific, denominator of neuropsychiatric disorders. In conclusion, our work supports the potential utility of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, for a spectrum of psychiatric disorders such as stress disorders, bipolar disorder, alcoholism and beyond.
Analysis of kinetic parameters from batch and integral reaction experiments

The estimation of chemical reaction rate constants from experimental batch or integral reactor data is examined. Consideration is given to the effect on the accuracy of the parameter estimates of the number of concentrations measured, extending the range of measurements to higher conversions, and experimental errors. The study is based on estimates of two rate constants obtained by quasilinearization in the pyrolytic dehydrogenation of benzene. It is found that if fewer than the number of independent components are to be measured, certain components produce better parameter estimates than others. The level of experimental errors is by far the most significant factor in obtaining reliable parameter estimates.
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF OLD‐GROWTH, MATURING, AND PARTIALLY CUT NORTHERN HARDWOOD FORESTS

Live tree diameter distributions, and abundance and quality of standing and downed coarse woody debris (CWD), were compared among three northern hardwood stand types in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, USA: old growth; partially cut, uneven-aged with 40–50 cm maximum residual diameters; and maturing, even-aged, 90–100 yr old, postfire. Downed CWD (stumps ≤1 m tall and logs) volumes in the old-growth, partially cut, and maturing stands were 139, 69, and 61 m3/ha, respectively. Large (≥50 cm diameter) CWD comprised 17%, 13%, and 4% of the total downed CWD volume in the old-growth, partially cut, and maturing stands respectively. Approximately one-half the large CWD in the partially cut stands was in the form of cut stumps. Standing CWD (stumps >1 m tall and standing dead trees) basal areas averaged 8.6, 1.2, and 4.1 m2/ha in the old-growth, partially cut, and maturing stands, respectively. Basal area of large (≥50 cm diameter) standing CWD averaged 70%, 0%, and 5% of the total in the old-growth, partia...
A Local Algorithm to Learn Trajectories with Stochastic Neural Networks

This paper presents a simple algorithm to learn trajectories with a continuous time, continuous activation version of the Boltzmann machine. The algorithm takes advantage of intrinsic Brownian noise in the network to easily compute gradients using entirely local computations. The algorithm may be ideal for parallel hardware implementations.
Low Incidence of Extrapyramidal Symptoms in Treatment of Delirium with Intravenous Haloperidol and Lorazepam in the Intensive Care Unit

We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients in an intensive care unit who were treated for delirium with intrave nously administered haloperidol and lorazepam. The cu mulative doses for each episode of delirium ranged from 25.5 to 1,929 mg of haloperidol and 19.5 to 2,274 mg of lorazepam. Neuroleptic-induced rigidity developed in 1 patient. After administration of the neuroleptic was dis continued, there were no residual extrapyramidal symp toms.
Systemic acquired resistance in soybean is regulated by two proteins, Orthologous to Arabidopsis NPR1.

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is induced in non-inoculated leaves following infection with certain pathogenic strains. SAR is effective against many pathogens. Salicylic acid (SA) is a signaling molecule of the SAR pathway. The development of SAR is associated with the induction of pathogenesis related (PR) genes. Arabidopsis n on-expressor of PR1 (NPR1) is a regulatory gene of the SA signal pathway [1–3]. SAR in soybean was first reported following infection with Colletotrichum trancatum that causes anthracnose disease. We investigated if SAR in soybean is regulated by a pathway, similar to the one characterized in Arabidopsis. Pathogenesis-related gene GmPR1 is induced following treatment of soybean plants with the SAR inducer, 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA) or infection with the oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora sojae. In P. sojae-infected plants, SAR was induced against the bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea. Soybean GmNPR1-1 and GmNPR1-2 genes showed high identities to Arabidopsis NPR1. They showed similar expression patterns among the organs, studied in this investigation. GmNPR1-1 and GmNPR1-2 are the only soybean homologues of NPR1and are located in homoeologous regions. In GmNPR1-1 and GmNPR1-2 transformed Arabidopsis npr1-1 mutant plants, SAR markers: (i) PR-1 was induced following INA treatment and (ii) BGL2 following infection with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), and SAR was induced following Pst infection. Of the five cysteine residues, Cys82, Cys150, Cys155, Cys160, and Cys216 involved in oligomer-monomer transition in NPR1, Cys216 in GmNPR1-1 and GmNPR1-2 proteins was substituted to Ser and Leu, respectively. Complementation analyses in Arabidopsis npr1-1 mutants revealed that homoeologous GmNPR1-1 and GmNPR1-2 genes are orthologous to Arabidopsis NPR1. Therefore, SAR pathway in soybean is most likely regulated by GmNPR1 genes. Substitution of Cys216 residue, essential for oligomer-monomer transition of Arabidopsis NPR1, with Ser and Leu residues in GmNPR1-1 and GmNPR1-2, respectively, suggested that there may be differences between the regulatory mechanisms of GmNPR1 and Arabidopsis NPR proteins.
Blood cadmium and depressive symptoms in young adults (aged 20-39 years).

Background Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of depression and several studies have noted an association between tobacco smoke and depression. Cadmium is a neurotoxicant and the main source of non-occupational exposure is tobacco smoke. Method We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from 2892 young adult (aged 20-39 years) participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010. Multivariate logistic regressions, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, poverty income ratio (PIR), obesity, alcohol intake, blood lead (BPb) and smoking status, were used to analyze the association between blood cadmium (BCd) and depressive symptoms, as determined by the score on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results Individuals in the highest BCd quartile had higher odds of having depressive symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84-4.25] than those in the lowest BCd quartile. Smoking status, but not BPb, was statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Stratification by smoking status found that BCd was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both non-smokers (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.12-7.58) and current smokers (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.13-6.42). Conclusions This is the first study to report an association between BCd levels and depressive symptoms using a nationally representative sample. The association of cadmium with depressive symptoms was independent of smoking status. If this association is further confirmed, the continued efforts at reducing cadmium exposures, mainly through tobacco smoking cessation programs, may decrease the incidence of depression.
Developing a Curriculum to Enhance Teaching of Relationship Marketing

Criticism of the relevance and process of business school education and research continues to mount. At the same time, academics and practitioners have become increasingly dissatisfied with traditional marketing theory and practice—with growing importance being placed on relationship marketing. This article describes a new M.B.A curriculum developed by the faculty at Emory Business School at Emory University, designed to meet the needs of students, faculty, and the business community.
Outcomes of Malignant CNS Ependymomas: An Examination of 2408 Cases Through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database (1973–2005)

Background Determine the role of surgery and radiation therapy for patients with malignant CNS ependymomas. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973–2005) was queried. Results Overall, a total of 2408 cases of malignant ependymomas were identified. Of these, 2132 cases (88.5%) were identified as WHO grade II ependymomas and 276 cases (11.5%) as WHO grade III (anaplastic) ependymomas. The annual incidence of ependymomas was approximately 1.97 cases per million in 2005. Overall median survival for all patients was 230 mo, with a significant difference between women and men (262 mo versus196 mo, respectively) (P = 0.004). Median age at diagnosis was 37 y among females and 34 y in males. Patients who successfully underwent surgical resection had a considerably longer median survival (237 mo versus 215 mo, P Conclusion Surgical extirpation of ependymomas is associated with significantly improved patient survival. For partially resected tumors, radiation therapy provides significant survival benefit.
A Framework for Bridging the Gap Between Open Source Search Tools

a search engine that can scale to billions of docu- ments while satisfying the needs of the users presents serious challenges. Few successful stories have been reported so far (37). Here, we report our experience in building YouSeer, a complete open source search engine tool that includes both an open source crawler and an open source indexer. Our approach takes other open source components that have been proven to scale and combines them to create a compre- hensive search engine. YouSeer employs Heritrix as a web crawler, and Apache Lucene/Solr for indexing. We describe the design and architecture, as well as additional compo- nents that need to be implemented to build such a search engine. The results of experimenting with our framework in building vertical search engines are competitive when com- pared against complete open source search engines. Our approach is not specific to the components we use, but in- stead it can be used as generic method for integrating search engine components together.
Prone Positioning of Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Effectively treating critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a challenge for many intensive care nurses. Multiple disease processes and injuries contribute to the complexity of ARDS and often complicate therapy. As a means of supportive care for ARDS, practitioners resort to rescue therapies to improve oxygenation and salvage the patient. The pathophysiology of ARDS and the use of prone positioning to improve pulmonary ventilation and oxygenation in ARDS patients are described. Educating nursing and medical staff on the use of prone positioning allows ease of patient placement with an emphasis on safety of both patients and staff. Scrupulous assessment of patients coupled with judicious timing of prone positioning expedites weaning from ventilatory support and contributes to positive outcomes for patients.
Development of a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Shared Decision making Among African-American LGBT Patients and their Clinicians.

BACKGROUND Enhancing patient-centered care and shared decision making (SDM) has become a national priority as a means of engaging patients in their care, improving treatment adherence, and enhancing health outcomes. Relatively little is known about the healthcare experiences or shared decision making among racial/ethnic minorities who also identify as being LGBT. The purpose of this paper is to understand how race, sexual orientation and gender identity can simultaneously influence SDM among African-American LGBT persons, and to propose a model of SDM between such patients and their healthcare providers.
Sensory Processing as a Predictor of Feeding/Eating Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have feeding and eating difficulties as well as unusual responses to sensory stimuli. This can lead to significantly compromised occupational performance. Method: A secondary data analysis study design was used to investigate sensory processing characteristics as predictors of feeding and eating disturbances. Study subjects were children aged 2 to 14 years (N = 171) with ASD. The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was used to determine the child’s sensory processing abilities. Correlational and multiple regression methods were employed to analyze the relationship between sensory processing and feeding and eating behaviors. Results: Results suggest that six out of eight of the sensory domains from the SSP were predictive of eating behaviors. Discussion: This study provides evidence to inform practice regarding the association of sensory processing and eating behaviors and supports the need for assessing sensory processing in children with ASD.
Selecting the side of recurrent laryngeal nerve section for spastic dysphonia.

This study compares the immediate postchemical paralysis voice and speech qualities of 12 spastic dysphonia patients as a function of left and right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) block. No statistically significant differences for the qualities of overpressure, breathiness, aperiodicity, or tremor were found for the two experimental conditions (left, right). This being the case, and because of left RLN location and course, vocal-fold paralysis on the left is indicated if RLN surgery is elected as a treatment method for spastic dysphonia.
Effect of helical flanking sequences on the morphology of polyglutamine-containing fibrils.

A peptide model system has been developed to study the effects of helical flanking sequences on polyglutamine aggregation. In a companion manuscript, the kinetics of aggregation are described, comparing the influence of a well-defined heterotetrameric coiled coil to that of the helix-rich structure found in HttNT, a 17-residue flanking sequence found in the huntingtin protein, on polyglutamine aggregation. Here, the morphological characterization of the resultant fibrils that form for a set of peptides is reported, only one of which, KKQ25KK, has been previously studied. A careful analysis of TEM and AFM images of KKQ25KK confirms that it forms bundled fibrils of varying length and reveals, unexpectedly, that they are composed of fully extended cross-β-strands. Second, it is shown that helical flanking sequences do not disrupt the assembly of a core cross-β-sheet structure, but such flanking sequences can influence higher order processes, such as inhibiting the bundling of the fibrils.
Seismotectonics of a diffuse plate boundary: Observations off the Sumatra‐Andaman trench

Seismic slip extends from maximum expected depth through the crust in 45-75 Ma oceanic lithosphere in the Indo-Australian intraplate region off the Sumatra-Andaman trench. Large (magnitude greater than 7) strike-slip earthquakes in this region can rupture multiple differently oriented faults. Rupture directivity modeling provides tentative support for active east-west oriented faults.
Gene therapy of metastatic disease: progress and prospects.

Gene therapy remains a new and exciting therapy that holds the potential to impact the care of many diseases. Cancer gene therapy strategies encompass a major part of this developing field. Initial preclinical and phase I clinical trials have demonstrated the ability to transfer genetic material to cells in vitro and in vivo with resultant expression of biologically active protein. Most of these studies have involved direct injection or local installation of vector. A majority of patients succumbing to cancer do so because of metastatic disease. Clearly, to broaden the impact of cancer gene therapy on these patients’ outcome, new strategies for targeting regional or systemic disease are required. This article offers a review of current vectors and therapeutic strategies along with the application of these in human cancers
3 forces for change.

For decades, health care has nursed a distrust of comparative clinical data. But what the market wants, it gets. Economics, technology, and the spirit of the times call for computer systems that measure quality.
Maximum load to failure of high dose versus low dose gamma irradiation of anterior cruciate ligament allografts: A meta-analysis ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the existing literature to compare the biomechanical effects of low dose and high dose gamma irradiation on commonly used ACL allografts. Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Reviews, SCOPUS, and SportDiscus. Nine studies were identified that met the following inclusion criteria: 1) controlled laboratory study, 2) investigation of standard allografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), 3) gamma irradiation (dose reported) and a negative control group, and 4) mechanical loading (results reported). Results Nine studies met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. There was a dose-dependent relationship between radiation and decreased mechanical tendon integrity. Low dose radiation ( Conclusions Gamma irradiation has a negative effect on tendon allograft strength that is dose-dependent, with particularly large effects noted at irradiation doses of ≥ 2.5 Mrad.
Assessing Performance Measurement Impact: A Study of U.S. Local Governments

This research examines performance measurement (PM) impact in U.S. cities. The results show that PM helps city administrations specify service goals, expectations, and strategies. PM also helps managers identify daily management problems and solutions. Some city legislators use PM, whereas many others do not. The public in most cities in the study does not show interest in PM. In addition, the majority of cities in this study do not use PM to make resource allocation decisions. This study also finds that strategic planning and benchmarking increase PM impact.
Times for birth: chronic and kairotic mediated temporalities in TLC’s A Baby Story

AbstractDespite repeated acclaim within the television industry, feminist media scholars have argued that TLC’s long-running program, A Baby Story, disciplines women into selecting obstetrical intervention by offering a standard episodic structure for understanding a complex birth experience. This article thickens this line of inquiry by arguing that TLC uses a narrow, but decipherable, range of temporalities to leverage biomedicine’s claim to childbirth. Drawing on the rhetorical concepts of chronos as narrative duration-time and kairos as interruptive moments of possibility, I argue that episodes are structured by a chronic articulation of “family completion” and “hospital biomedical duration” that conditions women to expect a kairotic interruption of selected birth plans. I conclude with implications for studying birth temporalities and rhetorically crafting women-centered birth narratives.
A transform method for solving certain systems of linear algebraic equations

A simple method for solving certain systems of linear equations is given. Such systems arise in discretizing boundary value problems for differential equations with constant coefficients.
Virtualized dynamic port assignment and windowed whitelisting for securing infrastructure servers

We describe a novel method of securing services by adding windowed whitelisting to an arbitrary and constantly changing assignment of services to ports (or virtual ports). This is aimed at mitigating port scanning threats and unauthorized intrusion attempts, and to protect a community of known users from data loss. In essence, port numbers, time, and IP address will be used as part of the password/access mechanism; this segregates traffic so that content-based restrictions can be more effective. It also provides a connection-based security wrapper for services that might be vulnerable to software exploits, such as the buffer overruns and backdoors. The method requires a portal to authenticate users and disseminate knowledge of the current port assignment, in addition to permitting users to request a “window” of time to be white-listed. It requires a firewall with dynamic port and whitelist reconfigurability. The method is intended to enhance byte frequency histogram analysis and regexp restriction of traffic. It also requires a policy for keeping alive long-lasting connections. It can be implemented easily with virtual ports using redirection. We discuss some implications for web page rewriting and cgi security, as well as legacy services such as ssh and sftp. The effect is to create a cross-product of IP range, port range, and time specificity, to create a large and sparse search space for any adversary.
Precision atomic beam density characterization by diode laser absorption spectroscopy

We provide experimental and theoretical details of a simple technique to determine absolute line-of-sight integrated atomic beam densities based on resonant laser absorption. In our experiments, a thermal lithium beam is chopped on and off while the frequency of a laser crossing the beam at right angles is scanned slowly across the resonance transition. A lock-in amplifier detects the laser absorption signal at the chop frequency from which the atomic density is determined. The accuracy of our experimental method is confirmed using the related technique of wavelength modulation spectroscopy. For beams which absorb of order 1% of the incident laser light, our measurements allow the beam density to be determined to an accuracy better than 5% and with a precision of 3% on a time scale of order 1 s. Fractional absorptions of order 10−5 are detectable on a one-minute time scale when we employ a double laser beam technique which limits laser intensity noise. For a lithium beam with a thickness of 9 mm, we have measured atomic densities as low as 5 × 104 atoms cm−3. The simplicity of our technique and the details we provide should allow our method to be easily implemented in most atomic or molecular beam apparatuses.
Remission in systemic lupus erythematosus: durable remission is rare

Introduction Remission is the ultimate goal in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we applied four definitions of remission agreed on by an international collaboration (Definitions of Remission in SLE, DORIS) to a large clinical cohort to estimate rates and predictors of remission. Methods We applied the DORIS definitions of Clinical Remission, Complete Remission (requiring negative serologies), Clinical Remission on treatment (ROT) and Complete ROT. 2307 patients entered the cohort from 1987 to 2014 and were seen at least quarterly. Patients not in remission at cohort entry were followed prospectively. We used the Kaplan-Meier approach to estimate the time to remission and the time from remission to relapse. Cox regression was used to identify baseline factors associated with time to remission, adjusting for baseline disease activity and baseline treatment. Results The median time to remission was 8.7, 11.0, 1.8 and 3.1 years for Clinical Remission, Complete Remission, Clinical ROT and Complete ROT, respectively. High baseline treatment was the major predictor of a longer time to remission, followed by high baseline activity. The median duration of remission for all definitions was 3 months. African-American ethnicity, baseline low C3 and baseline haematological activity were associated with longer time to remission for all definitions. Baseline anti-dsDNA and baseline low C4 were associated with longer time to Complete Remission and Complete ROT. Baseline low C4 was also negatively associated with Clinical Remission. Conclusions Our results provide further insights into the frequency and duration of remission in SLE and call attention to the major role of baseline activity and baseline treatment in predicting remission.
Reflections and Ramifications

The implications of the single-neuron theory are analyzed. Qualia, mind/brain duality, the brief duration of a conscious experience, and the mathematical nature of reality are evaluated. The isomorphic relationship between the mental and the physical and Palmer’s “isomorphic constraint” are investigated. The relationship between quantum mechanics and the possibility of free will is considered at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels. The implications of the theory for current issues in physics are then examined. Finally, the role of memory and single-neuron consciousness in defining who and what we are as sentient beings is explored.
Diazepam and Meclizine Are Equally Effective in the Treatment of Vertigo: An Emergency Department Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Abstract Background Vertigo is a debilitating disease that is commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED). Diazepam and meclizine are oral medications that are commonly used to alleviate symptoms. Objectives We sought to determine whether meclizine or diazepam is superior in the treatment of patients with peripheral vertigo in the ED. Methods We performed a double-blind clinical trial at a suburban, teaching ED. We randomized a convenience sample of adult patients with acute peripheral vertigo (APV) to diazepam 5 mg or meclizine 25 mg orally. Demographic and historical features were recorded on a standardized data form. Patients recorded their initial level (t0) of vertigo on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) and after 30 min (t30) and 60 min (t60). The primary outcome parameter was the mean change in VAS score from t0 to t60. Differences between groups and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Our a priori power calculation estimated that a sample size of 20 patients in each group was required to have an 80% power to detect a difference of 20 mm between treatment groups. Results There were 20 patients in the diazepam group and 20 in the meclizine group. The two groups were similar with respect to patient demographics and presenting signs and symptoms. At t60, the mean improvements in the diazepam and meclizine groups were 36 and 40, respectively (difference −4; 95% confidence interval −20 to 12; p = 0.60). Conclusion We found no difference between oral diazepam and oral meclizine for the treatment of ED patients with acute peripheral vertigo.
Productivity during recessions with banking crises: Inter-Industry evidence

Abstract Using sectoral data from 104 countries over 40 years we show that per-worker productivity declines during recessions. The adverse effect is particularly strong if recessions are accompanied by banking crises and especially in sectors and countries with greater financial frictions.
Outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with intermittent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in the COMPANION trial

Background Controlled clinical trial data are lacking for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) from reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) and intermittent atrial fibrillation or flutter (IAF/AFL). Objective The purpose of this study was to describe CRT outcomes in patients with IAF/AFL and advanced HF. Methods HF outcomes in patients in the COMPANION (Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure) trial with New York Heart Association class III or IV HFrEF, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤0.35, sinus rhythm at randomization, and no history of baseline arrhythmia were compared with those with a history of IAF/AFL. Results In those with no history of baseline arrhythmia (n = 887), compared with optimal pharmacological therapy (OPT) with no CRT, the CRT + OPT arms exhibited a significant reduction in the end points of death or any hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.60 to 0.89]; P = .002) and death or HF hospitalization (HR 0.53 [95% CI: 0.41 to 0.68]; P P = .38; death or HF hospitalization: HR 0.97 [95% CI: 0.64 to 1.46]; P = .88). The interaction between history of AF/AFL and CRT was statistically significant for both outcomes ( P Conclusion In the COMPANION trial, patients with moderate to severe HFrEF and a history of IAF/AFL had no benefit from CRT.
Microbial evaluation of vegetable ingredients in salad bars

Vegetable salad ingredients (lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower) purchased from three grocery-store deli operations were analyzed for total plate count, coliforms, yeasts, and molds. The temperature of the vegetable ingredients was measured at the time of purchase and the pH was measured on all samples within one-half hour after purchase. In the second phase, fresh broccoli was processed into florets, inoculated with E. coli ATCC 23742, and subjected to three washing treatments. The temperature of the salad ingredients ranged from 5.1°C to 18.9°C. The pH ranges for the vegetables were broccoli, 5.46 to 6.39 ; cauliflower, 5.82 to 6.65 ; lettuce, 4.92 to 6.38 ; and tomatoes, 3.30 to 4.47. The total aerobic count for the vegetables ranged from 5.51 to 6.63 log CFU/g. Coliforms on the vegetables ranged from 4.89 to 6.30 log CFU/g. Yeasts and molds were found on all vegetables. The results of the study indicate that the temperature conditions and pH ranges for the broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce could support microbial growth. The pH range of the tomatoes was below 4.6, but if contaminated and added to low acid foods, the tomatoes may also act as a vehicle for microbial contamination. When a chlorine wash solution was used, it slightly reduced the aerobic microbial load on previously inoculated broccoli and reduced the coliform population of the broccoli by approximately one log unit.
Quasi-Keplerian Systems

This chapter focuses on quasi-Keplerian systems such as galactic centres, and details how their intrinsic dynamical degeneracies can be dealt with on secular timescales.
Evaluating Evidence for Conceptually Related Constructs Using Bivariate Correlations.

The article serves as a guide for researchers in developing evidence of validity using bivariate correlations, specifically construct validity. The authors outline the steps for calculating and int...
Lessons from reforming financial management information systems : a review of the evidence

Financial management information systems are a sine qua non in public financial management and play a foundational role in the execution of the budget. Recognizing their potential contribution to fiscal discipline, the strategic allocation of resources, and operational efficiency, significant time and resources have been invested by the World Bank and other development institutions into such systems across the world. However, the reform of financial management information systems tends to be complex, and the evidence base of causal effects and mechanisms is thin. This study develops a framework that outlines the various steps involved in reform that illustrate how change is expected to happen. Three major dimensions were identified: (1) diagnostic phase, (2) systems development lifecycle, and (3) coverage and utilization. The paper argues that reaching the financial management information systems production frontier requires optimization across these dimensions, and that a programmatically coherent approach is required to realize fully the expected improvements in budget management. The study identifies a set of lessons on the various stages that are mapped against the framework by triangulating findings from a systematic review of the financial management information systems literature, field-based project-level evaluations and protocol based case studies, and a comprehensive desk review of the World Bank financial management information systems project documentation.