cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient Portals and the Management of Pediatric Chronic Diseases – A Systematic Literature Review

Background: The dynamic healthcare reform initiatives have prompted unprecedented focus on coordination of care. The evolution of technology in the last decade has demanded increased coordination of care and patient involvement. Through patient portals, patients are able to view their personal health information and communicate with their providers through a secure web-based interface. However, there is limited research on the use of pediatric patient portals, specifically in the management of pediatric chronic diseases. Objective: To discuss the access, impact, and utilization of patient portals in the management of pediatric chronic diseases. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature about patient portals and electronic health records (EHR) for pediatric patients from January 2009 through October 2014 to identify peer-reviewed publications in bibliographic databases and websites. Reviewers screened each publications for predetermined key themes including use, attitude and experiences, and impact of EHRs and pediatric patient portals. Eighty-five peer-reviewed publications were retrieved, and 19 of them met inclusion criteria (n=19). Results: Themes of improved communication between patient and provider, patient access to healthcare information, and improved management of pediatric chronic disease were found, and barriers to the utilization of patient portals including lack of access to web-based interfaces due to low socioeconomic status and language barriers. Conclusions: The potential for pediatric portals to augment the management of pediatric diseases in the near future is highly promising, though there are some issues in the barriers to utilization that still need to be addressed.
On the Performance of Online Parameter Estimation Algorithms in Systems with Various Identifiability Properties

In recent years, Bayesian inference has been extensively used for parameter estimation in nonlinear systems; in particular it has proved to be very useful for damage detection purposes. The problem of parameter estimation is inherently correlated with the issue of identifiability, i.e., is one able to learn uniquely the parameters of the system from available measurements? The identifiability properties of the system will govern the complexity of the posterior probability density functions (pdfs), and thus the performance of learning algorithms. Off-line methods such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods are known to be able to estimate the true posterior pdf, but can be very slow to converge. In this paper we study the performance of on-line estimation algorithms on systems which exhibit challenging identifiability properties, i.e., systems for which all parameters cannot be uniquely identified from the available measurements, leading to complex, possibly multi-modal posterior pdfs. We show that on-line methods are capable of correctly estimating the posterior pdfs of the parameters, even in challenging cases. We also show that a good trade-off can be obtained between computational time and accuracy by correctly selecting the right algorithm for the problem at hand, thus enabling fast estimation and subsequent decision making.
Teaching NeuroImages: Prominent spinal cord atrophy and white matter changes in adult polyglucosan body disease.

A 48-year-old man of Ashkenazi Jewish descent developed neurogenic bladder and mild cognitive dysfunction. Neurologic examination and CSF analysis were unremarkable. Brain MRI demonstrated white matter changes in the internal capsule, optic radiations, mesencephalon, superior cerebellar peduncles, pons, and medulla (figure 1) and prominent medullary and spinal cord atrophy (figure 2). These findings are classically found in adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD).1 Glycogen branching enzyme GBE1 gene sequencing revealed that the patient was compound heterozygous (c.691+2T>C and c.986 A>C). APBD should be considered in patients with adult-onset leukodystrophy and spinal atrophy; genetic testing is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis with multiple sclerosis and other leukodystrophies.2
Simulation of the motion of a five-link crawling robot with controlled friction on a surface having obstacles

We consider the motion of a five-link crawling robot in an environment with obstacles located discretely. The robot is fitted with special controlled friction elements for the periodic fixation of links on the surface and has a possibility of the spatial configuration change due to a detachment of the end links from the surface. One of the possible crawling modes is analyzed as the end links are detached from the surface and the adjacent links rotate by a given angle in the plane of motion without interaction with obstacles. As the result of simulating by the numerical method, we establish the dependence between the average velocity of the plant (and its maneuverability between obstacles) and control values.
Removal of retained electrospinning solvent prolongs drug release from electrospun PLLA fibers

A major challenge in developing drug-releasing electrospun nanofibers is obtaining long-term drug release over many weeks with no burst release of drug. Here, we present new methods capable of prolonging the diffusive release of small molecule drugs from electrospun poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers. The methods focus on removal of retained electrospinning solvent through fiber heating, maintaining fibers in a laboratory setting, or a combination of these methods. These post-fabrication methods altered the release characteristics of a model small molecule drug, 6-aminonicotinamide (6AN), from PLLA fibers. Specifically, untreated fibers released 6AN over 9 days, and fibers that underwent a combined treatment of maintenance in a laboratory setting and heating released 6AN over 44 days. The unique and simple method presented here prolongs diffusive release of a small molecule drug from electrospun fibers and has potential to assist in lengthening small molecule drug release from a variety of polymeric nanomaterials.
Oncologists' and Patients' Perceptions of Initial, Intermediate, and Final Goals of Care Conversations

Abstract Context Although recommendations are for goals of care (GoC) conversations to happen early and often, their timing and content over the disease course remain unclear. Objectives To describe perceptions of the timing and content of GoC conversations among oncologists and patients with advanced cancer. Methods Semi-structured interviews with oncologists and patients at four hospitals in New York and Connecticut. We analyzed data using interpretive description. Results Oncologists (n = 21) were 67% male, averaged 46 years old (range 34–68 years), and had a mean 20 years (range 8–42 years) in practice. Advanced cancer patients (n = 39) were 59% female with a mean age of 58 years (range 26–88 years). Oncologists and patients viewed GoC conversations along an initial, intermediate, and final continuum. Oncologists reported having initial GoC conversations to build rapport, provide disease information, and clarify and consider treatment intent and options. Intermediate conversations focused on changes in treatment and side effects. Final conversations occurred when patients were hospice-eligible and covered the shift to comfort care, a treatment summary, and advance directives. Timing and content were influenced by cancer type, disease status, and emotional state. Patients supported beginning GoC conversations early, but had different preferences for content of initial conversations. Some wanted complete information; others found this overwhelming. Patients felt intermediate GoC conversations should occur at decision points with time for processing. Content of intermediate and final conversations was dependent on patients' prognosis, questions, and treatment decisions. Conclusion Although GoC conversations should follow individual patient preferences, our findings offer structure for their timing and content.
Viruses in the Study of the Polarity of Epithelial Membranes

Transporting epithelial cells are present in many organs in vivo. These epithelial cells play an important role in regulating the passage of solutes from one tissue compartment to another. In order to perform such functions, transporting epithelial cells must possess a remarkable structural and functional polarity. Their plasma membrane is characterized by two distinct domains, which are separated by tight junctions: an apical (or mucosal) domain with microvilli, which often faces a lumenal compartment, and a basolateral (or serosal) domain, which is associated with another tissue compartment (Fig. 1). These two plasma membrane domains possess different transport systems, membrane receptors, and enzymes. For example, distal tubule cells of the kidney readsorb salt and water from the lumen of the tubule back into the blood. This vectorial transport is facilitated by the polarized structure of the distal tubule cells (Fig. 2). The apical surface (which faces the lumen of the tubule) possesses an amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel, as well as proteolytic enzymes (leucine aminopeptidase and alkaline Phosphatase). In contrast, the basolateral surface possesses high Na+ /K+ ATPase activity. Hormone-sensitive transepithelial solute transport is facilitated by the presence in the basolateral surface of arginine Vasopressin receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase. So, the polarized structure of the epithelial cell is essential to the appropriate expression of its differentiated transport functions.
TAVR Operator and Institutional Requirements 2018: The Major Focus Is on Standards, Quality of Care, and Professional Responsibility Not Meaningless Volumes

The disruptive technology of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has lead to a fundamental transformation of the system of care for patients with aortic valve disease. TAVR requires novel...
Edge computing embedded platform with container migration

In a world where the number of smart cities is growing exponentially, there is a myriad of IoT devices which are generating immense data, 24×7. Centralized cloud data centers responsible for handling this huge data are being rapidly replaced with distributed edge nodes which move the computation closer to the users to provide low latencies for real-time applications. The proposed enhancements capitalizes on this design and proposes an effective way to achieve fault tolerance in the system. The concept of docker container migration is used to provide a near-zero downtime system on a distributed edge cloud architecture. An intuitively simple and visually attractive dashboard design is also being presented in this paper to remotely access the edge cloud management services.
The Jamming Avoidance Response (JAR) of the Electric Fish, Eigenmannia: The Processing of Sensory Information and Motor Control

Electric fish generate electric fields by periodically discharging an electric organ located in their tail. They sense their own currents as well as those of neighbors through arrays of electroreceptors distributed over their body surface. Specific modulations in the rate of their electric organ discharges (EODs; see p. 83 for list of abbreviations) serve as social signals. Electric fish perceive the EODs of their neighbors either as discrete events or, more commonly, as perturbations in the feedback from their own EODs. In addition, an object in the fish’s vicinity distorts the electric field and alters the current pattern perceived by arrays of electroreceptors closest to the object. This alteration in the current pattern on the fish’s body surface represents the electric image of the object, and the analysis of such images enables electric fish to ‘electrolocate’ objects in their environment. Whereas the central processing of spatial electric images resembles a form of vision (Bastian 1986), the temporal analysis of periodic current signals (Fig. 1) shares aspects with audition (Konishi et al. 1988).
Belizean women and tourism work: Opportunity or Impediment?

Abstract Belizean women’s employment experiences in alternative, mass, and non-tourism businesses are examined to determine whether the alternative sector addresses criticisms attributed to mass tourism employment. Data were gathered using anthropological research methods including semistructured interviews and participant observation. The research highlights the diversity of experiences in various employment sectors. This case study shows that employment is exploiting traditional belief, particularly in reference to sex-based segregation, housewifization of labor, double workday, low wages, and low education levels. However, in terms of household economic decisionmaking, social interaction, business ownership, and levels of autonomy, employment seems to be offering opportunities to challenge the norm.
Chromosome Dynamics in Meiosis

Meiosis encompasses a large number of dynamic processes. Some of them are biochemical,such as formation and repair of meiotic double-strand breaks, while others are physical in nature,such as homologous chromosome segregation in anaphase I. Plants have been used as model species inmeiosis studies for over 80 years. However, the past decade brought a dramatic improvement inthe understanding of meiosis in plants at the mechanistic level, thanks to the adoption of geneticand molecular biology techniques in chromosome research and new microscopy methods.
#CrimingWhileWhite: Media’s Construction of the Criminal

Media perpetuates common myths about crime and criminals. These myths, historically influenced by legacy media, might also be impacted by new media. Legacy media, and particularly television news, is usually meant to highlight the rare and sensationalized event, whereas new media’s agenda is written by everyone. When examining legacy media, there is a focus on immigrants, race/ethnicity, and street crime, and this creates an image of what types of crimes are common and who we should fear as criminals. The current chapter examines some of the more popular myths regarding crime and debunks these myths with current research findings and statistics. Using contemporary examples, this chapter discusses how legacy and new media are influencing who is cast as a criminal, what is considered a crime, and how society reacts.
Emergency intraoperative vascular surgery consultations at a tertiary academic center.

Abstract Objective Vascular surgeons are frequently called on to provide emergency assistance to surgical colleagues. Whereas previous studies have included elective preoperative vascular consultations, we sought to characterize the breadth of assistance provided during unplanned intraoperative consultations at a single tertiary academic center. Methods We queried our institutional billing department during a 15-year period and reviewed the records (January 1, 2002-December 31, 2016) and identified unanticipated unplanned vascular surgery intraoperative consultations from all surgical services. Patients' demographics and comorbidities were recorded along with the consulting services, type of index operation, reasons for vascular consultation, regions of anatomic interventions, type of vascular interventions performed, and outcomes achieved. Results There were 419 emergency intraoperative consultations identified. Patients were 51% male, with an average age of 57 years and body mass index of 28.3 kg/m2. The most frequently consulting subspecialties included surgical oncology (n = 139 [33.2%]), cardiac surgery (n = 82 [19.6%]), and orthopedics (n = 44 [10.5%]). Index cases were elective/nonurgent (n = 324 [77.3%]), urgent (n = 27 [6.4%]), and emergent (n = 68 [16.2%]), with a majority involving tumor resection (n = 240 [57.3%]). The primary reasons for vascular consultation were revascularization (n = 213 [50.8%]), control of bleeding (n = 132 [31.5%]), assistance with dissection or exposure (n = 46 [11%]), embolic protection (n = 24 [5.7%]), and other (n = 4 [1.1%]). The primary blood vessel and anatomic field of intervention were categorized. Most cases (n = 264 [63%]) included preservation of blood flow, including primary arterial repair (n = 181 [43.2%]), patch angioplasty (n = 83 [19.8%]), bypass (n = 63 [15%]), and thrombectomy (n = 38 [9.1%]). Postoperative mean length of stay was 15 days, with 30-day and 1-year mortality of 7.2% and 26.5%. Conclusions Vascular surgeons are called on to provide unplanned open surgical consultations for a wide variety of specialties over wide-ranging anatomic regions, employing a variety of skills and techniques. This study testifies to the essential services supplied to hospitals and our surgical colleagues along with the broad skills and training necessary for modern vascular surgeons.
Complex linkages between forced labor slavery and environmental decline in marine fisheries

Recent media attention on human rights abuses in the fishing sector, precipitated by undercover investigations from nongovernmental organizations and investigative journalists (e.g., Environmental ...
Diagnosis of cyclic Cushing's disease manifests as early morning hyperglycemia in a patient with previously well-controlled type 1 diabetes

Background Cyclic Cushing's disease (CCD) is reported to occur in approximately 15% of patients with Cushing's disease (CD). CCD is a rare phenomenon in children. Case presentation A Portuguese female with well-controlled type 1 diabetes (T1DM) on an insulin pump developed transient uncontrolled blood sugar every morning. Increased basal and bolus insulin dosing was ineffective in lowering blood sugar and she began to miss school because of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, but no ketoacidosis. Therefore, other causes of sporadic hyperglycemia were explored. Multiple 6-h urinary free cortisol (UFC) samples revealed a spike in cortisol coincident with severe hyperglycemia. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 3.5 mm microadenoma and inferior petrosal sinus sampling of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) after corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation confirmed ACTH-dependent CD. Endoscopic endonasal tumor resection led to resolution of early morning hyperglycemia and symptoms. Discussion Our case illustrates an atypical presentation of CCD. There are no previous case reports of a pediatric patient with T1DM and CCD. Unexplained hyperglycemia in a patient with previous well-controlled T1DM should prompt assessment of other causes. CCD can be easily be missed if timed 6-h UFC measurements are not obtained.
Consent for Pluripotent Cell Use for Therapy

Translational research in human pluripotent stem cells presents a new paradigm for the development of therapeutics in that the source materials originate from human beings. Pluripotent stem cell researchers administering informed consent from the specimen donors must strive for clarity with respect to a number of non-trivial issues. Careful consideration is warranted regarding derivation of cell lines and their future uses, the extent and length of the relationship between the researchers and the donors, confidentiality, and ownership of results. This review covers the elements of informed consent, and the issues they raise, for consenting donors of embryos and somatic specimens used to derive induced pluripotent stem cells.
Nowhere to swim: interspecific responses of prairie stream fishes in isolated pools during severe drought

Extreme drying can dramatically shift abiotic characteristics of streams and species respond differently as conditions change. We modified a conceptual model describing responses of aquatic invertebrate assemblages to stream drying to facilitate predictions of fish assemblage shifts in which thresholds of physiochemical gradients lead to punctuated losses of fish diversity as stream connectivity diminishes. We tested the applicability of this model during a record-breaking drought that reduced a perennial reach of a headwater prairie stream to a series of 12 isolated pools with variable levels of hyporheic connectivity that was associated with pool volume. We tracked fish assemblage structure in pools over seven weeks and measured abiotic conditions. Inter-specific differences in drought resistance traits were tested in the lab (i.e., thermal and hypoxia tolerance) for common species experiencing drought conditions. Species richness declined rapidly with pool volume associated with hyporheic connectivity. Abundance of the most common species prior to drought, Chrosomus erythrogaster (southern redbelly dace) declined 95% and was extirpated from five pools during drought due to its low thermal tolerance. Despite being the least tolerant to hypoxia, Campostoma anomalum (central stoneroller) populations persisted in most pools. The remaining pools became dominated by a non-native extremophile fish, Gambusia affinis (western mosquitofish) and abundances of less resistant native species declined. Our study demonstrates that richness in drying pools is driven by factors associated with pool volume, and assemblage composition shifts from dominance by native species adapted to variable hydrological conditions to non-native species able to resist increasing temperatures and hypoxia. Sudden species loss associated with reduced stream connectivity can shift abundance patterns of prairie stream fish communities with potentially lagged effects on population and community dynamics.
A Metal-on-Metal Growth Approach to Metal–Metal Oxide Core–Shell Nanostructures with Plasmonic Properties

Hybrid core–shell nanoparticles integrate the material properties from individual components; however, the synthesis of core–shell nanoparticles with dissimilar materials remains challenging. In th...
Profile of a glioma

Abstract The authors demonstrate a unique clinicoradiologic correlation. A low-grade cortical glioma bisected by a large parietal vein created deep scalloping in the overlying skull. This was demonstrated on preoperative MR imaging and confirmed at surgery. Slow-growing superficial brain tumors can leave their mark on the adjacent calvaria.
Modell und Hypothesen

Die Theorie des Multimarktwettbewerbs hat ihre Ursprunge im Bereich der Soziologie (vgl. hierzu Simmel, 1950) sowie in der Industrieokonomik (vgl. hierzu Edwards, 1955). Als Stutzpfeiler des Feldes der Wettbewerbsdynamik (vgl. als typischen Vertreter dieses Feldes zum Beispiel Chen, 1996) erfahrt die Theorie ein zunehmendes Interesse in der Analyse von Wettbewerbsinteraktionen (vgl. zum Beispiel Baum und Korn, 1996; Baum und Korn, 1999; Gimeno, 1999; Haveman und Nonnemaker, 2000; Yu et al., 2009).
Isolating Tryptophan Regulatory Mutants in Escherichia coli by Using a trp-lac Fusion Strain

Abstract A trp-lac fusion strain of Escherichia coli in which the lac structural genes are part of the tryptophan operon has been used to isolate trp regulatory mutants. This was accomplished by isolating lac+ colonies on either lactose-minimal agar or lactose-MacConkey indicator agar. Seventy-seven of 78 lac+ isolates contained mutations which mapped near the ara locus and most of these isolates were found to be 5-methyltryptophan-resistant after introduction of an F-trp episome. The lac+ phenotypes of these 77 isolates were therefore probably the result of trpR− mutations. The one remaining isolate carried a mutation which was not part of the trp regulatory system.
Synthesis of elastin and procallagen by cells from embryonic aorta. Differences in the role of hydroxyproline and the effects of proline analogs on the secretion of the two proteins.

Abstract Cells free of extracellular matrix were prepared by controlled enzymic digestion of aortas and associated large blood vessels of chick embryos. When the isolated cells were incubated in suspension, they synthesized and secreted both procollagen and an elastin component. The procollagen was shown to be predominantly of the Type I variety. The elastin component contained hydroxyproline, and hydroxyproline accounted for about one-third of the total imino acid content of the protein. The presence of hydroxyproline in the elastin component, however, was shown to be a coincidental feature in terms of the synthesis and secretion of the molecule. When the cells were incubated with the chelator α,α′-dipyridyl so as to inhibit prolyl hydroxylase, intact procollagen was no longer recovered from the medium, but the unhydroxylated elastin component was synthesized and secreted at a normal rate. When the cells were incubated with several proline analogs which have been previously shown to be incorporated into protein, intact procollagen no longer appeared in the medium. However, the elastin component was synthesized and secreted at a normal rate, an observation supporting previous suggestions that proline analogs may function as specific inhibitors of procollagen synthesis. Incubation of the cells with colchicine slowed the secretion of both the procollagen and the elastin components. The results suggested, therefore, that elastin may be secreted by the same system of vacuoles that is involved in the secretion of procollagen.
Application-Specific Scheduling for the Organic Grid

Summary form only given. We propose a biologically inspired and fully-decentralized approach to the organization of computation that is based on the autonomous scheduling of strongly mobile agents on a peer-to-peer network. Our approach achieves the following design objectives: near-zero knowledge of network topology, zero knowledge of system status, autonomous scheduling, distributed computation, lack of specialized nodes. Every node is equally responsible for scheduling and computation, both of which are performed with practically no information about the system. We believe that this model is ideally suited for large-scale unstructured grids such as desktop grids. This model avoids the extensive system knowledge requirements of traditional grid scheduling approaches. Contrary to the popular master/worker organization of current desktop grids, our approach does not rely on specialized super-servers or on application-specific clients. By encapsulating computation and scheduling behavior into mobile agents, we decouple both application code and scheduling functionality from the underlying infrastructure. The resulting system is one where every node can start a large grid job, and where the computation naturally organizes itself around available resources. Through the careful design of agent behavior, the resulting global organization of the computation can be customized for different classes of applications. In a previous paper, we described a proof-of-concept prototype for an independent task application. We generalize the scheduling framework and demonstrate that our approach is applicable to a computation with a highly synchronous communication pattern, namely Cannon's matrix multiplication.
Cutting Edge: Persistently Open Chromatin at Effector Gene Loci in Resting Memory CD8+ T Cells Independent of Transcriptional Status

Memory CD8(+) T cells are characterized by more rapid and robust effector function upon infection compared with naive T cells, but factors governing effector gene responsiveness are incompletely understood. We sought to understand transcriptional control of the effector genes IFN-γ (Ifng), granzyme B (Gzmb), and perforin 1 (Prf1) in murine memory CD8(+) T cells by characterizing their transcriptional profiles and chromatin states during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Each effector gene has a distinct transcriptional profile in resting memory cells and following restimulation. Primary infection leads to reduced nucleosomal density near the transcription start sites and reduced H3K27 methylation throughout the Ifng and Gzmb loci, and these chromatin changes persist in the memory phase. Despite similarities in chromatin at the memory stage, PolII recruitment and continuous transcription occur at the Ifng locus but not the Gzmb locus. We propose that these chromatin changes poise effector genes for rapid upregulation, but are insufficient for PolII recruitment and transcription.
Modeling the Human in Human Factors

Human operators use mental models to guide their interaction with automated systems.We can "model the human" by constructing explicit descriptions of plausible mental models. Using mechanized formal methods, we can then calculate divergences between the actual system behavior and that suggested by the mental model. These divergences indicate possible automation surprises and other human factors problems and suggest places where the design should be improved.
Advantages of Two-photon Microscopy with Ultrashort Pulses

Ultrashort pulses are expected to be beneficial for multiphoton microscopy. To utilize their advantages, however, chromatic dispersion must be compensated. We use multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan (MIIPS) to measure and then eliminate phase distortions of pulses with a FWHM spectral bandwidth greater than 100 nm. Once compensated, the transform limited pulses (<15 fs) deliver higher twophoton excited fluorescence signal intensity, which translates into deeper optical penetration depth.
Investigation of a possible crevasse near the main airstrip on McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica

A dark line appears on a recent satellite image of McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica. It is parallel to the calving front. Initial thoughts were that the line marks an opening crevasse associated with an impending major calving event. The feature was studied by means of a strain and surface-elevation grid that was surveyed twice, 25 d apart, using global positioning system (GPS) techniques. Results show that the dark line is not due to an opening crevasse. The feature is probably the surface expression of firn collapse over sea water soaking horizontally into the ice shelf.
Comparison of Folate Reductases of Sarcoma 180 Cells, Sensitive and Resistant to Amethopterin

Folate reductases of sublines of mouse Sarcoma 180 cells grown in vitro , sensitive and resistant (AT/3000) to amethopterin were compared. For this purpose the pattern of gel filtration on Sephadex G-75, the electrophoretic mobility on cellulose acetate strips, and the ratio of specific activities when folate or dihydrofolate were used as substrates were determined. No differences between these enzymes were noted. This, together with previous studies, leads to the conclusion that the only change which occurred when these cells became resistant to amethopterin by 3000-fold was a 300-fold increase in the cellular content of folate reductase.
Interactions of immune cells with the facultative intracellular pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus has a polysaccharide capsule, which is the major virulence factor of the organism. This chapter covers the interactions of Cryptococcus with immune cells, with a focus on macrophages. Macrophages produce cytokines and chemokines, thereby recruiting and activating other immune cells such as T cells and neutrophils. In vitro studies have shed important light on macrophage-Cryptococcus interactions, but the differences seen between human and murine cells and between macrophages from different anatomical sites make it difficult to draw conclusions about the requirements for macrophage anticryptococcal activity. Macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α) is made by numerous types of immune cells and is induced in the lungs of Cryptococcus neoformans-infected mice. Growth of the phospholipase plb1 mutant is impaired in alveolar macrophages in vivo, and the plb1 mutant has reduced virulence in animal models of cryptococcosis. NK cells are innate immune cells that mediate the cytotoxicity of infected cells and tumor cells. The anticryptococcal activity of immune cells in vitro depends on numerous factors, including the species, cell type, and anatomical source of the host cells, the availability of opsonins, and the target C. neoformans strain. Studies of Cryptococcus–immune-cell interactions have led to the identification of candidate vaccines and immunomodulators, some of which have been studied in clinical trials.
Exploiting genetic diversity to balance conservation and harvest of migratory salmon

Population-based management is central to the conservation of highly exploited species. Managing to sustain population diversity is especially challenging for migratory species. The aggregate of po...
Sense of community and political participation

Current conceptualizations of sense of community suggest that this quality may be correlated with various forms of political participation. This notion was tested in the current study by measuring and computing relationships between sense of community and five different types of political participation: voting, campaigning, contacting political officials, working on public problems, and talking about politics. Indices of these political activities were further subdivided into those with local relevance and those with nonlocal relevance. Self-report measures of sense of community and political participation were administered by telephone interview to 546 randomly selected respondents in Birmingham, Alabama. Results showed that sense of community was significantly related to voting, to contacting officials, to working on public problems, to local and nonlocal participation, and to an index of overall political participation. The findings are discussed.
Characteristics and course of patients with deteriorated monofixation syndrome.

Background: Monofixation syndrome is characterized by small-angle strabismus with vergence fusional amplitudes and "peripheral fusion." Although it is thought to be a relatively stable condition, some patients with this syndrome deteriorate, resulting in an increasing heterotropia, sometimes associated with diplopia. Deteriorated monofixation syndrome is well known among clinicians; however, there are no studies describing the course and outcomes for these patients. Purpose: To assess the clinical characteristics, course, and response to therapy of patients with deteriorated monofixation syndrome. Methods: We identified all patients from our database that had an ocular deviation of ≤8Δ on simultaneous prism cover testing, peripheral fusion, and between 3000 and 67 seconds of stereoacuity (monofixators) who subsequently had an increase in their deviation to >8Δ, loss of fusion, or diplopia. From this group we assessed patient clinical characteristics, course, and response to therapy. Results: We identified 29 patients with deteriorated monofixation syndrome who subsequently underwent treatment. Treatment consisted of surgery in 28 patients and minus lens therapy in one patient. Of the study group, 28 (97%) of the patients had a history of esotropia and 20 patients (69%) had a history of amblyopia. Nine patients noted diplopia at the time of deterioration, which persisted in four patients after treatment. In all, 14 patients (48%) met the criteria for monofixation again after therapy, while 20 patients (69%) had successful motor alignment (≤8Δ). There was a trend toward poorer outcomes in the diplopic group when compared with the patients who did not have diplopia, although this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.26 for regaining monofixation syndrome). Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 21 years. Conclusion: Though monofixation is considered a stable condition, some patients will deteriorate over time as demonstrated by an increase in the ocular deviation and loss of fusion. In this study 31% of our patients noted the onset of diplopia. Following treatment, 48% of the patients regained monofixation. Patients with diplopia following deterioration of their alignment may be less likely to regain good alignment or monofixation after treatment.
The effect of truncal vagotomy on jejunal and ileal blood flow.

Abstract The hydrogen clearance method for measuring blood flow in unanesthetized unrestrained animals has been adapted to the alimentary tract of dogs and the method briefly described. Basal perfusion rates in both the jejunum (0.91 ml./gm./min.) and the ileum (0.89 ml./gm./min.) were measured but there was no statistical difference between mean values. At a subsequent operation bilateral truncal vagotomy together with a pyloroplasty were performed on all the dogs and paired observations in the early (under 3 weeks) and late (over 3 weeks) postvagotomy periods undertaken. In the early postoperative period significant reductions in blood flow occurred in both the jejunum and ileum amounting to 49.5 and 48%, respectively. The late effects of vagotomy were observed in only five dogs. Four of these dogs escaped from the induced ischemia although the onset of the release phenomenon is variable. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Ferromagnetic resonance driven by spin transfer torque

Abstract We study spin–torque-driven ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) in point contacts. Point contacts as small as a few nanometers in size are used to inject microwave currents into F/N/F spin valves where two ferromagnetic (F) layers are separated by a nonmagnetic (N) metal spacer. High densities of injected currents produce the spin-transfer torque on magnetic moments and drive FMR in the F-layers. The resonance is detected electrically when a small rectified dc voltage appears across the point contact. Here we focus on the origin of this rectified signal and study ST-FMR in point contacts to spin valves with different ferromagnets (Py and Co) and single ferromagnetic (Py) films, as well as in spin-valve wires patterned by electron beam lithography. We find that this voltage can be explained by the resistance variations which originate from giant magnetoresistance in point contacts to spin valves and involve effects of anisotropic magnetoresistance and extraordinary Hall effect on the propagation of microwave currents in continuous F-films and microwires.
FREE AMINO ACID CHANGES DURING GERMINATION OF TELIOSPORES OF THE WHEAT BUNT FUNGUS, TILLETIA CARIES'

A B S T R A C T Teliospores were aerated and agitated in a mineral salts medium and their free amino acid contents were analyzed at eight different times, from shortly after imbibition of water until just before germ tube emergence. In addition to the common amino acids, eight unidentified ninhydrin-positive components were detected. About 50 % or more of nearly each of the amino acids diffused out of the spores during the initial phase of germination. These released amino acids were actively taken up by the spores during the latter stages of germination. The free amino acids in largest amounts in the dormant spores of T. caries were arginine 15.0, glutamic acid 6.3, and alanine 3.7 ,moles per g dry spores. Together these three amino acids accounted for about 71 % of the total free amino acids in dormant spores of T. caries and T. controversa. The total amounts of free amino acids in spores of common bunt were much higher than in spores of dwarf bunt. TELIOSPORES of the common bunt fungus Tilletia caries (DC.) Tul. require 3-5 days to germinate, whereas teliospores of the dwarf bunt fungus T. controversa Kuhn require 2-3 months under optimal conditions of moisture, light, oxygen, and temperature. We have been unable to enhance the germination of these dormant spores either by the addition of exogenous nutrients or by germination stimulators that are effective on some dormant bacterial and fungal spores (Trione, 1973). The high amine content of Tilletia teliospores (Singh and Trione, 1969) suggests an unusual or unbalanced nitrogen metabolism. Because amino acid nutrition greatly affects growth and development of fungi (Foudin and Wynn, 1972) an imbalance of free amino acids may be contributing to the dormancy of the teliospores of the bunt fungi. Knowledge of the amino acid composition of intact fungal spores is limited, and little attention has been given to the relationship between amino acid composition and the germination states of the spores. The aim of the present work is to provide a comprehensive study of the free amino acids in the dormant spores of Tilletia caries and T. controversa and to record the changing levels
Improving the Sensitivity and Responsivity of Preservice Teachers Toward Young Children with Disabilities

Research in developmental and educational psychology points to the importance of sensitive interactions between adult and children in order to promote children's social, emotional, and academic lea...
Incorporating Social Product Development in Distributed Collaborative Design Education

Over the past few years, Social Product Development (SPD) has emerged as a new trend to improve traditional engineering design and product realization processes. SPD involves the concepts of crowdsourcing, mass collaboration, customer co-creation, and most recently cloud-based design and manufacturing. One of the key characteristics of SPD is to apply social computing techniques (e.g., social networking sites and online communities) to support different phases of product realization processes. In line with this trend, our objective is to help our students become familiar with this paradigm shift and learn how to solve engineering design problems in a distributed and collaborative setting. Consequently, we have experimented with introducing some aspects of SPD into one of our graduate level engineering design courses. In this paper, we (1) introduce a SPD process that is implemented in the course, (2) present a case study from one of the design teams, and (3) share our experience and lessons with respect to the implementation of the SPD process.
Theatre Performance in Museums: Art and Pedagogy

The Kentucky History Center (KHS) presents a performance for visitors as part of its exhibition on flags. A small audience watches as an actor stands on a stool against a wall, aligning his body wi...
p493F12 kinase: A novel MAP kinase expressed in a subset of neurons in the human nervous system

Monoclonal antibody 3F12 identifies a cytoplasmic antigen of 49 kDa in human hippocampus and neocortex. The distribution of 3F12 immunoreactive neurons closely matches that of Alzheimer's disease (AD) targeted neurons in these areas. In some hippocampal neurons of AD patients, this antigen colocalizes with ALZ-50, indicating the presence of AD pathology in these neurons. Molecular characterization of the 3F12 cDNA revealed it to be a member of the MAP kinase family, showing 43% amino acid sequence identity to human extracellular related kinase 2 (p42mapk). We have confirmed that p493F12 kinase autophosphorylates both threonine and tyrosine residues, as expected for a MAP kinase. The p49 mRNA is expressed exclusively in the nervous system. In the brain, the distribution of these neurons closely corresponds to 3F12 antigen-bearing neurons. The p493F12 gene maps to the human chromosome 21q21 region, a region that may be important in the pathogenesis of AD and Down's syndrome.
Microemulsion Synthesis of Iron Core/Iron Oxide Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles and Their Physicochemical Properties

Iron magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized under an inert atmosphere via the reaction between FeCl3 and NaBH4 in droplets of water in a microemulsion consisting of octane with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide and butanol as surfactants. A thin Fe3O4 layer was produced on the iron nanoparticles using slow, controlled oxidation at room temperature. A silica shell was deposited on the Fe3O4 using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane following the method of Zhang et al. [Mater. Sci. Eng. C 30 (2010) 92-97]. The structure and chemistry of the resulting nanoparticles were studied using variety of methods and their magnetic properties were determined. The diameter of the iron core was typically 8-16 nm, while the thickness of the Fe3O4 shell was 2-3 nm. The presence of the silica layer was confirmed using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and the number of NH2-groups on each nanoparticle was determined based on colorimetric tests using ortho-phthalaldehyde.
Continuous positive airway pressure selectively reduces obstructive apnea in preterm infants

Apnea in preterm infants has been classified as obstructive, central (nonobstructive), and mixed, based on the presence or absence of upper airway obstruction. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is widely used in apneic infants, although its mechanism of action is still unclear. To determine whether CPAP is equally effective in obstructive and nonobstructive apnea, we compared the types of apnea observed in 14 preterm infants during sequential 45-minute periods with and without CPAP. CPAP markedly decreased the incidence of both mixed and obstructive apnea episodes of ≥5 seconds ( P 2 increased by 11±11 mm Hg during CPAP whether or not apnea was present. We postulate that CPAP reduces apnea in preterm infants by relief of upper airway obstruction, possibly via splinting of the pharyngeal airway.
The fracture of epoxy- and elastomer-modified epoxy polymers in bulk and as adhesives

The fracture behavior of a piperidine/bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (A) resin has been determined in bulk and as an adhesive using the linear elastic fracture methods developed by Mostovoy1. The effect of adding carboxy-terminated butadiene–acrylonitrile (CTBN) elastomer to resin A was investigated. The opening-mode fracture energy () of resin A was 120 to 150 J/m2, and largely attributable to plastic deformation. Fractographic evidence was obtained for plastic flow at the crack tip during crack initiation. Propagation was unstable due to the rate dependence of the plasticity. There were no significant differences in the bulk and adhesive fracture behavior. Addition of 5–15% CTBN to resin A produced minute elastomer particles which increased to ∼4000J/m2 (at 15%). Further CTBN addition resulted in an elastomer–epoxy blend and a decrease in fracture energy. Fractography again indicated that crack initiation involved plastic deformation but that the elastomer had greatly increased the volume in which the deformation occurred. The adhesive fracture of the elastomer–epoxy was found to be strongly dependent on the crack-tip deformation zone size (ryc) in that was a maximum when bond thickness was equal to 2 ryc. At bond thicknesses less than 2 ryc, there was a restraint on the development of the plastic zone resulting in lower values.
Dispersion-free continuum two-dimensional electronic spectrometer

Electronic dynamics span broad energy scales with ultrafast time constants in the condensed phase. Two-dimensional (2D) electronic spectroscopy permits the study of these dynamics with simultaneous resolution in both frequency and time. In practice, this technique is sensitive to changes in nonlinear dispersion in the laser pulses as time delays are varied during the experiment. We have developed a 2D spectrometer that uses broadband continuum generated in argon as the light source. Using this visible light in phase-sensitive optical experiments presents new challenges in implementation. We demonstrate all-reflective interferometric delays using angled stages. Upon selecting an ~180 nm window of the available bandwidth at ~10 fs compression, we probe the nonlinear response of broadly absorbing CdSe quantum dots and electronic transitions of Chlorophyll a.
PPARgamma and colorectal carcinoma: conflicts in a nuclear family.

Two new mouse studies suggest that PPARγ agonists may promote tumorigenesis in colon epithelium whereas a third study in humans indicates a possible protective role for these drugs ( pages 1046–1061 ).