cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformational Selection in G-Proteins: Lessons from Ras and Rho

The induced fit model has traditionally been invoked to describe the activating conformational change of the monomeric G-proteins, such as Ras and Rho. With this scheme, the presence or absence of the γ-phosphate of GTP leads to an instantaneous switch in conformation. Here we describe atomistic molecular simulations that demonstrate that both Ras and Rho superfamily members harbor an intrinsic susceptibility to sample multiple conformational states in the absence of nucleotide ligand. By comparing the distribution of conformers in the presence and absence of nucleotide, we show that conformational selection is the dominant mechanism by which Ras and Rho undergo nucleotide-dependent conformational changes. Furthermore, the pattern of correlated motions revealed by these simulations predicts a preserved allosteric coupling of the nucleotide-binding site with the membrane interacting C-terminus in both Rho and Ras.
Estrogen receptor α and Sp1 regulate progesterone receptor gene expression

The progesterone receptor (PR) gene is induced by estrogen in reproductive and mammary tissues and in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells even though the human PR gene lacks an estrogen response element. We have identified a region from -80 to -34 in the PR gene that contains two Sp1 sites and confers estrogen responsiveness to a heterologous promoter in an estrogen and estrogen receptoralpha (ERalpha)-dependent manner. Sp1 present in MCF-7 nuclear extracts and purified Sp1 bind to and protect both Sp1 sites from DNase I cleavage, but the proximal Sp1 site is preferentially protected. Mutation of either Sp1 site decreases Sp1-DNA complex formation and ERalpha-mediated transactivation. ERalpha enhances Sp1 binding, but does not interact directly with the -80/-34 region. Our studies suggest that ERalpha confers estrogen responsiveness to the PR gene by enhancing Sp1 interaction with the Sp1 site in the -80/-34 region of the human PR gene.
Properties of GABAergic Neurons in the Rostral Solitary Tract Nucleus in Mice

The rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST) plays a pivotal role in taste processing. The rNST contains projection neurons and interneurons that differ in morphology and intrinsic membrane properties. Although characteristics of the projection neurons have been detailed, similar information is lacking on the interneurons. We determined the intrinsic properties of the rNST GABAergic interneurons using a transgenic mouse model that expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of a GAD67 promoter. Glutamic acid decarboxylase-green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) neurons were distributed throughout the rNST but were concentrated in the ventral subdivision with minimal interaction with the terminal field of the afferent input. Furthermore, the density of the GAD67-GFP neurons decreased in more rostral areas of rNST. In whole cell recordings, GAD67-GFP neurons responded with either an initial burst (73%), tonic (18%), or irregular (9%) discharge pattern of action potentials (APs) in response to membrane depolarization. These three groups also differed in passive and AP characteristics. Initial burst neurons had small ovoid or fusiform cell bodies, whereas tonic firing neurons had large multipolar or fusiform cell bodies. Irregular firing neurons had larger spherical soma. Some of the initial burst and tonic firing neurons were also spontaneously active. The GAD67-GFP neurons could also be categorized in subgroups based on colocalization with somatostatin and parvalbumin immunolabeling. Initial burst neurons would transmit the early dynamic portion of the encoded sensory stimuli, whereas tonic firing neurons could respond to both dynamic and static components of the sensory input, suggesting different roles for GAD67-GFP neurons in taste processing.
Gene expression of normal human epidermal keratinocytes modulated by trivalent arsenicals.

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is associated with the development of benign and malignant human skin lesions including nonmelanoma skin cancers. The precise arsenical form(s) responsible for this carcinogenic effect are unknown, although trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs(III)) and two of its toxic metabolites, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)) and methylarsinous acid (DMA(III)), are attractive candidates. In an effort to better understand and compare their toxic effects in the skin, we compared the global gene expression profiles of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) exposed to varying noncytotoxic/slightly cytotoxic concentrations of iAs(III), MMA(III), and DMA(III) for 24 h. Exposure to each arsenical treatment group exhibited a dose effect in the number of altered genes and the magnitude of expression change in NHEKs. The most significant gene expression changes associated with iAs(III) and MMA(III) exposure were consistent with several key events believed to be important to As-driven skin carcinogenesis, namely induction of oxidative stress, increased transcript levels of keratinocyte growth factors, and modulation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways. At both comparable arsenical concentrations and comparable NHEK toxicity, greater potential carcinogenic effects were observed in MMA(III)-exposed NHEKs than those exposed to iAs(III), including involvement of more proinflammatory signals and increased transcript levels of more growth factor genes. In contrast, none of these above-mentioned transcriptional trends were among the most significantly altered functions in the DMA(III) treatment group. This study suggests the relative capacity of each of the tested arsenicals to drive suspected key events in As-mediated skin carcinogenesis is MMA(III) > iAs(III) with little contribution from DMA(III).
The pharmacotherapy of depressive illness in adolescence: II. Effects of lithium augmentation in nonresponders to imipramine.

Abstract The antidepressant value of lithium augmentation was assessed in a 3-week open trial involving 24 adolescents who remained highly depressed after 6 weeks of treatment with imipramine hydrochloride. Two patients responded dramatically during the first week, with an additional eight patients showing partial improvement during the 3-week trial. The overall magnitude of improvement in depression ratings was significantly greater than in an historical control group of nonresponders who continued to receive imipramine monotherapy during their hospital treatment. Results suggest the potential use of this adjunctive strategy in some tricyclic resistant adolescent depressives, although it appears less efficacious overall in this age group than in adults. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1992, 31, 1:16–20.
Microfluidic mixing of nonpolar liquids by contact charge electrophoresis

We present a simple and effective ratcheted microfluidic mixer that uses contact charge electrophoresis (CCEP) of a micron-scale particle to rapidly mix nonpolar liquids. CCEP combines contact charging and electrostatic actuation to drive the continuous oscillatory motion of a conductive particle between two electrodes subject to a constant (DC) voltage. We show how this oscillatory motion can be harnessed to mix laminar flows by using dielectric “ramps” to direct the particle along non-reciprocal, orbital trajectories, which repeatedly stretch and fold the flowing streams. Complete mixing requires that the speed of the particle is much larger than the fluid velocity such that the particle completes many orbits as the fluid flows through the mixing region. The extent of mixing also depends strongly on the size of the particle and the shape of its trajectory; effective mixers relied on larger particles (comparable to the size of the channel) moving along non-reciprocal orbits. While the present study uses mineral oil as a convenient nonpolar liquid, we also screened fifteen common solvents to determine the applicability of CCEP for mixing other organic liquids. Owing to its simple design and low power requirements (~100 nW), the orbital mixer presented here demonstrates the utility and versatility of ratcheted electrostatic actuation in powering active microfluidic operations.
Assessing Community Readiness for Prevention

(1995). Assessing Community Readiness for Prevention. International Journal of the Addictions: Vol. 30, No. 6, pp. 659-683.
Sea urchin spawning in benthic boundary layers: Are eggs fertilized before advecting away from females?

Past work on fertilization in echinoids and other egg-broadcasting, free-spawning invertebrates suggests that these organisms might be extremely sperm limited in the field unless individuals spawn in close proximity and under nearly ideal flow conditions. However, virtually all previous experiments have used one or more techniques (surrogates for males and females, and short sampling duration) that bypassed two potentially important aspects of echinoid reproductive biology: the release of gametes in viscous fluids that cling to tests and spines, and extended longevity of eggs and undiluted sperm. We hypothesized that these attributes might interact with some flow regimes to facilitate time-integrated fertilization. Consequently, we explored fertilization processes in sea urchins induced to spawn in a benthic boundary layer in a flow-through flume, with a male 0.5 m upstream of a female. Our observations and data suggest that at free‐stream flow velocities of 2.5 and 8.5 cm s 21 , gametes were slowly and continually advected from the aboral surfaces of spawning animals. Eggs on the surface of the aboral mass were often fertilized before they ablated from the surface; many advected eggs were fertilized after being trapped in the vortex downstream of the female. Gamete advection and fertilization continued for several hours, with the actual time course depending on flow velocity. Fertilization levels declined only slightly with increasing flow velocity. These results suggest that fertilization in echinoderms and other free-spawners with viscous, long-lived gametes could be much less sperm-limited than currently envisioned and have additional implications for population dynamics and selection on gamete characteristics.
Metacognition and Reading in Children Who Are Deaf: A Review of the Research

The purpose of this article is to review and synthesize the literature linking metacognition and reading in children who are deaf. Although this body of research is sparse, three issues emerge. First, the research implies that current instructional practices used to teach reading to deaf children might actually hinder their development of mature metacognitive knowledge and control. Second, the studies suggest that the low-level reading material typically given to deaf children might not provide the opportunity for them to develop, practice, or use metacognitive strategies. And third, the research shows that deaf students can benefit from metacognitive strategy instruction.
Powering of wireless sensors through the exclusive use of kinetic energy

This paper demonstrates the powering of wireless sensor nodes with the exclusive use of a novel kinetic energy harvester (KEH). This KEH is designed to operate under low accelerations which are practical to find in a typical environment where a sensor would be deployed. Four different sensor types were powered with accelerations ranging between 17–300mg.
Hydrocarbon and hydrogen-rich syngas production by biomass catalytic pyrolysis and bio-oil upgrading over biochar catalysts

The focus of this study is to investigate the influences of biochar as a catalyst in biomass pyrolysis and bio-oil upgrading. The biochar catalyst enhanced the syngas and improved the bio-oil quality in biomass pyrolysis. The high concentrations of phenols (46 area%) and hydrocarbons (16 area%) were obtained from torrefied biomass catalytic pyrolysis over biochar catalysts. High-quality syngas enriched in H2, CO, and CH4 was observed. The amounts of H2 and CO in syngas were up to 20.43 vol% and 43.03 vol% in raw biomass catalytic pyrolysis, and 27.02 vol% and 38.34 vol% in torrefied biomass catalytic pyrolysis. Thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis showed that the raw and recycled biochar catalysts had good thermal stability. Upgraded bio-oil was dominated by phenols (37.23 area%) and hydrocarbons (42.56 area%) at high biochar catalyst loadings. The biochar catalyst might be used as a cost-competitive catalyst in biomass conversion and bio-oil upgrading.
Axon Pruning and Synaptic Development: How Are They per-Plexin?

During the development of the nervous system, neurons must first migrate to their appropriate locations and then send out axons to make connections. Various environmental cues guide these migrating neurons and growing axons. After axons reach their target regions, neuronal contacts are created through the formation of synapses. Because excess axonal branches and synaptic contacts are often formed during early development, they are pruned or eliminated at later stages to create specific neuronal connections. Several groups of ligand-receptor pairs have been identified to regulate each of these cellular events. Evidence also indicates that these same molecules may be used in multiple developmental processes. Here, we discuss semaphorins and plexins, the largest family of axon guidance ligand-receptor pairs. Because the roles of semaphorins in neuronal migration and axonal repulsion have been extensively reviewed, we will focus on plexin receptors. We will discuss how semaphorin signals are specifically passed through these receptors into cells and how plexins mediate their newly identified roles in axon pruning and synaptic development.
Array analysis of the large-aperture array of the 1988–89 PASSCAL Basin and Range Passive-Source Seismic Experiment

SUMMARY The 1988–89 PASSCAL Basin and Range Passive-Source Seismic Experiment consisted of two array deployments, the large- and small-aperture arrays. The large-aperture array consisted of seven stations with three-component mid-period seismometers, and independently triggered prototype PASSCAL data recorders with GOES clocks. The array spatial distribution and the synchronized data have permitted us to employ simple beamforming operations to improve receiver-function estimation from single teleseismic events. The beamforming reinforces the coherent teleseismic P wave and the deterministic portions of the P-wave coda, primarily generated by interactions at major lithospheric interfaces. Microseismic background noise is incoherent across the array, and is attenuated by beamforming. Beamforming also diminishes those portions of the coda due to scattering by inhomogeneities, that appear random on the scale of the array aperture. The enhanced signal-to-noise ratio of the teleseismic recording dramatically improves the single-event receiver function deconvolution results.
Treatment of LADA With Etanercept

Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) is a subset of type 1 diabetes. The disease accounts for ∼2–12% of all cases of diabetes (1). The pathogenesis of the disease involves autoimmune destruction of the β-cells of the pancreatic islet that produce insulin. There is a cell-mediated effect, via islet-reactive T cells (2), and a humoral immune response via autoantibodies (3). Studies have indicated that the GAD and islet cell antibodies are the most common in patients with LADA (4). Despite the priority of hyperglycemia, treating the underlying pathogenesis should be considered. Some of these efforts may include interfering with the cytokines that are implicated in the inflammatory process, which include tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, among others. A tumor necrosis factor-α blocker, …
Water Rights and Regulation in the Eastern Statesa

There are numerous ramifications to consider in discussing water rights and laws. In this discussion meaningful impressions concerning water rights and related laws in the 31 States lying east of Texas and the Dakotas are presented. Research is still in progress and a number of the statements are necessarily tentative.c Although legislation of various types has been enacted, court-made rules still provide the primary basis for the water rights laws of most eastern States. This means rules developed by the reported decisions of the State appellate courts. In Louisiana, however, unlike the common-law States, the Civil Code provides the primary basis for its laws (see Borton, Mark E. and Ellis, Harold H., “Some Legal Aspects of Water Use in Louisiana,” La. Agr. Expt. Sta. Bul. 537, June, 1960). Bear in mind that these general rules often vary from State to State and that they may be modified by voluntary contractual arrangements, the exercise of eminent domain, prescriptive rights, legislation, and various other complicating factors. Furthermore, the laws of most States are unsettled regarding a number of questions, and several court decisions are of elderly vintage and hence might be modified under current conditions. Water supplies, natural or developed, all may be more or less interrelated. But rights to use them may vary according to their particular designation as classified by the courts for various purposes. Some common classifications of natural water supplies include natural watercourses, diffused surface water, percolating ground water, and underground streams.
Exact and approximate error-rate analysis of BPSK in Weibull fading with cochannel interference

The performance of binary phase shift keying in a Weibull fading environment is analysed in the presence of cochannel interference (CCI) in terms of the bit error rate (BER). We derive an exact expression for the BER in this case on the basis of a characteristic function approach. Furthermore, since it is difficult to obtain the distribution of the CCI and because of the complexity of the obtained exact BER expression, we derive an approximate expression for the BER by invoking the central limit theorem. The validity of the exact expression and the accuracy of the approximate one are verified by comparing their results with those obtained via Monte Carlo simulations. The effect of such factors as the number of interferers and the fading severity of both the desired as well as the interfering signals on performance is also investigated.
A Note on the Effect of Nebulization Time and Pressure on the Culturability of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens

Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens were nebulized in a 3 jet nebulizer at 5 or 20 psi for 60 min. Aliquots were withdrawn from the nebulizer reservoir and plated on tryptic soy agar (TSA) and minimal agar (MA). Culturable concentrations of both organisms decreased over the 60 min period for both pressures. Injury to P. fluorescens and B. subtilis occurred within the first 1-5 min of nebulization at both pressures. Total cell concentration estimates by hemacytometer increased with increased nebulization time for both organisms at both pressures, which was likely due to deaggregation of agglomerates.
Cardiovascular mortality in New York City after September 11, 2001

Major catastrophes, such as earthquakes and wars, have been associated with short-term increases in cardiac mortality. We investigated whether the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were associated with increased cardiac mortality in New York City. We analyzed death certificate data in New York City for the time period around September 11, 2001. Compared with control years, there was no excess mortality from cardiac causes in the month after September 11, 2001. Also, there was no increase in death from cerebrovascular disease. In conclusion, there was no disproportionate increase in cardiovascular mortality after the terrorist attacks.
The performance of pathogenic bacterial phytosensing transgenic tobacco in the field

Phytosensors are useful for rapid-on-the-plant detection of contaminants and agents that cause plant stress. Previously, we produced a series of plant pathogen-inducible synthetic promoters fused to an orange fluorescent protein (OFP) reporter gene and transformed them into tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana plants; in these transgenic lines, an OFP signal is expressed commensurate with the presence of plant pathogens. We report here the results of 2 years of field experiments using a subset of these bacterial phytosensing tobacco plants. Time-course analysis of field-grown phytosensors showed that a subset of plants responded predictably to treatments with Pseudomonas phytopathogens. There was a twofold induction in the OFP fluorescence driven by two distinct salicylic acid-responsive synthetic promoters, 4 × PR1 and 4 × SARE. Most notably, transgenic plants containing 4 × PR1 displayed the earliest and highest OFP induction at 48 and 72 h postinoculation (h p.i.) upon inoculation with two phytopathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and P. syringae pv. tabaci, respectively. These results demonstrate transgenic tobacco harbouring a synthetic inducible promoter-driven OFP could be used to facilitate monitoring and early-warning reporting of phytopathogen infections in agricultural fields.
Innovative laboratory techniques to facilitate processing of large Mohs cases.

Background Processing multiple tissue sections in large Mohs cases is time consuming and labor intensive. Objective To present innovative laboratory techniques to facilitate processing of large Mohs cases. Methods A method for processing a large dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans Mohs case is outlined. Results Modifications in tissue processing and equipment employed in a large Mohs case are presented. Conclusion Innovative modifications to the standard Mohs laboratory technique can facilitate processing of large Mohs cases, resulting in high-quality, rapid frozen sections while optimizing efficiency.
Flight validation of a metrics driven L 1 adaptive control in the presence of general unmodeled dynamics

The paper summarizes the results of an ongoing effort in the development and flight validation and verification of the metrics driven L 1 adaptive flight control system. In particular, the paper develops a unified framework for design, implementation, validation and verification of flight critical control systems including: (i) definition of experimental control validation technique that accounts for generalized plant uncertainties or unmodeled dynamics; (ii) tuning the developed L 1 adaptive controller to explicitly address performance metrics in the presence of modeling uncertainties under adverse flight conditions; (iii) development of a flight control system testing environment for implementation of the resulting algorithms onboard of a small unmanned aerial vehicle; and (iv) designing and conducting of a comprehensive flight test validation and verification program that demonstrates performance of the proposed adaptive control algorithm.
Massive Hemoptysis in Takayasu's Arteritis During Pregnancy

Takayasu's arteritis is an uncommon condition affecting predominantly young women. Because the disorder affects women in childbearing age, it may be recognized the first time during pregnancy. Various cardiovascular events may occur in the perinatal period. We describe a patient with Takayasu's arteritis who presented with massive hemoptysis. To our knowledge, this manifestation has not been documented previously.
Renal nerves promote sodium excretion in angiotensin-induced hypertension

To determine whether the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the hypertension induced by pathophysiological increments in plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration, we determined the neurally induced changes in renal excretory function during chronic intravenous infusion of Ang II. Studies were carried out in five conscious chronically instrumented dogs subjected to unilateral renal denervation and surgical division of the urinary bladder into hemibladders to allow separate 24-hour urine collection from the denervated and innervated kidneys. After control measurements, Ang II was infused for 5 days at a rate of 4.8 pmol/kg per minute (5 ng/kg per minute); this was followed by a 5-day recovery period. Twenty-four-hour control values for mean arterial pressure (MAP) and for the ratio of denervated to innervated kidneys (DEN/INN) for urinary sodium, potassium, and creatinine excretion were 93±5 mm Hg, 1.17±0.09, 1.10±0.10, and 1.00±0.02, respectively. As expected, Ang II infusion caused sodium retention for several days before sodium balance was achieved at an elevated MAP (day 5=124±4 mm Hg). Moreover, by day 2 of Ang II-induced hypertension, there were significant reductions in the DEN/INN for sodium and potassium, which persisted for the 5 days of Ang II infusion; on day 5, the DEN/INN values for sodium and potassium were 0.71±0.10 and 0.91±0.12, respectively. In contrast, the DEN/INN for creatinine was unchanged from control levels during Ang II infusion, and measurements of renal hemodynamics indicated comparable reductions in glomerular filtration rate (≈13%) and renal plasma flow (≈25%) during Ang II infusion. This indicates that the renal nerves promoted sodium and potassium excretion during Ang II-induced hypertension by inhibiting tubular reabsorption of these electrolytes. Thus, this study provides no support for the hypothesis that increased renal sympathetic nerve activity impairs sodium excretion and contributes to Ang II-induced hypertension.
Sanctions, Signals, and Militarized Conflict

Economic sanctions are frequently used as a tool of foreign policy, described by some as falling between diplomacy and military force. An important question regarding the use of sanctions is whether they can function as an alternative to military force by demonstrating the sender's resolve and making military force unnecessary, or if their use tends to result in an increased probability that military force will be used. Based on a theory of sanctions as costly signals, the authors develop and test hypotheses regarding the relationship between sanctions and military force. The results show that after a sanction occurs, there is a significantly increased probability of a use of military force. Democracies, because of their propensity to tie their hands with audience costs, while at the same time facing domestic pressure to devise sanctions to be costless to the sender, are highly likely to be involved in a militarized dispute after using sanctions.
The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 modulates the suppressive activity of regulatory T cells

The importance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) for immune tolerance is well recognized, yet the signaling molecules influencing their suppressive activity are relatively poorly understood. In this article, through in vivo studies and complementary ex vivo studies, we make several important observations. First, we identify the cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) as an endogenous brake and modifier of the suppressive ability of Tregs; consistent with this notion, loss of SHP-1 expression strongly augments the ability of Tregs to suppress inflammation in a mouse model. Second, specific pharmacological inhibition of SHP-1 enzymatic activity via the cancer drug sodium stibogluconate potently augmented Treg suppressor activity both in vivo and ex vivo. Finally, through a quantitative imaging approach, we directly demonstrate that Tregs prevent the activation of conventional T cells and that SHP-1-deficient Tregs are more efficient suppressors. Collectively, our data reveal SHP-1 as a critical modifier of Treg function and a potential therapeutic target for augmenting Treg-mediated suppression in certain disease states.
Disneyland Dads, Disneyland Moms?: How Nonresident Parents Spend Time With Absent Children

Using data from the 1987-1988 National Survey of Families and Households, this study examines gender differences in how nonresident parents spend time with their absent children. Whereas nonresident fathers are often perceived as “Disneyland” parents, nonresident mothers are generally considered to be more involved in their children's daily lives. However, results suggest that nonresident mothers and fathers exhibit a similar pattern of participation in activities with their absent children, controlling for sociodemographic and family characteristics. Most nonresident parents either engage in only leisure activities with their children or have no contact. Only about one third of parents mention school among activities they participate in with their child. These findings indicate that nonresident parent-child interaction patterns may be the result of circumstances surrounding the nonresidential role rather than the gender of the parent.
The effect of vigorous physical activity and risk of wrist fracture over 25 years in a low-risk survivor cohort

Recent studies have suggested that a high level of recent physical activity increases the risk of a wrist fracture in postmenopausal women. The relationship of more distant past physical activity to wrist fracture is less clear, and most studies have relied on recall of physical activity much earlier in life. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of wrist fracture in a subset of women who had completed a recent questionnaire and also had participated in a cohort study 25 years earlier, 1865 women who were perimenopausal and postmenopausal in 1976 and had completed the 1976 and 2002 Adventist Health Study lifestyle questionnaires. Data on risk factors including physical activity were collected from the 1976 survey. Subjects reported wrist fractures occurring since baseline, and the approximate time of fracture, in the 2002 questionnaire. Incidence of wrist fracture was 3.7/1000 person-years of follow up. There was a dose-response inverse relationship between level of physical activity and wrist fracture with a 37% reduction of risk for the highest level of physical activity with respect to the lowest level (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45, 0.89). The effect of physical activity changed little in the final multivariable model (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43, 0.87). In this cohort of women with a relatively low incidence of wrist fracture, higher levels of physical activity at baseline were protective against risk of fracture during 25 years of follow-up.
Postexposure Prophylaxis against Experimental Inhalation Anthrax

Inhalation anthrax is a rare disease that is almost invariably fatal. This study determined whether a prolonged course of postexposure antibiotics with or without vaccination would protect monkeys exposed to a lethal aerosol dose of Bacillus anthracis when the antibiotic was discontinued. Beginning 1 day after exposure, groups of 10 animals were given penicillin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, doxycycline plus vaccination, vaccination alone, or saline. Antibiotics were administered for 30 days and then discontinued. Vaccine was given on days 1 and 15. Two animals died of causes other than anthrax and were not included in the statistical analysis. Nine of 10 controls and 8 of 10 animals given only vaccine died. Each antibiotic regimen completely protected animals while on therapy and provided significant long-term protection upon discontinuance of the drug (penicillin, 7 of 10 survived, P < .02; ciprofloxacin, 8 of 9 survived, P < .002; doxycycline, 9 of 10 survived, P < .002; doxycycline plus vaccination, 9 of 9 survived, P < .0002). Protection against rechallenge was provided by combining postexposure antibiotic treatment with vaccination.
Approximate Solutions of Differential Equations

The subject of this chapter is the derivation of the equations that are to be solved for an approximate analytical solution of a perturbation problem involving a differential equation. There are several ways to obtain an approximate analytical solution. First, approximations can be made in the equation such that the remaining equation has an analytical solution. If the approximate solution is accurate enough, work stops. If not, something more must be done. Second, instead of discarding the small terms, they can be replaced by a small parameter, thereby creating a perturbation problem. The effect of the size of the parameter can be investigated by simulation. Third, if the original equation contains a small parameter and if the equation with the parameter equal to zero has an analytical solution, a perturbation problem results. Fourth, a perturbation problem also arises when a small change in the initial conditions is introduced.
Delivery of an Ebola Virus-Positive Stillborn Infant in a Rural Community Health Center, Sierra Leone, 2015

We report the case of an Ebola virus (EBOV) RNA-negative pregnant woman who delivered an EBOV RNA-positive stillborn infant at a community health center in rural Sierra Leone, 1 month after the mother's last possible exposure. The mother was later found to be immunoglobulins M and G positive indicating previous infection. The apparent absence of Ebola symptoms and not recognizing that the woman had previous contact with an Ebola patient led health workers performing the delivery to wear only minimal personal protection, potentially exposing them to a high risk of EBOV infection. This case emphasizes the importance of screening for epidemiological risk factors as well as classic and atypical symptoms of Ebola when caring for pregnant women, even once they have passed the typical time frame for exposure and incubation expected in nonpregnant adults. It also illustrates the need for health-care workers to use appropriate personal protection equipment when caring for pregnant women in an Ebola setting.
Total Hip Replacement without Cement for Non-Inflammatory Osteoarthrosis in Patients Who Are Less Than Forty-five Years Old.

Forty-two patients (forty-four hips) who, at an age of less than forty-five years, had a total hip replacement without cement for the treatment of non-inflammatory osteoarthrosis, were followed for three to seven years (average, four and one-half years). At the latest follow-up evaluation, thirty-seven hips (84 per cent) had an excellent Harris rating; three (7 per cent), good; one (2 per cent), fair; and three (7 per cent), poor. The mean Harris hip score was 92 points, compared with 43 points before the operation. Two hips (5 per cent) had a revision due to complications. In another hip, there was a progressive radiolucent line around the femoral component, increased shedding of beads, and a low score for fixation and stability, according to the criteria of Engh et al. We concluded that total hip arthroplasty without cement, at least for the time-period studied, has a high rate of success for the management of patients less than forty-five years old who have non-inflammatory osteoarthrosis of the hip.
Economic Diplonomie - The Conceptual and Terminological Quintessence

The article brings up an interesting topic, that of transformation of economic diplomacy as variation of diplomacy in the new globalized society, the author creating and revealing thus a new concept - the Economic Diplonomie. Economic Diplonomie can be defined as: “the activity involving specialized operations conducted bilaterally with the aim of identifying and configuring the common and complementary economic interest - interest that can be achieved with support offered by the perspective of processes of dual governance, dual administration, double responsible distribution - and which has as purpose tightening the bilateral economic relations and promoting sustained economic development, by meeting on a long-term the national economic interest of each state."
Colonization With Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Risk for Infection Among Asymptomatic Athletes: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Background Athletes are a vulnerable population for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Our aim was to determine MRSA colonization in asymptomatic athletes and estimate the risk for subsequent MRSA infection. Methods We searched the PubMed and EMBASE (through 29 October 2015) for studies on MRSA colonization among asymptomatic athletes. Results The pooled prevalence of MRSA colonization among athletes was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1,13), and it was higher in the United States (8%; 95% CI, 2,17). USA300 was the most common strain detected (22%), and 62% and 36% of isolates were resistant to clindamycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. The prevalence of MRSA colonization among collegiate athletes reached 13% (95% CI, 4,25). Sports with the highest prevalence among collegiate athletes were wrestling (22%; 95% CI, 0,85), football (8%; 95% CI, 3,15) and basketball (8%; 95% CI, 0,28). The risk for MRSA skin and soft tissue infection within 3 months after documented colonization among MRSA-colonized athletes was significantly higher than for noncolonized athletes (relative risk = 7.37, 95% CI, [2.47,21.94]). Decolonization treatment among colonized athletes decreased significantly the risk for infection (relative risk reduction = 0.33; 95% CI, .03,4.28). Conclusions The prevalence of MRSA colonization among asymptomatic athletes is comparable to that among individuals with chronic illness, it is higher among collegiate athletes and can be twice that for patients in intensive care units. Importantly, colonization is associated with a >7-fold increase in the incidence of subsequent MRSA infection. Infection control and decontamination protocols for this population need to be studied and implemented with urgency.
Mission 3: Analyzing and Visualizing Data Worldwide

A global historical archive, once created, must be analyzed appropriately. One side of such analysis requires specific techniques of computation and representation to implement analyses. Another side of it requires an appropriate conceptualization of society at the global level, sound application of social science theory, and alternation among multiple perspectives. In two important feedback loops, data-mining will rely on computational systems to seek out unrecognized relations within the Archive, and systems of analysis will estimate and simulate missing data. In each case the results of these exercises will be incorporated into the Archive. Visualization, beginning with geographic visualization of global data, will expand to temporal and topical visualization at various scales, and more generally to visualization of information, concept, strategy, and metaphor. CHIA is to be open to high-level analysis by researchers but also to more basic questions from teachers and students. Results of user queries and interpretations will be added to the archive; feedback from analysis of the data will bring modification to the work of Mission 1 and Mission 2.
American Catholic Nursing. An Historical Analysis

This study analyzes the nursing activities of religious sister nurses as spiritual agents of care during wartime, in railroad and mining centers, and in cities in the United States in the 19th century. This is a story about the workings of religion, gender, social class, ethnicity, and nursing. The sisters' work demonstrates how an analysis of professional nursing is incomplete without an understanding of the roles that a number of Catholic religious women took in reaching out to both Catholics and non-Catholics in the United States.
Suez and Jerusalem: 1974–1977

The third set of Sadat’s conciliatory moves took place against a markedly changed background from those of 1971 and 1973. The most obvious changes resulted from the long-term effects of the October 1973 war, both political and psychological. The latter had, at one and the same time, made the Israelis less confident of their ability to sustain their dominant position arising from their triumphs in 1967 while making the Egyptians more confident of both their military and bargaining capacities. While not perceiving themselves as equal parties, both Israelis and Egyptians seemed to see themselves as less unequal following the events of October 1973, producing a concomitant willingness to search for solutions on the one hand and a new confidence in dealing with the old enemy on the other.
When, How, and Why Do We Trust Technology Too Much?

Abstract This chapter examines the issues surrounding the trust, and ostensibly overtrust, that individuals and groups in society bring to their interactions with digital tools and systems. With increasing frequency, we hear about a crisis that occurs because people exhibit an overtrust of technological tools and systems. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments use digital systems to save time and resources, extend reach, and improve information flow. However, trusting digital systems beyond their capacity and functionality can present high actual costs, as well as more nuanced effects of compromising organizational integrity and personal security. This chapter examines the nature of trust and how it operationalizes into human-technology interactions. Then it presents issues and analyzes examples of the phenomenon of technology overtrust. Analysis of these examples illuminates six dimensions of overtrust, which inform a scholarly perspective on when, how, and why people trust technology too much.
Empirical Analysis of Crypto Currencies

Analysis of the currency networks is not easy as the transactions are not centralized but rather take place over a large number of banks and commercial entities. Digital crypto currencies, however, require a public ledger to work and provide an opportunity for analysis of currency transactions. A crypto currency is a medium of exchange using cryptography to secure the transactions and to control the creation of new units. In this paper, we analyze two of the popular crypto currencies, i.e., Bitcoin and Litecoin. We construct network of transactions from public transaction ledger. We investigate the structure of currency transaction network by measuring the network characteristics.
Severe Acute Axonal Polyneuropathy in the Setting of Nutritional Deficiency (P3.152)

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective analysis of patients presenting with acute axonal neuropathy and nutritional deficiency resembling Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). BACKGROUND: An AIDP-like syndrome has been described in patients presenting with acute axonal neuropathy and normal CSF associated with protracted emesis and weight loss after bariatric surgery or alcohol exposure. The nutritional mechanism is unclear. METHODS: Retrospective description and analysis of 6 patients presenting with acute axonal neuropathy, vomiting and nutritional deficiency. RESULTS: 6 patients (mean age 35 years) presented with a severe, progressive, symmetric, often painful, sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy over 2-4 weeks with sensory ataxia, areflexia, variable muscle weakness but no ophthalmoparesis. All patients had poor nutritional status and prolonged vomiting with weight loss. 3 patients were consuming alcohol extensively; 1 had undergone bariatric surgery. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed a severe sensory or sensorimotor axonal neuropathy. CSF obtained in 3 patients was normal. Laboratory work-up revealed decreased prealbumin (n=5), low vitamin B6 levels (n=4), elevated MCV (n=4), low-normal copper (n=1). Vitamin B1 and B12 were normal in all patients. Other metabolic derangements included hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, elevated liver function tests, and metabolic acidosis, due to dehydration and vomiting. Nerve biopsy in 1 patient confirmed axonal loss without demyelination or vasculitis. Most patients were treated with thiamine (n=5), multi-vitamin tablets (n=4), copper supplementation (n=1), vitamin B6 (n=1) and immunoglobulin (n=1). Four months later 4 of the 6 patients available for follow up were improved, but all had residual disability.CONCLUSIONS: This case series describes an AIDP-like, acute, severe, axonal sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy in association with prolonged vomiting, weight loss, and poor nutritional status. Vitamin B6 was low in the majority of cases but is unlikely the only deficiency. It is hoped that greater recognition and systematic analysis of this neuropathy will identify the critical nutritional causes to guide optimal treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Hamel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Logigian has received personal compensation for activities with Genzyme Corporation as an consultant.
Intracranial Arterial Aneurysms

Neurosurgeons from the Universita degli Studi di Roma “La Saspeinza,” Rome, Italy, report a 4-year-old girl with a cerebral saccular aneurysm and analyze 71 cases under 5 years of age in the literature.
Test-driven approach in programming pedagogy

This paper describes the application of the test-driven paradigm to the learning of programming. It synthesizes experience with introducing the concept of test-driven development to computer science students at the undergraduate level, including a late introduction in a senior-level software engineering course, a mid-point introduction in a course that has only CS-1 and CS-2 as prerequisites, and an early introduction in the CS-1 course. Observations suggest that although the paradigm was developed to help improve the quality of professionally-produced software products, it serves well as a pedagogical approach for those learning to program.
Lest we forget: a historical analysis of police line of duty deaths in Indianapolis

ABSTRACTPrevious studies on police line of duty deaths are limited by their heavy reliance on traditional data. While the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) data have undoubtedly advanced what we know about violence against police, placing line of duty deaths in their social and historical context poses challenges. Further, only a select number of variables are available for event-level analyses from traditional data sources. In this study, we utilise data culled from several open-source materials to present a comprehensive analysis of police line of duty deaths in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1880 to 2014. Descriptive findings for several incident, victim, and offender-level variables are presented, while placing fatal attacks on police within their sociohistorical and situational contexts. Two themes emerging from open-source data are also used to make sense of our descriptive findings. The first theme captures shifting circumstances from public to private line of duty deaths, whi...
The Endurance of Interpersonal Confrontations as a Prejudice Reduction Strategy

Previous work has found that individuals who have been confronted for discrimination demonstrate a reduction in explicit prejudice and use fewer stereotypes immediately after the confrontation. Although confronting prejudice has been touted as a tool for prejudice reduction, it is not known how these effects translate over time and what processes might account for their endurance. Across two studies, the present research finds that individuals used significantly fewer negative stereotypes 7 days after confrontation (Study 1) and engaged in behavioral inhibition to stereotypical cues on a probe task 1 week after confrontation. Moreover, guilt and prolonged rumination mediated these effects for confronted participants (Studies 1 and 2). Across two studies, the present studies reveal the lasting effects of interpersonal confrontations in prejudice reduction and the process by which these effects endure.
Cluster Scheduling for Data Centers: Expert-curated Guides to the Best of CS Research: Distributed Cluster Scheduling

This installment of Research for Practice features a curated selection from Malte Schwarzkopf, who takes us on a tour of distributed cluster scheduling, from research to practice, and back again. With the rise of elastic compute resources, cluster management has become an increasingly hot topic in systems R&D, and a number of competing cluster managers including Kubernetes, Mesos, and Docker are currently jockeying for the crown in this space.