cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forecast of Antibiotic Development in an Era of Increasing Bacterial Resistance

Over the last decade there has been a decreased number of novel antimicrobial agents introduced to the market due to multiple factors including reduced governmental funding, marginal research and development interest by the pharmaceutical industry, lack of return on investment relative to medications used for chronic illnesses, and spiking microbial resistance trends. In an effort to most judiciously use the available armamentarium of anti-infectives available, many hospitals are implementing stewardship programs to re-direct inappropriate antibiotic use, which is estimated to account for up to 50% of all antibiotics prescribed. These efforts make it increasingly evident that the best defense against inappropriate antimicrobial use is accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases. Both the public and federal government must recognize the need for new and improved antimicrobials, as well as augmented infection control strategies and diagnostic techniques, to appropriately aid in the facilitation of bacterial c...
Negative selection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by continuous magnetophoresis

Objective To evaluate a negative selection technique for the hematopoietic progenitor cell enrichment from clinical leukapheresis product using continuous magnetophoresis. Methods The leukapheresis product was labeled with a tetrameric antibody cocktail (TAC) and magnetic colloid against nonprogenitor leukocytes (StemSep enrichment cocktail kit, Stem Cell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada). The separation of hematopoietic progenitor cells was performed by flow-through magnetophoresis in an annular channel placed coaxially inside a quadrupole magnetic field, in a split-flow thin-cell fractionation configuration (referred to as quadrupole magnetic flow sorter, QMS). The TAC antibody cocktail and the magnetic colloid were titrated to determine minimum effective antibody and magnetic reagent concentrations by measuring cell magnetophoretic mobility ( m ) distribution using cell tracking velocimetry. Results Leukapheresis products from eight donors having initial CD34 + cell purity between 0.37 and 9.7% were enriched to the final purity of 30 to 85% and yield of 49 to 84% with a maximum throughput of 6.7 × 10 4 cells/s. The progenitor cell enrichment was accompanied by a more than 3.5 log 10 T-lymphocyte depletion, a significant factor considering the intended application to allogeneic transplantation. Cell colony-forming unit assays showed that there was no deterioration of progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation following the QMS enrichment process. Conclusions The negative selection method of hematopoietic progenitor cells by continuous magnetophoresis is a promising approach to a process scale-up, important for clinical applications.
On the fisher and the cubic-polynomial equations for the propagation of species properties

For precise boundary conditions of biological relevance, it is proved that the steadily propagating plane-wave solution to the Fisher equation requires the unique (eigenvalue) velocity of advance 2(Df)1/2, where D is the diffusivity of the mutant species and f is the frequency of selection in favor of the mutant. This rigorous result shows that a so-called “wrong equation”, i.e. one which differs from Fisher's by a term that is seemingly inconsequential for certain initial conditions, cannot be employed readily to obtain approximate solutions to Fisher's, for the two equations will often have qualitatively different manifolds of exact solutions. It is noted that the Fisher equation itself may be inappropriate in certain biological contexts owing to the manifest instability of the lower-concentration uniform equilibrium state (UES). Depicting the persistence of a mutant-deficient spatial pocket, an exact steady-state solution to the Fisher equation is presented. As an alternative and perhaps more faithful model equation for the propagation of certain species properties through a homogeneous population, we consider a reaction-diffusion equation that features a cubic-polynomial rate expression in the species concentration, with two stable UES and one intermediate unstable UES. This equation admits a remarkably simple exact analytical solution to the steadily propagating plane-wave eigenvalue problem. In the latter solution, the sign of the eigenvelocity is such that the wave propagates to yield the “preferred” stable UES (namely, the one further removed from the unstable intermediate UES) at all spatial points as t→∞. The cubic-polynomial equation also admits an exact steady-state solution for a mutant-deficient or mutant-isolated spatial pocket. Finally, the perpetuating growth of a mutant population from an arbitrary localized initial distribution, a mathematical problem analogous to that for ignition in laminar flame theory, is studied by applying differential inequality analysis, and rigorous sufficient conditions for extinction are derived here.
Inv(1) Allotype: Effect of Immunoglobulin G Heavy Chain Subtype on Its Expression

More protein is required to detect the Inv(1) antigen carried in the light chain of immunoglobulin G molecules when the light chain is combined with a γ2 heavy chain than when it is combined with a γ1 or γ3 heavy chain. One of the four γ2 heavy chains used in the experiment, however, was as efficient as the γ1 and γ3 chains, indicating that there may be two subtypes of γ2. Inv(1) was more easily detected in one of the two light chains used in the experiment. This difference may be associated with the subtypes of the kappa chain derived from studies of the variable portion of the chain.
Electron transport in polar heterolayers

Abstract The theory of two-dimensional scattering processes in polar heterolayers is developed, and applied to mobility. The quantities involved are investigated numerically in terms of a model of the electron wavefunctions. Screening effects are discussed.
Frame-Shifting in Humor and Irony

Coulson's (2001) analysis of humor as "frame-shifting" is extended to irony and compared to other current theories of humor and irony, including Giora's (2003) graded salience model. It is argued that the effects of humor and irony often depend on a subversive relation between the initial and alternative frames, which adds to both cognitive and social meaning; understanding these effects requires consideration of the expansion of common ground (Clark, 1996) and relevance effects (Sperber & Wilson, 1986) triggered by the shift from a culturally licensed to a subversive frame. Reanalysis of several examples from recent studies in the light of these approaches shows that humor and irony, like other forms of figurative language, can serve complex communicative, social, and cognitive objectives that justify according them a central place in communication-oriented theories of language use.
Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia: Tracking of atrial fibrillation during DDD pacing

A 68-year-old man with sick sinus syndrome was treated by implantation of a DDD pacemaker. He subsequently developed a rapid heart rate and was found to have a pacemaker-mediated tachycardia due to tracking of atrial fibrillation by the pacemaker. The tachycardia was abolished by reprogramming the pacemaker, and the patient remained asymptomatic.
Propagation of human fetal spongioblasts and astrocytes in dispersed cell cultures

Cultures consisting exclusively of monolayered immature astrocytes with superimposed migratory spongioblasts were prepared by trypsinization of human fetal brain of 412 − 5 months' gestation. Cell types were identified by classical neuroglial morphology and by staining reactions with classical neuroglial metallic impregnation techniques. These characteristics remained stable in each cell type through serial passages during more than four months' cultivation. In addition to observations on the different growth patterns and characteristics of the two cell types, techniques were developed for preparation of pure cultures of astrocytes and for preparation of cell suspensions consisting predominantly of spongioblasts or of astrocytes.
The precision of wet atmospheric deposition data from national atmospheric deposition program/national trends network sites determined with collocated samplers

Abstract A collocated, wet-deposition sampler program has been operated since October 1988 by the U.S. Geological Survey to estimate the overall sampling precision of wet atmospheric deposition data collected at selected sites in the National Atmospheric Deposition Program and National Trends Network (NADP/NTN). A duplicate set of wet-deposition sampling instruments was installed adjacent to existing sampling instruments at four different NADP/NTN sites for each year of the study. Wet-deposition samples from collocated sites were collected and analysed using standard NADP/NTN procedures. Laboratory analyses included determinations of pH, specific conductance, and concentrations of major cations and anions. The estimates of precision included all variability in the data-collection system, from the point of sample collection through storage in the NADP, /NTN database. Sampling precision was determined from the absolute value of differences in the analytical results for the paired samples in terms of median relative and absolute difference. The median relative difference for Mg 2+ , Na + , K 4 + and NH concentration and deposition was quite variable between sites and exceeded 10% at most sites. Relative error for analytes whose concentrations typically approached laboratory method detection limits were greater than for analytes that did not typically approach detection limits. The median relative difference for S0 4 2− and NO 3 − concentration, specific conductance, and sample volume at all sites was less than 7%. Precision for H + concentration and deposition ranged from less than 10% at sites with typically high levels of H + concentration to greater than 30% at sites with low H + concentration. Median difference for analyte concentration and deposition was typically 1.5-2-times greater for samples collected during the winter than during other seasons at two northern sites. Likewise, the median relative difference in sample volume for winter samples was more than double the annual median relative difference at the two northern sites. Bias accounted for less than 25% of the collocated variability in analyte concentration and deposition from weekly collocated precipitation samples at most sites.
Control of β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate oxidation by inorganic phosphate and adenosine 5′-diphosphate in heart mitochondria

Abstract The oxidation of d (−)β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate in beef-heart mitochondria is controlled by inorganic phosphate, ADP, and ATP through the reactions of substrate-level phosphorylation. These compounds affect the mitochondrial concentration of succinyl coenzyme A, which is required for activation and subsequent oxidation of acetoacetate. Thus, in the presence of dinitrophenol-treated mitochondria, phosphate causes a severe inhibition of acetoacetate oxidation (50% at 10 m m phosphate), and AMP, ADP, and GDP enhance this effect. Through the reactions of substrate-level phosphorylation, these compounds can shift the utilization of succinyl-CoA toward the synthesis of ATP and make it unavailable for acetoacetate activation. Since all the reactions of substrate-level phosphorylation are reversible, addition of ATP reverses the phosphate inhibition. Added succinyl-CoA is a potent activator of acetoacetate oxidation, even when 90% of the activity is inhibited by phosphate and AMP. In addition to the above results, an interesting competition between phosphate and arsenate is presented. Thus, 0.17 m m arsenate inhibits acetoacetate oxidation by 92%, but comparable amounts of phosphate reverse this inhibition. The reason for the contrasting activator-inhibitor effect of phosphate is explained. Moreover, the implications of the above results are discussed in relation to ketone body metabolism as controlled by the respiratory state of mitochondria, especially during starvation and diabetic ketosis.
Efficacy and safety of diclofenac sodium in rheumatoid arthritis experience in the United States

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug that has been studied in the United States for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in 681 patients, 468 of whom were enrolled in five multicenter, double-blind parallel controlled investigations. Results of these trials indicate that 150 mg daily of diclofenac is more effective than placebo and as effective as 2.4 g daily of ibuprofen or 3.6 g daily of aspirin. Moreover, the safety profile of diclofenac proved to be better than that of aspirin and similar to that of ibuprofen.
The RM-20B mosaic measurement experiment

The RM-20B mosaic differs from the types of systems that have been investigated in the past in that it only responds to image intensity modulation in its image motion-compensated (stationary) field of view. These intensity variations could be the result of either target motion or absolute radiance level shifts. If the background is relatively constant within the frequency band of interest, the number of false signals that are generated by the detector will be greatly reduced and the signal-to-noise ratio will be improved, resulting in a higher probability of target detection and lower data rates. If, however, the background has scintillation within the sensor bandpass, noise signals will be produced. No flights to date have made any measurements of background short-time (less than a second) variations. This paper discusses one attempt at obtaining mosaic data.
Development of the European wind loading Code

This article outlines the development of the draft Eurocode on wind actions (ENV 1991–2–4). The scope of the draft is described and the derivation of the various parameters needed to define wind actions is outlined. These include meteorological factors to modify the basic wind speed, the treatment of in-line response and the range of pressure coefficients covered. The future programme to convert the draft into a full Code is outlined.
Promoting translational research in human and veterinary medical virology

Translational research serves as a bench-to-field "translation" of basic scientific research into practical diagnostic procedures and therapies useful in human and veterinary clinical services. The productivity of translational research involving infectious diseases relevant to both human and animal health (e.g., influenza diagnosis and epidemiology using emerging molecular detection and identification methods) can be maximized when both human and veterinary medical virology disciplines are integrated. Influenza viruses are continually evolving through site-specific mutation and segment reassortment, and these processes occur in all potential carrier species - including birds, humans, and many agriculturally important animals. This evolutionary plasticity occasionally allows "novel" influenzas to move from animal hosts to humans, potentially causing destructive pandemics; therefore, a rapid laboratory technique that can detect and identify "novel" influenza viruses is clinically and epidemiologically desirable. A technique-focused translational research approach is pursued to enhance detection and characterization of emerging influenza viruses circulating in both humans and other animal hosts. The PLEX-ID System, which incorporates multi-locus PCR and electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry, uses deliberately nonspecific primers that amplify all known variants (all H/N subtypes) of influenza virus, including human, other mammalian, and avian influenzas, and is therefore likely to generate analyzable amplicons from any novel influenza that might emerge in any host. Novel technology development and implementation such as the PLEX-ID System forms a key component of human and veterinary medical virology translational research.
The effects of pharmacological doses of 2-deoxyglucose on cerebral blood flow in healthy volunteers.

The effects of glucose deprivation on cerebral blood flow (CBF) have been extensively investigated during insulin-induced hypoglycemia in laboratory animals. Pharmacological doses of glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), is an alternative glucoprivic agent that in contrast to insulin, directly inhibits glycolysis and glucose utilization. Both glucoprivic conditions markedly increase CBF in laboratory animals. How 2DG affects CBF in humans is still undetermined. In the present study we have employed H215O positron emission tomography (PET) to examine the effects of pharmacological doses of 2DG (40 mg/kg) on regional and global cerebral blood flow in 10 brain areas in 13 healthy volunteers. 2DG administration significantly raised regional CBF (rCBF) in the cingulate gyrus, sensorimotor cortex, superior temporal cortex, occipital cortex, basal ganglia, limbic system and hypothalamus. 2DG produced a trend towards elevated CBF in whole brain and frontal cortex, while no changes were observed in the corpus callosum and thalamus. In addition, 2DG significantly decreased body temperature and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Maximal percent changes in hypothalamic rCBF were significantly correlated with maximal changes in body temperature but not with MAP. These results indicate that cerebral glucoprivation produced by pharmacological doses of 2DG is accompanied by widespread activation of cortical and subcortical blood flow and that the blood flow changes in the hypothalamus may be related to 2DG-induced hypothermia.
Spatially-variable fertilizer and pesticide application with GPS and DGPS

Abstract Concepts of spatially-variable fertilizer and pesticide application are discussed. Commercial applicators are described which use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or other location technologies to apply fertilizer and pesticide according to predetermined stepoint maps. The dynamics of the applicator are shown to have important performance effects. Command feedforward control can significantly improve the performance. Further research is needed on understanding the effects of the various error sources.
Parenting among Low-Income, African American Single Mothers with Preschool-Age Children: Patterns, Predictors, and Developmental Correlates

Dimensions and patterns of parenting were examined in a sample of 193 low-income African American single mothers with preschool-age children. Factor analyses yielded three dimensions: Aggravation, Nurturance, and Cognitive Stimulation. Cluster analysis yielded four patterns of parenting: Aggravated but Nurturant; Cognitively Stimulating; Patient and Nurturant; and Low Nurturance. Discriminant function analysis was used to predict membership in each of the four parenting clusters. Two composite functions emerged, the first representing maternal well-being (locus of control, depressive symptoms), the second representing sociodemographic characteristics (maternal education, duration on welfare, age at first birth), accounting for 93% of between-groups variability. Children's scores on measures of cognitive school readiness and personal maturity were significantly related to parenting pattern, even after controlling for significant predictors of parenting pattern; children's verbal ability was no longer related to parenting pattern once significant maternal characteristics were controlled. Findings are discussed in terms of contributions to the literature on parenting and in terms of implications for welfare policy and programs.
Functional investigations of retroviral protein–ribonucleic acid complexes by nanospray Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Nanospray-FT-ICR has been employed to investigate the processes of genome dimerization, selection, and packaging in human immunodifficiency virus type 1, which are mediated by specific interactions between the nucleocapsid protein (NC) and the structural elements formed by the genome's packaging signal [ψ-ribonucleic acid (RNA)]. This analytical platform allowed for the unambiguous characterization of all the non-covalent complexes formed in vitro by simultaneous RNA–RNA and protein–RNA binding equilibria. Competitive binding experiments involving the isolated RNA elements were completed to evaluate their ability to sustain specific protein interactions. In similar fashion, ad hoc RNA mutants were used to locate two distinct binding sites on the apical loop and stem-bulge of the monomeric stemloop 1 (SL1) domain, which is responsible for initiating the dimerization process. The stem-bulge motifs provided viable binding sites in both the kissing-loop (KL) and the extended duplex forms of dimeric SL1, where...
Platelet Kainate Receptor Signaling Promotes Thrombosis by Stimulating Cyclooxygenase Activation

Rationale: Glutamate is a major signaling molecule that binds to glutamate receptors including the ionotropic glutamate receptors; kainate (KA) receptor (KAR), the N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor, and the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor. Each is well characterized in the central nervous system, but glutamate has important signaling roles in peripheral tissues as well, including a role in regulating platelet function. Objective: Our previous work has demonstrated that glutamate is released by platelets in high concentrations within a developing thrombus and increases platelet activation and thrombosis. We now show that platelets express a functional KAR that drives increased agonist induced platelet activation. Methods and Results: KAR induced increase in platelet activation is in part the result of activation of platelet cyclooxygenase in a mitogen-activated protein kinase–dependent manner. Platelets derived from KAR subunit knockout mice (GluR6 −/− ) are resistant to KA effects and have a prolonged time to thrombosis in vivo. Importantly, we have also identified polymorphisms in KAR subunits that are associated with phenotypic changes in platelet function in a large group of whites and blacks. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that glutamate regulation of platelet activation is in part cyclooxygenase-dependent and suggest that the KAR is a novel antithrombotic target.
Associations Between Timing in the Baseball Pitch and Shoulder Kinetics, Elbow Kinetics, and Ball Speed

Background:A baseball pitcher’s ability to maximize ball speed while avoiding shoulder and elbow injuries is an important determinant of a successful career. Pitching injuries are attributed to microtrauma brought about by the repetitive stress of high-magnitude shoulder and elbow kinetics.Hypothesis:Over a number of pitches, variations in timing peak angular velocities of trunk segment rotations will be significantly associated with ball speed and upper extremity kinetic parameters.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Kinematic and kinetic data were derived from 9 to 15 fastball pitches performed by 16 active, healthy collegiate (n = 8) and professional (n = 8) pitchers via 3-dimensional motion capture (240 Hz). Each pitch was decomposed into 4 phases corresponding to the time between peak angular velocities of sequential body segment rotations. Four mixed models were used to evaluate which phases varied significantly in relation to ball speed, peak shoulder proximal force, peak shoulder int...
A Spectroscopic Study of the Star-Forming Properties of the Center of NGC 4194

We have obtained Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph long-slit spectra of the central region of the advanced merger NGC 4194. The spectra cover the wavelength ranges 1150–1750 A in the UV and 2900–10270 A in the visible. Results from the study of the properties of 14 star-forming regions (knots) are presented. If the [N II] contribution is 40% of the combined Hα + [N II] flux, then the average E(B - V) = 0.7 mag. The metal abundances are approximately solar, with individual knot abundances ranging from log(O/H) + 12 = 8.1 ± 0.5 to 8.9 ± 0.4. The Hα luminosities of the 14 observed knots yield a total star formation rate (SFR) of ~46 M⊙ yr-1. The sizes of the H II regions associated with the knots were determined from L(Hβ) and range from ~28 to ~119 pc when a filling factor of 0.1 is assumed. The sizes are a factor of ~2.15 smaller for a filling factor of 1. Using Starburst99, the EW(Hα + [N II]), and EW(Hβ), we estimate the ages of the star-forming regions to be 5.5–10.5 Myr. From ground-based spectra the effective temperatures of the H II regions are found to be ~11,000 K, and the electron densities are determined to be ~530 cm-3. We find that eight of the knots probably formed with a Salpeter initial mass function truncated at an upper mass of 30 M⊙, and one of the knots likely formed with a standard Salpeter initial mass function. We suggest that the knots in our sample are the precursors of globular clusters. Two of the knots are in a region of flowing gas and are among the most massive, are the largest in radius, have the highest SFR, and are among the youngest of the knots.
A decomposition approach to distributed control of spatially invariant systems

This note considers the decentralized control of spatially invariant systems, i.e., systems of homogeneous interacting components. The main idea is for individual components to model interactions with neighbors as disturbances that satisfy certain magnitude bounds while simultaneously self-imposing symmetric magnitude bounds. These magnitude bounds can be interpreted as negotiated levels of interaction among components. It turns out that this approach is equivalent to constructing a feedback that is robustly stabilizing with structured uncertainties.
Canopy and environmental control of root dynamics in a long-term study of Concord grape.

Summary • Below-ground carbon allocation represents a substantial fraction of net photosynthesis in plants, yet timing of below-ground allocation and endogenous and exogenous factors controlling it are poorly understood. • Minirhizotron techniques were used to examine root populations of Vitis labruscana Bailey cv. Concord under two levels of dormant-season canopy removal and irrigation. Root production, pigmentation, death and disappearance to a depth of 110 cm were determined over two wet and two dry years (1997‐2000). • There was continual root production and senescence, with peak root production rates occurring by midseason. Later in the season, when reproductive demands for carbon were highest and physical conditions limiting, few roots were produced, especially in dry years in nonirrigated vines. Root production under minimal canopy pruning was generally greater and occurred several weeks earlier than root production under heavy pruning, corresponding to earlier canopy development. Initial root production occurred in shallow soils, likely due to temperatures at shallow depths being warmer early in the season. • Our study showed intricate relationships between internal carbon demands and environmental conditions regulating root allocation.
Monolithically-integrated 40 Gbit/s widely-tunable transmitter using series push-pull Mach-Zehnder modulator SOA and sampled-grating DBR laser

A monolithically integrated widely-tunable transmitter using a series push-pull Mach-Zehnder electrode structure with a semiconductor optical amplifier and SGDBR laser is presented suitable for 40 Gbit/s systems with tuning over 34 nm.
Wide Diameter of Cayley Digraphs of Finite Cyclic Groups

According to recent studies, communication networks built on extremal Cayley digraphs of finite cyclic groups have many advantages over that based on n-cubes. Extremal Cayley digraphs have been studied extensively in recent years. In this paper, we prove, for every positive integer k, that the k-wide diameter of the Cayley digraph Cay(Zm, A) is at most diam(Cay(Zm, A)) + 1 if A is an "m-ideal" set of k positive integers.
A MATHEMATICALLY TRACTABLE FAMILY OF GENETIC MAPPING FUNCTIONS WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF INTERFERENCE

By extension of the argument of Kosambi (1944), a family of mapping functions can be derived, which has a parameter regulating the intensity of interference. Different values of this parameter yield the Haldane (1919) and Kosambi mapping functions as special cases. The parameter is the coincidence coefficient for nearby small intervals. The family includes mapping functions for negative interference. A simple rule for combining recombination fractions in adjacent intervals is also obtained.
A 600-kV, 10-mA DC Cockcroft-Walton Rectifier Using Silicon Diodes at 100 kc

In this rectifier high-speed silicon diodes, etched circuit boards, and SF6 are combined in a style of construction that requires only the modest shop facilities of any typical small physics laboratory. This paper covers construction techniques, performance tests, electronic regulation, high-speed protection circuitry, and application of the rectifier to experimental equipment. The technique described can be extended to larger sizes providing several million volts.
A programmable DSP architecture for wireless communication systems

Programmable solutions for fast mobile communication systems are attracting ever-growing attention due to different and also evolving communication standards. They overcome the shortcomings of ASIC design, by allowing multimode operation, and general-purpose processors by exploiting the inherent data level parallelism in the application. MaRS, a macro-pipelined reconfigurable system, is a domain specific programmable parallel DSP architecture, aimed at harnessing the inherent parallelism in such applications. In this paper, we present the MaRS architecture along with the latest modifications and algorithms that are mapped onto it. We have mapped an IEEE 802.11a WLAN transmitter including a parallel FFT and soft decision Viterbi decoder on MaRS. Our simulation results show that the performance achieved on MaRS meets the stringent timing constraints of the IEEE 802.11a baseband transceiver at its highest rate, with 20% slack, leaving a playground for system level power optimization. Finally, we have mapped the EEMBC telecom suite on MaRS to evaluate and compare our architecture with existing architectures.
Triple matrix product architectures for fast signal processing

A procedure is introduced to determine highly concurrent representation of linear algorithms. The technique replaces matrix/vector operations by sums of small-size triple matrix products. A specially dedicated array architecture performs each triple product without intermediate I/O operations. The highly concurrent representation is shown to be possible for any linear algorithm. The special architecture features dual-mode operation for processing elements and closed-loop data circulation. Both characteristics increase the flexibility and speed of the configuration. >
Quality Control and Reference Guidelines for CLSI Broth Microdilution Susceptibility Method (M38-A Document) for Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, Posaconazole, and Voriconazole

Although standard conditions are available for testing the susceptibilities of filamentous fungi to antifungal agents by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI; formerly National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) broth microdilution assay, quality control (QC) MIC limits have not been established for any mold-agent combination. This multicenter (eight-center) study documented the reproducibility of tests for one isolate of Paecilomyces variotii ATCC MYA-3630 and 11 other mold isolates (three isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus; two isolates of A. terreus; one isolate each of A. flavus, A. nidulans, Fusarium moniliforme, and F. solani; and two isolates of Scedosporium apiospermum) by the CLSI reference broth microdilution method (M38-A document). Control limits (amphotericin B, 1 to 4 μg/ml; itraconazole, 0.06 to 0.5 μg/ml; posaconazole, 0.03 to 0.25 μg/ml; voriconazole, 0.015 to 0.12 μg/ml) for the selected QC P. variotii ATCC MYA-3630 were established by the analysis of replicate MIC results. Reference isolates and corresponding MIC ranges were also established for 6 of the 12 molds evaluated. MIC limits were not proposed for the other five molds tested due to low testing reproducibility for these isolates.
A trophoblast-specific factor(s) suppresses circulating prolactin levels and increases tyrosine hydroxylase activity in tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.

Rat choriocarcinoma (Rcho) cells, which are morphologically similar to trophoblast giant cells of the normal placenta and produce placental lactogen-I in uiuo, were used to investigate placental feedback on PRL secretion and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neuronal activity. Rcho cells were injected into female rats either intracerebroventricularly 6065 h before use or under the kidney capsule lo-14 days before use. The following endocrine conditions were used: 1) ovariectomized rats with or without bromocriptine treatment, 2) immature (40-44 days old) rats, 3) adult cycling (diestrous) rats, and 4) pregnant rats. Serum PRL levels in ovariectomized, diestrous, and immature female rats were suppressed to less than 20% of control levels by secretions from the Rcho cells. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in the stalk-median eminence (SME) was increased 2-fold above control activity in Rchotreated ovariectomized and immature female rats. When TH activity was reduced to 40% of control levels by 50 h of bromocriptine treatment, secretions from Rcho cells increased TH activity 3.5-fold to levels similar to those for Rcho alone. Even though Rcho treatment suppressed PRL levels, TH activity in the SME of cycling (diestrous) rats was not altered after either central (65 h) or peripheral (12 days) administration of cells. TH mRNA levels in the arcuate nuclei were unaltered by Rcho cells in immature female and adult cycling rats. TH mRNA levels in ovariectomized rats were markedly reduced 75% by 50 h of bromocriptine treatment and modestly reduced 33% 65 h after injection of Rcho cells. However, Rcho cells partially reversed the bromocrintine-induced decline in TH mRNA to levels seen for Rcho cells alone. On day 7 of pregnancy, secretions from Rcho cells abolished the nocturnal and diurnal PRL surges characteristic of early pregnancy and suppressed circulating PRL levels throughout the day to less than 20% of intersurge PRL leiels. Rcho cells eliminated the semicircadian rhythm in TH activity in the SME, which was out of phase with the twice daily PRL surges of early pregnancy. TH activity was increased by Rcho factor(s) at 0330 h (nocturnal surge) and 1800 h (diurnal surge), but not at 1000 h (intersurge). MMQ cells, pituitary-derived clonal PRL-secreting cells, similarly terminated the biphasic rhythm of PRL release and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neuronal activity during early pregnancy. These data indicate that-a factor(s) secreted by Rcho cells markedly suppresses circulating PRL levels, in part by increasing tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neuronal activity. However, the dopaminergic neurons are probably not the sole site for Rcho action, Furthermore, these results suggest that a factor(s) secreted by trophoblast cells, possibly placental lactogen-I, contributes to the elimination of the semicircadian rhythm in TH activity and, thus, to the termination of the PRL surges at midpregnancy.
The Oklahoma thrombotic thrombocytopenic Purpura-Hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP-HUS) registry: a community perspective of patients with clinically diagnosed TTP-HUS

The Oklahoma Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP-HUS) Registry enrolls all consecutive patients for whom plasma exchange treatment is requested for clinically diagnosed TTP-HUS within a defined geographic region. During 14.5 years, from January 1, 1989 until June 30, 2003, 301 patients have been enrolled; follow-up is complete on 300 patients. Clinical categories have been designated based on associated conditions and potential etiologies; presenting features and clinical outcomes have been defined to allow comparisons between groups. ADAMTS-13 activity was measured on 142 (88%) of 161 consecutive patients enrolled from 1995 to 2001. Only 13% of all patients, and 33% of patients with idiopathic TTP-HUS, had severe ADAMTS-13 deficiency (<5% activity). The presenting features and clinical outcomes of patients with severe ADAMTS-13 deficiency were heterogeneous and not distinct from patients without severe ADAMTS-13 deficiency. These data suggest that severe ADAMTS-13 deficiency does not detect all patients who may be appropriately diagnosed with TTP-HUS and who may respond to plasma exchange treatment. Prospective data from consecutive patients are essential to translate new observations on pathogenesis into improved patient care.
Amplification and linear summation of synaptic effects on motoneuron firing rate.

The aim of this study was to measure the effects of synaptic input on motoneuron firing rate in an unanesthetized cat preparation, where activation of voltage-sensitive dendritic conductances may i...
Daptomycin Rapidly Penetrates a Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm

Fluorescently tagged daptomycin accessed the interior of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm cell clusters within minutes. The diffusion coefficient of daptomycin in the biofilm was 28% of its value in pure water. Daptomycin activity against staphylococci embedded in biofilms is unlikely to be limited by penetration of the antibiotic into the biofilm.
A unified continuum representation of post-seismic relaxation mechanisms: semi-analytic models of afterslip, poroelastic rebound and viscoelastic flow

We present a unified continuum mechanics representation of the mechanisms believed to be commonly involved in post-seismic transients such as viscoelasticity, fault creep and poroelasticity. The time-dependent relaxation that follows an earthquake, or any other static stress perturbation, is considered in a framework of a generalized viscoelastoplastic rheology whereby some inelastic strain relaxes a physical quantity in the material. The relaxed quantity is the deviatoric stress in case of viscoelastic relaxation, the shear stress in case of creep on a fault plane and the trace of the stress tensor in case of poroelastic rebound. In this framework, the instantaneous velocity field satisfies the linear inhomogeneous Navier's equation with sources parametrized as equivalent body forces and surface tractions. We evaluate the velocity field using the Fourier-domain Green's function for an elastic half-space with surface buoyancy boundary condition. The accuracy of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparisons with finite-element simulations of viscoelastic relaxation following strike-slip and dip-slip ruptures for linear and power-law rheologies. We also present comparisons with analytic solutions for afterslip driven by coseismic stress changes. Finally, we demonstrate that the proposed method can be used to model time-dependent poroelastic rebound by adopting a viscoelastic rheology with bulk viscosity and work hardening. The proposed method allows one to model post-seismic transients that involve multiple mechanisms (afterslip, poroelastic rebound, ductile flow) with an account for the effects of gravity, non-linear rheologies and arbitrary spatial variations in inelastic properties of rocks (e.g. the effective viscosity, rate-and-state frictional parameters and poroelastic properties).
Electronic medical record systems for developing countries: Review

The majority of the focus related to the modernization of medical records is placed on developed countries. However, developing countries are also progressing from paper-based records to electronic records. The requirements of their systems can be dramatically different from those of the developed world. This paper describes briefly the benefits of EMRs in developing countries. It focuses on the basic EMR information, including types of EMRs, components of EMRs, and already existing case studies, in order to establish which EMR systems would be feasible and effective for specific situations.
Irregular steel building structures subjected to blast loading

AbstractIn seismic design, structural irregularity has been found to have a significant influence on structural response. The impact of structural irregularity on the global response of steel frame structures subjected to blast loading has not been examined. In the paper, six seismically designed steel framed structures are considered: moment resisting frames (MRF), concentrically braced frames (CBF) and eccentrically braced frames (EBF) each with geometric irregularity in the plan and with a geometric irregularity in the elevation. The blast loads are assumed to be unconfined, free air burst detonated 15 ft from one of the center columns. The structures are modeled and analyzed using the Applied Element Method, which allows the structure to be examined during and through structural failure. A plastic hinge analysis is performed as well as a comparative analysis observing roof deflection and acceleration to determine the effect of geometric irregularity under extreme blast loading conditions. Two differen...
Cancer and Developmental Origins of Health and Disease-Epigenetic Reprogramming as a Mediator

Cancer cells are notorious for their ability to grow uncontrollably, evade apoptosis, accelerate metabolism, evade immunosurveillance, and invade distant organs before killing patients. Cancer cell phenotypes are driven by aberrant patterns of gene expression associated with massive chromosomal reshuffling and accumulation of mutations and epimutations. The “developmental origins of health and disease” (DOHaD) hypothesis posits that some cancers may have early life origins, namely, that suboptimal signaling or exposure to disruptive agents during critical periods of development reprograms the epigenome(s) of normal cells, predisposing them to higher risk of carcinogenesis later. Although much knowledge has emerged from studies of in utero reprogramming, we advocate the need to investigate other windows such as preconception; perinatal, peripubertal, and pubertal periods; pregnancy; and aging. We also discuss the merits of longitudinal human studies, disease-relevant animal models, and new technologies in helping identify “repressed memories” governing the complex, multistaged process of cancer etiology.
Mechanical Characterization and Constitutive Description of Thin-Film Polymeric Materials

Mechanical properties of thin-film polymers often dictate the mechanical integrity and performance of microelectronic assemblies. For example, excessive interfacial stress between the polymer and signal via induced by thermal mismatch will lead to delamination of the interface or via cracking. This type of problem becomes more aggravated as dimensions of assemblies continue to shrink. In order to define the optimal design variables and process windows, the mechanical properties of polymer thin films throughout the complete process cycle must be carefully characterized. This paper will first review the experimental techniques commonly adopted in the mechanical measurements of thin-film polymers. Then, it will focus on the most difficult part of the mechanical characterization which is along the out-of-plane (Z) direction. Experimental set-up using the capacitance gauge will be introduced. Critical mechanical properties of polymers will be discussed. For the purpose of illustration, two polymers are chosen as examples. A BPDA-PDA polyimide is used to demonstrate mechanical characterization before melting whereas a PTFE-SiO2 composite is chosen to demonstrate the rheological characterization after melting. Before melting, mechanical behaviors such as the stress-strain curve, creep, relaxation, coefficient of thermal expansion, strain-rate dependence, and temperature dependence are discussed. After melting, the rheological behavior and the effect of aspect ratio measured by a squeezing flow experiment are addressed. Constitutive descriptions are proposed. The functional dependency between stress (pressure), strain (displacement), time, and temperature are characterized. A comparison between the numerical simulations and the experimental measurements is also presented.
Identification of psychosocial distress: a comparison of internal medicine and family medicine residents.

Objective:To compare the diagnostic accuracies of internal medicine and family medicine residents in identifying psychosocial distress in ambulatory patients.
Fire-severity effects on plant–fungal interactions after a novel tundra wildfire disturbance: implications for arctic shrub and tree migration

Background Vegetation change in high latitude tundra ecosystems is expected to accelerate due to increased wildfire activity. High-severity fires increase the availability of mineral soil seedbeds, which facilitates recruitment, yet fire also alters soil microbial composition, which could significantly impact seedling establishment.
Measuring nonequilibrium retarded spin-spin Green's functions in an ion-trap-based quantum simulator

Recently a variant on Ramsey interferometry for coupled spin-$1/2$ systems was proposed to directly measure the retarded spin-spin Green's function. In conventional experimental situations, the spin system is initially in a nonequilibrium state before the Ramsey interferometry is performed, so we examine the nonequilibrium retarded spin-spin Green's functions within the transverse-field Ising model. We derive the lowest four spectral moments to understand the short-time behavior and we employ a Lehmann-like representation to determine the spectral behavior. We simulate a Ramsey protocol for a nonequilibrium quantum spin system that consists of a coherent superposition of the ground state and diabatically excited higher-energy states via a temporally ramped transverse magnetic field. We then apply the Ramsey spectroscopy protocol to the final Hamiltonian, which has a constant transverse field. The short time allows us to extract the initial transport of many-body correlations, while the long-time behavior relates to the excitation spectra of the Hamiltonian. Compressive sensing is employed in the data analysis to efficiently extract that spectra.
Mechanistic Studies of the Radical S-Adenosyl-L-methionine Enzyme 4-Demethylwyosine Synthase Reveal the Site of Hydrogen Atom Abstraction.

TYW1 catalyzes the formation of 4-demethylwyosine via the condensation of N-methylguanosine (m1G) with carbons 2 and 3 of pyruvate. In this study, labeled transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) and pyruvate were utilized to determine the site of hydrogen atom abstraction and regiochemistry of the pyruvate addition. tRNA containing a 2H-labeled m1G methyl group was used to identify the methyl group of m1G as the site of hydrogen atom abstraction by 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical. [2-13C1-3,3,3-2H3]Pyruvate was used to demonstrate retention of all the pyruvate protons, indicating that C2 of pyruvate forms the bridging carbon of the imidazoline ring and C3 the methyl.