cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the collision-induced decomposition spectra of ammoniated triglycerides as a function of fatty acid chain length and degree of unsaturation. I. The OXO/YOY series.

A series of positionally pure triglycerides (TAGs) of the form PXP and YPY, where P is the palmitate moiety and X and Y are large arrays of different fatty acid moieties, is synthesized and analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The intensities of the collision-induced decomposition (CID) products of ammoniated TAGs were examined as a function of chain length, degree of unsaturation, double-bond position, and cis/trans configuration of X and Y. The major CID products, the diglyceride (DAG) fragment ions and the MH+ ions, are plotted as functions of chain length for the saturated and monounsaturated series of X and Y. Different trends for each of these series are observed. Trends in the intensities of these fragment ions are also characterized as a function of degree of unsaturation in the TAGs. In general, the fractional intensities of MH+ increase with increasing degree of unsaturation in the TAGs. MH+ is absent in the CID spectra of triglycerides containing three saturated fatty acid moieties, suggesting that the presence of double bonds fosters the formation of MH+. Double bonds positioned close to the carbonyl carbon along the fatty acid chain promote the formation of the DAG fragment ion corresponding to the loss of the fatty acid. The collection of PXP/YPY data produced in this work is used to test the mechanisms of the formation and decomposition of ammoniated TAGs that were previously presented. The YPY data are used to predict the intensities of the fragment ions in the CID spectra of YPX-type TAGs. The limitations of the mathematical approach used in these predictions are discussed in context of a broader plan to develop a software platform for comprehensive analysis of complex TAG mixtures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of genetic variation and haplotype structure of the canine ABCA4 gene for retinal disease association studies

Over 200 mutations in the retina specific member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily (ABCA4) have been associated with a diverse group of human retinal diseases. The disease mechanisms, and genotype-phenotype associations, nonetheless, remain elusive in many cases. As orthologous genes are commonly mutated in canine models of human blinding disorders, canine ABCA4 appears to be an ideal candidate gene to identify and study sequence changes in dogs affected by various forms of inherited retinal degeneration. However, the size of the gene and lack of haplotype assignment significantly limit targeted association and/or linkage approaches. This study assessed the naturally observed sequence diversity of ABCA4 in the dog, identifying 80% of novel variations. While none of the observed polymorphisms have been associated with blinding disorders to date, breed and potentially disease specific haplotypes have been identified. Moreover, a tag SNP map of 17 (15) markers has been established that accurately predicts common ABCA4 haplotypes (frequency > 5%) explaining >85% (>80%) of the observed genetic diversity and will considerably advance future studies. Our sequence analysis of the complete canine ABCA4 coding region will clearly provide a baseline and tools for future association studies and comparative genomics to further delineate the role of ABCA4 in canine blinding disorders.
Medication Adherence: WHO Cares?

The treatment of chronic illnesses commonly includes the long-term use of pharmacotherapy. Although these medications are effective in combating disease, their full benefits are often not realized because approximately 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed. Factors contributing to poor medication adherence are myriad and include those that are related to patients (eg, suboptimal health literacy and lack of involvement in the treatment decision–making process), those that are related to physicians (eg, prescription of complex drug regimens, communication barriers, ineffective communication of information about adverse effects, and provision of care by multiple physicians), and those that are related to health care systems (eg, office visit time limitations, limited access to care, and lack of health information technology). Because barriers to medication adherence are complex and varied, solutions to improve adherence must be multifactorial. To assess general aspects of medication adherence using cardiovascular disease as an example, a MEDLINE-based literature search (January 1, 1990, through March 31, 2010) was conducted using the following search terms: cardiovascular disease, health literacy, medication adherence, and pharmacotherapy. Manual sorting of the 405 retrieved articles to exclude those that did not address cardiovascular disease, medication adherence, or health literacy in the abstract yielded 127 articles for review. Additional references were obtained from citations within the retrieved articles. This review surveys the findings of the identified articles and presents various strategies and resources for improving medication adherence.
Unique Glycan Signatures Regulate Adeno-Associated Virus Tropism in the Developing Brain

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are thought to spread through the central nervous system (CNS) by exploiting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flux and hijacking axonal transport pathways. The role of host receptors that mediate these processes is not well understood. In the current study, we utilized AAV serotype 4 (AAV4) as a model to evaluate whether ubiquitously expressed 2,3-linked sialic acid and the developmentally regulated marker 2,8-linked polysialic acid (PSA) regulate viral transport and tropism in the neonatal brain. Modulation of the levels of SA and PSA in cell culture studies using specific neuraminidases revealed possibly opposing roles of the two glycans in AAV4 transduction. Interestingly, upon intracranial injection into lateral ventricles of the neonatal mouse brain, a low-affinity AAV4 mutant (AAV4.18) displayed a striking shift in cellular tropism from 2,3-linked SA+ ependymal lining to 2,8-linked PSA+ migrating progenitors in the rostral migratory stream and olfactory bulb. In addition, this gain-of-function phenotype correlated with robust CNS spread of AAV4.18 through paravascular transport pathways. Consistent with these observations, altering glycan dynamics within the brain by coadministering SA- and PSA-specific neuraminidases resulted in striking changes to the cellular tropisms and transduction efficiencies of both parental and mutant vectors. We postulate that glycan signatures associated with host development can be exploited to redirect novel AAV vectors to specific cell types in the brain. IMPORTANCE Viruses invade the CNS through various mechanisms. In the current study, we utilized AAV as a model to study the dynamics of virus-carbohydrate interactions in the developing brain and their impact on viral tropism. Our findings suggest that carbohydrate content can be exploited to regulate viral transport and tropism in the brain.
Body Size Changes in Relation to Postmenopausal Breast Cancer among Women on Long Island, New York

To examine effects of body size change on postmenopausal breast cancer, the authors conducted a population-based case-control study among 990 cases and 1,006 controls participating in the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project in 1996-1997. Women who had gained more than 15 kg (33 pounds) since age 20 years were at a 1.6-fold increased risk of breast cancer (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 2.26) relative to their counterparts with stable (+/-3 kg) weight. Subjects who had gained more than 11 kg (24 pounds) during the peri- and postmenopausal years (since age 50 years) had 1.62 times the risk of breast cancer of those whose weight remained unchanged during this time period. This effect of peri- and postmenopausal body size gain was present only among never users of hormone replacement therapy (odds ratio (OR) = 2.02 (95% CI: 1.35, 3.02) as opposed to 0.81 (95% CI: 0.43, 1.53) for ever users; multiplicative interaction: p < 0.01) and was more pronounced among women with estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.38, 3.42). Weight loss over the lifetime was associated with decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.96). These results add to the literature by focusing on the perimenopausal weight trajectory and support efforts urging women to avoid weight gain as they age.
Phytoplankton photosynethetic characteristics from fluorescence induction assays of individual cells

Saturating-flash fluorescence techniques, which can provide information about the physiological state of phytoplankton, at present measure bulk water samples and so provide {open_quotes}averaged{close_quotes} values for all the fluorescent particles present. In analyzing natural samples, however, more detailed information about the distribution of photosynthetic characteristics among different cell types and(or) individual cells is desirable. Therefore we developed two methods for applying a {open_quotes}pump-during-probe{close_quotes} technique on a cell-by-cell basis. We used either an epifluorescence microscope or a flow cytometer to make time-resolved measurements of the increase in chlorophyll fluorescence induced by a rectangular excitation pulse of 100-{mu}s duration. We used a biophysical model of fluorescence induction to obtain information about the quantum yield of photochemistry in photosystem 2 (PS2) and the functional absorption cross-section for PS2. For several species (including the smallest phytoplankton, Prochlorococcus, which are 0.7 {mu}m in diameter), the maximum quantum yield of photochemistry in PS2 obtained by averaging data from many individual cells agreed well with estimates derived from bulk measurements of DCMU enhancement of Chl fluorescence. 40 refs., 9 figs.
Prevention of new osteitis on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis during 3 years of continuous treatment with etanercept: data of the ESTHER trial

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of fluctuation of osteitis on MRI during longterm treatment with etanercept (ETN) in patients with early axial SpA (axSpA) with active inflammation (osteitis) on whole-body MRI in the spine and/or the SI joints at baseline. Methods. We analysed MRI data from 328 SI joint quadrants and 943 spine vertebral units (VUs) in terms of osteitis in the pooled data set of 41 patients who were treated with ETN for 3 consecutive years. Scoring was performed by two blinded radiologists at baseline, year 2 and year 3. Results. Through years 2 and 3, osteitis on MRI resolved completely in 56 of 144 (38.9%) SI joint quadrants and in 20 of 40 (50%) VUs affected at baseline, while persistent osteitis was found in 24 of 144 (16.7%) SI joint quadrants and in 8 of 40 (20.0%) spine VUs. The development of new osteitis in sites that were free of osteitis at baseline only occurred in 2 of 131 (1.5%) SI joint quadrants and in 3 of 862 (0.4%) spine VUs in both year 2 and year 3. Conclusion. There was a consistently small amount of osteitis on MRI in patients with early axSpA compared with baseline values, and only a very low rate of new-onset osteitis was found during 3 years of continuous treatment with ETN. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00844142.
Defect-aware logic mapping for nanowire-based programmable logic arrays via satisfiability

Programmable logic arrays (PLAs) using self-assembly nanowire crossbars have shown promising potential for future nano-scale circuit design. However, due to the density and size factors of nanowires and molecular switches, the fabrication fault densities are much higher than those of the conventional silicon technology, and hence pose greater design challenges. In this paper, we propose a novel defect-aware logic mapping framework via Boolean satisfiability (SAT). Compared with the prior works, our technique considers PLA defects on both input and output planes at the same time. This synergistic approach can help solve logic mapping problems with higher defect rates. The proposed method is universally suitable for various nano-scale PLAs, including AND/OR, NOR/NOR structures, etc. The experimental results have shown that it can efficiently solve large mapping problems at a total defect rate of 20% or even higher. We further investigate the impact of different defects on PLA mapping, which helps set up an initial contribution for yield estimation and utilization of partially-defective PLAs.
Verticality as the cue for “bigger” in tactile and visual tasks

Pairs of three-dimensional objects, equal in volume but differing in height, were presented visually to 105 Ss and tactually to 105 Ss from Grades 1–7. Ss selected the “bigger” of each pair. Verticality was the dominant visual cue for first and second graders only. In Grades 1–6 verticality was the dominant tactile cue, with some exceptions; seventh graders’ choices were a 50–50 split. Results indicated that developmentally verticality remains the dominant cue for “bigger” in the tactile sense longer than in vision.
Interferometric measurements using redundant phase centers of synthetic aperture sonars

Interferometric sonars with multiple horizontal rows of elements have been used routinely to produce swath bathymetry. However, interferometric sonars are larger more complex, and consume more power than arrays with a single row of elements. Synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) systems often require the use of redundant phase centers (RPC), where the aft sonar element positions overlap in space with the forward element positions of the previous ping. Considering that a vehicle carrying a SAS array would likely have non-zero pitch, the use of RPC provides sonar data from receivers at the same along-track position with some vertical displacement. This data is similar to that of interferometric systems with the exception that the distance between receiver pairs can vary with vehicle motion and the received signals are not collected concurrently. This paper evaluates the possibility that an interferometric capability could be achieved using RPC data collected from a SAS system consisting of a single horizontal row of elements. An error analysis was conducted to determine the effect of errors in relative receiver position on swath bathymetry. Results show that errors in receiver vertical displacement result in similar percent errors in elevation. Therefore, errors in swath bathymetry can be reduced by designing the array to increase vertical displacement between RPC pairs. Results also show that increasing vertical displacement between RPC pairs can also reduce the impact of data phase measurement errors on swath bathymetry. Swath bathymetry measurements are very sensitive to errors in across-track displacements, but the predictable nature and scale of the error may indicate that accurate across-track displacements could be calculated from phase measurements. Swath bathymetry images produced from data acquired by an existing SAS consisting of a single horizontal row of elements are shown and illustrate viability of the technique depending on the required resolution of the system.
Use of solute diuresis in the prevention of acute renal failure.

Abstract Reconsideration of the initial descriptions of “lower nephron nephrosis” coupled with an examination of laboratory models leads to a reintroduction of tubular obstruction by casts and cell debris as a likely definitive etiologic mechanism. The use of experimental models confirms that the clinical course and pathologic anatomy may be recreated with laboratory situations in which various proteins are precipitated in the renal tubule. Whether induced by water-loading or by solute diuresis, urine production prevents or ameliorates the renal lesion, presumably by the creation of more rapid tubular flow and more dilute tubular urine. The properties of mannitol, the most simple, reliable, and effective compound to produce osmotic diuresis, are described. In light of the foregoing information it seems reasonable to expect that the kidney which is making urine in adequate quantities may well be protected against the “acute tubular necrosis” type of insult. A plan is hereby presented for the administration of mannitol in both emergency and elective situations with a view toward the elimination of this unfortunate renal complication.
A novel curriculum for teaching research methodology

Abstract We sought to develop a unique educational course for emergency medicine residents that provides the essential knowledge, the practical skills, and the motivation to complete a research project during the residency. A 5-day mandatory course was designed for first-year emergency medicine residents. Unique features of the curriculum include 1) didactic lectures paired with workshops teaching practical skills and 2) the use of a hypothetical research question (“mock project”) that is utilized for practical experience at each step and results in an oral presentation of the completed research project. The course was evaluated with pre- and post-tests of general research knowledge, quality of the final presentations, and a post-course questionnaire. Following completion of the course, the 16 emergency medicine resident participants showed significant improvement in research knowledge, as evidenced by higher median post-test scores and an absolute increase in the pass rate of 50%. Residents' final course presentations were given ratings of “above average” to “superior” by all observing faculty members. Finally, 87.5% of the residents felt that developing a mock project during the course (“handson” experience) increased their confidence and interest in conducting future academic research. Thus, an introductory course in research methodology that utilizes didactic lectures paired with appropriate practical workshops and incorporates completion of a mock research project may provide an effective method for teaching emergency medicine residents to conduct research.
Role of Phenylalanine 20 in Alzheimer's Amyloid β-Peptide (1-42)-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity

Senile plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive decline and aging. Abeta(1-42) is the primary component of the senile plaque in AD brain and has been shown to induce protein oxidation in vitro and in vivo. Oxidative stress is extensive in AD brain. As a result, Abeta(1-42) has been proposed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of AD; however, the specific mechanism of neurotoxicity remains unknown. Recently, it has been proposed that long distance electron transfer from methionine 35 to the Cu(II) bound at the N terminus of Abeta(1-42) occurs via phenylalanine 20. Additionally, it was proposed that substitution of phenylalanine 20 of Abeta(1-42) by alanine [Abeta(1-42)F20A] would lessen the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta(1-42). In this study, we evaluate the predictions of this theoretical study by determining the oxidative stress and neurotoxic properties of Abeta(1-42)F20A relative to Abeta(1-42) in primary neuronal cell culture. Abeta(1-42)F20A induced protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation similar to Abeta(1-42) but to a lesser extent and in a manner inhibited by pretreatment of neurons with vitamin E. Additionally, Abeta(1-42)F20A affected mitochondrial function similar to Abeta(1-42), albeit to a lesser extent. Furthermore, the mutation does not appear to abolish the ability of the native peptide to reduce Cu(II). Abeta(1-42)F20A did not compromise neuronal morphology at 24 h incubation with neurons, but did so after 48 h incubation. Taken together, these results suggest that long distance electron transfer from methionine 35 through phenylalanine 20 may not play a pivotal role in Abeta(1-42)-mediated oxidative stress and neurotoxicity.
Matrix metalloproteinase 28, a novel matrix metalloproteinase, is constitutively expressed in human intervertebral disc tissue and is present in matrix of more degenerated discs

The regulation and elevation in expression of the catabolic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is of high importance in the human intervertebral disc since upregulation of these matrix-degrading enzymes results in matrix destruction associated with disc degeneration. MMP28 (epilysin) is a newly discovered MMP believed to play a role in matrix composition and turnover in skin. It is present in basal keratinocytes where its expression is upregulated with wound repair, and in cartilage and synovium where it is upregulated in osteoarthritis. Recent work has shown that mechanical compression can act to modulate expression of MMP28. The expression of MMP28 is unexplored in the intervertebral disc. Following approval by our human subjects institutional review board, we employed microarray analyses to evaluate in vivo expression of MMP28 and the MMP28 precursor in human disc tissue, and utilized immunohistochemistry to determine cellular and extracellular matrix localization of MMP28 in 35 human disc tissue specimens. The percentage of cells positive for MMP28 immunocytochemical localization was also determined. The present work documents the expression and presence of MMP28 in cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) of the human intervertebral disc. Gene expression levels in human disc tissue were detectable for both MMP28 and the MMP28 precursor. MMP28 cytoplasmic localization was present in cells of the outer annulus; it was also present in some, but not all, cells of the inner annulus and nucleus. MMP28 was not found in the ECM of healthier Grade I to II discs, but was identified in the ECM of 61% of the more degenerated Grade III to V discs (P = 0.0018). There was a significant difference in cellular MMP28 distribution in the disc (P = 0.008): the outer annulus showed the largest percentage of cells positive for MMP28 immunolocalization, followed by the inner annulus and then the nucleus. Herniated discs showed a significantly greater proportion of MMP28-positive cells compared with nonherniated discs (P = 0.034). Findings presented here show the first documentation of intervertebral disc expression and production of MMP28. MMP28 was found in both disc cell cytoplasm and in the ECM of more degenerated specimens, with greater cellular localization in the outer annulus and in herniated disc specimens. These findings are important because of the key role of MMPs in disc turnover and homeostasis, and previous indications of a role for this MMP in matrix repair and matrix turnover in other tissues. Our data, which show the presence of MMP28 in human disc tissue, suggest that MMP28 may have a potentially important role in ECM modulation in the healthy and degenerating disc.
Formation of Biofunctional Thin Films on Gold Electrodes by Electrodeposition of Poly(acrylamide-co-tyrosineamide)

A new method was developed for modifying gold electrode surfaces through electrochemically triggered adsorption of acrylamide copolymers containing a low percentage of tyrosineamide side chains. The amount of copolymer adsorbed, as monitored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), was proportional to the percent of tyrosineamide side chains in the polymer over the range 0−3 mol %. The modified gold surfaces were hydrophilic and resisted nonspecific adsorption of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Incorporation of nickel-binding nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) side chains into the tyrosineamide copolymers allowed specific immobilization of His6-tagged GFP. The Ni(II)-dependent GFP binding was measured by SPR and verified by fluorescence microscopy. The method may find utility as a means to electrically address the immobilization of unique ligands in biosensors or other diagnostic devices based on arrayed ligands.
Theory and VLSI implementation of multilevel median filters

The properties of multilevel median filters are summarized, and a detailed analysis of their efficient implementation is given. In particular, a bit-serial compare/exchange module is described. This module is then used as the building block of a systolic array for the efficient implementation of these two-dimensional filtering algorithms. The architecture described yields a low area complexity, which allows a single chip VLSI implementation. >
Coronaviruses as DNA wannabes: a new model for the regulation of RNA virus replication fidelity.

Coronaviruses encode a proofreading exoribonuclease that is responsible for genome expansion, increased robustness to mutations, and resistance to mis-incorporations during RNA synthesis, as well as being required for virulence. The stability of the ExoN− genotype and phenotype provides a powerful model for the study of additional CoV fidelity determinants and of the effects of altered fidelity on virus replication, fitness, host-species range, and response to environmental changes. Experiments testing the proposed multi-subunit fidelity complex will yield exciting new insights into how CoVs ignore the RNA virus playbook and instead seem to play by their own rules while dancing on the edge of genetic disaster.
Resolution of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Infection Using Vaccination and Antibiotic Treatment

Staphylococcus aureus infections, particularly those from methicillin-resistant strains (i.e., MRSA), are reaching epidemic proportions, with no effective vaccine available. The vast number and transient expression of virulence factors in the infectious course of this pathogen have made the discovery of protective antigens particularly difficult. In addition, the divergent planktonic and biofilm modes of growth with their accompanying proteomic changes also demonstrate significant hindrances to vaccine development. In this study, a multicomponent vaccine was evaluated for its ability to clear a staphylococcal biofilm infection. Antigens (glucosaminidase, an ABC transporter lipoprotein, a conserved hypothetical protein, and a conserved lipoprotein) were chosen since they were found in previous studies to have upregulated and sustained expression in a biofilm, both in vitro and in vivo. Antibodies against these antigens were first used in microscopy studies to localize their expression in in vitro biofilms. Each of the four antigens showed heterogeneous production in various locations within the complex biofilm community in the biofilm. Based upon these studies, the four antigens were delivered simultaneously as a quadrivalent vaccine in order to compensate for this varied production. In addition, antibiotic treatment was also administered to clear the remaining nonattached planktonic cells since the vaccine antigens may have been biofilm specific. The results demonstrated that when vaccination was coupled with vancomycin treatment in a biofilm model of chronic osteomyelitis in rabbits, clinical and radiographic signs of infection significantly reduced by 67 and 82%, respectively, compared to infected animals that were either treated with vancomycin or left untreated. In contrast, vaccination alone resulted in a modest, and nonsignificant, decrease in clinical (34% reduction) and radiographic signs (9% reduction) of infection, compared to nonvaccinated animal groups untreated or treated with vancomycin. Lastly, MRSA biofilm infections were significantly cleared in 87.5% of vaccinated and antibiotic-treated animals, while antibiotics or vaccine alone could not significantly clear infection compared to controls (55.6, 22.2, and 33.3% clearance rates, respectively). This approach to vaccine development may lead to the generation of vaccines against other pathogenic biofilm bacteria.
How Respected Family Physicians Manage Difficult Patient Encounters

Background: Nearly all family physicians have patients that engender a sense of frustration or dislike, often described as “difficult.” Most research in this area focuses on describing these patients and their physicians, not management or coping. Objective: To describe how respected family physicians identify, manage, and cope with difficult patient encounters. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interview study. Participant physicians described as “excellent” were recommended by medical school family medicine faculty around the county. Interview questions included “describe the patient you least like seeing,” and “how do you keep sane but still assure adequate care for the patient?” Interviews were analyzed using the editing method, looking for common categories and themes. Results: 102 physicians were interviewed. Physicians described both patient behaviors (stay sick and demanding) as well as medical problems (multiple, chronic pain, drug seeking, psychiatric) that they found frustrating. Difficult encounters occurred when these patient behaviors and medical problems clashed with physicians’ personal and practice traits. Their management strategies to return the encounter to success incorporated collaboration, appropriate use of power and empathy. Conclusions: We propose a model where clashes between patient behaviors and physicians’ traits turn a successful encounter of collaboration, appropriate use of power and empathy into a difficult encounter of opposition, misuse of power and compassion fatigue. Management strategies used by our participants aim to return success to the encounter and may serve as a guide for practicing physicians and for future research.
Online buyer behaviour and perceptions in Greece

This paper describes the initial phase of a study where a sample of 71 questionnaires were distributed to people who identified themselves as online shoppers and the data collected were analysed. The purpose of the research was to investigate the perceptions of online buyers in Greece and study their online behaviour. The frequency distributions revealed that most people spend between 50 € and 100 € in online shopping on a quarterly basis and their primary motivation was the convenience offered. Security was considered the most important issue when doing online transactions.
Prospective audit for antimicrobial stewardship in intensive care: Impact on resistance and clinical outcomes

Background The impact of antimicrobial audit and feedback on outcomes of critically ill adults is unclear. Methods A prospective study was performed in the intensive care units (ICU) of a public hospital in Atlanta, GA. Critically ill adults receiving empiric imipenem or piperacillin-tazobactam were eligible. Outcomes for 3 periods were compared: baseline (B, February to May 2006), model 1 (M1, October 2006 to July 2008), and model 2 (M2, September 2008 to February 2009). No audit was performed during B. During M1, an infectious diseases physician evaluated patients, and a critical care pharmacist communicated recommendations to the treating team. During M2, an infectious diseases physician directly participated in interdisciplinary rounds with the medical ICU team. Results One hundred ninety-four patients were included during B, 415 during M1, and 83 during M2. M1 and M2 were associated with appropriate antimicrobial selection (B, 70%; M1, 78%; M2, 82%; P = .042) and with lower rates of resistance (B, 31%; M1, 25%; M2, 17%; P = .033). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that audit and feedback were independently associated with appropriate antimicrobial selection and prevention of resistance. The association remained strongest for M2. Conclusion Audit and feedback had an influence on antimicrobial prescription patterns in the ICU with a favorable impact on the emergence of resistance.
WAVE RUNUP ON COMPOSITE-SLOPE AND CONCAVE BEACHES

Laboratory experiments were carried out for regular and irregular wave runup over non-uniform beach profiles, including both bi-linear and concave "equilibrium" beach profiles. Measured runup is shown to be substantially less than that predicted by the Hunt Formula if the exposed beach-face slope is used to define the typical beach slope. More accurate runup estimates are obtained using Saville's hypothetical slope concept; and, Saville's method is integrated with the Hunt Formula to provide simple analytical estimates of wave runup over complex beach topography.
Beyond immigrant status: Book-sharing in low-income Mexican-American families:

Data from a sample (n = 145) of low-income Mexican-American mothers and their toddlers (9–26 months) were used to explore the prevalence of high-frequency book-sharing (⩾3 days/week) and its association with maternal immigrant status (Mexico-born vs US-born), as well as other demographic and psychosocial factors. Mexico-born mothers were more likely to report frequent book-sharing than were their US-born counterparts. This was contrary to expectations, and may be representative of the “immigrant paradox.” Other variables associated with high-frequency book-sharing included not receiving welfare, low levels of parenting stress, and having 10 or more books in the home; these factors remained statistically significant in multivariate logistic regression models. The findings of this study have the potential to inform not only intervention efforts targeting emergent literacy in family contexts and children’s school readiness in Latino families, but also practitioners and policy makers in the health and social ...
Necroptosis: an alternative cell death program defending against cancer

One of the hallmarks of cancer is resistance to programmed cell death, which maintains the survival of cells en route to oncogenic transformation and underlies therapeutic resistance. Recent studies demonstrate that programmed cell death is not confined to caspase-dependent apoptosis, but includes necroptosis, a form of necrotic death governed by Receptor-Interacting Protein 1 (RIP1), RIP3, and Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) protein. Necroptosis serves as a critical cell-killing mechanism in response to severe stress and blocked apoptosis, and can be induced by inflammatory cytokines or chemotherapeutic drugs. Genetic or epigenetic alterations of necroptosis regulators such as RIP3 and cylindromatosis (CYLD), are frequently found in human tumors. Unlike apoptosis, necroptosis elicits a more robust immune response that may function as a defensive mechanism by eliminating tumor-causing mutations and viruses. Furthermore, several classes of anticancer agents currently under clinical development, such as SMAC and BH3 mimetics, can promote necroptosis in addition to apoptosis. A more complete understanding of the interplay among necroptosis, apoptosis, and other cell death modalities is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies to enhance killing of tumor cells.
Growth of Gallium Nitride Nanowires and Nanospirals

GaN nanostructure synthesis was done in a quartz tube furnace using ammonia and liquid Ga as precursors, and hydrogen as the carrier gas. Ni nanoparticles formed due to annealing, has been used as the catalyst layer, facilitating vapor-liquid-solid growth of the nanostructures. The growth process resulted in the formation of two types of structures, straight nanowires, and irregular growth sometimes resulting in nanospirals. Growth using uniform distribution of catalyst over the entire surface resulted in growth of straight nanowires, while growth performed on catalyst patterned surface resulted in growth of nanospirals. The diameter of the nanowires varied from 20 – 100 nm, while for spirals the cross-sectional diameters were found to be in the range of 100 nm – 1 micron, and spiral diameters in the range of several microns. Using the present growth system and gas flow set-up, it was possible to synthesize ultra-long nanowires and spirals, with overall lengths exceeding 70 microns. The regular straight nanowires were found to have a smooth circular cross-section, while the irregular wires and nanospirals were found to have a very rough surface with approximate hexagonal or triangular cross-sections. Some of the spirals changed into straight nanowires with uniform triangular cross-sections. While more investigations are required to fully establish their structures, based on preliminary characterization and past studies, we conclude that the nanowires with circular cross-sections grow along the c-direction [0001], while the spirals and consequent triangular cross-section nanowires grow along one of the non-polar directions. The formation of spirals themselves may be related to the polarization properties of GaN, similar to those predicted for ZnO nanosprings and nanoribbons.
When Disaster Strikes: First Steps in Disaster Preparedness

Summary Learn what you can do to help better prepare your library for the inevitable disaster. The steps your institution takes now can make the difference between prompt, effective action or unnecessary collection and equipment loss. Institutional and regional disaster preparedness are achievable goals in which all library staff play an important role. Suggestions are given for getting involved in your library's disaster planning and suggestions for disaster planning resources.
The Effects of Streptomycin Derivatives on Sensitive and Dependent Strains of Escherichia coli

In order to clarify the role of the guanido groups in streptomycin activity, derivatives of dihydrostreptomycin in which both guanido groups were replaced with either amino groups, ureido groups, or aminopyrimidine moieties were tested for their effects on streptomycin-sensitive, -resistant, and -dependent strains of Escherichia coli . In addition, a monoguanido derivative (bluensomycin), streptidine, and guanidine were tested. The same order of effectiveness (streptomycin = dihydrostreptomycin > ureido derivative > aminopyrimidine derivative) was noted when inhibition of protein synthesis, effect on RNA and DNA synthesis, or loss of viability was determined in streptomycin-sensitive bacteria. In all cases there was a temporal relationship between cessation of protein synthesis and loss of viability. The amino derivative, streptidine, and guanidine were inactive. In cell-free systems, using ribosomes from streptomycin-sensitive strains, the amino derivative had no effect on the polyuridylic acid-directed polymerization of phenylalanine. The aminopyrimidine and ureido derivatives were effective only at relatively higher concentrations. Mutants selected for resistance to bluensomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, or the ureido derivative were resistant to all the derivatives. Strains selected for resistance to the aminopyrimidine derivative fell into two classes, one showing cross-resistance and the other sensitivity to dihydrostreptomycin and its derivatives.
Adiponectin exerts neurotrophic effects on dendritic arborization, spinogenesis, and neurogenesis of the dentate gyrus of male mice

The hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning, memory and emotional processing, maintains its capacity to undergo structural plasticity throughout life. Hippocampal structural plasticity can be modulated by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study investigated the effects of adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, on dendritic growth, arborization, and spinogenesis in mature granule neurons of the hippocampal dentate gyrus generated during embryonic (early-born) or early postnatal (late-born) stages. We found that adiponectin deficiency reduced dendritic length, branching and spine density of granule neurons. The reduction was more evident in early-born granule neurons than in late-born granule neurons. Intracerebroventricular infusion of adiponectin for 1 week increased of dendritic spines and arbor complexity in late-born granule neurons. Moreover, adiponectin deficiency decreased the production of adult-born new granule neurons through suppressing neural progenitor cell prolif...
Origami: Folding Warps for Energy Efficient GPUs

Graphical processing units (GPUs) are increasingly used to run a wide range of general purpose applications. Due to wide variation in application parallelism and inherent application level inefficiencies, GPUs experience significant idle periods. In this work, we first show that significant fine-grain pipeline bubbles exist regardless of warp scheduling policies or workloads. We propose to convert these bubbles into energy saving opportunities using Origami. Origami consists of two components: Warp Folding and the Origami scheduler. With Warp Folding, warps are split into two half-warps which are issued in succession. Warp Folding leaves half of the execution lanes idle, which is then exploited to improve energy efficiency through power gating. Origami scheduler is a new warp scheduler that is cognizant of the Warp Folding process and tries to further extend the sleep times of idle execution lanes. By combining the two techniques Origami can save 49% and 46% of the leakage energy in the integer and floating point pipelines, respectively. These savings are better than or at least on-par with Warped-Gates, a prior power gating technique that power gates the entire cluster of execution lanes. But Origami achieves these energy savings without relying on forcing idleness on execution lanes, which leads to performance losses, as has been proposed in Warped-Gates. Hence, Origami is able to achieve these energy savings with virtually no performance overhead.
Introduction for Sex Differences in Physiology

The study of the human body dates back to ancient times but was not named as the discipline “physiology” until the 16th century by the French physician Jean Francois Fernel, who introduced the term to describe the study of bodily functions. Since that time, physiologists have contributed fundamental and critical information needed for the evidence-based practice of modern medicine. However, like all scientific disciplines, physiology and physiologists are not immune from political, societal, and cultural trends and for many years except for studies related to the physiology of reproduction, most human and animal physiological studies enrolled male volunteers and utilized male animals. Thus, physiological principles contained in classical physiological and medical textbooks and graduate and medical curricula have been based on the 70 kg healthy male (usually between 18 and 40 years of age) or on male animals. Times have changed and this book “Sex Differences in Physiology” provides an important update and focus on basic physiological control systems and mechanisms in females and males that contribute to health and disease across the lifespan. It is essential for scientists and clinicians to consider sex differences as one of the underlying physiological mechanisms of disease to provide the building blocks for evidence-based, individualized medicine.
4He(n,n)4He Analyzing Power in the 20 to 30 MeV Energy Range

Scattering from 4He has been the most widely employed method for accurately measuring the polarization of nucleon beams. Below 18 MeV the analyzing power for the 4He(n,n)4He interaction is probably known to within about ± 0.03 at the forward angle minimum as well as at the backward angle maximum. This information has been obtained through energy-dependent phase-shift analyses of the available data which have gradually grown in quantity and quality. At higher energies, due to the complexity of the phase-shift analyses and the difficulty of the measurements, the understanding of the 4He(n,n)4He interaction is not as advanced. In order to provide additional information on the five-nucleon system and to calibrate the analyzing power near 119°(lab), measurements were made of Ay(θ) for neutron energies En from 20 to 30 MeV using neutron beams whose polarization values had been determined without any reliance on neutron polarization analyzers. Such neutron beams were obtained by utilizing the properties of the zero degree longitudinal polarization transfer coefficient K z z′ of the T( \(\overrightarrow d ,\overrightarrow n \) )3He reaction as described in the contribution of Lisowski et al.1) Neutrons emitted at 0° from the T + d reaction initiated by a 75% longitudinally polarized deuteron beam were incident on a liquid 4He scintillator. Measurements of Ay(θ) were obtained for θ = 60° and 70° (lab) for En = 20.9 MeV and for 119° (lab) at five energies between 20 and 30 MeV, by detecting the scattered neutrons in coincidence with the 4He recoils. To perform the Ay(θ) determination the neutron-polarization axis was rotated to a transverse orientation by means of a transverse magnetic field between the tritium target and the 4He scatterer. The deuteron beam polarization was determined to within ± 0.01 by the quench-ratio method and Azz values were obtained from previous measurements.1)
A Developmental State Model in Ethiopia: A Path to Economic Prosperity or an Instrument of Political Repression?

Currently, the most significant policy framework that has been regulating the political and economic dynamics in Ethiopia is the doctrine of the developmental state model. The doctrine is a new form of policy that has been advanced by the Government of Ethiopia particularly after aftermath of the controversial election in 2005. The policy aims at boosting legitimacy of the regime on the ability of the developmental state to deliver roads, schools and exaggerated rates of gross domestic product (GDP) growth. On the other hand, after the adoption of the developmental state model, the political repression against opposition parties, the media and civil society groups has been intensified. In light of the mixed implications of the developmental state model on the country's economic and political discourse, there has been intense debates and discussions on role of the state in achieving economic development and democratic transformation in the country. In light of such ongoing debates, the paper explores whether the developmental state model adopted by the Ethiopian government is an instrument to achieve economic prosperity or deepen political repression.
Teachers and Teaching

The complexities of teaching, teachers, and of teacher education are explored using some of the concepts previously introduced together with the important role of intersubjectivity and caring in classrooms. School leaders need to trust teachers and provide them with professional autonomy to allow their own unique potentials to flourish.
Antibody to an Enzyme as the Modulator in Separation-Free Enzyme Immunoassays with Electrochemical Sensor

Separation-free enzyme immunoassays for both haptens and macromolecules have been developed by using enzyme modulator as the label (Ngo and Lenhoff, 1980; Ngo, 1983; Finley et al., 1980; Place et al., 1983; Blecka et al., 1983; Bacquet and Twumasi, 1984; Brontman and Meyerhoff, 1984; Dona, 1985). In this chapter, enzyme modulators are defined as compounds capable of bringing about the modifications of the catalytic activity of an enzyme by inhibiting or enhancing (activating) the enzyme activity. The modification of an enzyme activity by enzyme modulators can be achieved through either noncovalent or covalent interactions between the enzyme and its modulators. Non-covalently interacting modulators are generally reversible modulators, such as reversible low molecular weight enzyme inhibitors (Webb, 1963) or enzyme activators (Wong, 1975), allosteric effectors (Stadtman, 1970), transition state analogs (Wolfenden, 1972; Lienhard, 1973; Ngo and Tunnicliff, 1981) and inhibitory antibodies to an enzyme (Marucci and Mayer, 1955; Visek et al., 1967; Cinader, 1976; Arnon, 1977). Covalently interacting enzyme modulators consist of irreversible modulators such as activesite directed irreversible enzyme inhibitors (Baker, 1967; Shaw, 1980), mechanism based inhibitors (Rando, 1974; Abeles, 1978) and enzyme mediated modification of enzyme activity (Krebs, 1972).