cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting diabetes risk among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women

Objective To assess the performance of an adapted American Diabetes Association (ADA) risk score and the concise Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINRISC) for predicting type 2 diabetes development in women with and at risk of HIV infection. Design Longitudinal analysis of the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Methods The women's Interagency HIV Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study of women with and at risk for HIV infection. Women without prevalent diabetes and 3-year data on fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, self-reported diabetes medication use, and self-reported diabetes were included. ADA and FINRISC scores were computed at baseline and their ability to predict diabetes development within 3 years was assessed [sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve]. Results A total of 1111 HIV-positive (median age 41, 60% African American) and 454 HIV-negative women (median age 38, 63% African-American) were included. ADA sensitivity did not differ between HIV-positive (77%) and HIV-negative women (81%), while specificity was better in HIV-negative women (42 vs. 49%, P = 0.006). Overall ADA discrimination was suboptimal in both HIV-positive [AUROC = 0.64 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.70)] and HIV-negative women [AUROC = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.77)]. FINRISC sensitivity and specificity did not differ between HIV-positive (72 and 49%, respectively) and HIV-negative women (86 and 52%, respectively). Overall FINRISC discrimination was suboptimal in HIV-positive [AUROC = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.75)] and HIV-negative women [AUROC = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.66, 0.90)]. Conclusion Model performance was suboptimal in women with and at risk of HIV, while greater misclassification was generally observed among HIV-positive women. HIV-specific risk factors known to contribute to diabetes risk should be explored in these models.
Diagnosis and Management of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, idiopathic, and complex disease entity that affects both intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary ducts. The exact cause of this disease is not known; however, it may be due to an autoimmune process due to its link to ulcerative colitis. PSC is a disease that may present with varying symptomatology over an extended period of time. Workup includes standard liver function blood tests as well as a right upper quadrant ultrasound to evaluate the biliary ducts. Abnormalities of the biliary tree on ultrasound prompts further investigation with a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and eventual endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Visualized diffuse biliary strictures and dilations along with intraductal biopsies confirm the diagnosis of PSC and warrant intervention. Dominant strictures are managed with endoscopic dilations and/or stenting. Patients with mild disease and no dominant strictures can be managed with observation and surveillance for progression. The only known cure for PSC is orthotopic liver transplantation.
On Arthur's unitarity conjecture for split real groups

Arthur's conjectures predict the existence of some very interesting unitary representations occurring in spaces of automorphic forms. We prove the unitarity of the "Langlands element" (i.e., the one specified by Arthur) of all unipotent Arthur packets for split real groups. The proof uses Eisenstein series, Langlands' constant term formula and square integrability criterion, analytic properties of intertwining operators, and some mild arithmetic input from the theory of Dirichlet L-functions, to reduce to a more combinatorial problem about intertwining operators.
IgM, IgG, and IgA Influenza-Specific Plasma Cells Express Divergent Transcriptomes

Ab-secreting cells (ASC) or plasma cells are essential components of the humoral immune system. Although Abs of different isotypes have distinct functions, it is not known if the ASC that secrete each isotype are also distinct. ASC downregulate their surface BCR upon differentiation, hindering analyses that couple BCR information to other molecular characteristics. In this study, we developed a methodology using fixation, permeabilization, and intracellular staining coupled with cell sorting and reversal of the cross-links to allow RNA sequencing of isolated cell subsets. Using hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein Ag-specific B cell tetramers and intracellular staining for IgM, IgG, and IgA isotypes, we were able to derive and compare the gene expression programs of ASC subsets that were responding to the same Ags following influenza infection in mice. Intriguingly, whereas a shared ASC signature was identified, each ASC isotype-specific population expressed distinct transcriptional programs controlling cellular homing, metabolism, and potential effector functions. Additionally, we extracted and compared BCR clonotypes and found that each ASC isotype contained a unique, clonally related CDR3 repertoire. In summary, these data reveal specific complexities in the transcriptional programming of Ag-specific ASC populations.
Reversal of Apalutamide and Darolutamide Aldo-Keto Reductase 1C3-Mediated Resistance by a Small Molecule Inhibitor

The antiandrogen therapeutics apalutamide and darolutamide entered the clinic in 2018 and 2019, respectively, for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Increased expression of the enzyme aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is phenotypic of CRPC. The enzyme acts to circumvent castration by producing potent androgens that drive proliferation. Furthermore, AKR1C3 mediates chemotherapeutic resistance to the standard of care, enzalutamide, a structural analogue of apalutamide. Resistance develops in almost all CRPC patients within three months of beginning treatment. Herein, we report that both apalutamide and the structurally distinct darolutamide induce AKR1C3 expression in in vitro models of prostate cancer and are susceptible to AKR1C3-mediated resistance. This effect is countered by pretreatment with a potent and highly selective AKR1C3 inhibitor, sensitizing high AKR1C3 expressing prostate cancer cell lines to the action of both chemotherapeutics with a concomitant reduction in expression of AKR1C3 and the biomarker prostate-specific antigen.
Chapter 10 – Section 1983 and Correctional Liability Issues

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the liability issues most frequently raised by prisoners under Section 1983 and examines the standard of review. Prisoners have used Section 1983 as the primary vehicle for filing actions against correctional officials that allege constitutional rights deprivations for more than 40 years. From the mid-1970s to the late 1990s, prisoner civil litigation flooded the court system and many subsequent decisions have significantly affected correctional operations. Correctional litigation is comprised of a wide array of topics. This chapter deals with the standard most commonly applied to prisoner allegations. A common standard applied to correctional issues is that of “deliberate indifference.” The standard is applied to correctional issues in prisons in accordance with the Fourteenth, Fifth, and Eighth Amendments, and in jails under the Fourteenth and Fifth Amendments. Deliberate indifference means that officials have consciously chosen to disregard the rights of a prisoner. It is a high standard for the plaintiff to prove and is applied by the courts on a case-by-case basis. Primary issues include medical and mental health care, conditions of confinement, and failure to protect. The U. S. Supreme Court has also expanded the standard to apply to issues relevant to environmental hazards in confinement facilities and claims filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Because of its common applicability in correctional matters, correctional officials should be aware of their custodial responsibilities in light of this standard.
Frequency of Medical Reversal Among Published Randomized Controlled Trials Assessing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Abstract Objective To characterize what proportion of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among patients experiencing cardiac arrest find that an established practice is ineffective or harmful, that is, a medical reversal. Methods We reviewed a database of all published RCTs of cardiac arrest patient populations between 1995 and 2014. Articles were classified on the basis of whether they tested a new or existing therapy and whether results were positive or negative. A reversal was defined as a negative RCT of an established practice. Further review and categorization were performed to confirm that reversals were supported by subsequent systematic review, as well as to identify the type of medical practice studied in each reversal. This study was conducted from October 2017 to June 17, 2019. Results We reviewed 92 original articles, 76 of which could be conclusively categorized. Of these, 18 (24%) articles examined a new medical practice, whereas 58 (76%) tested an established practice. A total of 18 (24%) studies had positive findings, whereas 58 (76%) reached a negative conclusion. Of the 58 articles testing existing standard of care, 44 (76%) reversed that practice, whereas 14 (24%) reaffirmed it. Conclusion Reversal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation practices is widespread. This investigation sheds new light on low-value practices and patterns of medical research and suggests that novel resuscitation practices have low pretest probability and should be empirically tested with rigorous trials before implementation.
Advancing Biosensors with Machine Learning

Chemometrics play a critical role in biosensors-based detection, analysis, and diagnosis. Nowadays, as a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) have achieved impressive advances. However, novel advanced ML methods, especially deep learning, which is famous for image analysis, facial recognition, and speech recognition, has remained relatively elusive to the biosensor community. Herein, how ML can be beneficial to biosensors is systematically discussed. The advantages and drawbacks of most popular ML algorithms are summarized on the basis of sensing data analysis. Specially, deep learning methods such as convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) are emphasized. Diverse ML-assisted electrochemical biosensors, wearable electronics, SERS and other spectra-based biosensors, fluorescence biosensors and colorimetric biosensors are comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, biosensor networks and multibiosensor data fusion are introduced. This review will nicely bridge ML with biosensors, and greatly expand chemometrics for detection, analysis, and diagnosis.
Flavor symmetries and the topology of special Kähler structures at rank 1

We propose a method for determining the flavor charge lattice of the continuous flavor symmetry of rank-1 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) and IR free gauge theories from topological invariants of the special Kahler structure of the mass-deformed Coulomb branches (CBs) of the theories. The method is based on the middle homology of the total space of the elliptic fibration over the CB, and is a generalization of the F-theory string web description of flavor charge lattices. The resulting lattices, which we call “string web lattices”, contain not only information about the flavor symmetry of the SCFT but also additional information encoded in the lattice metric derived from the middle homology intersection form. This additional information clearly reflects the low energy electric and magnetic charges of BPS states on the CB, but there are other properties of the string web lattice metric which we have not been able to understand in terms of properties of the BPS spectrum. We compute the string web lattices of all rank-1 SCFTs and IR free gauge theories. We find agreement with results obtained by other methods, and find in a few cases that the string web lattice gives additional information on the flavor symmetry.
Reduced postprandial bone resorption and greater rise in GLP-1 in overweight and obese individuals after an α-glucosidase inhibitor: a double-blinded randomized crossover trial

When taken with a meal, α-glucosidase inhibitors (α-GI) reduce the rise in postprandial glucose and increase glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and this may lower bone turnover. In this study, a salacinol-type α-GI increased GLP-1 and markedly reduced postprandial bone resorption compared to placebo, suggesting it could have implications for bone health. Animal and clinical trials indicate that α-glucosidase inhibitors attenuate postprandial glycemic indices and increase secretion of GLP-1. In addition, GLP-1 acts on bone by inhibiting resorption. The goal in this study was to determine if a salacinol α-GI alters postprandial bone turnover and can be explained by changes in serum GLP-1. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, healthy overweight/obese adults (body mass index 29.0 ± 3.8 kg/m2; 21–59 years; n = 21) received a fixed breakfast and, in random order, were administered Salacia chinensis (SC; 500 mg) or placebo. A fasting blood sample was taken before and at regular intervals for 3 h after the meal. Serum was measured for bone turnover markers, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and osteocalcin, and for glycemic indices and gut peptides. Compared to placebo, SC attenuated the bone resorption marker, CTX, at 60, 90, and 120 min (p < 0.05) after the meal, and decreased osteocalcin, at 180 min (p < 0.05). As expected, SC attenuated the postprandial rise in glucose compared with placebo, whereas GLP-1 was increased at 60 min (p < 0.05) with SC. Serum GLP-1 explained 41% of the variance for change in postprandial CTX (p < 0.05). This study indicates that attenuating postprandial glycemic indices, with an α-GI, markedly decreases postprandial bone resorption and can be explained by the rise in GLP-1. Future studies should determine whether longer term α-GI use benefits bone health.
Biochemical Parameters of Diabetes Ketoacidosis in Patients with End-stage Kidney Disease and Preserved Renal Function.

Introduction Differences in biochemical parameters of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has not been established. Accordingly, we assessed the relationship between degree of metabolic acidosis and s -hydroxybutyrate in patients ESKD (eGFR 60). Methods This observational study included adults (18-80 years) with DKA, admitted to Emory University Hospitals between 01/01/2006 to 12/31/2016. DKA and renal stages were confirmed on admission laboratory values. Results Admission bicarbonate levels (13.9±5 vs 13.4±5.3 vs 13.8±4.2 mmol/L, p=0.7), and pH levels (7.2±0.3 vs 7.2±0.2 vs 7.2±0.2, p=0.8) were similar among groups. Patients with ESKD had lower mean s -hydroxybutyrate (4.3±3.3 vs 5.6±2.9 vs 5.9±2.5 mmol/L, p=0.01), but higher admission glucose (852±340.4 vs 714.6±253.3 mg/dL vs 518±185.7 mg/dL, p 3 mmol/L for diagnosing DKA by bicarbonate level Conclusions Significant metabolic differences were found among DKA patients with different levels of renal function. In patients with ESKD, a s-hydroxybutyrate level > 3 mmol/L may assist with confirmation of DKA diagnosis.
Northern sea route: an overview of transportation risks, safety, and security

As global warming takes its toll on Arctic sea ice, a new transportation superhighway emerges across the northern polar region. This new transportation route—the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage—brings many challenges and concerns. Significant obstacles preside along this route such as hazards to navigation, minimal or non-existent rescue and recovery services, inconsistent weather reporting, and reduced communication capability. In this paper, we review existing studies on the Northern Sea Route, discuss these risks and challenges, as well as present some of the advantages and opportunities associated with this emerging trade route. We conclude with a short discussion on safety and security implications.
5. High-pressure surface science

Publisher Summary Interaction between two material surfaces in a real environment is a complex process that may involve material fracture, deformation, mechanochemical interactions, and phase transformations. These processes must be considered together because of the existing synergy between them. Both static and dynamic interactions between two hard surfaces may result in phase transformations. Hydrostatic and deviatoric stresses must be taken into account and phase transformations in contact loading can be described as deformation-induced transformations. At the same time, the transformation pressures for silicon obtained in indentation tests are in good agreement with the results from high-pressure cell experiments, which utilize hydrostatic loading. Phase transformations in semiconductors, including pressure-induced metallization, are described in this chapter. Currently, only silicon has been studied thoroughly enough. However, even for this simple elemental semiconductor, not all issues concerning identification of new phases, transformations mechanisms, and transformation paths have been resolved. Raman microspectroscopy is the fastest and most powerful tool for the analysis of phase transformations in contact loading. It can additionally provide information on residual stresses and/or chemical changes in the surface layers.
Policy Trends Impacting Community Colleges: An ECS Perspective

Given the importance of community and technical colleges to state education attainment and workforce development goals, policy addressing the two-year sector is of critical importance to state policymakers. Analysis of legislative issue trends suggests transfer and articulation, performance-based funding, and financial aid programs are substantial topics of interest among state policy audiences.
Serum amylase changes during pregnancy.

Abstract Study of the behavior of serum amylase activity in 200 pregnant women in various stages of pregnancy indicated that: (1) serum amylase rises gradually during pregnancy until the twenty-fifth week and thereafter falls slightly; (2) serum amylase values may be found in normal pregnant women during the second and third trimesters that exceed those in normal men and nonpregnant women; (3) during the second trimester of pregnancy there may be an alteration in the relative distribution of the pancreatic and salivary-type isoamylases with the salivary type tending to dominate. Knowledge of these changes is of importance in the clinical assessment of serum amylase values in pregnant women complaining of abdominal pain and other symptoms suggestive of complicating acute pancreatitis. An explanation for the observed changes is not readily available and further study is required.
Relationship between resource utilization and length of stay following tetralogy of Fallot repair.

Background The relationship between resource utilization and postoperative length of stay (PLOS) following congenital heart disease surgery is unknown. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database. We included subjects 1 month to 1 year of age with a PLOS of ≤1 month following elective, complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) during 2004–2008 at children's hospitals that performed ≥10 such surgeries during the study period. We constructed three generalized linear models to assess the relationships of total costs, laboratory costs, and imaging costs during the first three postoperative days with overall PLOS. Race/ethnicity, insurance type, sex, and presence of a genetic syndrome (by ICD-9 codes) were included in the models as fixed effects; hospital of surgery was included as a random effect. Results For 1161 eligible surgical encounters at 36 children's hospitals, mean PLOS was 7.1 days (median = 6 days). Mean total, laboratory, and imaging costs for the first three postoperative days were $26 455, $2941, and $813, respectively. Most subjects were male (58.9%), did not have a genetic syndrome (88.3%), were non-Hispanic white (58.3%), and had either public or private insurance (41.0% and 39.1%, respectively). An estimated increase in total costs of $4600 or laboratory costs of $700 in the first three postoperative days was associated with a 1-day increase in PLOS. Imaging costs were not associated with PLOS. Conclusions Increased resource utilization is not associated with a shorter PLOS following elective TOF repair, and it may be associated with longer PLOS.
Credit Derivatives: Industry Initiative Supplants Need for Direct Regulatory Intervention. A Model for the Future of U.S. Regulation?

A brief introduction to credit derivatives and the state of the current market is given as a means to orient the reader as to the complexity and evolving importance of these financial instruments. This comment then offers a detailed survey of the recent developments in the credit derivatives market from 2005-2006, focusing on the initiative by the market participants that were called to action by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This model of shifting market control to the private sector is then explored as a central tenet of a revised U.S. financial regulatory structure, proposed in this comment as a means to increase the efficiency of regulation and maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global arena by consolidating regulatory authority, moving to a principles-based approach of regulation and allowing those best situated to understand and respond to the needs of the modern financial markets to determine the rules and practices by which they will be governed, i.e. the actual market participants.
A continuum theory of swelling porous elastic soils

Abstract A continuum theory is developed for a mixture consisting of three components: an elastic solid, viscous fluid and gas. Balance laws are given for individual components of the mixture. The second law of thermodynamics is used to develop general and linear constitutive equations. Field equations are obtained for a heat conducting mixture. Relation is established between the present theory and classical diffusion theories that are presently prominent among the applied workers in the field of swelling.
Hydroxylation of deoxycorticosterone by Bacillus cereus, strain T.

Abstract Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) is monohydroxylated by Bacillus cereus , strain T, to give the 6β-, 14α-, 15α-, and 15β-hydroxy isomers in the approximate ratios of 2:3:2:2. No evidence for metabolism of DOC beyond the monohydroxylated stage has been found. The steroid hydroxylating system is not dependent on the presence of steroid in the growth medium for either its appearance or its level of activity. The activity increases approximately tenfold during the late logarithmic growth phase of the organism. Increased levels of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes and of a particulate electron transport system also are formed during this period of growth. The steroid hydroxylation reaction is subject to light-reversible inhibition by carbon monoxide. The photochemical action spectrum of the reaction shows peaks in the region of 430 and 415 mμ. The peaks are attributed to the carbon monoxide complexes of cytochrome oxidase (428 mμ) and of a second, unidentified pigment (414 mμ). These are the only two carbon monoxide complexes detected in the cells by the difference spectrum technique. The hydroxylation reaction is stimulated by cyanide and inhibited by methylene blue. The possibility that steroid hydroxylation represents an “accidental” result of a terminal oxidase reaction is considered as an explanation for the widespread steroid hydroxylating activity of bacteria, a reaction which appears to have little metabolic significance in many of these organisms.
Characterization of thiol-conjugated metabolites of ginger components shogaols in mouse and human urine and modulation of the glutathione levels in cancer cells by [6]-shogaol.

Scope Shogaols, a series of major constituents in dried ginger with the most abundant being [6]-, [8]-, and [10]-shogaols, show much higher anticancer potencies than gingerols. Previously, we reported the mercapturic acid pathway as a major metabolic route for [6]-shogaol in mice. However, it is still unclear how the side chain length affects the metabolism of shogaols and how shogaols are metabolized in humans. Methods and results We first investigate the metabolism of [10]-shogaol in mouse urine, and then investigate the biotransformation of shogaols in human urine. Our results show that eight major thiol-conjugated metabolites of [10]-shogaol were detected in mouse urine, while six major thiol-conjugated metabolites of [6]-shogaol, two thiol-conjugated metabolites of [8]-shogaol, and two thiol-conjugated metabolites of [10]-shogaol were detected in urine collected from human after drinking ginger tea, using LC/ESI-MS/MS. Our results clearly indicate the mercapturic acid pathway is a major metabolic route for [10]-shogaol in mice and for shogaols in human. Furthermore, we also investigated the regulation of glutathione (GSH) by [6]-shogaol in human colon cancer cells HCT-116. Our results show [6]-shogaol, after initially depleting glutathione levels, can subsequently restore and increase GSH levels over time. Conclusion Shogaols are metabolized extensively in mouse and human to form thiol-conjugated metabolites and GSH might play an important role in the cancer-preventive activity of ginger.
The HIPAA security standard and Kaiser Permanente

Abstract Kaiser Permanente developed its approach to compliance with the privacy and security rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 as part of its national, enterprise-wide approach to health information system design, purchasing, implementation and management. Widely perceived as a self-directed, leader in health information security, its experience in HIPAA compliance provides lessons in mobilizing and changing large, stable organizations in response to an externally imposed mandate. While Kaiser approached HIPAA primarily as an effort in certifying compliance, it saw HIPAA as an opportunity to investigate its security business processes and information technology. This paper explains how Kaiser evaluated over 3000 computer systems along with hundreds of types of biomedical devices and made the decisions necessary to bring them into compliance with the HIPAA Security Standard.
The Blood Protozoa of Seventeen Species of Sparrows and Other Fringillidae

SUMMARY. A total of 1037 birds, belonging to 17 species of Fringillidae (order Passeres) and nearly all collected in or near Syracuse, N. Y., were examined for blood parasites. Of the species of avian malaria, Plasmodium cathemerium occurred most frequently, followed by P. hexamerium, P. relictum, P. elongatum, and P. circumflexum. Other species were not seen, although some (e.g. P. nucleophilum, P. polare, P. vaughani) are known to occur in Central New York. A number of song, chipping, and field sparrows were given experimental inoculations of Plasmodium vaughani-infected blood and liberated. A few were recaught at varying intervals, but none were infected, suggesting that these species are insusceptible to this type of avian malaria. Malaria in song sparrows, which were caught in large numbers, is common and probably endemic, not varying greatly in frequency from year to year. But the incidence shows a sharp peak in the spring, most cases apparently being low-grade relapses, which probably serve to reestablish the infection in the new crop of mosquitoes. There are indications that Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon behave similarly. Infection with these last two parasites occurred in most of the species examined, but the incidence varied greatly, being especially high in white-throated and white-crowned sparrows. Reproductive stages of Haemoproteus were observed in the lungs of song and chipping sparrows.
Inflammation markers and coronary heart disease.

Evidence supports the position that the chronic atherothrombotic process is intimately associated with what has classically been called 'inflammation'. Proteins that are part of the acute phase response (e.g. fibrinogen, C-reactive protein) are sensitive markers of low-level inflammation, and in population studies, inflammation marker levels at the upper end of the healthy reference range are associated with the presence of subclinical atherothrombotic disease (e.g. carotid wall thickness) and, prospectively, with future cardiovascular disease events. While there are plausible mechanisms for most of these markers, it remains to be demonstrated whether the markers actually participate in cardiovascular disease, or simply reflect the underlying disease process. This point is important, since marker-specific interventions might be useful if the former position is correct. Recent work suggests that inflammation markers may represent different aspects of the atherothrombotic process at different points in the natural history of the disease. This has implications for the interpretation of marker levels and the timing of the future events that they predict.
Bifurcation analysis of a nonlinear pendulum using recurrence and statistical methods: applications to fault diagnostics

The problem of maintenance of expensive and heavy systems has increased the need for powerful tools to analyze their performance. The methods of recurrence plots (RPs) and statistical measurement have been used as data-driven tools for diagnostics with no possibility of classifying the nature of defect and poor ability to localize it. In order to enhance the efficiency of the forecast, innovative approaches consist of using physics-based features to train a data-based assessment methods. This requires proper analysis of the physical system using appropriate methods. For this purpose, this paper focusses on the bifurcation dynamics of nonlinear systems using the recurrence and statistical methods. Considering the nonlinear pendulum as a model, the qualitative behavior of the system is discussed through the bifurcation diagram of some recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) parameters, namely the recurrence rate, determinism, and laminarity. These parameters are used to measure the level of complexity and transition from regular to chaotic motion and vice versa. Statistical parameters such as crest factor, skewness, and kurtosis are used to identify various bifurcation and amplitudes in the system, and to measure the orientation and the level of asymmetry. Plots of recurrence diagrams and histograms are presented to support our observations. Examples of detection of dynamic changes using these two methods are provided. The interesting results obtained in this paper show that statistical methods complement results obtained from RPs. In addition, the paper demonstrates how the RPs can be employed in conjunction with the physics-based model.
Instability of a large-amplitude plasma wave due to inverted trapped particle population

The large-amplitude plasma wave with a trapped-particle distribution monotonically increasing in energy is found to be unstable if the trapped-particle plasma frequency ωt = (4πnte2/m)½ is greater than the bounce frequency ωb = (eE0κ0/m)½.
The child development associate credential as a child care staff standard: Accuracy, career development, and policy implications

A study of the Child Development Associate (CDA) assessment/credential system compared credentialed and noncredentialed child care staff using a written test, interviews, and competence ratings. Two states' child care regulations were also compared. The results are discussed in terms of the CDA assessment's accuracy and the credential's contribution to career development.
Ascorbic acid deposition in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eggs and survival of embryos

Abstract The effects of feeding broodstock rainbow trout (initial individual weight 977 ± 220 g) diets devoid of ascorbic acid (-AA) or supplemented with equivalent amounts (300 ppm) of ascorbic acid (AA) or ascorbate monophosphate (AP) on ascorbic acid deposition in eggs and hatching rate were examined. There was no significant difference in overall average body weight among groups during the 8 month experiment. However, maturing females of the -AA group had a significantly lower increase in body weight (33.6 ± 14.7%) than those in the AP group (74.3 ± 9.2%). Fish were kept at prolonged light cycles to delay spawning and increase the length of feeding on the experimental diets. Mortality was not related to the dietary treatments. Total ascorbic acid concentrations in eggs from females fed the -AA diet, AA or AP supplemented diet amounted to 82 ± 32, 276 ± 33 and 316 ± 43 μmg/g wet weight, respectively. The hatching rate of embryos from females fed the -AA diet was 16.0 ± 6.6%, which was much lower, although not significantly different from 36.0 ± 10.7%, for AP females. Fish from the hatchery had a hatching rate of 60.8 ± 29.6%. There was a high correlation between ascorbic acid concentrations in eggs and newly hatched fry which suggested that 37% of ascorbic acid reserves were utilized during embryonic development regardless of the initial concentration. We conclude that ascorbic acid deficiency in a broodstock diet for several months prior to spawning considerably depletes ascorbic acid reserves in eggs and has a negative effect on the growth of maturing females.
Umbilical vein catheterization--appropriate and inappropriate placement

Because of the dangers of inappropriate placement of an umbilical vein catheter (UVC), knowledge of the proper pathway and tip localization is important. The acceptable ductus venosus/hepatic vein/inferior vena cava confluence location is compared to inappropriate localizations below and above the diaphragm, with emphasis on confusion about the position when the UVC tip is in the umbilical vein itself, including the umbilical vein recess. Small amounts of gas can inadvertently accompany initial UVC placement and provide landmarks for position evaluation.
Imidazole-4,5-dicarboxamide derivatives with antiproliferative activity against HL-60 cells.

A series of N,N‘-disubstituted imidazole-4,5-dicarboxamides (I45DCs) were prepared and tested in order to determine their antiproliferative activity against HL-60 cells. The design of the I45DCs was based in part on the structures of trisubstituted purines complexed with cyclin dependent kinase 2 (cdk2), a protein important in regulating the G1/S transition in the cell cycle, and the intramolecular hydrogen bond in I45DCs that predisposes the conformation to one that mimics substituted adenosines. A majority of the I45DCs in this study inhibit proliferation of HL-60 cells as measured by an MTS mitochondrial functional assay with IC50's in the 2.5−25 μM range. The SAR of the I45DCs is consistent with anticipated hydrogen bonding interactions in the ATP-binding site of cdk2. Thus, the I45DCs represent a useful scaffold for anticancer lead discovery that is both readily accessible and easily diversified.
Daunomycin inhibits the B ← Z transition in poly d(G-C)

The cancer drug daunomycin is an effective inhibitor of the B leads to Z transition in poly d(G-C) in 4 M NaCl. Both the rate and extent of the B leads to Z transition are decreased by the drug, as judged by equilibrium and kinetic studies. Daunomycin can, under some conditions, convert Z form DNA back to B form. Drug binding to poly d(G-C) in 4 M NaCl is slow and highly cooperative, consistent with a role for daunomycin as an allosteric effector on the B leads to Z equilibrium. Since daunomycin binds preferentially to alternating purine-pyrimidine sequences, which are the very sequences capable of undergoing the B leads to Z transition, these effects may be an important part of the mechanism by which the drug inhibits transcription and replication.
Histopathologic study of autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy. Peripheral annular pigmentary dystrophy of the retina.

Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC), a recently described disease, is clinically characterized by a slowly progressive or stationary circumferential peripheral pigmentary retinopathy with fibrillar condensation of the vitreous. Histopathologic study of an 88-year-old patient with this disease showed disorganization of the peripheral retina with focally atrophic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Altered pigment epithelial cells surrounded retinal blood vessels and lined the internal limiting membrane. At the equator, a remarkable and possibly unique multifocal loss of photoreceptor cells was seen. An extensive preretinal membrane, consisting of condensed vitreous with cellular debris and layers of Muller cells, was demonstrated by electron microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry. Histologically, this entity has some similarities to and some differences from retinitis pigmentosa. The clinical features are distinctive.
Characterization of snow cover using ground penetrating radar for vehicle trafficability – Experiments and modeling

Abstract For navigational and field testing purposes, it is highly desirable to obtain information about the geometry and material properties of terrains over which vehicles will traverse, preferably in a non-contact manner. The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has emerged as a leading remote-sensing method to probe subsurface properties of terrains; the method detects the difference of the relative permittivity of adjacent layers; the relative permittivity is a function of the density of the material. To the best of our knowledge, no studies using GPR on snow have been conducted for winter mobility/trafficability. In this paper, we used natural and sieved, single- and double-layered snow of which density was varied in the range from 150 to 450 kg/m3. Given the time-varying GPR signal of snow layers, we were able to determine the depth and dielectric constant (e) of each layer using the layer-stripping method. To better interpret the signal from GPR system, which has its limitations, we also conducted modeling and simulation of GPR operating on layered dry snow; given depth and dielectric constant of snow, we simulated the time-history of GPR signal in a layered medium using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) program GPRMAX as well as the transmission line theory (TLT). For mechanical properties, density is the most commonly used parameter in characterizing the strength of snow. We also obtained hardness of snow as a function of density using Rammsonde. It was found that hardness and relative permittivity increase with density indicating the potential of correlating relative permittivity to hardness; however, the spread of the data is such that future work is needed to quantify statistically this relationship.
Shielding and amplification of a penny-shape crack due to the presence of dislocations

The interaction between a penny-shape crack and a dislocation in crystalline materials is investigated within the framework of dislocation dynamics. The long-range and singular stress field resulting from the crack is determined by modeling the crack as continuous distribution of dislocation loops. This distribution is determined by satisfying the traction boundary condition at the crack face, resulting into a singular integral equation of the first kind that is solved numerically. This crack model is integrated with the dislocation dynamics simulation technique to yield the stress field of the combine system of crack and different types of dislocations situated at different positions in a three dimensional space. The integrated system is then used to investigate the dislocation behavior and its influence on the crack opening displacement and the characteristic of the stress field near the crack tip. It is shown that, depending on the relative position of the dislocation and its character, the dislocation may result in reduction in the stress amplitude at the crack tip and in some cases in closure of the crack tip. These analyses yield shielding and amplification zones near the crack providing an insight of the dislocation influence on the crack. The full dislocation dynamic analysis reveals the nature of the crack dislocation interaction and the manner in which the dislocation morphology changes as it is attracted to the crack surfaces, as well as the changes it causes to the crack profile.
Use of cross-section restoration to determine paleobathymetry and sea-floor paleotopography in the Gulf of Mexico basin

A systematic technique for sequential restoration of salt-related extensional structures incorporates Airy isostasy to quantify both the loading subsidence and the change in water depth during any time interval. The results are used to generate paleo-sea-floor templates for restoration and to reconstruct evolving salt and sediment geometries. Paleobathymetries calculated by the restoration technique are compatible with paleobathymetric environments derived from biofacies analysis of benthic foraminifers sampled in five wells along a reflection seismic profile from western Eugene Island, offshore Louisiana, northern Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, both aggradation and progradation rates measured from the restorations are consistent with regional depositional patterns. The results demonstrate that the restoration method adequately determines paleobathymetry and sea-floor paleotopography. Restoration of multiple sections can provide a framework for the estimation of sediment transport and deposition geometries and facies development. 26 refs., 3 figs.
Relocation of a rust resistance gene R 2 and its marker-assisted gene pyramiding in confection sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Key message The rust resistance gene R2 was reassigned to linkage group 14 of the sunflower genome. DNA markers linked toR2 were identified and used for marker-assisted gene pyramiding in a confection type genetic background.
Dynamics of a polarized vortex ring

This paper builds on our claim that most vortical structures in transitional and turbulent flows are partially polarized. Polarization is inferred by the application of helical wave decomposition. We analyse initially polarized isolated viscous vortex rings through direct numerical simulation of the Navier-Stokes equations using divergence-free axisymmetric eigenfunctions of the curl operator. Integral measures of the degree of polarization, such as the fractions of energy, enstrophy, and helicity associated with right-handed (or left-handed) eigenfunctions, remain nearly constant during evolution, thereby suggesting that polarization is a persistent feature. However, for polarized rings an axial vortex (tail) develops near the axis, where the local ratio of right- to left-handed vorticities develops significant non-uniformities due to spatial separation of peaks of polarized components. Reconnection can occur in rings when polarized and is clearly discerned from the evolution of axisymmetric vortex surfaces; but interestingly, the location of reconnection cannot be inferred from the vorticity magnitude. The ring propagation velocity Up decreases monotonically as the degree of initial polarization increases. Unlike force-balance arguments, two explanations based on vortex dynamics provided here are not restricted to thin rings and predict reduction in Up correctly. These results reveal surprising differences among the evolutionary dynamics of polarized, partially polarized, and unpolarized rings.
For This Peripheral Nerve Lesion, It Is Best to Avoid the Knife

atural history studies are notoriously difficult to do well, particularly in rare diseases. Mahan et al. have made N a noble effort in this study of lipomatosis of nerve (LN), but we are still left with many uncertainties. This rare disorder has carried many awkward names over the years, including lipofibromatous hamartoma, fibrolipomatous hamartoma, lipofibrohamartoma, fibrofatty tumor, lipofibroma, and fibrofatty proliferation of nerve. All of the literature on this disorder is anecdotal and retrospective, including the current study, and most are simply case reports or small serieswith limited follow-up. The frequent but not universal associations with skeletal abnormalities, like macrodactyly and bony exostoses (macrodystrophia lipomatosa), are completely mysterious. We do know that, for unknown reasons, most cases involve the distal median nerve and its branches, whereas less frequent involvement has been seen in the cervical and brachial plexus, radial, sciatic, thoracic, and cranial nerves. The adipose and fibrous tissue proliferation is histologically benign, but can result in massive disfigurement that ultimately may require debulking procedures or even amputation. The relationship to other disorders of overgrowth, like the Proteus syndrome, is unclear (1). There may be somatic mosaicism of the PIK3CA growth signaling pathway as an underlying mechanism. These important etiologic considerations are not included in this contribution.
The distribution of the values of additive arithmetical functions

then f(m) is said to be strongly additive. I n this paper we shall confine our a t tent ion to strongly addit ive functions. The paper falls into three sections. I n the first section we consider those s trongly addit ive functions f(m) which, after a suitable translation, possess a hmit ing distribution. Theorems 1 and 2 provide a characterization of such functions, essentially in terms of their values on the primes. A classic result of ErdSs and Wintner states t ha t an addit ive funct ion f(m) has a limiting distr ibution if and only if the two series
Dermatitis caused by contact with copperweed (Oxytenia acerosa)

Abstract A severe case of a persistent dermatitis caused by copperweed in a sensitized person is reported. Patch tests with copperweed were positive.
On the multiplicative structure of odd perfect numbers

Starting with Euler's theorem that any odd perfect number n has the form n = pepi2ei … pk2ek, where p, p1,…,pk are distinct odd primes and p ≡ e ≡ 1 (mod 4), we show that extensive subsets of these numbers (so described) can be eliminated from consideration. A typical result says: if pe, pi2ei,…,pr2er are all of the prime-power divisors of such an n with p ≡ pi ≡ 1 (mod 4), then the ordered set {e1,…,er} contains an even number or odd number of odd numbers according as e ≡ p or e ≡ p (mod 8).
Analysis of mutations in the envelope gene of moloney murine leukemia virus: Separation of infectivity from superinfection resistance

Abstract Six deletion mutations and an insertion were generated in the env gene of cloned copies of Moloney murine leukemia virus DNA. All seven mutants were replication-defective as tested by transformation of NIH/3T3 cells. The mutant DNAs were introduced into NIH/3T3 cells to generate stable producer lines; all released virion particles into the medium, suggesting that none of the mutations affected overall viral gene expression, gag and pol gene functions, or virion budding. Several of the mutations reduced the lifetime of the env protein or blocked its export to the cell surface. One mutation altering the membrane-spanning region and the cytoplasmic tail of the TM protein had no effect on export of the protein, proteolytic processing, or incorporation into virion particles, but still blocked the infectivity of the resulting virus. The results suggest that alterations in the transmembrane region can affect early steps of infection, such as the fusion of virion and host membranes. Cells expressing this mutant env protein were fully resistant to superinfection by wild-type virus. Thus, induction of virus resistance, presumably reflecting blocking the virus receptor, can be separated from virus infectivity.
A test of classical nucleation theory: crystal nucleation of lithium disilicate glass

For several inorganic glasses predictions have been made of the homogeneous crystal nucleation rate using classical nucleation theory. However, in none of these cases were comparisons made with experiment, due primarily to the inability of being able to guarantee homogeneous conditions. Evidence has been provided that crystalline formation in Li2O · 2 SiO2 glass may initiate by a homogeneous mechanism. Thus, we have computed the nucleation rate curve of lithium disilicate crystals in this glass. It is found that not only do all forms of the classical theory predict nucleation rates many orders of magnitude smaller than those observed, but also that the temperature dependence of the theoretical rate is quite different from that observed.