cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Structure-Permeability Relationship of Ultrathin Nanoporous Silicon Membrane : A Comparison with the Nuclear Envelope

We report on a simple, quantitative relationship between structure and permeability of a novel ultrathin nanoporous membrane based on nanocrystalline silicon. Large permeability of the free-standing nanomembrane to Ru(NH3)63+, O2, or 1,1‘-ferrocenedimethanol, which was able to be measured for the first time by employing scanning electrochemical microscopy, is proportional to the density (67 μm-2) and average radius (5.6 nm) of nanopores. As solution electrolyte concentration decreases down to 0.01 M, the nanopores are selectively “closed” against Fe(CN)64- because of electrostatic repulsion against negative charges at the pore wall. Permeability of the silicon nanomembrane was compared to permeability of the nuclear envelope to find that the channel diameter of the nuclear pore complex that perforates the nuclear envelope is much larger than the average diameter of the silicon nanopores and concomitantly a hypothetical diameter of 10 nm.
AN INCREMENTAL FINE ADJUSTMENT ALGORITHM FOR THE DESIGN OF OPTIMAL INTERPOLATING NEURAL NETWORKS

A two-stage design method for artificial neural networks is presented. The first stage is an evolutionary RLS (recursive least squares) algorithm which determines the optimal configuration of the net based on the concept of optimal interpolation. During this stage, the members of a given sample set are processed sequentially and a small consistent subset, constituting what we call prototypes, is selected to form the building blocks of the net. The synaptic weights as well as the internal dimensions of the net are updated recursively as each new prototype is selected. The evolving net at each intermediate step is a modified version of the Optimal Interpolative (OI) net derived in a recent paper by one of the authors. The concept of an evolving network configuration is attractive since it does not require the prescription of a fixed configuration in order to learn the optimal synaptic weights. This can eventually lead to a network architecture which is only as complex as it needs to achieve a required interpolation function. The second stage is for the fine adjustment of the synaptic weights of the network structure acquired during the first stage. This stage is a two-step iterative optimization procedure using the method of steepest descent. The initial values of the synaptic weights in the iterative search are obtained from the first stage. It is seen that they are indeed very close to the optimal values. Hence, fast convergence during the second stage is guaranteed.
Dynamical Monte Carlo study of crystal growth in a solid-on-solid model.

We have studied crystal growth using Monte Carlo simulations, with Glauber dynamics, of a two-dimensional solid-on-solid model with nearest-neighbor interactions. An applied field (chemical potential) produces a nonequilibrium state, leading to growth of one of the two phases. We construct a relation between the Monte Carlo ``time'' and the real time by comparing the simulated growth rate with the Wilson-Frenkel growth rate in the noninteracting limit. Simulations of the interacting system are then done for a broad range of temperatures and driving forces, with emphasis on the temperature regime close to the roughening transition. The results are compared with various theories of crystal growth and with experiments on the growth of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ crystals.
Mitogen Stimulation of Splenocytes from Mice Infected with Scrapie Agent

Spleen weights and mitogen responsiveness of splenocyte cultures from scrapie agent-infected and control-inoculated mice were compared over two-month periods following inoculation. Splenocytes from Swiss, C57B1, and BALB/c mice were stimulated with the T (thymus-derived) cell mitogens phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A, the B (bone marrow-derived) cell mitogen bacterial lipopolysaccharide, or pokeweed mitogen, a stimulator of both T and B cells. Although significant splenomegaly was associated with scrapie infection, we failed to observe any significant differences in the activation of experimental and control cells. Studies with BALB/c mice suggested the possibility, however, that with both phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide, specific decreases in lymphocyte activation might occur with more optimal culture conditions. The data are consistent with the idea that the scrapie agent stimulates only subtle immunological changes within the host as it destroys the cells of the central nervous system.
Second Harmonic Resonance for Equatorial Waves

Abstract Simple, exact analytical conditions for second harmonic resonance between equatorial waves are derived. Such resonance can occur only between two Rossby waves or two westward travelling gravity waves. It is shown that regardless of whether the waves, are plane waves or localized wave packets, the physical consequence of the resonance is instability of the fundamental with a corresponding transfer of its energy to its second harmonic. The time scale of the instability is O(1/Iϵ) where ϵ is the amplitude of the fundamental and I the interaction coefficient, which is tabulated for various resonances. For reasonable parameter values, it appears that second harmonic resonance can be important in the tropical ocean. The n = 1 Rossby wave and all gravity waves propagating towards the east are immune to this instability, however, because they cannot satisfy the analytical conditions for second harmonic resonance. Besides these results for equatorial waves, a new approximate solution to the “resonant dyad...
Bibliometric fingerprints: name disambiguation based on approximate structure equivalence of cognitive maps

Authorship identity has long been an Achilles’ heel in bibliometric analyses at the individual level. This problem appears in studies of scientists’ productivity, inventor mobility and scientific collaboration. Using the concepts of cognitive maps from psychology and approximate structural equivalence from network analysis, we develop a novel algorithm for name disambiguation based on knowledge homogeneity scores. We test it on two cases, and the results show that this approach outperforms other common authorship identification methods with the ASE method providing a relatively simple algorithm that yields higher levels of accuracy with reasonable time demands.
Semi-Markov models for multistate data analysis with periodic observations

Semi-Markov models are useful to describe transitions in health or disease status in medical research. Estimating latent risk functions among disease statuses with data collected at periodic intervals can be difficult because of incomplete transition information. This study presents a pseudo likelihood approach to analyzing multistate data under a time homogeneous semi-Markov model when transition epochs are incomplete. We first estimate mean sojourn times for each observed time interval based on a competing risk model and its Markov process, and then use those estimated mean sojourn times as the length of transition epochs in observed likelihoods. We use an HIV cohort study to illustrate the method.
Spectroelectrochemical sensing based on multimode selectivity simultaneously achievable in a single device. 6. Sensing with a mediator

The use of a mediator to detect a nonabsorbing analyte during spectroelectrochemical modulation is demonstrated. The charge-selective composite film of Nafion−SiO2 was used to entrap the mediator, Ru(bipy)32+. The change in ΔA as detected by attenuated total reflection was then observed upon addition of the analyte, ascorbate. The effects of scan rate, concentration of mediator, film thickness, and analyte charge were studied to achieve optimal sensor conditions. The model sensor exhibited a linear range from 0.26 to 2.0 mM (R2 = 0.998).
Expression, purification, and characterization of coiled coil and leucine zipper domains of C-terminal myosin binding subunit of myosin phosphatase for solution NMR studies.

Abstract Protein–protein interactions between MBS and PKG are mediated by the involvement of C-terminal domain of MBS, MBS CT180 and N-terminal coiled coil (CC) leucine zipper (LZ) domain of PKG-Iα, PKG-Iα1 −59 . MBS CT180 is comprised of three structurally variant domains of non-CC, CC, and LZ nature. Paucity of three-dimensional structural information of these MBS domains precludes atomic level understanding of MBS–PKG contractile complex structure. Here we present data on cloning, expression, and purification of CC, LZ, and CCLZ domains of MBS CT180 and their biophysical characterization using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), circular dichroism (CD), and two-dimensional 1 H– 15 N HSQC NMR. The methods as detailed resulted in high level protein expression and high milligram quantities of purified isotopically ( 15 N and 13 C) enriched polypeptides. SEC, CD, and 1 H– 15 N HSQC NMR experiments demonstrated that recombinantly expressed MBS CC domain is well folded and exists as a dimer within physiologic pH range, which is supported by our previous findings. The dimerization of CC MBS is likely mediated through formation of coiled coil conformation. In contrast, MBS LZ domain was almost unfolded that exists as non-stable low structured monomer within physiologic pH range. Protein folding and stability of MBS LZ was improved as a function of decrease in pH that adopts a folded, stable, and structured conformation at acidified pH 4.5. SEC and NMR analyses of LZ vs. CCLZ MBS domains indicated that inclusion of CC domain partially improves protein folding of LZ domain.
Comparative visualization of protein conformations using large high resolution displays with gestures and body tracking

Automatically identifying protein conformations can yield multiple candidate structures. Potential candidates are examined further to cull false positives. Individual conformations and the collection are compared when seeking flaws. Desktop displays are ineffective due to limited size and resolution. Thus a user must sacrifice large scale content by viewing the micro level with high detail or view the macro level while forfeiting small details. We address this ultimatum by utilizing multiple, high resolution displays. Using 27, 50", high resolution displays with active, stereoscopic 3D, and modified virtual environment software, each display presents a protein users can manipulate. Such an environment enables users to gain extensive insight both at the micro and macro levels when performing structural comparisons among the candidate structures. Integrating stereoscopic 3D improves the user’s ability to judge conformations spatial relationships. In order to facilitate intuitive interaction, gesture recognition as well as body tracking are used. The user is able to look at the protein of interest, select a modality via gesture, and the user’s motions provide intuitive navigation functions such as panning, rotating, and zooming. Using this approach, users are able to perform protein structure comparison through intuitive controls without sacrificing important visual details at any scale.
The Social Construction of Non-Human Agency: The Case of Mental Disorder

In diverse ways, constructionist studies demonstrate the profound relevance of social processes to the emergence and assessment of mental disorders in various organizational settings. However, there remains a curious silence in the constructionist literature regarding how mental disorders, once assembled as meaningful objects of discourse and practice, might come to exercise their own causal influences upon members' experiences and activities. In this paper, I draw upon the notion of social problems work to provide for the practical dynamics whereby members, in effect, animate the categorical objects that they presume to populate their worlds. More than enacting identifiable objects of social problems discourse, social problems work at times actually realizes these objects as causally influential non-human agents, such that one may find members interacting with these objects much as they do with one another in the ongoing production of local affairs. While the analysis presented in this paper concerns the social construction of mental disorders as causally influential non-human agents, it is intended as a case study of the more general phenomenon.
Carbon balance of conifer seedlings at timberline: relative changes in uptake, storage, and utilization

Low rates of growth for conifers at high elevations may relate to problems in acquiring or utilizing carbon. A traditional hypothesis for growth limits of trees at alpine treeline is that low photosynthesis (A) leads to insufficient supply of carbon for growth. Alternatively, the sink-limitation hypothesis questions the importance of low A, and suggests that trees at treeline have abundant carbon for growth as a result of greater decreases in carbon use [respiration (R) and growth] than A at higher elevations. Concentrations of carbon intermediates (e.g., nonstructural carbohydrates, NSC) have been used to support the sink-limitation hypothesis, with the assumption that NSC reflects the ratio of carbon source to sinks. Our objective was to determine elevation effects on carbon balance (whole-plant uptake, storage, and efflux of carbon) of tree seedlings during their critical establishment phase at timberline. Changes in A and R (of whole crowns), NSC (starches and simple sugars), and growth were measured in seedlings of a treeline (Abies lasiocarpa) and nontreeline species (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Seedlings were outplanted at the lower (2,450 m) and upper (3,000 m) edges of the timberline zone in the Rocky Mountains, USA. At the upper compared with lower elevation, both species had 10–20% less root and needle growth, 13–15% less A, 35–39% less R, and up to 50% greater NSC. A. lasiocarpa allocated more biomass to needles and had greater A but less NSC than P. menziesii. The greater effects of elevation on R compared with A led to a 1.3-fold increase in A:R at the upper elevation, and a corresponding increase in starch (r 2 = 0.42)—a pattern consistent with the predictions of the sink-limitation hypothesis. Nevertheless, A and dry mass gain were positively correlated (r 2 = 0.42), indicating that variation in photosynthesis was related to growth of seedlings at timberline.
New experimental evidence for the energy corrected sudden scaling law

Abstract New measurements of rate constants for the rotationally inelastic process Na 2 * ( j o ) + Xe → Na 2 * ( j f ) + Xe show the superiority of the energy corrected sudden scaling law of DePristo and Rabitz over other such laws, including the statistical power gap law which we proposed earlier, particularly at high j o . All rates decrease as an inverse power of the energy transfer.
Process optimization of a chemically amplified negative resist for electron beam exposure and mask making applications

NEB-22, a chemically amplified negative tone resist has been formulated by Sumitomo for e-beam lithography direct write and mask making applications. The resist has exhibited excellent characteristics which would also make it applicable for use in a SCALPEL exposure tool.^1^,^2 The initial processing results for Sumitomo NEB-22A5 material demonstrated extremely high resolution capabilities with excellent exposure latitude. Although the process worked well for many direct write and mask applications, improvements were needed to address SCALPEL concerns. The process was modified to maintain sensitivity and optimize resolution, exposure latitude and PEB latitude. Excellent results were obtained in a 200 nm film of NEB-22 with new process parameters.
The exposure vessel as a factor in ultrasonically-induced mammalian cell lysis--I. A comparison of tube and chamber systems.

Abstract The response of cultured mammalian cells to ultrasound is dependent, in part, upon the type and movement of the cell containment vessel. Chinese hamster V-79 cells were exposed at and above therapeutic levels of ultrasound (1 MHz, 1–30 W/cm 2 , 1–5 min) in two vessels: a polystyrene test tube (Corning) or a teflon chamber with Mylar® end windows. In the test tube, lysis was dependent upon rotation of the tube during sonication. In the chamber, no lysis occurred while it was stationary or moving horizontally across the sound field.
Parasitic origins of nitrogen-mixing Rhizobium-legume symbioses. A review of the evidence

Abstract This paper is divided into two sections. The first part (I) reviews the literature on the legume- Rhizobium association with emphasis on the processes leading to the establishment of the association. In the second part (II) it is proposed that the legume- Rhizobium association was originally necrotrophic, beginning when the free-living, nitrogen-fixing, saprotrophic Rhizobium developed the ability to infect the plant. The pre-infection events, infection processes and nodulation in the colonization of the legumes by the Rhizobium are similar to those of other parasitic associations. Likewise, the host responses to the Rhizobium entry, infection thread synthesis and bacteroid formation are comparable to those of other plants when they encounter phytopathogens. Evolutionary processes acted in the selection of biotrophy, the fine control and regulation of the extracellular enzymes of the necrotrophic Rhizobium converted the association into biotrophy. The nutritional dependence of the Rhizobium on the legume, the requirement of the plant for combined nitrogen and the Rhizobium potential to meet this requirement drove the biotrophic association into mutualism. This became possible when regulation of the nitrogen-fixing system of the Rhizobium was modified and the oxygen carrying protein leghemoglobin was acquired or evolved by the legume to enhance nitrogen fixation.
Laboratory Procedure to Wet‐Mill 100 g of Grain Sorghum into Six Fractions

ABSTRACT A small-scale (100 g of grain) procedure was developed to wet-mill grain sorghum into six fractions by modifying the procedure of Eckhoff et al (1996). The wet-milling process was repeated five times on commercial grain sorghum, and the mean yield (69.4%) of starch (≤0.3% protein) varied by 0.3%, whereas the yields of fiber, gluten, and germ plus bran fractions varied by 5–6%. The starch fraction accounted for ≈95% of that in the grain, while the total solids recovered was 99.0%. Four other samples of grain sorghum gave 92–95% recoveries of starches and 98.2–99.8% recoveries of total solids. All grain sorghum starches had lightness (L*) values and pasting curves nearly equal to those of a commercial maize starch.
Is vitamin D deficiency a risk factor for ischemic heart disease in patients with established cardiovascular disease? 10-year follow-up of the Nova Scotia Health Survey

Recent studies have reported that low serum vitamin D levels are associated with a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and in particular ischemic heart disease (IHD). Possible mechanisms underlying this association include increased inflammation, renin-angiotensin system upregulation, insulin resistance, altered lipid metabolism, and altered vascular smooth muscle growth and function that lead to hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.[1][2]
Association between the Casein Kinase 1 Epsilon Gene Region and Subjective Response to D-Amphetamine

Animal models suggest that the casein kinase 1 epsilon gene (Csnk1e) contributes to variability in stimulant response. Csnk1e is a key component in the Darpp-32 (Dopamine-And-cAMP-Regulated-Phosphoprotein-32 kDa) second messenger pathway and has been implicated in previous pharmacological and pharmacogenetic studies in mice. Mice bred for methamphetamine sensitivity showed linkage to the region of chromosome 15 that contains Csnk1e and also showed a 10-fold increase in expression of Csnk1e. We used a double-blind, crossover design in healthy human volunteers to test association between polymorphisms in the CSNK1E region and subjective response to placebo, 10, or 20 mg of oral D-amphetamine. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze interactions between genotype and drug response. The primary outcome measure, subjects' ratings of whether they felt a drug effect (Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ)), revealed a significant effect (p=0.010) at one single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs135745). Subjects with more copies of the rs135745 C allele were more sensitive to the low dose of D-amphetamine (p=0.001), which corresponded to a leftward shift in the dose–response curve. These findings demonstrate the successful translation of pharmacogenetic results from mice to humans.
A three-dimensional dislocation model for the San Fernando, California, earthquake of February 9, 1971

The data from five strong-motion accelerograph stations centered above and surrounding the fault are used to develop an approximate three-dimensional dislocation model for the San Fernando earthquake. In the resulting model, the dislocation originates near the instrumentally determined epicenter at a depth of 9.2 km and then propagates southward and upward with a velocity of 2 km/sec. Calculated dislocation amplitudes of about 10 m in the hypocentral region have been found to decay to about 1 m toward the center of the fault and then build up again to about 6 m just before the fault intersects the ground surface in the San Fernando Valley. The assumed fault area of 130 km^2 and the assumed rigidity µ = 3 × 10^(11) dyne/cm^2 give a moment M_0 = 1.53 × 10^(26) dyne-cm. This study indicates that, with several strong-motion accelerographs suitably located in the epicentral region, it is possible to find a kinematic faulting process associated with the periods of ground motion which are longer than about 1 sec.
The association of asthma and wheezing with major depressive episodes: an analysis of 245 727 women and men from 57 countries

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that asthma is positively associated with depression. Most of this evidence stems from individual studies conducted in Western populations (e.g. Europe, North America and Australia). It is still unclear whether such findings generalize to non-Western countries. To address this question, the present study investigated the association of asthma and wheezing with depression in a large multi-national sample. Methods: We used data from the 2002 World Health Survey. Participants reported physician-diagnosed asthma and attacks of wheezing within the past 12 months. Questions on depressive symptoms, their duration and persistence were used to define presence of a major depressive episode (MDE) within the past 12 months. ORs and 95% CIs were estimated by logistic regression for the entire sample, by continent (Australia, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa) and by country. Complete information was available for 57 countries. Results: Both asthma and wheezing were associated with MDE in the entire sample (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 2.10-2.66 and OR = 3.06, 95% CI = 2.75-3.40, respectively). Similar associations were found for all continents with generally stronger ORs in South America, Asia and Africa for both asthma (ORs ≥ 1.8) and wheezing (ORs ≥ 2.8). On the country level, wheezing showed a consistent pattern of association with MDE. Similar patterns were found for asthma. Conclusions: Despite a range of country differences that could affect the association of asthma with depression, such as access to health care, the results of this study indicate that the co-occurrence of asthma and depression is a universal phenomenon.
The roles of study-abroad experience and working-memory capacity in the types of errors made during translation

We examined the effects of study-abroad experience (SAE) and working-memory capacity (WMC) on the types of errors made during single-word translation from the first language to the second language, contrasting non-response with meaning errors (i.e. when individuals translate semantically-related words instead of the target word). SAE and WMC interacted; individuals with more SAE and higher WMC made as many meaning as non-response errors, whereas individuals in the other groups made more non-response than meaning errors. We conclude that SAE encourages the use of approximate translations to communicate, but only higher WMC learners can do so because this strategy requires multiple items to be maintained in memory simultaneously. A speech-production model is adapted to capture our results and demonstrate the effects of differential working memory demands on producing correct translations, meaning errors, and non-response errors.
Depletion of T-tubules and specific subcellular changes in sarcolemmal proteins in tachycardia-induced heart failure

Objective: The T-tubule membrane network is integrally involved in excitation–contraction coupling in ventricular myocytes. Ventricular myocytes from canine hearts with tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy exhibit a decrease in accessible T-tubules to the membrane-impermeant dye, di8-ANNEPs. The present study investigated the mechanism of loss of T-tubule staining and examined for changes in the subcellular distribution of membrane proteins essential for excitation–contraction coupling. Methods: Isolated ventricular myocytes from canine hearts with and without tachycardia-induced heart failure were studied using fluorescence confocal microscopy and membrane fractionation techniques using a variety of markers specific for sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins. Results: Probes for surface glycoproteins, Na/K ATPase, Na/Ca exchanger and Cav1.2 demonstrated a prominent but heterogeneous reduction in T-tubule labeling in both intact and permeabilised failing myocytes, indicating a true depletion of T-tubules and associated membrane proteins. Membrane fractionation studies showed reductions in L-type Ca2+ channels and β-adrenergic receptors but increased levels of Na/Ca exchanger protein in both surface sarcolemma and T-tubular sarcolemma-enriched fractions; however, the membrane fraction enriched in junctional complexes of sarcolemma and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum demonstrated no significant changes in the density of any sarcolemmal protein or sarcoplasmic reticulum protein assayed. Conclusion: Failing canine ventricular myocytes exhibit prominent depletion of T-tubules and changes in the density of a variety of proteins in both surface and T-tubular sarcolemma but with preservation of the protein composition of junctional complexes. This subcellular remodeling contributes to abnormal excitation–contraction coupling in heart failure.
Transformative Mixed Methods: Addressing Inequities

Researchers committed to furthering social justice face many challenges in aligning their values with their research approaches. The transformative paradigm provides a philosophical framework that focuses on ethics in terms of cultural responsiveness, recognizing those dimensions of diversity that are associated with power differences, building trusting relationships, and developing mixed methods that are conducive to social change. Examples of transformative cyclical mixed methods designs are used to illustrate the methodological implications of this paradigm.
Interleukin-2 enhances the response of natural killer cells to interleukin-12 through up-regulation of the interleukin-12 receptor and STAT4

Interleukin (IL)-12 plays a critical role in modulating the activities of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes. In animal models, IL-12 has potent antitumor effects that are likely mediated by its ability to enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and to induce the production of interferon (IFN)-γ by NK and T cells. In addition to IL-12, NK cells are responsive to IL-2, and may mediate some of the antitumor effects of IL-2. In this study, we examine the interaction between IL-2 and the signaling events induced by IL-12 in NK cells. We find that IL-2 not only up-regulates the expression of IL-12Rβ1 and IL-12Rβ2, it also plays an important role in up-regulating and maintaining the expression of STAT4, a critical STAT protein involved in IL-12 signaling in NK cells. In contrast to the effects of IL-2 alone, expression of IL-12 receptors and STAT4 are unaffected or decreased by IL-12 or the combination of IL-2 and IL-12. Through expression of high levels of IL-12 receptors and STAT4, IL-2–primed NK cells show enhanced functional responses to IL-12 as measured by IFN-γ production and the killing of target cells. NK cells from cancer patients who received low-dose IL-2 treatment also exhibited increased expression of IL-12 receptor chains, suggesting that IL-2 may enhance the response to IL-12 in vivo. These findings provide a molecular framework to understand the interaction between IL-2 and IL-12 in NK cells, and suggest strategies for improving the effectiveness of these cytokines in the immunotherapy of cancer.
Vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case–control study

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical correlates and predictors of rheumatoid vasculitis (RV). Methods. A retrospective cohort of patients with RV evaluated at a tertiary referral centre between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2010 was identified. RV cases were compared in a 1:2 ratio to controls (RA without vasculitis) to identify risk factors for developing RV. Results. Eighty-six RV cases (58% women, 88% white) were identified. Histopathological confirmation was available for 58% of patients. Cutaneous vasculitis was the most common presentation, followed by vasculitic neuropathy. The median age at presentation was 63 years and the median duration of RA was 10.8 years. One third were current smokers. The majority were seropositive and had elevated inflammatory markers. Treatment was with a range of immunomodulating agents. At 6 months, 38% of patients achieved complete remission, 52% had partial improvement and 10% noted no clinical improvement. Thirty-six per cent relapsed by 5 years and 26% died. After adjusting for age and disease duration, current smoking at RA diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) 1.98], coexistent peripheral vascular disease (OR 3.98), cerebrovascular disease (OR 6.48), severe RA (OR 2.02) (characterized by radiographic erosions, nodulosis on clinical examination or requirement of joint surgery) and the use of biologics (OR 2.80) were found to increase the odds for developing RV; the use of HCQ (OR 0.54, CI 0.31, 0.94) and low-dose aspirin (OR 0.42, CI 0.21, 0.85) was associated with decreased odds for developing RV. Conclusion. This largest single-centre series of patients with RV suggests that even in recent years, RV remains a serious complication of RA and is associated with significant mortality.
A MODEL FOR PREDICTING THE GROWTH OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN PACKAGED WHOLE MILK

Experiments were conducted to determine growth characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in sterilized whole milk at nine temperatures in the range of 277.15 to 308.15K (4 to 35C). Based on these data, the parameter values of the Baranyi dynamic growth model were statistically determined. Finite element software, ANSYS, was used to determine temperature distributions in milk cartons subject to a time-varying ambient temperature profile. The space-time-temperature data were input to the Baranyi dynamic growth model, to predict the microbial population density distribution and the average population density in the milk carton. The Baranyi dynamic growth model and the finite element model were integrated and validated using experimental results from inoculated sterilized whole milk in half-gallon laminated paper cartons. In all experiments, the milk cartons were subjected to the same temperature profile as the Baranyi dynamic growth model. Experimental microbial counts were within predicted upper and lower bounds obtained using the integrated Baranyi dynamic growth and finite element models. In addition, the growth curve at the mean value of initial physiological state parameter for L. monocytogenes underpredicted the microbial growth (standard error = 0.54 log (cfu/mL) and maximum relative difference = 15.49%). Des experimentations sont menees pour determiner les caracteristiques de croissance de Listeria monocytogenes dans du lait entier sterilise, entrepose a differentes temperatures ( de 4 a 35°C). Basees sur ces donnees, les valeurs des parametres du modele de croissance dynamique de Baranyi sont determines statistiquement. Un logiciel informatique (ANSYS) est utilise pour determiner les distributions de temperature dans les briques de lait en fonction du profil de temperature ambiante variant avec le temps. Les donnees espace-temps-temperature sont integrees au modele de Biranyi pour predire la distribution et la densite de population bacterienne.
The Smac mimetic RMT5265.2HCL induces apoptosis in EBV and HTLV-I associated lymphoma cells by inhibiting XIAP and promoting the mitochondrial release of cytochrome C and Smac

The inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) are important regulators of apoptosis. However, little is known about the capacity of Smac mimetics (IAP inhibitor) to overcome virally associated-lymphoma's (VAL) resistance to apoptosis. Here, we explored the pro-apoptotic effect of a novel Smac mimetic, RMT5265.2HCL (RMT) in VAL cells. RMT improved the sensitivity to apoptosis in EBV- and to some extend in HTLV-1- but not in HHV-8-VAL. Furthermore, we identified that RMT promotes caspase 3 and 9 cleavage by inhibiting XIAP and inducing the mitochondrial efflux of Smac and cytochrome C. This investigation further support exploring the use of Smac inhibitors in VAL.
Data compression in Oracle

The Oracle RDBMS recently introduced an innovative compression technique for reducing the size of relational tables. By using a compression algorithm specifically designed for relational data, Oracle is able to compress data much more effectively than standard compression techniques. More significantly, unlike other compression techniques, Oracle incurs virtually no performance penalty for SQL queries accessing compressed tables. In fact, Oracle's compression may provide performance gains for queries accessing large amounts of data, as well as for certain data management operations like backup and recovery. Oracle's compression algorithm is particularly well-suited for data warehouses: environments, which contains large volumes of historical data, with heavy query workloads. Compression can enable a data warehouse to store several times more raw data without increasing the total disk storage or impacting query performance.
Phenothiazine photosensitizers for onium salt photoinitiated cationic polymerization

Phenothiazine compounds bearing a wide range of different substituents are excellent photosensitizers for onium salt cationic photoinitiators. These photosensitizers are generally operative in the mid- and long-range regions of the UV spectrum and are especially useful for enhancing the rate of photoinitiated cationic polymerization carried out utilizing both filtered and broadband UV emission sources. In this article, the syntheses of several different substituted phenothiazines are described and the ability of these compounds to photosensitize the photolysis of different onium salt photoinitiators is evaluated. Attempts were made to correlate the structure and spectral characteristics of the phenothiazines with their efficiency of photosensitization in the cationic photopolymerizations of several typical epoxide and vinyl ether monomers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1187–1197, 2001
Fetal cardiac repolarization abnormalities.

Abnormal cardiac repolarization renders the heart susceptible to lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death in all ages; however, little is known about the incidence and etiology of T-wave abnormalities in utero. In this study, magnetocardiography was used to better define fetal T-wave characteristics, including the QT interval in the normal fetus, and to characterize T-wave abnormalities in the fetus with arrhythmia. The QT interval and T-wave alternans were assessed from magnetocardiographic recordings obtained at 14 to 39 weeks' gestation from 120 fetuses. Of these fetuses, 78 were from uncomplicated pregnancies and 42 had various forms of fetal arrhythmia (supraventricular tachycardia in 14, congenital atrioventricular block in 17, long QT syndrome with Torsades de pointes in 1, ventricular tachycardia in 2, sinus bradycardia in 4, and bradycardia due to blocked premature atrial contractions in 4). Although the corrected QT interval in normal sinus rhythm was accurately described by Bazett's formula, the corrected QT interval in fetal arrhythmia exhibited a systematic deviation at heart rate extremes. The dependence of the QT interval on the RR interval in arrhythmia was approximately described by QT∝RR 0.8 . T-wave alternans was detected in 7 fetuses with arrhythmia, often in association with QT prolongation, suboptimal outcome, or fetal demise. The results of our study have demonstrated that QT-interval abnormalities exist and can be detected in fetal patients. The potential importance of T-wave assessment in the fetus with cardiac arrhythmia was evidenced by the high incidence of marked QT prolongation and T-wave alternans in the fetuses with suboptimal outcomes.
Subtle recent distributional shifts in great plains bird species

Abstract Changes in geographic distributions of 5 bird species endemic to the Great Plains of North America were examined over the last few decades based on the United States Breeding Bird Survey. Examining the mean latitude of individuals of each species, 3 species showed significant or near-significant northward shifts, and 1 a significant shift southward. Over all 5 species examined, colonization events were concentrated in the northern part of the distributions of the species; in 3 species, extinctions were concentrated in the southern part of the distributions of the species. The conclusion is that significant distributional changes have taken place, but they have been subtle, and might be associated with global climate change.
Planning for Long-Term Follow-Up: Strategies Learned from Longitudinal Studies

Preventive interventions are often designed and tested with the immediate program period in mind, and little thought that the intervention sample might be followed up for years or even decades beyond the initial trial. However, depending on the type of intervention and the nature of the outcomes, long-term follow-up may well be appropriate. The advantages of long-term follow-up of preventive interventions are discussed and include the capacity to examine program effects across multiple later life outcomes, the ability to examine the etiological processes involved in the development of the outcomes of interest, and the ability to provide more concrete estimates of the relative benefits and costs of an intervention. In addition, researchers have identified potential methodological risks of long-term follow-up such as inflation of type 1 error through post hoc selection of outcomes, selection bias, and problems stemming from attrition over time. The present paper presents a set of seven recommendations for the design or evaluation of studies for potential long-term follow-up organized under four areas: Intervention Logic Model, Developmental Theory and Measurement Issues; Design for Retention; Dealing with Missing Data; and Unique Considerations for Intervention Studies. These recommendations include conceptual considerations in the design of a study, pragmatic concerns in the design and implementation of the data collection for long-term follow-up, as well as criteria to be considered for the evaluation of an existing intervention for potential for long-term follow-up. Concrete examples from existing intervention studies that have been followed up over the long term are provided.
A Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Approach Increases Breastmilk Availability at Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infant.

Abstract Background: Mothers of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants often struggle to establish and maintain a milk supply. Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC Children's) data from 2005 to 2011 showed that while the total percentage of all neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies being discharged on breastmilk had remained stable, the percentage of VLBW babies with breastmilk at discharge had declined. This information resulted in a quality improvement initiative to remove barriers and implement programs shown to have the greatest impact on initiating and sustaining lactation in this patient subset. The objective of this initiative was to increase breastmilk availability at discharge for the VLBW population. Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary program was initiated, which included NICU parent and staff education, clarification of roles, and improved access to pumping supplies. Physicians and nurses completed online education. An algorithm defining roles in lactation support was developed...
Evaluation of multicomponent diffusion effects in hypersonic flows

An evaluation of multicomponent diffusion effects in hypersonic flows is presented. Of particular interest is a comparison of the results obtained from the common simplifying assumption of Fick's law with the results obtained from the precise constitutive relations stemming from the kinetic theory of gases. To fix ideas, the flow of a ternary mixture past a flat plate is considered, for which pressure diffusion is negligible. Whereas the precise analysis is more complicated, the results for the mass-fraction distribution can be significantly different from the corresponding simpler analyses stemming from Fick's law. (Author)
Assessment of the Performance of DFT and DFT-D Methods for Describing Distance Dependence of Hydrogen-Bonded Interactions

Noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and π-π interactions play important roles influencing the structure, stability, and dynamic properties of biomolecules including DNA and RNA base pairs. In an effort to better understand the fundamental physics of hydrogen bonding (H-bonding), we investigate the distance dependence of interaction energies in the prototype bimolecular complexes of formic acid, formamide, and formamidine. Potential energy curves along the H-bonding dissociation coordinate are examined both by establishing reference CCSD(T) interaction energies extrapolated to the complete basis set limit and by assessing the performance of the density functional methods B3LYP, PBE, PBE0, B970, PB86, M05-2X, and M06-2X and empirical dispersion corrected methods B3LYP-D3, PBE-D3, PBE0-D3, B970-D2, BP86-D3, and ωB97X-D, with basis sets 6-311++G(3df,3pd), aug-cc-pVDZ, and aug-cc-pVTZ. Although H-bonding interactions are dominated by electrostatics, it is necessary to properly account for dispersion interactions to obtain accurate energetics. In order to quantitatively probe the nature of hydrogen bonding interactions as a function of distance, we decompose the interaction energy curves into physically meaningful components with symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT). The SAPT results confirm that the contribution of dispersion and induction are significant at and near equilibrium, although electrostatics dominate. Among the DFT/DFT-D techniques, the best overall results are obtained utilizing counterpoise-corrected ωB97X-D with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set.
Concomitant VTE increased risks for mortality and hemorrhage in older patients with cancer, with risk varying by cancer type.

Source Citation Gross CP, Galusha DH, Krumholz HM. The impact of venous thromboembolism on risk of death or hemorrhage in older cancer patients. J Gen Intern Med. 2007;22:321-6. 17356962
ISSUES IN THE STUDY OF ADOLESCENCE

This chapter discusses the issues involved in the study of adolescence. The most commonly done studies of adolescence are those in which interviews or questionnaires can be used. These studies are relatively straightforward and simple to conduct. With questionnaires, large number of adolescents can be studied in a relatively short period of time. Adolescent sexuality has been studied primarily through questionnaires and interviews. Young people are asked a series of standard questions about their sexual attitudes and behaviors. The questionnaire method has the virtue of being amenable to anonymity. Anonymity of participants' responses is important, especially in a sensitive area such as sexual behavior. Assuring adolescents of anonymity may encourage them to be more truthful in their responses; in addition, anonymous responses allow researchers to study important topics without invading the privacy of participants.
Family Communication About Cancer Treatment Decision Making A Description of the DECIDE Typology

This chapter reviews key theoretical perspectives on treatment decision making, examines situation and relational influences on the treatment decision-making process, reviews models of patient and family participation in treatment decision making, and proposes a typology for understanding the different ways in which families negotiate treatment decisions. The typology suggests new insights for theorizing decision-making processes related to cancer treatment and offers strategies for integrating the typology into clinical practice in order to improve medical and psychosocial outcomes for patients and their families.
Glycation, Oxidation, and Glycoxidation of Short- and Long-lived Proteins and the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Complications

Evidence is summarized to support the hypothesis that combinations of glycation and oxidation (glycoxidation) result in damage to proteins which contribute to the development of diabetic complications. This implies that oxidative stress, which varies among individuals independent of the presence of diabetes, may modulate the consequences of hyperglycemia, explaining, in part, individual variation in susceptibility to the complications of diabetes.
Innovation Financing in Developing Economies

While finance is a critical input to the innovative process, it is often difficult to obtain, particularly in developing economies with less well-developed financial markets. As innovation is a central driver of growth, it is therefore important for policymakers to understand how different sources of financing may affect innovation. Extant literature emphasizes the relative importance of internal versus debt financing for innovative activity for firms in developed economies, yet the effect on innovation inclusive of other sources of external finance that may be particularly important in the developing context (such as informal financing) remain relatively unknown. This paper investigates the relationship between firms’ external capital sourcing and innovative activity in a large sample of developing economy enterprises. Contrary to the established literature that focuses largely on the impact of internal financing, we argue that external financing plays a central role in financing innovative activity in developing economies, particularly for more difficult to fund innovative activity. Results using instrumental variables estimation across a wide set of economies and a series of robustness checks for endogeneity indicate that a one standard deviation increase in external financing leads to a 28 percent increase in the probability of firm innovation, a magnitude far exceeding prior estimates of the relationship between external financing and innovation in the developed context. We also find that equity financing is a more salient driver of innovative activity for firms, even though most developing economies are bank-centered. These effects are larger for less tangible innovative processes and for firms facing greater a priori obstacles to innovation such as smaller and younger firms, and those with informal organizational structures. Altogether, these results imply that the provision of government incentives to private investors (including family and friends) for equity investment in innovative activity may be an effective development policy tool.
Binding of malachite green promotes stability and shows preference for a human telomere DNA G-quadruplex

A single-stranded human telomere DNA sequence can fold into an intramolecular G-quadruplex structure, which has been shown to inhibit telomerase activity. Small molecules that selectively target an...