cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and clinical correlates of elevated ALT levels in an urban Chinatown community.

Summary. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are a primary consideration in treatment decisions regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Levels can be elevated as a result of HBV-related liver injury or to other causes. The aim of this study was to assess the background prevalence and clinical correlates of elevated ALT levels in Chinese immigrants who were HBsAg negative. Subjects consisted of adults seen in an urban Chinatown Internal Medicine practice between 1, 2006 and 12, 2007. Clinical information was collected retrospectively. An elevated ALT level was defined as >19 U/L for women and >30 U/L for men. The primary analysis focused on 2457 persons who were HBsAg negative. Their mean age was 55 ± 18 years, 64% were female and 36% were obese. All subjects were ethnically Chinese and 96% were born in Asia. Thirty percent had an elevated ALT level. In univariate analysis, factors associated with elevated ALT included older age (P < 0.001), female gender (P = 0.001), obesity (P < 0.001), diabetes (P < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001) and hypertension (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis BMI, diabetes, female gender and hypercholesterolemia were significantly associated with elevated ALT level. An additional analysis focused on a group of patients who were HBsAg positive, HBeAg negative and had HBV-DNA levels <1000 copies/mL. Fifty percent had elevated ALT levels. In conclusion, elevated ALT levels are common among Chinese immigrants without HBV (30%) and are associated with features of the metabolic syndrome. Liver biopsy should be performed in selected patients with HBV to distinguish the cause of ALT elevation before initiating antiviral therapy.
Stabilizing influence of axial momentum spread on the two-stream instability in intense heavy ion beams

Abstract This paper makes use of the Vlasov–Maxwell equations to describe the electron–ion two-stream instability driven by the directed axial motion of a high-intensity ion beam propagating through a stationary population of (unwanted) background electrons in the acceleration region or beam transport lines. The ion beam is treated as continuous in the z -direction, and the electrons are electrostatically confined in the transverse direction by the space-charge potential produced by the excess ion charge. The analysis is carried out for arbitrary beam intensity, consistent with transverse confinement of the beam particles, and arbitrary fractional charge neutralization by the background electrons. For the case of overlapping step-function ion and electron density profiles, corresponding to Kapchinskij–Vladimirskij (KV) electron and ion distributions in the transverse direction, detailed stability properties are calculated including parallel kinetic effects over a wide range of system parameters for dipole perturbations with azimuthal mode number l=1. The instability growth rate is found to increase with increasing beam intensity, increasing fractional charge neutralization, and decreasing proximity of the conducting wall. For space-charge-dominated beams, it is shown that Landau damping associated with a modest axial momentum spread of the beam ions and background electrons has a strong stabilizing influence on the two-stream instability.
Methods of execution as institutional fads

The history of capital punishment in the USA reveals a cyclical pattern: critiques of existing methods of execution inspire the adoption of a new method that is presented as more humane and less pr...
Exploitation of eukaryotic subcellular targeting mechanisms by bacterial effectors

Several bacterial species have evolved specialized secretion systems to deliver bacterial effector proteins into eukaryotic cells. These effectors have the capacity to modulate host cell pathways in order to promote bacterial survival and replication. The spatial and temporal context in which the effectors exert their biochemical activities is crucial for their function. To fully understand effector function in the context of infection, we need to understand the mechanisms that lead to the precise subcellular localization of effectors following their delivery into host cells. Recent studies have shown that bacterial effectors exploit host cell machinery to accurately target their biochemical activities within the host cell.
Expected costs of implementing a mandatory human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus testing and restriction program for healthcare workers performing invasive procedures.

Healthcare personnel injured by needles or other sharps contaminated with blood from infected patients are at risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and other bloodborne pathogens.1 When such injuries also result in blood contamination of a patient's wound, mucous membrane, or skin lesion, transmission of infection in the opposite direction, from provider to patient, may
The nonlinear optical response of transparent silver/gold multi-metal layers

We report on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of Ag/Au multi-metal thin films and Fabry-Perot resonator cavities. The linear optical properties of these multi-metal layers, having different mass distributions and Ag/Au ratios with thicknesses around 15 nm, resemble those of electrically continuous metal layers. The optical losses introduced by interband transitions in the Au layers are reduced to achieve peak transmittances of 76 % around 550 nm. Using femtosecond-pulsed white-light continuum pump-probe experiments we show that the nonlinear optical response of such multi-metal layers is comparable to that of neat Au thin films. Low-finesse Fabry-Perot resonators fabricated with such multi-metal layers, combine the large NLO response of Au with a transmittance of 60% and a spectral bandwidth that covers the visible spectral range.
Glucose tolerance and insulin release in L-asparaginase treated rabbits.

Abstract Male New Zealand White Rabbits were injected intravenously with either a single dose of 10,000 IU Escherichia coli l -asparaginase/kg body weight containing 80 mg of d -mannitol/10,000 IU E. coli l -asparaginase or 80 mg d -mannitol kg/body weight alone. Elevated fasting glucose (G) and elevated fasting immunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels were observed in the l -asparaginase treated rabbits at 1 wk. They peaked at 3 wk and declined thereafter. However, fasting G and IRI levels remained significantly elevated at the end of the study (9–15 wk after injection) compared to preinjection levels and levels of the controls. Glucose and IRI levels 0.5 hr post an intravenous glucose load (1 g/kg body weight) also became elevated post l -asparaginase and followed a time course similar to that of the fasting G and IRI levels. These 0.5-hr levels also remained significantly elevated at the end of the study. These data show that a single dose of 10,000 IU/kg body weight produces a hyperinsulinemic diabetes in New Zealand White Rabbits that appears to persist in a mild form for at least 9–15 wk.
Bro1 is an endosome-associated protein that functions in the MVB pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Multivesicular bodies are late endosomal compartments containing lumenal vesicles that are formed by inward budding of the limiting endosomal membrane. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, integral membrane proteins are sorted into the lumenal vesicles of multivesicular bodies, and this process requires the class E subset of VPS genes. We show that one of the class E VPS genes, BRO1/VPS31, encodes a cytoplasmic protein that associates with endosomal compartments. The dissociation of Bro1 from endosomes requires another class E Vps protein, Vps4, which is an ATPase that also regulates the endosomal dissociation of ESCRT-III, a complex of four class E Vps proteins (Vps2, Vps20, Vps24 and Snf7/Vps32) that oligomerize at the endosomal membrane. We also show that the endosomal association of Bro1 is specifically dependent on one of the ESCRT-III components, Snf7. Our data suggest that the function of Bro1 in the MVB pathway takes place on endosomal membranes and occurs in concert with or downstream of the function of the ESCRT-III complex.
Hybrid Numerical Method for Heat Transfer Analysis of Complex 3D Geometries

The heat transfer analysis of systems with complex 3D geometries is usually done by numerical methods. Finite Element Method (FEM) and Finite Difference Methods (FDM) are widely used for this purpose. Complex geometries are accurately analyzed by FEM method. However, FEM solutions can be computationally inefficient for thermal problems that have high mesh densities with complex boundary conditions and variable material properties. On the other hand, Finite Difference method (FDM) is difficult to apply for complex geometric shapes. A hybrid numerical approach that combines the advantages of FDM and FEM has been integrated into a thermal simulation code. The hybrid technique has been implemented using object oriented programming techniques in a PC environment. A comparison of the computational efficiency of the two methods has been presented.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Neurobiology of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is a ubiquitous and unique biological messenger molecule. It mediates blood vessel relaxation by endothelium, immune function of macrophages, and neurotransmission of central and peripheral nervous systems. Endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthases are constitutively expressed and activated by calcium entry into cells, whereas the macrophage nitric oxide synthase is inducible with new RNA and protein synthesis upon immune stimulation. Nitric oxide may play a role in the neurotransmitter release, neural development, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of gene expression. Excessive production of nitric oxide is neurotoxic and is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders.
A phenomenon of macrophage aggregation activity in sera of patients with exfoliative erythroderma, erythema multiforme, and erythema nodosum.

Aggregation of guinea-pig macrophages within 6 hr of incubation was detected in human sera from patients with erythroderma, erythema multiforme, and erythema nodosum, but not in controls or patients with other diseases, in addition, all seven erythrodermic patients showed a substance in their sera that produced erythema in guinea-pig skin. This phenomenon may result from overproduction of mediators of cellular immunity.
Long-term safety and efficacy of flecainide in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: The United States experience

Information about long-term safety and effectiveness is important for appropriate use of antiarrhythmic drug therapy. We report the results of an open-label, long-term (mean, 15 months) therapy extension for 66 patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) or atrial fibrillation (PAF) in whom short-term therapy in 2 controlled studies was deemed beneficial by both patient and investigator. Follow-up was accomplished by clinic visits and telephone calls. Results indicated excellent ongoing tolerance and safety. Only 3 (5%) of 66 patients discontinued therapy due to possible noncardiac adverse effects. Only 5 (7.6%) discontinued therapy due to inadequate clinical response. Only 1 discontinuation was ascribed to a worsening arrhythmia (increased frequency of sustained PAF). In PSVT patients, 75% of months were arrhythmia free; in PAF patients, 64% of months were attack free. No clinically significant laboratory, electrocardiographic, or physical abnormalities were ascribed to flecainide. Thus, the long-term safety and efficacy profile of the drug for treatment of PSVT and PAF is encouraging. This promising clinical experience is relatively small and so should be reinforced by larger patient trials in the future.
Use of Neuropsychological Evaluations

Neuropsychology is an applied science that is concerned with the behavioral expression of brain dysfunction. Although neurology and neurosurgery are focused primarily on the brain and its structural and nervous system integrity and functions, clinical neuropsychology focuses primarily on the mind, or how the brain interacts with the world. These cognitive, or neurocognitive, functions of the brain involve receptive and expressive functions, attention and concentration, and information processing, and the integrative functions of learning and memory and problem solving. Neurocognitive skills relate to how individuals track or select and acquire information, store and retrieve information, organize information for problem solving, and express or communicate. Emotions, and emotional functioning, have a bidirectional relationship with neurocognition, in that brain-based difficulties can cause emotional disturbance and emotional status can affect cognitive functioning. Mild head injury or concussion is often characterized by cognitive symptoms in the form of attention or concentration problems, slowed processing, and/or memory difficulties. An individual may display minimal symptoms, and usually has a normal neurologic examination, but still has subtle changes in functioning; these differences from preinjury functioning may be observed by others and/or felt by the individual (“I don’t feel right” or “I don’t feel like myself”). In addition to the common physically based symptoms of sports concussions, such as headache, dizziness, balance problems, or sleep disturbance, subtle cognitive symptoms may be present, including reduced planning and ability to switch mental set, impaired memory and learning, reduced attention and ability to process information, and slowed reaction times and increased variability in response. 1 The sports culture/context, and its influence on minimization of self-reported symptoms, 2 created a need to evaluate cognitive
Theory and simulation of supercontinuum generation in transparent bulk media

Comprehensive model and computer simulations of the supercontinuum generation in bulk media are presented. Using water and air as representative condensed and gaseous media, the standard model for white-light generation is put to test. It is shown that besides the intensity clamping and plasma-induced frequency blue shift, the linear chromatic dispersion plays an important role. It is the major factor that determines the achievable spectral extent of the supercontinuum.
Cardiac and Renal Function are Progressively Impaired with Aging in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Type II Diabetic Rats

This study investigated the temporal relationship between cardiomyopathy and renal pathology in the type II diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat. We hypothesized that changes in renal function will precede the development of cardiac dysfunction in the ZDF rat. animals (10 weeks old) were divided into four experimental groups: Lean Control ( fa/?) LC (n = 7), untreated ZDF rats ( n = 7) sacrificed at 16 weeks of age, and LC ( n = 7) untreated ZDF rats ( n = 9) sacrificed at 36 weeks of age. LV structural/functional parameters were assessed via Millar conductance catheter. Renal function was evaluated via markers of proteinuria and evidence of hydronephrosis. LV mass was significantly less in the ZDF groups at both time points compared to age-matched LC. End diastolic volume was increased by 16% at 16 weeks and by 37% at 36 weeks of age (p < 0.05 vs. LC). End diastolic pressure and end systolic volume were significantly increased (42% and 27% respectively) at 36 weeks of age in the ZDF compared to LC. Kidney weights were significantly increased at both 16 and 36 week in ZDF animals (p < 0.05 vs. LC). Increased urinary albumin and decreased urinary creatinine were paralleled by a marked progression in the severity of hydronephrosis from 16 to 36 weeks of age in the ZDF group. In summary, there is evidence of progressive structural and functional changes in both the heart and kidney, starting as early as 16 weeks, without evidence that one pathology precedes or causes the other in the ZDF model of type II diabetes.
In vivo resetting of the hamster circadian clock by 5-HT7 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Serotonin (5-HT) has been strongly implicated in the regulation of the mammalian circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN); however, its role in behavioral (nonphotic) circadian phase resetting remains elusive. Central to this issue are divergent lines of evidence that the SCN may, or may not, be a target for the phase-resetting effects of 5-HT. We have addressed this question using a novel reverse-microdialysis approach for timed perfusions of serotonergic and other agents to the Syrian hamster SCN with durations equivalent to the increases in in vivo 5-HT release during phase-resetting behavioral manipulations. We found that 3 hr perfusions of the SCN with either 5-HT or the 5-HT1A,7receptor agonist 2-dipropylamino-8-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene (8-OH-DPAT) at midday advanced the phase of the free-running circadian rhythm of wheel-running assessed using an Aschoff type II procedure. Phase shifts induced by 8-OH-DPAT were enhanced more than threefold by pretreatment with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitorpara-chlorophenylalanine. Phase advances induced by SCN 8-OH-DPAT perfusion were significantly inhibited by the 5-HT2,7 receptor antagonist ritanserin and by the more selective 5-HT7 receptor antagonist DR4004, implicating the 5-HT7 receptor in mediating this phase resetting. Concurrent exposure to light during the 8-OH-DPAT perfusion abolished the phase advances. Furthermore, coperfusion of the SCN with TTX, which blocked in vivo 5-HT release, did not suppress intra-SCN 8-OH-DPAT-induced phase advances. These results indicate that 5-HT7 receptor-mediated phase resetting in the SCN is markedly influenced by the degree of postsynaptic responsiveness to 5-HT and by photic stimulation. Finally, 5-HT may act directly on SCN clock cells to induce in vivo nonphotic phase resetting.
Fluid biopsy in patients with metastatic prostate, pancreatic and breast cancers

Hematologic spread of carcinoma results in incurable metastasis; yet, the basic characteristics and travel mechanisms of cancer cells in the bloodstream are unknown. We have established a fluid phase biopsy approach that identifies circulating tumor cells (CTCs) without using surface protein-based enrichment and presents them in sufficiently high definition (HD) to satisfy diagnostic pathology image quality requirements. This 'HD-CTC' assay finds >5 HD-CTCs mL?1 of blood in 80% of patients with metastatic prostate cancer (n = 20), in 70% of patients with metastatic breast cancer (n = 30), in 50% of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (n = 18), and in 0% of normal controls (n = 15). Additionally, it finds HD-CTC clusters ranging from 2 HD-CTCs to greater than 30 HD-CTCs in the majority of these cancer patients. This initial validation of an enrichment-free assay demonstrates our ability to identify significant numbers of HD-CTCs in a majority of patients with prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers.
Lake sturgeon spawning on artificial habitat in the St Lawrence River

Summary In 1996, lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) spawning was documented for the third consecutive year on an artificially placed gravel bed in the St Lawrence River. Two distinct spawning periods were observed in 1996. Spawning initially commenced on 17 June, when water temperature reached 15°C. A second spawning event was documented from 28 June to 1 July (16°C). Sturgeon egg densities were monitored in three transects on egg trays, on the gravel surface, and within interstitial spaces in the gravel. Counts of developing eggs in the gravel bed during both spawning periods were used to estimate a total of 275 000 eggs on the study area (0.075 ha). Average egg density was highest in the transect with the highest water velocities. Lake sturgeon fry were first observed in the gravel on 24 June (15.5°C), and first emergence from the gravel was documented on 28 June. Hatching following the second spawning event commenced on 3 July. Based on assessment of average embryo viability (61.6%) and egg-to-emergent fry survival (17.6%) an estimate of about 171 000 sturgeon eggs hatched, producing over 49 000 emergent fry. Current velocity, substrate particle size, depth of substrate, and maintenance of sediment-free interstitial spaces are important considerations in planning future spawning habitat enhancement projects.
Dynamic application composition: customizing the behavior of an active space

The proliferation of wireless networks, hand-held PCs, touch panels, large flat displays, sensors, and embedded devices is transforming traditional habitats and living spaces into ubiquitous computing environments, or active spaces. We envision a middleware software infrastructure that abstracts the heterogeneity of these environments and transforms them into programmable environments. This middleware infrastructure provides support to manage the resources contained in an active space (low-level functionality), support to develop applications (application-level functionality), and support to define interaction rules among applications (active space-level functionality). In this paper, we present a mechanism called "application bridge" that implements active space-level functionality. Application bridges provide a simple, yet effective, mechanism to define dynamic application composition interaction rules that confer the active space a specific behavior based on a number of parameters, including context, application status, and user actions.
On the decompression melting structure at volcanic arcs and back-arc spreading centers

[1] Mantle dynamics can strongly affect melting processes beneath spreading centers and volcanic arcs. A 2-D numerical model of the Tonga subduction zone, with the slab viscously coupled to the mantle beneath the brittle-ductile transition but faulted above, shows that induced corner flow may cause asymmetric melting at the Lau back-arc spreading center, 400 km away. The down-going slab also entrains the high-viscosity base of the overlying lithosphere, drawing hot, low-viscosity asthenosphere upwards into the gap, triggering decompression melting in the wedge. Because the slab is decoupled from the brittle overlying plate, a cold upper corner develops, inhibiting melting where the slab is shallow. The cold corner is consistent with seismic attenuation and heat flow at arcs. Decompression melting may be a substantial fraction of magma production at some arcs, but less at others. Possibly more important, the shallow decompression melting structure may govern the pathways of melt extraction beneath volcanic arcs.
Compound semiconductor devices for communication applications

Breathtaking progress in key compound semiconductor devices have led to amplifiers exhibiting extremely low noise, high efficiency and high frequency of operation which in turned have paved the way for their use in low power and wireless communication applications. Among them are modulation doped FETs and heterojunction transistors. MODFETs utilizing strained channels of InGaAs on GaAs and on InP have noise figures less than 0.2 dB at 10 GHz, and power added efficiencies in excess of 60% at about 5 GHz. Low noise and high power efficiency attainable lend this technology to, among others, satellite uplink and downlink systems and cellular wireless communication. Due to the higher electron mobility and velocity accorded InGaAs-InP heterostructure system, current gain cutoff and maximum oscillation frequencies of 172 and 328 GHz were obtained for drain voltages as low as 1.5 V. Excellent performance can be expected at frequency at or below 60 GHz, well suited for video and voice, and data transmission. In parallel to developments in the MODFET arena, the heterojunction bipolar technology has also made considerable progress to be a formidable contender. Typical results from GaAs based discrete HBTs include a power output of 0.5 W, gain of 11 dB, and power added efficiency of 60%.
Deep in the Heart of Dixie: Pre-Alleghanian Eclogite and HP Granulite Metamorphism in the Carolina Terrane, South Carolina, USA

The central part of the Carolina terrane in western South Carolina comprises a 30 to 40 km wide zone of high grade gneisses that are distinct from greenschist facies metavolcanic rocks of the Carolina slate belt (to the SE) and amphibolite facies metavolcanic and metaplutonic rocks of the Charlotte belt (to the NW). This region, termed the Silverstreet domain, is characterized by penetratively deformed felsic gneisses, granitic gneisses, and amphibolites. Mineral assemblages and textures suggest that these rocks formed under high-pressure metamorphic conditions, ranging from eclogite facies through high-P granulite to upper amphibolite facies. Mafic rocks occur as amphibolite dykes, as metre-scale blocks of coarse-grained garnet-clinopyroxene amphibolite in felsic gneiss, and as residual boulders in deeply weathered felsic gneiss. Inferred omphacite has been replaced by a vermicular symplectite of sodic plagioclase in diopside, consistent with decompression at moderate to high temperatures and a change from eclogite to granulite facies con- ditions. All samples have been partially or wholly retrograded to amphibolite assemblages. We infer the following P-T-t history: (1) eclogite facies P-T conditions at ‡ 1.4 GPa, 650-730 � C (2) high-P granulite facies P-T conditions at 1.2-1.5 GPa, 700-800 � C (3) retrograde amphibolite facies P-T conditions at 0.9-1.2 GPa and 720-660 � C. This metamorphic evolution must predate intrusion of the 415 Ma Newberry granite and must postdate formation of the Charlotte belt and Slate belt arcs (620 to 550 Ma). Comparison with other medium temperature eclogites and high pressure granulites suggests that these assemblages are most likely to form during collisional orogenesis. Eclogite and high-P granulite facies metamorphism in the Silverstreet domain may coincide with a � 570-535 Ma event documented in the western Charlotte belt or to a late Ordovician-early Silurian event. The occurrence of these high-P assemblages within the Carolina terrane implies that, prior to this event, the western Carolina terrane (Charlotte belt) and the eastern Carolina terrane (Carolina Slate belt) formed separate terranes. The collisional event represented by these high-pressure assemblages implies amalgamation of these formerly separate terranes into a single composite terrane prior to its accretion to Laurentia.
Adaptive control of two robot arms carrying an unknown object

We deal with the control of two robot manipulators carrying an unknown object. We consider the uncertainties in mass, inertia and center of mass of the object. A dynamic model is obtained for the combined system. An adaptive scheme is proposed to track the desired motion trajectory of the object in the presence of uncertainties. A feedforward plus PI type force controller is designed for internal force control. A Lyapunov based stability analysis is conducted for the proposed scheme. In the adaptive motion control scheme for the combined system we cannot specify the individual torques of the manipulators uniquely. To obtain a set of individual torques an optimal control problem is formulated by minimizing a cost function.
Image processing using a universal nonlinear cell and the WARP wafer

Silicon implementation of many image processing algorithms has been hindered in the past due to their complexity and computational volume. This paper discusses two such algorithms, namely the 'Hough transform for detection of line segments,' and 'Backprojection in CT image reconstruction' as well as their wafer scale implementation. To gain a significant speed advantage, we use an advanced multi-function cell for performing any one of four nonlinear operations: (1) square-root, (2) reciprocal, (3) sine/cosine, and (4) arctangent-all realized in a single chip, available on a selectable basis. A 16 bit four-function "one cycle" VLSI chip, fabricated in 2.0 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, is presently available which outputs a new result every clock cycle. Also discussed briefly is a "two-cycle" 24 bit chip, which delivers a new result every two clock cycles. Using this nonlinear cell an application level Hough transform module is developed. On a 4" WARP wafer, using 2.0 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, eight such Hough modules can be configured, so as to produce the Hough transform of a 1024/spl times/1024 image in an estimated 11 ms. Similarly, six CT modules, placed on three wafers, can result in the backprojected image in 87 ms. Corresponding numbers for 1.0 /spl mu/m technology are estimated at 2 ms for the Hough transform and 21 ms for the CT backprojected image because of higher clock rate and more processing cells on the wafers. >
Binary Legume–Grass Mixtures Improve Forage Yield, Quality, and Seasonal Distribution

greater stand longevity than legume or grass monocultures (Droslom and Smith, 1976). Yield and forage quality of kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum Although exceptions exist, compatible legume‐grass Bieb.) and intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium mixtures usually yield more than any single component (Host.) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey] mixtures compared with commonly grown in monoculture (Roberts and Olson, 1942; Aberg grown forages such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) have not been fully explored. Our et al., 1943). Wilsie (1949) noted, however, that alfalfa‐ objective was to evaluate the effects of alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus grass mixtures did not yield more forage than alfalfa corniculatus L.), and kura clover grown in binary mixtures with or- alone when alfalfa was seeded at a high rate; Wilsie also chardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), smooth bromegrass, and interme- concluded that alfalfa was the best legume to grow with diate wheatgrass on seasonal distribution of forage yield and quality. smooth bromegrass. Even though alfalfa‐grass mixtures Plots of each species in monoculture and binary legume‐grass mix- have received much acclaim, several studies (Fuelleman tures were established in a randomized complete block design in 1994 et al., 1943; Rather and Harrison, 1944; Koonce, 1946; near Boone, IA. Yield was measured monthly during the 1995 and Mooso and Wedin, 1990) concluded that mixtures offer 1996 seasons. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutrallittle yield advantage over alfalfa monocultures when detergent fiber (NDF), and crude protein (CP) concentrations were harvested as hay.
Suppression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral load with selenium supplementation: a randomized controlled trial.

Background Despite findings that selenium supplementation may improve immune functioning, definitive evidence of its impact on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease severity is lacking. Methods High selenium yeast supplementation (200 μg/d) was evaluated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Intention-to-treat analyses assessed the effect on HIV-1 viral load and CD4 count after 9 months of treatment. Unless otherwise indicated, values are presented as mean ± SD. Results Of the 450 HIV-1–seropositive men and women who underwent screening, 262 initiated treatment and 174 completed the 9-month follow-up assessment. Mean adherence to study treatment was good (73.0% ± 24.7%) with no related adverse events. The intention-to-treat analyses indicated that the mean change (Δ) in serum selenium concentration increased significantly in the selenium-treated group and not the placebo-treated group (Δ = 32.2 ± 24.5 vs 0.5 ± 8.8 μg/L; P P P 10 units), and decreased CD4 count (Δ = −25.8 ± 147.4 cells/μL). In contrast, selenium-treated subjects whose serum selenium increase was greater than 26.1 μg/L evidenced excellent treatment adherence (86.2% ± 13.0%), no change in HIV-1 viral load (Δ = −0.04 ± 0.7 log 10 units), and an increase in CD4 count (Δ = +27.9 ± 150.2 cells/μL). Conclusions Daily selenium supplementation can suppress the progression of HIV-1 viral burden and provide indirect improvement of CD4 count. The results support the use of selenium as a simple, inexpensive, and safe adjunct therapy in HIV spectrum disease. Trial Registration isrctn.org Identifier:ISRCTN22553118
The effect of blastomere biopsy on preimplantation mouse embryo development and global gene expression

The blastomere biopsy procedure does not affect preimplantation embryo development or global patterns of gene expression in a mouse model of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). However, zona breaching, which is inherent to the blastomere biopsy procedure, causes significant premature and sometimes abnormal hatching.
Genetic analysis of agronomic and fibre traits using four interspecific chromosome substitution lines in cotton

Backcrossed chromosome substitution lines (CS-B) have been developed with a homologous pair of chromosomes or chromosome arms of Gossypium barbadense (3-79) germplasm substituted for the homologous Gossypium hirsutum (TM-1) chromosomes or chromosome segments. We report on agronomic and fibre trait performance of four backcrossed chromosome or chromosome arm substitution lines including chromosomes 01, 11sh (chromosome 11 short arm), 12 sh and 26 Lo (chromosome 26 long arm). Data for agronomic and fibre traits were collected from replicated field experiments at two different locations in 2 years, and analysed under an additive dominance genetic model. CS-B 12sh had higher, while CS-B 01 and CS-B 26Lo had lower boll weight than TM-1. The presence of significant negative additive effects for micronaire with CS-B 01 and significant positive additive effects for elongation and fibre strength with CS-B 11sh suggested the substituted chromosome arms of 3-79 in these CS-B lines were more likely carrying genes causing these effects. Results revealed that several CS-B lines had significant homozygous and heterozygous dominance effects for different agronomic and fibre traits suggesting that specific CS-B lines may be useful for improving agronomic and fibre traits in hybrid cottons. These CS-B lines also provide novel genetic resources for improving upland cotton germplasm.
Virtual Channels Planning for Networks-on-Chip

The virtual channel flow control (VCFC) provides an efficient implementation for on-chip networks. However, allocating the virtual channels (VCs) uniformly results in a waste of area and significant leakage power, especially at nanoscale. To remedy this situation, the paper proposed a novel approach for customizing the virtual channels allocation based on the traffic characteristics of the target application. Towards this end, the authors first develop an algorithm that calculates the port contention rates and expected bandwidth at each router in the network. Using this information, the authors add VCs only to the channels with the highest bandwidth usage. The simulation results involving synthetic and real applications show more than 40% buffer savings compared to uniform VC allocation, while achieving similar performance levels
RF MEMS Switchable Slot Patch Antenna Integrated With Bias Network

The functionality of the patch antenna with switchable slot (PASS) is realized by integrating a commercially packaged MEMS (microelectromechanical system) switch and a novel bias network. The proposed antenna includes the fully integrated dc bias network capable of actuating the MEMS switch on the slot. The bias network can minimize the interference between dc bias and RF radiation mechanism with a negligible loss. By using a MEMS switch and the bias network, the patch antenna operates at 4.57 GHz and 4.88 GHz. The fabricated design shows acceptable return losses and directivities at the broadside direction when the switch is on and off. The influence of RF MEMS switch on the antenna impedance and radiation pattern is addressed.
Research on subjective symptoms and mobile telephony

In summary, the published laboratory research, to date, on electromagnetic hypersensitivity and subjective symptoms from exposures to cell-phone RF fields are very limited. One study suffered from a single-blind design, and the exposure conditions were not randomized. The other was a carefully executed, double-blind study with randomized exposures. The statistical strength was weakened by a small number of subjects in the study. Nevertheless, the evidence now available suggests that, while the reported hypersensitivity and subjective symptoms may be real, the question whether they are associated with cell-phone use must await more comprehensive studies.
Poststreptococcal Reactive Arthritis in Adults: A Case Series

Objective To guide primary care physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (PSReA) in adults. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed an indexed database of all patients evaluated or hospitalized between 1976 and 1998 at Mayo Clinic Rochester and identified 35 patients with the diagnosis of reactive streptococcal arthritis, arthralgia, or arthritides. Twenty-nine patients with the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), septic streptococcal arthritis, or nonspecific reactive arthritis were excluded. Results PSReA was confirmed in 6 adults (3 women, 3 men; age range, 25–66 years). All patients were symptomatic with polyarthritis and oligoarthritis disproportionate to the objective findings on physical examination. Although all patients had negative throat cultures at the onset of arthritis, increased titers of anti-DNase B and antistreptolysin O confirmed recent streptococcal infection. Antecedent events included pharyngitis in 3 patients (who had received a minimum of a 10-day course of penicillin) and toxic shock syndrome in 1 patient. The latency of onset of arthritis ranged from 4 days to 6 weeks. The arthritic symptoms had a protracted course beyond the typical maximum of 3 weeks described for ARF. Treatment with aspirin did not provide symptomatic relief in any of the patients, whereas the response to therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was at least partial in all cases. Symptomatic relief occurred in 1 patient who received indomethacin and in 1 patient treated with prednisone. Penicillin prophylaxis was recommended in 1 patient. Conclusion PSReA should be included in the differential diagnosis of all adult patients presenting with arthritis. Treatment strategies include aspirin, other NSAIDs, and corticosteroids. In adult patients with PSReA, there is no evidence to support the use of penicillin prophylaxis at this time.
Influence of mitral valve morphology on mitral balloon commissurotomy: immediate and six-month results from the NHLBI Balloon Valvuloplasty Registry.

Abstract Echocardiographic data were analyzed in 555 patients undergoing mitral balloon commissurotomy (MBC). Patients were enrolled in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Balloon Valvuloplasty Registry from 24 centers. There were 456 women and 99 men with a mean age of 54 years. Before MBC the two-dimensional echocardiographic variables of mitral valve thickness, mobility, calcification, and subvalvular disease were evaluated and assigned scores of 1 to 4. The mitral valve morphology score was related to mitral valve area (MVA) measured after MBC by cardiac catheterization. The leaflet mobility score was related to the immediate post-MBC MVA: 2.2 ± 0.8 cm 2 for grade 1, 1.9 ± 0.7 cm 2 for grade 2, 1.7 ± 0.7 cm 2 for grade 3, and 1.9 ± 0.9 cm 2 for grade 4 ( p r = −0.24), which was persistent at 6 months after MBC ( r = −0.25). Multiple regression analysis showed that the MVA after MBC is predicted by pre-MBC MVA ( p p = 0.01), balloon diameter ( p = 0.02), cardiac output ( p = 0.004), and leaflet mobility ( p = 0.01). The R 2 of the model was 0.31 ( p
Rural Veterans and Telemental Health Service Delivery

A variety of mental health disorders has been associated with increased rurality in veteran populations. Veterans, particularly those living in rural or remote areas, face a number of barriers to accessing specialized health services. This problem is expected to intensify with the increase of returning veterans. In order to help address such barriers and fulfill their commitment to provide all veterans access to evidence-based interventions, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) advocates using nonconventional modes of service delivery. Telemental health (TMH), which is the provision of mental health treatments delivered via telecommunications, offers a number of advantages over traditional treatment approaches and has been used as a delivery modality for psychological interventions with veterans. The clinical considerations, cost-effectiveness, limitations, dissemination efforts, and challenges to using TMH are presented.
Insider Trading in REITs: Evidence from Informed Stock Option Exercise Around Seasoned Equity Offerings

By merging real estate investment trust (REIT) seasoned equity offering (SEO) data with executive option exercise data, we investigate insider trading implications around REIT SEOs. Event study res...
Knowledge and innovation: Musings from the 2015 GIKA Ivory Tower

Abstract This article builds from the keynote address delivered by the author at the 2015 Global Innovation and Knowledge Academy (GIKA) conference held in Valencia, Spain. The author elucidates the terms knowledge and innovation and then discusses the current issues facing the innovation process. Following this, he points out the opportunities for innovation and ends by offering a configuration to aid in generating new offering ideas in the 21st century.
Sweeping as a site of temporal brokerage: Linking town and forest in Mozambique

Building on 18 months of ethnographic research between 2007 and 2011 in Mozambique, this article explores how sweeping practices elaborate multiple temporalities and thus can serve as powerful sites of “brokerage” where diverse actors and their many agendas meet. Sweeping renders daily activities legible to local residents and illegible to others. Daily sweeping just outside of the home signifies a day’s routine beginning and a family’s availability for receiving visitors. Sweeping also prevents the rapidly growing miombo woodland undergrowth from invading the home space, which partly explains differences in why many local residents see the woodlands as advancing and environmentalists’ argue that the “forest” is disappearing due to illegal logging. Limited understandings of sweeping as banal or wasted time miss the links between many urban-based non-governmental organization and activist practitioners who implement their projects in rural areas. Sweeping blurs and challenges assumed boundaries between urb...
Mortality deceleration is not informative of unobserved heterogeneity in open groups

Studies of mortality deceleration sometimes use the order of deceleration between two groups—such as birth cohorts or subpopulations defined by race or sex—to draw conclusions about population heterogeneity. These studies often draw on the fact that between two closed groups, ceteris paribus, the higher-mortality group will decelerate at a younger age. This paper gives a first consideration to the order of deceleration between open groups. I construct a model with a one-way flow from ‘healthy’ to ‘sick’ status and, crucially, assume that a subset of the cohort has elevated risk for both sickness and death. Using simulations designed to resemble, in the aggregate, cohorts in the Human Mortality Database, I show that mortality deceleration order in such a cohort is essentially unpredictable because it depends on the interaction between a large number of parameters, some of which are unobserved in empirical data. These results suggest that it may be challenging to extend the study of mortality deceleration to include open groups whose memberships are selected for frailty or robustness, while still drawing meaningful conclusions about population heterogeneity.
Research on literacy instruction and learning in virtual, blended and hybrid environments

Drawing on current literacy research, the goals of this chapter are to examine and synthesize the relevant research and best practices associated with literacy learning and teaching in virtual, blended and hybrid environments in K-12 settings. While the research base for literacy education in virtual schools, blended, and hybrid learning environments is significantly limited, it is supported by research done in the field of literacy education investigating reading and writing in online spaces. This chapter provides specific recommendations and implications for writing instruction and reading instruction in online education spaces, and in addition, implications for future research are provided.
SecDCP: secure dynamic cache partitioning for efficient timing channel protection

In today's multicore processors, the last-level cache is often shared by multiple concurrently running processes to make efficient use of hardware resources. However, previous studies have shown that a shared cache is vulnerable to timing channel attacks that leak confidential information from one process to another. Static cache partitioning can eliminate the cache timing channels but incurs significant performance overhead. In this paper, we propose Secure Dynamic Cache Partitioning (SecDCP), a partitioning technique that defeats cache timing channel attacks. The SecDCP scheme changes the size of cache partitions at run time for better performance while preventing insecure information leakage between processes. For cache-sensitive multiprogram workloads, our experimental results show that SecDCP improves performance by up to 43% and by an average of 12.5% over static cache partitioning.
The Prelude: Burma 1942–1945

In many respects, Douglas David Gracey epitomised the high-Victorian ideals of the British Empire. He was born in Gorakhpur in India in 1894. The progeny of a civil servant, Gracey was, as one would have expected, sent to England for his education. First of all he attended Blundell’s independent boarding school in Devon. From there Gracey progressed to the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, in Berkshire. Upon graduating from Sandhurst in 1914, he was commissioned to the 1st King George’s Own Gurkha Rifles in the Indian Army. It was a natural appointment. Gracey was fluent in the Gorkhali language, and he could therefore easily converse with his Gurkha troops in their native tongue.
Reclaiming agency: Justice-oriented social studies teachers respond to changing curricular standards

Abstract Emphases on high-stakes testing and accountability can undermine teachers' ability to use their professional expertise to respond to the localized needs of their students. For justice-oriented teachers, they also create ideological conflicts, as teachers are forced to navigate increasingly prescriptive curricular mandates. In this article, we examine how justice-oriented veteran social studies teachers in the United States use their disciplinary expertise and professional agency to respond strategically to the influence of the Common Core State Standards on their discipline. We conclude by discussing the implications for preparing candidates to teach for social justice in accountability-driven contexts.