cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Case of Isolated Pulmonary Mycobacterium Avium Complex Being the First Presentation of a Newly Diagnosed HIV/AIDS.

We report a case of a 39-year-old HIV positive transgender female with isolated manifestations of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. Although MAC infection is common in immunocompromised patients, the classical presentation is extra-pulmonary. Pulmonary MAC infection is extremely rare. The majority of cases involve patients with underlying structural lung disease. There are no case reports of isolated pulmonary MAC in HIV/AIDS patients without any structural lung disease in the last 17 years. Also, we have not found any cases of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary MAC being the initial presentation.
Role of regulatory T cells on a simple tumor-immune interaction system

Abstract Recent advances in the field of regulatory T cells reveal that these cells play a vital role during immunotherapy. For example, a higher ratio between regulatory T cells and effector T cells within tumor tissue is associated with worse prognoses in many cancers, including ovarian cancer (Leffers et al., 2009), lung cancer (Tao et al., 2012), glioblastoma (Sayour et al., 2015). On the other hand, the tug of war between regulatory T cells and effector T cells for interleukin-2 may chisel the immune response against cancer. In this work, we study a mathematical model that investigates the role of regulatory T cells during immunotherapy. We demonstrate mathematically, for the first time, that the initial ratio between regulatory T cells and effector T cells does impact the tumor recurrence time. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of utilization of IL-2 may flip the outcome of immunotherapy, providing further evidence that it may be clinically viable to modulate the consumption of IL-2 by Tregs.
Interhospital Transport of Children with Seizures or Status Epilepticus: A Single-center Experience

Background: Seizures are a common cause for hospitalizations in children, with status epilepticus (SE) being the most common pediatric neurologic emergency. We hypothesize that opportunities exist for improving transport and healthcare resource utilization for this patient population. We aimed to describe our institution’s experience with children transferred for seizures/SE and identify areas to focus transport-related quality improvement and education. Methodology: Retrospective chart review of children aged ≤18 years transferred to Johns Hopkins for management of seizures/SE in 2019. Discussion: 143 (4.3%) of 3,331 transferred children were …
DAMOCLES: an observer-based approach to design tracking

The first phase of DAMOCLES, which involves developing a data management system subset of an entire design tracking system using the observer approach, is described. The designer is provided with a cockpit data management view of the project, without changing the way in which design groups do data management. The observer approach creates a cockpit view for the designer without changing the current point-task view. The cockpit view presents a designer with a design state perspective consisting of an object-oriented view of design data, tool flow and methodology information, history and audit trail information, etc. The designer can use the cockpit view to get the larger picture about project progress as and when the designer chooses. This view is extracted from the traditional designer environment by DAMOCLES while the designer is working through the point-task view. >
A Cross-Blockchain Approach to Emergency Medical Information

Accessing a patient’s information across data sharing networks is a challenging task. For a client application to request a patient’s data, it has to first refer to a centralized repository for demographic information to identify the patient. Then the search will be continued for patients’ clinical and medical data that may exist in different centralized data sharing networks. This approach poses a risk on data availability especially in emergency instances because centralized data sources can be attractive targets for cyberattack (Peterson et al., J. Med. Syst. 63:425–432, 2016) or can be a single point of failure. Other problems can be data privacy and security associated with the centralized authority and governance of data (Wu and LaRue, Int. J. Nurs. Sci. 4:410–417, 2017). In this chapter, we introduce a cross-blockchain-based data search service that avoids centralized data risks. This search service consists of emergency data services that enable first responders to request and receive relevant emergency data across multiple Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) networks. It also allows first responders’ care reports to be sent back to the networks where patient’s data is retrieved from. Patients’ treatment data is recorded and updated on the ledger. We have implemented our approach by creating two HLF networks consisting of two hospitals and one client application, which enables first responders to look up a patient’s data and add the care report by connecting to these networks.
Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia: Diagnosis and Treatment Interventions

The diagnosis and treatment of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia is challenging and often delayed because of overlapping symptoms with more common dementia syndromes or primary psychiatric illnesses. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relevant presentation, diagnostic workup, pathophysiology, and both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management. Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia is a highly heritable disorder. The gradual accumulation of diseased protein culminates in the destruction of those brain circuits responsible for much of one’s emotional and social functioning. Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a far-reaching impact on patients and caregivers. Patients often present with emotional blunting, lack of empathy, apathy, and behavioral disinhibition. Non-pharmacologic interventions and caregiver support are the cornerstone of treatment. The use of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine is not supported by the evidence. While current pharmacologic therapies target only certain symptoms, there are disease modifying agents currently in or nearing the clinical research stage.
Yield and Predictors of Surveillance Colonoscopies in Older Adults With Long-standing Ulcerative Colitis.

Background & Aims Although colonoscopies for dysplasia surveillance are standard of care in patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC), there is a paucity of data on the yield of surveillance colonoscopies in those older than 75 years of age. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study including patients with UC who underwent ≥1 colonoscopy at age ≥75 years. The primary outcome was diagnosis of dysplasia (visible or random) and colorectal cancer. Multivariable regression adjusted for relevant confounders examined the predictors of polypoid or non-polypoid dysplasia or colorectal cancer. Results The primary cohort included 211 patients with UC who underwent 635 colonoscopies after age ≥75 years. A total of 83 patients (39.3%) patients had dysplasia or cancer detected. Among colonoscopies, 123 (19.4%) identified visible dysplasia, 23 (3.6%) had random dysplasia (1 high-grade dysplasia found in each group, respectively), and 5 (0.8%) had colon cancer. In multivariable analysis, prior adenoma or colon cancer below age 75 tears (odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–3.96), flat dysplasia before 75 years (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.05–7.44), and older age (80-84 years (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.20–4.38), ≥85 years (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.27–9.82) were associated with detection of dysplasia or cancer. Only 1 patient was noted to have a procedure-related complication. Conclusions Patients with long-standing UC without prior dysplasia may have a low yield on continued endoscopic surveillance at age ≥75 years. A targeted approach to surveillance may be appropriate in older individuals with UC.
Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Variants Modulate the Microscopic Dynamics of Neutralizing Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies have emerged as viable treatment for the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. But the new viral variants can reduce the efficacy of the currently available antibodies, as well as diminish the vaccine induced immunity. Here, we demonstrate how the microscopic dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, can be modulated by the mutations present in the spike proteins of the variants currently circulating in the world population. We show that the dynamical perturbation in the antibody structure can be diverse, depending both on the nature of the antibody and on the location of the mutation. The correlated motion between the antibody and the receptor binding domain (RBD) can also be changed, altering the binding affinity. By constructing a protein graph connectivity network, we could delineate the mutant induced modifications in the allosteric information flow pathway through the antibody, and observed the presence of both localized and long distance effects. We identified a loop consisting of residues 470-490 in the RBD which works like an anchor preventing the detachment of the antibodies, and individual mutations in that region can significantly affect the antibody binding propensity. Our study provides fundamental and atomistically detailed insight on how virus neutralization by monoclonal antibody can be impacted by the mutations in the epitope, and can potentially facilitate the rational design of monoclonal antibodies, effective against the new variants of the novel coronavirus.
Can transactions enhance parallel programs

Transactional programming constructs have been proposed as key elements of advanced parallel programming models. Currently, it is not well understood to what extent such constructs enable efficient parallel program implementations and ease parallel programming beyond what is possible with existing techniques. To help answer these questions, we investigate the technology underlying transactions and compare it to existing parallelization techniques. We also consider the most important parallelizing transformation techniques and look for opportunities to further improve them through transactional constructs or - vice versa - to improve transactions with these transformations. Finally, we evaluate the use of transactions in the SPEC OMP benchmarks.
Role of vasopressin and oxytocin in the control of social behavior in Syrian hamsters(Mesocricetus auratus

Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) play an important role in regulating social behavior in a variety of species as a result of their actions in the central nervous system. The following paper reviews the actions of VP and OT in controlling a range of social behaviors involved in communication, aggression and reproduction in the Syrian hamster. These data suggest that social and hormonal stimuli alter the expression of specific social behaviors by altering the release of, or the response to, VP and OT within key elements of the neural circuits controlling these behaviors.
Meeting Arbitrary QoS Constraints Using Dynamic Rate Shaping of Coded Digital Video

We introduce the concept of Dynamic Rate Shaping, a technique to adapt the rate of compressed video bitstreams (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, H.261, as well as JPEG) to dynamically varying rate (and delay) constraints. The approach provides an interface (or filter) between the encoder and the network, with which the encoder's output can be perfectly matched to the network's quality of service characteristics. Since the presented algorithms do not require interaction with the encoder, they are fully applicable to precoded, stored video (as in, for example, video-on-demand systems). By providing decoupling of the encoder and the network, universal interoperability can be achieved. A set of lowcomplexity algorithms for dynamic rate shaping is presented, and both optimal and extremely fast designs are discussed. The latter are simple enough to allow software-based implementation. Experimental results are provided using actual MPEG-2 bitstreams.
Bluetooth simulations for wireless sensor networks using GTNetS

We introduce a simulation environment for wireless sensor networks using the Bluetooth wireless protocol in our Georgia Tech Network Simulator (GTNetS). Our goal is to explore the applicability of the Bluetooth protocol for wireless sensor networks. Our Bluetooth simulator implements detailed behavior of lower layers of the Bluetooth protocol stack, including baseband, LMP, L2CAP, and BNEP, with the emphasis on interference resilient and power efficient characteristics. The implementation is based on the design of GTNetS and will allow our Bluetooth simulator to be used for large-scale network simulations once an effective scatternet protocol implementation is completed. Further, our Bluetooth simulator is designed by using a strict layered model, which makes it easy to extend in order to accommodate modifications to the Bluetooth protocol or new MAC protocols for sensor networks. We present some simulation results with a simple network configuration to measure the performance of Bluetooth networks in terms of power consumption.
Spontaneous abortion incidence in the treatment of infertility

Analysis of published series indicates that, irrespective of the method of data collection, close agreement exists on empirically derived incidences of spontaneous abortion in North American populations, provided that age, previous abortion history, and gravidity are controlled. The normal incidence of clinically apparent abortion among first pregnancies in women under age 30 years is in the range 8.3% to 11.0%. A comprehensive analysis of published series on pregnancies after infertility treatment indicates that only three therapeutic methods are attended by an abortion incidence that approaches this asymptote: ovulation induction with bromocriptine in hyperprolactinemic anovulation (11.8%; n = 1,233 pregnancies); artificial insemination with donor semen for azoospermia (11.4%; n = 326 first pregnancies); and operation for endometriosis (9.3%; n = 768 pregnancies). Abortion incidences accompanying other modes of therapy are higher. Because increased abortion incidence is not generally recognized as a specific reproductive difficulty in infertile couples, as are the other two: i.e., refractory infertility despite technically adequate therapy and ectopic pregnancy, plausible physiologic mechanisms for abortions in specific categories of disease or treatment type are described and discussed in detail. Moreover, abortion incidence is proposed to be a sensitive and objective parameter with which to assess distortions in human reproductive physiology, especially when competing methods of infertility treatment have overall pregnancy outcomes that are thought to be similar.
Terrorism, Ticking Time-Bombs, and Torture: A Philosophical Analysis by Fritz Allhoff

If you are in the hunt for a clearly organized, robust and unabashedly consequentialist defence of torture, this may be the book you are looking for. I say ‘consequentialist’ rather than ‘utilitari...
Teaching Global History: A Social Studies Approach

Preface Part I - Designing a Global History Curriculum 1. What is a social studies approach to global history? 2. Debating Curriculum: What is important to know and why? 3. How should global history teachers address controversial or sensitive issues? 4. Why is Global History usually European chronology with tangents? 5. What does a theme-based Global history curriculum look like? Part 1 - BC: Before Columbus 6. What does a theme-based Global history curriculum look like? Part 2 - AD: After the Deluge Part II - Debating Global History 7. The Grand Narrative of Western Civilization 8. If Chinese Historians Wrote the Global History Curriculum 9. Who and what gets included in history? 10. Religion in Human History 11. Revolutionary Movements in the Twentieth Century 12. Teaching about the European Holocaust and Genocide Part III - Waves of Global Integration 13. Three Waves of Global Integration 14. Columbian Exchange and the Age of Colonialism (1420-1763) 15. Imperialism: The Eagle's Talons 16. Globalization: The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse Part IV - Resources 17. Online Resources for Teachers and Students 18. Autobiographies, Historical Fiction, and Movies 19. Lesson Plan Formats 20. Implementing the Great Irish Famine Curriculum
Taming the River: Negotiating the Academic, Financial, and Social Currents in Selective Colleges and Universities

List of Tables and Figures vii Acknowledgments xi Chapter 1: Entering the Current 1 Chapter 2: Staying Afloat Academically 22 Chapter 3: Staying Afloat Socially 71 Chapter 4: Staying Afloat Financially 99 Chapter 5: Battling Social Undercurrents 119 Chapter 6: The Hidden Rocks of Segregation 150 Chapter 7: The Shoals of Stereotypes 173 Chapter 8: The Wake from Affirmative Action 188 Chapter 9: College at Midstream 205 Appendix A: Questionnaire Used in Spring of Freshman Year 235 Appendix B: Questionnaire Used in Spring of Sophomore Year 252 Appendix C: Construction of Social Scales 273 References 279 Index 295
Presentation of mycobacterial antigens by human dendritic cells : lack of transfer from infected macrophages

When exposed to a challenge of 10 Mycobacterium bovis BCG cells per antigen-presenting cell, most human monocytes engulf several organisms. In contrast, blood dendritic cells which are potent antigen-presenting cells for several antigens are not detectably phagocytic for mycobacteria. We investigated the possibility that infected macrophages might regurgitate antigens for presentation by populations of human blood dendritic cells. Macrophages were infected with M. bovis BCG, mixed with uninfected dendritic cells, and added to immune T cells, either bulk T cells or cloned populations from BCG vaccinees or patients recovering from tuberculosis. The macrophages were from donors who were mismatched to the T cells so that transfer of antigen to major histocompatibility complex-matched dendritic cells could be evaluated. As we describe, there was no evidence for the transfer of mycobacterial antigens from macrophages to dendritic cells in a form that was stimulatory for the T cells.
A Prospective Study of Posturography in Normal Older People

OBJECTIVE: To follow posturographic measurements over time in a group of normal older subjects to see if sway increases with aging and if sway is greater in those with deteriorating balance and falls. SUBJECTS: Seventy-two community-dwelling older people (age range 79–91 years), who initially had normal neurological evaluations, were followed with three yearly follow-up examinations. MEASUREMENTS: Amplitude and velocity of sway on static and dynamic posturography, Tinetti gait and balance score, reports of falls. RESULTS: Velocity of sway on dynamic tests increased significantly during the 3 years of follow-up. The percentage increase in sway was about the same in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions and with eyes open and eyes closed. Subjects with low Tinetti scores had higher sway amplitude and velocity, particularly on dynamic tests, but no measure of sway was significantly different in those who reported falls compared with those who did not report falls. CONCLUSIONS: Sway increases in normal subjects over time, and sway is greater in older subjects with deteriorating balance compared with those with normal balance. Sway was not greater in those who fell compared with those who did not fall, probably because falls are highly dependent on individual behavior.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci from the western corn rootworm (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and cross-amplification with other Diabrotica spp

Corn rootworms ( Diabrotica spp.) make up the major insect pest complex of corn in the US and Europe, and there is a need for molecular markers for genetics studies. We used an enrichment strategy to develop microsatellite markers from the western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera ). Of 54 loci isolated, 25 were polymorphic, and of these, 17 were surveyed for variability in 59 wild individuals. In addition, the potential for cross-amplification of these microsatellites was surveyed for Mexican, northern, and southern corn rootworms. Nine microsatellite loci showed Mendelian inheritance and are likely to be useful in population genetics studies.
Prediction of postmenopausal fracture risk with use of bone mineral measurements.

Abstract In a study of 1098 women (mean age, 63.3 years) nonspine fracture incidence and prevalence rates and spine fracture prevalence rates were compared by quinitile of bone mineral content at the proximal radius, distal radius, os calcis, and lumbar spine. The risk of fracture associated with varying bone mineral content levels was explored with use of estimated odds ratios. Risk of fracture is significantly increased with diminishing quintiles of bone mineral content. Subjects in the lowest quintile of os calcis bone mineral content have a nonspine fracture risk 10 times greater than subjects in the highest bone mineral content quintile. The os calcis bone mineral content measurement is the best predictor of nonspine fracture risk and is also the best overall indicator of spine fracture risk. Therefore measurement of os calcis bone mineral content may be useful for routine risk evaluation of perimenopausal women. The ability to predict individual risk should allow for more rational preventive regimens.
Effect of alternating electric current on the nanoindentation of copper

Electromechanical interaction determines the structural reliability of electronic interconnects. Using the nanoindentation technique, the effect of alternating electric current on the indentation deformation of copper strips was studied for the indentation load in a range of 100 to 1600 μN at room temperature. During the test, an alternating electric current of the electric current density in a range of 1.25 to 4.88 kA/cm2 was passed through the copper strips. The indentation results showed that the reduced contact modulus decreased linearly with increasing the electric current density. The indentation hardness decreased with increasing the indentation deformation, demonstrating the normal indentation size effect. Using the model of strain gradient plasticity, we found that the strain gradient underneath the indentation decreased slightly with increasing the electric current density for the same indentation depth.
Phillis Wheatley and the Sentimental Tradition

This essay describes critics’ relations to sentimentality, and then situates Phillis Wheatley’s poetry within it. Carefully distinguishing between Enlightenment poetry of sensibility and nineteenth-century sentimental poetry allows us to recognize Wheatley as among the first innovators of sentimentality, and it is precisely the politics of “race” which promotes such an innovation. Wheatley’s poetry presents us with a manifesto of sentimentality. She discovered the advantages, in the task of overcoming poetical oppression, of constructing a sentimental poetry that is genuinely intersubjective rather than subjective. What this examination of Wheatley’s work shows us is that the Romantic, expressivist aesthetic, allegedly so spontaneous, can be seen as in fact much more manipulative – at least politically – than Wheatley’s innovative, sentimentalist form.
Antigen Binding Specificity of Antibodies Patterned by Microcontact Printing

The ability to pattern functional biomolecules onto surfaces at the micrometer scale is critical to a large number of important biological methods. Since devices such as microarrays and biosensors, or surfaces for generation of complex cellular networks, require such “bioselective” surfaces, it is important to verify the functionality of the patterned biomolecules. Patterning of antibodies onto substrates by microcontact printing or soft lithography has been previously demonstrated, but the ability of these antibodies to selectively bind antigens has not been fully explored. This work re-examines the transfer of antibodies from elastomer stamps onto glass coverslips and documents the antigen-binding capabilities of these antibodies. Various microcontact print (MCP) applied antibodies are tested for selectivity in binding fluorescence-conjugated antigens or antigens detected with fluorescently labeled molecules, which are quantified by wide-field fluorescent microscopy. The fluorescence intensity of bound ...
Pisum sativum Mitochondrial Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Can Be Assembled as a Functional α2β2 Heterotetramer in the Cytoplasm of Pichia pastoris

Abstract Pea ( Pisum sativum ) mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1) was produced by coexpression of the mature α and β subunits in the cytoplasm of the yeast Pichia pastoris. Size-exclusion chromatography of recombinant E1, using a Superose 12 column, yielded a peak at M r 160,000 that contained both α and β subunits as well as E1 activity. This corresponds to the size of native α 2 β 2 E1. Recombinant E1α (His 6 )-E1β was purified by affinity chromatography using immobilized Ni + , with a yield of 2.8 mg L −1 . The pyruvate-decarboxylating activity of recombinant E1 was dependent upon added Mg 2+ and thiamin-pyrophosphate and was enhanced by the oxidant potassium ferricyanide. Native pea mitochondrial E1-kinase catalyzed phosphorylation of Ser residues in the α-subunit of recombinant E1, with concomitant loss of enzymatic activity. Thus, mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase can be assembled in the cytoplasm of P. pastoris into an α 2 β 2 heterotetramer that is both catalytically active and competent for regulatory phosphorylation.
Linear model‐dependent control

Model-dependent control for single-input/single-output discrete-time linear systems is introduced. It is a powerful controller design method that effectively handles open-loop instability, inverse response, and time delays. Only two parameters need to be tuned, and these directly influence control quality and robustness. Two examples demonstrate the power and versatility of the method.
The Darwin Workspace Environment for remote access to aeronautics data

In a collaborative effort between researchers at the NASA Ames Research Center and Stanford University, information technologies are being applied to the problem of improving the design process for the aeronautics industry. Two prototype systems developed by the participants address enhancing the utility of both experimental and numerical data. The DARWIN Workspace Environment (DWE) is a powerful system for remotely accessing and reviewing wind tunnel test data, while the Integrated Computational System (ICS) provides innovative tools for extracting and visualizing flow features from computational solutions. The hosting of the ICS within the DWE demonstrates the future capability of remote aeronautics design analysis.
Multidimensional modeling of combustion for a six-mode emissions test cycle on a DI diesel engine

Numerical simulations of direct injection (DI) heavy-duty diesel engine combustion over the entire engine operating range were conducted using the KIVA code, with modifications to the spray, combustion, turbulence, and heat transfer models. In this work, the effect of the rates of species conversion from reactants to products in the combustion model was investigated, and a characteristic-time combustion model was formulated to allow consideration of multiple characteristic time scales for the major chemical species. In addition, the effect of engine operating conditions on the model formulation was assessed, and correlations were introduced into the combustion model to account for the effects of residual gas and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). The predictions were compared with extensive engine test data. The calculation results had good overall agreement with the experimental cylinder pressure and heat release results, and the multiple-time-scale combustion model is shown to give improved emissions predictions compared to a previous single-time-scale model. Overall, the NO{sub x} predictions are in good agreement with the experiments. The soot predictions are also in reasonable agreement with the measured particulates at medium and high loads. However, at light loads, the agreement deteriorates, possibly due to the neglect of the contribution of SOF in themore » soot model predictions.« less
The mechanism and protobiochemical relevance of dicyanamide-mediated peptide synthesis

Abstract The mechanism by which dicyanamide promotes the synthesis of diglycine from glycine in aqueous solution has been investigated in detail using 14C- a nd 3H-labeled compounds. It was found that protonation of both the dicyanamide anion and the glycine carboxylate group are required for dipeptide synthesis. Peptide bond formation is apparently initiated by reaction of the glycine carboxyl group with dicyanamide to form an unstable intermediate which undergoes nucleophilic attack by the amino group of a second glycine molecule, resulting in the production of diglycine and cyanurea. N-cyano-N′-glycylurea occurs in the reaction mixture as a prominent side product, suggesting that dicyanamide induces peptide bond formation via an intermediate similar to that postulated in the case of the dialkylcarbodiimides. The limiting factor in dicyanamide-mediated diglycine synthesis is the aminecatalyzed dimerization of dicyanamide to N,N,N′-tricyanoguanidine, a compound inactive in peptide bond formation. The primary intermediate involved in this reaction is the amine adduct of glycine and dicyanamide, i.e., N-cyano-N′-carboxymethylguanidine. Enhanced yields of diglycine, as well as appreciable yields of triglycine and tetraglycine, were obtained by slowly adding dicyanamide to reaction mixtures initially containing glycine and HCl. The possible role of dicyanamide-mediated polypeptide synthesis in prebiological chemical evolution is discussed.
Expression of e‐selectin messenger RNA and protein in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To examine the de novo synthesis and cellular distribution of the E-selectin adhesion molecule in synovial tissues obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Immunohistochemistry techniques combined with in situ hybridization were used to examine RA synovium. Results. There were numerous endothelial cells positive for E-selectin and E-selectin messenger RNA in the RA synovial membranes. Moreover, E-selectin expression appeared to correlate with inflammatory activity. Conclusion. The strong vascular expression of E-selectin indicates an activation of endothelial cells in the recruitment of cells associated with the chronic inflammation of RA.
Patella alta: association with patellofemoral alignment and changes in contact area during weight-bearing.

To The Editor: I read with interest the paper “Patella Alta: Association with Patellofemoral Alignment and Changes in Contact Area During Weight-Bearing” (2007;89:1749-55), by Ward et al. I would like to make the following points. First, in the introduction, the authors reference a study by Moller et al.1, conducted on rabbits, purporting a weak association between the position of the patella relative to the femur and patellofemoral malalignment. However, this statement may not be applicable to the human patella because substantial anatomical and …
Neighborhood socioeconomic status is associated with violent reinjury.

Abstract Background Measures of individual socioeconomic status correlate with recurrent violent injury; however, neighborhood socioeconomic status may also matter. We conducted a review of victims of interpersonal violence treated at our trauma center, hypothesizing that the percent of the population living under the poverty level in their neighborhood is associated with recurrent violent victimization. Materials and methods We identified victims of interpersonal violence, ages 12–24, in our trauma registry from 2005–2010. Recurrent episodes of violent injury were identified through 2012. The percentage of the population living under the poverty level for the patient's zip code of residence was derived from United States census estimates and divided into quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate predictors of violent injury recidivism. Results Our cohort consisted of 1890 patients. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed the following factors as independent predictors of violent injury recidivism: male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2 [1.06–3.80]; P = 0.03), black race (OR = 2.1 [1.44–3.06]; P Conclusions For young patients injured by violence, the socioeconomic position of their neighborhood of residence is independently correlated with their risk of violent reinjury. Low neighborhood socioeconomic status may be associated with a disrupted sense of safety after injury and also may alter a person's likelihood of engaging in behaviors correlated with recurrent violent injury. Programs aimed at reducing violent injury recidivism should address needs at the individual and neighborhood level.
Interpreting oxygenation-based neuroimaging signals: the importance and the challenge of understanding brain oxygen metabolism.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely used to map patterns of brain activation based on blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal changes associated with changes in neural activity. However, because oxygenation changes depend on the relative changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), a quantitative interpretation of BOLD signals, and also other functional neuroimaging signals related to blood or tissue oxygenation, is fundamentally limited until we better understand brain oxygen metabolism and how it is related to blood flow. However, the positive side of the complexity of oxygenation signals is that when combined with dynamic CBF measurements they potentially provide the best tool currently available for investigating the dynamics of CMRO2. This review focuses on the problem of interpreting oxygenation-based signals, the challenges involved in measuring CMRO2 in general, and what is needed to put oxygenation-based estimates of CMRO2 on a firm foundation. The importance of developing a solid theoretical framework is emphasized, both as an essential tool for analyzing oxygenation-based multimodal measurements, and also potentially as a way to better understand the physiological phenomena themselves. The existing data, integrated within a simple theoretical framework of O2 transport, suggests the hypothesis that an important functional role of the mismatch of CBF and CMRO2 changes with neural activation is to prevent a fall of tissue pO2. Future directions for better understanding brain oxygen metabolism are discussed.
Body Temperature and Responses of Periodical Cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) to a Potential Predator

Brood emergences of periodical cicadas are closely synchronized resulting in a mass emergence which represents an effective anti-predatory response (Lloyd and Dybas, 1966a, b). Not only does the mass emergence swamp the local populations of birds and mammals, but the long interval between emergences (13 or 17 yr) prevents a predator population from tracking these peaks in cicada populations. Furthermore, the chorusing of densely packed males produces a sound level that can deter birds from effective hunting (Simmons et al, 1971). Individual periodical cicadas are nonetheless vulnerable given the ease at which they can be approached (Beamer, 1931; Lloyd and Dybas, 1966b). Local avian predators take substantial numbers as evidenced by the increases in their populations in the year following a mass emergence (Koenig and Liebhold, 2005). Also, small mammals such as voles, mice and shrews show substantial increases of cicadas in their diet during a mass emergence (Hahus and Smith, 1990). Steward et al. (1988) reported that many individual cicadas of the 13-year species (Magicicada spp.) responded actively to an approaching predator by flying away, falling, or by squawking in males. The cicadas changed how they responded over the emergence period; fewer individuals remained stationary after the period of peak density compared with before, and more males squawked as a part of their response near the end than at the start of emergence. The present study was intended to determine how 17-year cicadas, Magicicada cassini Fisch (Homoptera: Cicadidae), would respond to a model avian predator and to compare their responses to that reported in the literature for 13-year cicadas. Even though a periodical cicada can fly when its body temperature is above 19 °C (Heath, 1967), its body temperature may affect its decision of when to escape by flying. Several species of lizards respond differently to an approaching predator at varying body temperatures (Huey, 1982; Cooper, 2000, 2006). Therefore, the body temperature of each cicada was recorded along with its response.
Cost and accessibility of offers as determinants of optional stopping

In an optional stopping decision task Ss were presented with a random sequence of offers with a fixed cost per offer. Ss were instructed to maximize their gain by taking the best offer with as few observations as possible. Ss in group H received the highest offer observed by them, while Ss in group L received the last offer observed by them. Group H took more observations and made more errors than group L, though an optimal model prescribes the same behavior.
Relation algebras and t vertex condition graphs

Abstract The scheme associated with a graph is an association scheme iff the graph is strongly regular. Consider the problem of extending such an association scheme to a superscheme. The obstacles can be expressed in terms of t -vertex conditions. If a graph does not satisfy the t -vertex condition, a presuperscheme associated with it cannot be erected beyond the ( t − 3)rd level. We give an example of an association scheme which is not extendible to a superscheme: it cannot be extended beyond the bottom level of a presuperscheme.
In Three Types of Interface Dermatitis, Different Patterns of Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) Indicate Different Triggers of Disease

We found distinct patterns of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in three diseases characterized by interface dermatitis with mononuclear infiltrates and keratinocyte cytotoxicity: lichen planus (LP), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), and erythema multiforme (EM). In LP, basal keratinocytes show strong ICAM-1 expression associated with a dermal infiltrate, but ICAM-1 expression in the rest of the epidermis is minimal. In SCLE, there is diffuse epidermal ICAM-1 expression, sometimes with accentuation on the cell surface of basal cells. In EM, there is strong basal cell expression of ICAM-1 with evident cell surface accentuation, and also pockets of suprabasal expression with cell surface accentuation. These patterns are associated with different factors that trigger cytokine release in different locations. Both tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) produce greater relative ICAM-1 expression in basal keratinocytes than in more differentiated keratinocytes. In LP, the pure basal keratinocyte expression of ICAM-1 appears to be caused by cytokines, predominantly IFN-gamma, released by dermal lymphocytes. The pattern of ICAM-1 in SCLE corresponds to the pattern induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR): diffuse epidermal ICAM-1 expression, sometimes with basal accentuation. Some individuals are "responders" to TNF-alpha or UVR, showing high levels of ICAM-1 expression following UVR or TNF-alpha stimulation in vitro or UVR stimulation in vivo. We propose that the pattern of ICAM-1 induction in SCLE is dependent on UVR-induced TNF-alpha release. EM is associated with apparent latent Herpes simplex virus, and Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected keratinocytes show enhanced ICAM-1 expression. We propose that in EM suprabasal ICAM-1 expression may be induced directly by HSV infection or indirectly through TNF-alpha release induced by HSV reactivation. Induction of ICAM-1 within the epidermis is stratified and individually variable. Basal keratinocytes show maximal induction of ICAM-1 expression due to innate sensitivity to TNF and IFN-gamma stimulation, and to location adjacent to dermal sources of cytokines. Suprabasal ICAM-1 can be induced by UVR and epidermal TNF-alpha release, and by factors such as viral infection. Different triggers of cytokine release and adhesion molecule induction may influence the different patterns of inflammation seen in diverse inflammatory skin diseases.
C–H Bond Activation of Methane by PtII–N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes. The Importance of Having the Ligands in the Right Place at the Right Time

A DFT study of methane C–H activation barriers for neutral NHC–PtII–methoxy complexes yielded 22.8 and 26.1 kcal/mol for oxidative addition (OA) and oxidative hydrogen migration (OHM), respectively. Interestingly, this is unlike the case for cationic NHC–PtII–methoxy complexes, whereby OHM entails a calculated barrier of 26.9 kcal/mol but the OA barrier is only 14.4 kcal/mol. Comparing transition state (TS) and ground state (GS) geometries implies an ∼10 kcal/mol “penalty” to the barriers arising from positioning the NHC and OMe ligands into a relative orientation that is preferred in the GS to the orientation that is favored in the TS. The results thus imply an intrinsic barrier arising from C–H scission of ∼15 ± 2 kcal/mol for NHC–PtII–methoxy complexes. Calculations show the importance of designing C–H activation catalysts where the GS active species is already structurally “prepared” and which either does not need to undergo any geometric perturbations to access the methane C–H activation TS or is not...
Diagnostic implications of parental ratings of children.

Evaluated parental ratings on aggressiveness and social responsibility for 120 school-age children and a cross-validation sample of 67 children referred to a university-sponsored developmental evaluation center in association with 10 commonly used interdisciplinary diagnoses . Parental ratings consistently and significantly related to staff diagnoses of behavior disorder and to hyperkinesis. A number of "expected " relationships, e.g., between learning disability and social irresponsibility, did not occur. In general, the results indicate: (1) that parental ratings show consistent relationships to selected interdisciplinary staff diagnoses; (2) that hyperkinesis may be related more strongly to aggressiveness than to the lack of socially responsible behavior; and (3) that parental ratings are potentially valuable in the diagnostic process.
Anaesthetic management of volume controlled unilateral lung lavage

Light general anaesthesia combined with marked muscle paralysis can be used as the procedure while unpleasant and terrifying is not painful nor surgically stimulating. In addition the airway is well anaesthetized topically. Paralysis permits maximal control over the patient and the maintenance of position of the Carlens tube, in a situation where movement or coughing might be dangerous. Paralysis also maximizes lung-thorax compliance, reduces O2 consumption and permits lavage under light anaesthesia. The choice of maintenance anaesthetic appeared to be a negligible factor in the management of these patients. With the doses of ketamine employed, post-lavage CNS depression did not delay weaning and extubation. Dreaming, hallucinations and emergence delirium related to ketamine were not reported nor observed. The absence of these phenomena was probably related to the use of diazepam before and immediately after the lavage but prior to weaning from the respiratory support as suggested by Coppel,et al. 11 In our opinion either ketamine or halothane employed in these doses are suitable maintenance anaesthetics. The use of ketamine does avoid the controversial administration of two halothane anesthetics in close sequence.
Prediction of Shock Response for Several Composite Materials

Equations governing the response of composite materials to shock loading are presented and used to predict Hugoniot curves for several two- constituent composites called Elkonites. Special attention is given to the transfer of thermal energy between constituents within the shock surface. It is shown that although energy transfer has little effect on the composite Hugoniot, it can change the predicted constituent states remarkably. Hugoniots for several Elkonites are calculated and compared with experi mental data.
BOUNCING-CORE THEORY OF PULSARS.

The catastrophic collapse of a star probably results in a “bouncing-core” configuration rather than a neutron star. Bouncing-cores explain many of the properties of pulsars in a more natural way than rotating neutron stars.
Empirical Analysis of Soviet Agricultural Production and Policy: Comment

In a recent Journal article, Wyzan explores Soviet agriculture by using translog production functions fitted to pooled cross-section, time-series data on five crop activities. On the basis of the empirical results, he concludes: "Large farms do seem to be more efficient, land labor substitution is possible, and the outlook for output growth is good for most crops." (p. 482). This note suggests these conclusions overstate the strength of the empirical results. Wyzan's arguments derive from the choice of the translog form of the production function, shown below:
Ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors and fetal growth retardation in mice

Putrescine (PUT) and the putrescine analogues, 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP) and 1,6-diaminohexane (DAH), were administered to pregnant female mice during the time of maximal fetal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, days 10-14 of gestation. Such treatment resulted in an inhibition of fetal ODC activity, as measured 2 hours later, and a proportional decrease in fetal weight, as measured on day 18 of gestation. The order of effectiveness for these compounds was DAP greater than DAH greater than PUT. Neither DAP nor DAH nor PUT were fetocidal nor maternally lethal under the treatment regimen employed. The generality of the effect of these compounds, i.e., the retardation of fetal growth and the lack of gross malformations, is consistent with the hypothesis that they are interfering with a primary process, probably protein synthesis. The restricted time span of effectiveness implies that these compounds are specific inhibitors of ODC and that decreased ODC activity is producing an effect on growth.
Autoactivation of Type-1 Parathyroid Hormone Receptors Containing a Tethered Ligand

Interactions between the N-terminal residues of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the region of the PTH receptor containing the extracellular loops and transmembrane domains are thought to be critical for receptor activation. We evaluated this hypothesis by replacing the large N-terminal extracellular domain of the human type 1 PTH receptor (hP1Rc-WT) with residues 1–9 of PTH (AVSEIQLMH) using a tetraglycine linker between His-9 of the ligand and Glu-182 of the receptor near the extracellular terminus of transmembrane domain-1. Expression of this construct, hP1Rc-Tether(1–9), in COS-7 cells resulted in basal cAMP levels that were 10-fold higher than those seen in control cells transfected with hP1Rc-WT. Extending the ligand sequence to include Asn-10 and the activity-enhancing substitution of Leu-11 → Arg yielded hP1Rc-[Arg11]Tether(1–11), for which we observed basal cAMP levels that were 50-fold higher than those seen with P1Rc-WT. An alanine-scan analysis of hP1Rc-[Arg11]Tether(1–11) revealed that Gln-6 and His-9 were not critical for autoactivation, whereas Val-2, Ile-5, and Met-8 were. The data show that tethered PTH/PTH receptors can autoactivate. Analysis of the structure-activity relationships in these tethered receptor constructs can provide new information concerning how the N-terminal residues of PTH interact with the extracellular loops and transmembrane regions of the PTH-1 receptor, particularly in regard to receptor activation.