cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of urinary tract infections in pregnancy: a review with comments on single dose therapy.

Most investigators agree that the adverse effects of urinary tract infections in pregnancy can be abrogated by effective early detection and treatment. However, the optimal methods for screening and treatment remain controversial. Although single-dose therapy has not been applied to pregnant women with acute pyelonephritis, most but not all studies which have compared single-dose with longer coures of beta-lactam or other antibiotics in pregnant asymptomatic bacteriuric women have shown no differences in outcome. This paper reviews recent trials of single-dose treatment of bacteriuria in pregnant women.
Pathology of Experimental Amyloidosis

The histopathology of amyloidosis is well established. In this brief review we shall focus on a few issues which may need some clarification; i.e. 1. tinctorial properties of amyloid, 2. two-phase theory of amyloidogenesis, and 3. immunohistochemistry of amyloid. We will discuss the first two “classic” issues in the light of current amyloid research, and evaluate the role of the third more recent issue.
Compartmentation in aromatic metabolism

Plant aromatic metabolism is a unique and fascinating biochemical process that has no counterpart in avian or mammalian systems. The process is long and complex, and it interfaces three metabolic processes in cell organization: the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. This process also represents the most complicated flow of carbon in plants that we know of today.
Tumor hypoxia directed multimodal nanotherapy for overcoming drug resistance in renal cell carcinoma and reprogramming macrophages.

Abstract Drug resistance is one of the significant clinical burden in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The development of drug resistance is attributed to many factors, including impairment of apoptosis, elevation of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX, a marker of tumor hypoxia), and infiltration of tumorigenic immune cells. To alleviate the drug resistance, we have used Sorafenib (Sor) in combination with tumor hypoxia directed nanoparticle (NP) loaded with a new class of apoptosis inducer, CFM 4.16 (C4.16), namely CA IX-C4.16. The NP is designed to selectively deliver the payload to the hypoxic tumor (core), provoke superior cell death in parental (WT) and Everolimus-resistant (Evr-res) RCC and selectively downmodulate tumorigenic M2-macrophage. Copper-free ‘ click ’ chemistry was utilized for conjugating SMA-TPGS with Acetazolamide (ATZ, a CA IX-specific targeting ligand). The NP was further tagged with a clinically approved NIR dye (S0456) for evaluating hypoxic tumor core penetration and organ distribution. Imaging of tumor spheroid treated with NIR dye-labeled CA IX-SMA-TPGS revealed remarkable tumor core penetration that was modulated by CA IX-mediated targeting in hypoxic-A498 RCC cells. The significant cell killing effect with synergistic combination index (CI) of CA IX-C4.16 and Sor treatment suggests efficient reversal of Evr-resistance in A498 cells. The CA IX directed nanoplatform in combination with Sor has shown multiple benefits in overcoming drug resistance through (i) inhibition of p -AKT, (ii) upregulation of tumoricidal M1 macrophages resulting in induction of caspase 3/7 mediated apoptosis of Evr-res A498 cells in macrophage-RCC co-culturing condition, (iii) significant in vitro and in vivo Evr-res A498 tumor growth inhibition as compared to individual therapy, and (iv) untraceable liver and kidney toxicity in mice. Near-infrared (NIR) imaging of CA IX-SMA-TPGS-S0456 in Evr-res A498 RCC model exhibited significant accumulation of CA IX-oligomer in tumor core with >3-fold higher tumor uptake as compared to control. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates versatile tumor hypoxia directed nanoplatform that can work in synergy with existing drugs for reversing drug-resistance in RCC accompanied with re-education of tumor-associated macrophages, that could be applied universally for several hypoxic tumors.
The Physician Global Assessment and Body Surface Area composite tool is a simple alternative to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index for assessment of psoriasis: post hoc analysis from PRISTINE and PRESTA.

Background The product of Physician Global Assessment and Body Surface Area (PGA × BSA) is a new outcome measure for psoriasis severity and response to therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate PGA × BSA as an alternative to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) for psoriasis assessments. Methods The relationship between PASI and PGA × BSA was assessed in a post hoc analysis of pooled data from the PRISTINE (NCT00663052) and PRESTA (NCT00245960) trials in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who received etanercept 50 mg/week. Data were analyzed using Spearman and intra-class correlation coefficients, effect sizes, scatterplots, Bland-Altman plots, and Kappa statistics. Results Spearman correlations at baseline, week 12, and week 24 were strong for PGA × BSA versus PASI (r=0.78, 0.87, and 0.90, respectively; all P<0.0001) as were intra-class correlations (0.76 [95% confidence interval 0.73-0.80], 0.80 [0.76-0.83], and 0.85 [0.82-0.87], respectively). The effect size was -1.53 for PASI and -0.94 for PGA × BSA (baseline to week 24). Scatterplots and Bland-Altman plots detected a trend across the range of measurement. Kappa statistics (at 12 and 24 weeks) between PASI50/75/90 and 50/75/90% improvement in PGA × BSA showed good agreement (0.58-0.69 at week 12 and 0.63-0.67, respectively; all P<0.0001). At baseline, the Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.96, 0.51, 0.19, and 0.17 for PGA × BSA versus BSA, PGA, Patient Global Assessment, and Dermatology Life Quality Index, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusion PGA × BSA has advantages over PASI for measuring moderate-to-severe psoriasis; it is intuitive, sensitive, and easy to use.
Promising Practices to Facilitate Politically Robust Campus Climates

Higher education has long accepted its role in educating for the future and health of democracy, but how colleges and universities meet this responsibility changes based on the social context of th...
Welcome to AI matters 4(3)

Welcome to the third issue of the fourth volume of the AI Matters Newsletter. In this issue, we have some great news: we are bringing back the AI student essay contest! Please see the first article for details on this fun contest which is due January 10, 2019. In addition to the prizes discussed in the article, the winners will have their articles features in AI Matters in the issue following their selection.
Towards international human rights law applied to armed groups

This lecture explores the place of justice, accountability and remedies in the global agenda against terror, illustrated by a case study on Iraq and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL.)...
Investigating the effect of discordant clinical and pathological diagnoses of complicated appendicitis on clinical outcomes.

Abstract Background Following appendectomy, management is often guided by surgeon determination of whether the appendicitis is uncomplicated or complicated. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of discordance between intraoperative and pathological findings and determine effect on outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective five-year cohort analysis of adults who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Outcomes examined were length of stay (LOS), return to ED, and 30-day readmission. We reported p-values from logistic regression. Results Of 1479 cases, 36.4% were labeled complicated appendicitis, among which, 58.2% were discordant. When intraoperative findings underestimated pathological findings, there was a decreased LOS (p Conclusion Operative underestimation of appendicitis severity was associated with a shorter LOS. Discordance did not adversely affect hospital readmission or rate of return to ED. These findings suggest reliance on intraoperative findings is sufficient in guiding management. Summary We wanted determine the incidence of discordance between operative and pathological findings and determine effect on outcomes. Operative underestimation of appendicitis severity was associated with a shorter LOS. Discordance did not adversely affect hospital readmission or rate of return to ED. These findings suggest reliance on intraoperative findings is sufficient in guiding management.
Networks in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Epilepsy can be conceptualized as a network disorder with the epileptogenic zone a critical node of the network. Temporal lobe networks can be identified on the microscale and macroscale, both during the interictal and ictal periods. This review summarizes the current understanding of TLE networks as studied by neurophysiological and imaging techniques discussing both functional and structural connectivity.
Assessing the Regulatory Requirements of Lead-Based Perovskite Photovoltaics

Nicole Moody, Samuel Sesena, Dane W. deQuilettes, Benjia Dak Dou, Richard Swartwout, Anna Johnson, Udochukwu Eze, Roberto Brenes, Matthew Johnston, Vladimir Bulovic, and Moungi G. Bawendi are members of Tata-MIT GridEdge Solar, an interdisciplinary research program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working toward scalable design and manufacturing of lightweight, flexible solar cells. Joseph T. Buchman and Christy L. Haynes are part of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, a multi-institutional partnership aimed at understanding the fundamental chemical and physical processes that govern the transformations and interactions of nanoparticles in the environment.
Genome-wide analysis of cis-regulatory changes in the metabolic adaptation of cavefish

Changes in cis-regulatory elements play important roles in adaptation and phenotypic evolution. However, their contribution to metabolic adaptation of organisms is less understood. Here we have utilized a unique vertebrate model, Astyanax mexicanus, different morphotypes of which survive in nutrient-rich surface and nutrient-deprived cave water to uncover gene regulatory networks in metabolic adaptation. We performed genome-wide epigenetic profiling in the liver tissue of one surface and two independently derived cave populations. We find that many cis-regulatory elements differ in their epigenetic status/chromatin accessibility between surface fish and cavefish, while the two independently derived cave populations have evolved remarkably similar regulatory signatures. These differentially accessible regions are associated with genes of key pathways related to lipid metabolism, circadian rhythm and immune system that are known to be altered in cavefish. Using in vitro and in vivo functional testing of the candidate cis-regulatory elements, we find that genetic changes within them cause quantitative expression differences. We characterized one cis-regulatory element in the hpdb gene and found a genomic deletion in cavefish that abolishes binding of the transcriptional repressor IRF2 in vitro and derepresses enhancer activity in reporter assays. Genetic experiments further validated a cis-mediated role of the enhancer and suggest a role of this deletion in the upregulation of hpdb in wild cavefish populations. Selection of this mutation in multiple independent cave populations supports its importance in the adaptation to the cave environment, providing novel molecular insights into the evolutionary trade-off between loss of pigmentation and adaptation to a food-deprived cave environment.
Modular Optoelectronic System for Wireless, Programmable Neuromodulation During Free Behavior

This work presents a modular, light-weight head-borne neuromodulation platform that achieves low-power wireless neuromodulation and allows real-time programmability of the stimulation parameters such as the frequency, duty cycle, and intensity. This platform is comprised of two parts: the main device and the optional intensity module. The main device is functional independently, however, the intensity control module can be introduced on demand. The stimulation is achieved through the use of energy-efficient µLEDs directly integrated in the custom-drawn fiber-based probes. Our platform can control up to 4 devices simultaneously and each device can control multiple LEDs in a given subject. Our hardware uses off-the-shelf components and has a plug and play structure, which allows for fast turn-over time and eliminates the need for complex surgeries. The rechargeable, battery-powered wireless platform uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and is capable of providing stable power and communication regardless of orientation. This presents a potential advantage over the battery-free, fully implantable systems that rely on wireless power transfer, which is typically direction-dependent, requires sophisticated implantation surgeries, and demands complex custom-built experimental apparatuses. Although the battery life is limited to several hours, this is sufficient to complete the majority of behavioral neuroscience experiments. Our platform consumes an average power of 0.5 mW, has a battery life of 12 hours.
Active-genetic neutralizing elements for halting or deleting gene-drives

CRISPR-Cas9-based gene drive systems possess the inherent capacity to spread progressively throughout target populations. Here we describe two self-copying (or active) guide RNA-only genetic elements, called e-CHACRs and ERACRs. These elements use Cas9 produced in trans by a gene drive either to inactivate the cas9 transgene (e-CHACRs) or to delete and replace the gene drive (ERACRs). e-CHACRs can be inserted at various genomic locations and carry two or more gRNAs, the first copying the e-CHACR and the second mutating and inactivating the cas9 transgene. Alternatively, ERACRs are inserted at the same genomic location as a gene drive, carrying two gRNAs that cut on either side of the gene drive to excise it. e-CHACRs efficiently inactivate Cas9 and can drive to completion in cage experiments. Similarly, ERACRs, particularly those carrying a recoded cDNA-restoring endogenous gene activity, can drive reliably to fully replace a gene drive. We compare the strengths of these two systems.
The role of negative cognitions in co‐occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and depression: Examination of interpersonal and noninterpersonal trauma survivors

OBJECTIVE To examine negative cognitions underlying both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression following trauma. METHOD A mixed-gender motor vehicle accident (N = 297, Mage = 43.49 years) sample and a female intimate partner violence (N = 242, Mage = 36.95 years) sample was cross-sectionally studied at research clinics of two universities. RESULTS When diagnostic groups (PTSD+/-, depression+/-) were studied, no significant interactions were noted for any of the three forms of negative cognitions (negative thoughts about the self, negative thoughts about the world, and self-blame) in either sample. When continuous ratings of PTSD and depression were studied, the results showed that negative thoughts about the self were linked to both PTSD and depression. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that it may be beneficial to target negative thoughts about the self when treating PTSD and depression together.
Factors associated with seizure development after bupropion overdose: a review of the toxicology investigators consortium.

Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant. A major concern in bupropion toxicity is seizure activity, which can occur up to 24 h from ingestion. It is difficult to predict which patients will have...
Differential gene expression reveals host factors for viral shedding variation in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) infected with low-pathogenic avian influenza virus

Intraspecific variation in pathogen shedding impacts disease transmission dynamics; therefore, understanding the host factors associated with individual variation in pathogen shedding is key to controlling and preventing outbreaks. In this study, ileum and bursa of Fabricius tissues of mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ) infected with low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAIV) were evaluated at various post-infection time points to determine genetic host factors associated with intraspecific variation in viral shedding. By analyzing transcriptome sequencing data (RNA-seq), we found that LPAIV-infected mallards do not exhibit differential gene expression compared to uninfected birds, but that gene expression was associated with viral shedding quantity early in the infection. In both tissues, immune genes were mostly up-regulated in higher shedding birds and had significant positive relationships with viral shedding. In the ileum, host genes involved in viral cell entry were down-regulated in low shedders one day post-infection (DPI), and host genes promoting viral replication were up-regulated in high shedders on two DPI. Our findings indicate that viral shedding is a key factor for gene expression differences in LPAIV-infected mallards, and the genes identified in this study could be important for understanding the molecular mechanisms driving intraspecific variation in pathogen shedding.
Electromagnetic Power Emitted by an Accelerating Point Charge

We derive the rate of emission of electromagnetic energy by an accelerating point charge, with the acceleration and velocity in the result being taken at the present time in the motion of the accelerating charge. This contrasts with the usual textbook derivation, which calculates the energy radiated through the surface of a large sphere, and gives the rate of radiated energy in terms of the acceleration and velocity at an arbitrary retarded time.
O-403 Validity and reliability properties of the Multifaceted Organizational Health Climate Assessment for measuring organizational health climate in service, clerical, and health care workers

Introduction Total Worker Health® programs aim to improve health climate, or employees’ perceptions of support for physical and mental health from coworkers, supervisors, and upper management. Health climate is linked to physical and mental health outcomes. The recently developed Multifaceted Organizational Health Climate Assessment (MOHCA) assesses general health climate and three subfactors of workgroup, supervisor, and organizational health climate in working adults and correctional employees. There is little evidence of the MOHCA’s validity and reliability properties among service, clerical, and health care workers in a large hospital system. Objectives To investigate validity and reliability properties of the MOHCA in this sample, we examined: 1) the structural validity of the MOHCA’s general and subfactor scales and 2) targeting of items to persons and measurement invariance of items among racial, sex, and income subgroups. Methods We recruited 1,283 employees (45.9% Caucasian; 67.7% female; 77.9% Results A revised general and four-subfactor structure with workgroup, supervisor, organizational, and organizational responsiveness health climate subscales explained 73.7% of response variation with adequate reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.60–0.91). Compared with the original structure’s fit, this revised structure’s fit was superior (Chi-square = 33.245, df=16; Root Mean Square Error Approximation=0.029; Comparative Fit Index=0.997). One item demonstrated misfit to Rasch models (Infit Mean Square>1.5). Male and Non-Caucasian workers were less likely to report a workgroup supportive of recovery (p Conclusions A revised four-subfactor MOHCA structure with a new organizational responsiveness health climate subscale demonstrated adequate validity and reliability properties to assess health climate scores among service, clerical, and health care workers in a large hospital system.
On The Kinematics of Turbulence

A short review of different correlation coefficients and spectra is presented. Some new relations between these characteristics are given for homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. The "form of a turbulent particle" has been given from the point of view of correlation. The study of numerous experimental correlation curves shows that , where their second moments are represented as functions of their first moments, the resulting points lie near a straight line. The correlation curves may be represented by functions of the general form
Evaluation of Transverse Tensile Stress Characteristics of GdBCO Coated Conductors

Abstract Recently, GdBCO coated conductor (CC) coils for high field magnets are investigated for practical use. GdBCO CC coils are subjected to longitudinal and transverse tensile stresses in their operation, so there is some research for mechanical properties of the GdBCO CCs in the recent years. Fujikura has also researched mechanical properties, for example, tensile or delamination strength, of the GdBCO CCs. In this report, we investigated pin-pull delamination test in Liquid nitrogen (LN 2 ) to research mechanical delamination and critical current ( I c ) degradation strength. We found out mechanical delamination strength is corresponding to I c degradation strength. In addition, we experiment repeated transverse tensile stress on GdBCO CCs in LN 2 , most of the samples have more than 50 times at 50 MPa, which corresponds to single delamination strength, and there is no I c degradation before mechanical delamination.
Measures induced by analytic functions and a problem of Walter Rudin

Let H?? denote the set of bounded analytic functions in the unit disk U={ZEC: IzI<l} and let Ho denote those p E H?? for which p(0) = 0. Every p E H?? has a nontangential limit at almost every point of &U, and the resulting function on DU is measurable (for this and other basic facts about H?? and related function spaces discussed in this paper, see, e.g., [D], [G]). We denote the boundary function of p also by p and define the induced measure of p by the formula
Solvent Accessibility of Native and Hydrolyzed Human Complement Protein 3 Analyzed by Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange and Mass Spectrometry

Complement protein C3 is a 187-kDa (1641-aa) protein that plays a key role in complement activation and immune responses. Its hydrolyzed form, C3(H2O), is responsible for the initiation of the activation of alternative complement pathway. Previous analyses using mAbs, anilinonaphthalenesulfonate dyes, and functional studies have suggested that C3 is conformationally different from C3(H2O). We have used amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify and localize structural differences between native C3 and C3(H2O). Both proteins were incubated in D2O for varying amounts of time, digested with pepsin, and then subjected to mass-spectrometric analysis. Of 111 C3 peptides identified in the MALDI-TOF analysis, 31 had well-resolved isotopic mass envelopes in both C3 and C3(H2O) spectra. Following the conversion of native C3 to C3(H2O), 17 of these 31 peptides exhibited a change in deuterium incorporation, suggesting a conformational change in these regions. Among the identified peptides, hydrogen/deuterium exchange data were obtained for peptides 944-967, 1211-1228, 1211-1231, 1259-1270, 1259-1273, 1295-1318, and 1319-1330, which span the factor H binding site on C3d and factor I cleavage sites, and peptides 1034-1048, 1049-1058, 1069-1080, 1130-1143, 1130-1145, 1211-1228, 1211-1231, 1259-1270, and 1259-1273, spanning 30% of the C3d region of C3. Our results suggest that hydrolysis may produce a looser (more open) structure in the C3d region, in which some of the changes affect the conversion of helical segments into coil segments facilitating interactions with factors I and H. This study represents the first detailed study mapping the regions of C3 involved in conformational transition when hydrolyzed to C3(H2O).
Comparison of anti-inflammatory mechanisms of mango (Mangifera indica L.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in DSS-induced colitis in rats (372.8)

Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammation of the large intestine, may increase risk of human colorectal cancer. Several studies have focused on developing natural anti-inflammatory products. Polyphenolics from mango (mainly gallotannins) and pomegranate (mainly ellagitannins) have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. To determine the anti-inflammatory effects and possible mechanisms of mango and pomegranate juice in DSS-induced colitis, SD rats were administered control, mango, or pomegranate juice, and were exposed to three cycles of 3% DSS followed by 2-week recovery period. The levels of protein involved in the mTOR pathway were analyzed by multiplex bead assay, while the transcriptional variation with the mTOR pathway were analyzed by low density PCR arrays. In addition, the levels of several miRNAs involved in the mTOR pathway were measured. Chronic colitis was caused by DSS in rats, and mango and pomegranate juice reduced colon inflammation compared to control juice. Mango juice ...
Assessment of the feasibility of utilizing Landsat for detection and monitoring of landfills in a statewide GIS

Use of satellite data could be beneficial and cost effective in detecting and monitoring landfills in a state-wide geographic information system (GIS). To assure the feasibility of this approach, multitemporal Landsat data were used to detect several selected active and inactive landfills in central and southwest Missouri. The landfills were visually delineated from aerial photography of approximately the same two dates. A classification procedure based on homogeneity of the digital numbers was performed on each landfill scene for each time period using four spectral bands: two visible, one near-infrared, and one mid-infrared. The mid-infrared band proved more useful in delineating landfills, especially when spectral change was compared to the near-infrared band. The active landfills were spectrally different from surrounding land cover as were the two landfills which closed after the collection of the first Landsat scene. These landfills showed considerable areal change between the two selected time periods as verified by the aerial photographs. The inactive landfills were more difficult to discern from surrounding land cover types because they were grass covered and spectrally similar to pasture. Consequently, areal change could not be assigned to these older landfills because the reclamation process was practically complete.
Electric Probes in Stationary and Flowing Plasmas: Part 1. Collisionless and Transitional Probes

The operation and theory for collisionless and transitional electric probes are reviewed. The following topics are discussed: (1) orbital motion limit, (2) cold ion approximation, (3) exact theories for current collection by spherical and cylindrical probes in the collisionless limit, (4) collisional effects on probe response, and (5) the effect of flow on aligned cylindrical probes under collisionless conditions. (MOW)
Do Wolbachia infections play a role in unidirectional incompatibilities in a field cricket hybrid zone

Two closely related field crickets, Gryllus firmus and G. pennsylvanicus, hybridize along an extensive north-south zone in the eastern United States. Crosses between G. firmus males and G. pennsylvanicus females produce viable and fertile F1, but the reciprocal cross consistently fails to produce offspring. Wolbachia, a bacterial parasite of arthropods that causes unidirectional incompatibilities in a variety of insect species, has been suggested as the cause of the observed incompatibility between G. pennsylvanicus and G. firmus. We examine the presence/absence of Wolbachia strains, defined by sequencing the ftsZ gene, in four cricket populations from the north-eastern United States. Most G. firmus individuals are infected (100% in Guilford, Connecticut; 65% in Seaside Park, New Jersey) and > 95% of those infected harbour a single strain of Wolbachia. All individuals in G. pennsylvanicus populations (Ithaca, New York; Sharon, Connecticut) are infected; the majority of individuals carry a second strain of Wolbachia, but a significant fraction carry the same strain found commonly in G. firmus. The presence of an apparently identical Wolbachia strain in crickets of both species means that some crosses between G. pennsylvanicus males and G. firmus females should be compatible. We have no evidence of such compatibility. Furthermore, if Wolbachia infections are responsible for the observed incompatibility between species, then incompatibilities must also exist within G. pennsylvanicus, because this species harbours both Wolbachia strains. Although some single pair crosses within G. pennsylvanicus do fail to produce offspring, the proportion is lower than expected if Wolbachia were responsible. Therefore, Wolbachia is unlikely to be involved in reproductive isolation between the two cricket species.
How People Moved among Ancient Societies: Broadening the View

Archaeologists have made great strides in understanding prehistoric migration, yet they have tended to focus on only part of the continuum of human movement. In nonstate societies, individuals and groups moved frequently across social and environmental boundaries for a range of reasons. Although archaeologists are well aware of the fluid nature of social boundaries, we are only beginning to use this knowledge to understand human movement. I use ethnohistoric and ethnographic examples to show that people in nonstate societies moved frequently as a result of warfare and captive taking, processes of fission and fusion, and random demographic events typical of small-scale societies. Such movement was often hurried, sometimes coerced, and decision making could be constrained by social factors beyond migrants’ control. Illustrated with a case study from the American Southwest, I argue here that consideration of such forms of movement can significantly improve our interpretations of the past.
Computer-oriented, n-body modelling of minimal surfaces

Abstract In this paper a new approach to the modelling of minimal surfaces is described and applied. Rather than use a continuous model, we develop a discrete, n -body model with basic tensile interactions derived from classical molecular force formulae. Computer results are described and discussed.
How Much? Why? The Economics of Online Full Text

This discussion forum, held on January 12, 2001, during the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference, was sponsored by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) Machine-Assisted...
Computer modeling of LED light pipe systems for uniform display illumination

Computer modeling of distributive light pipe systems using light emitting diode (LED) sources to produce uniform illumination for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) is presented. Due to their small size, lower power consumption, and lower heat generation, LEDs are a natural source choice for display illumination. However, to be useful in display applications, LEDs must be made to produce uniform illumination over the display area. The conversion of an LED's output flux distribution to one that is uniform over a given area can be accomplished with plastic, injection-molded light pipes. Illustrative examples of LED light pipe display systems are presented. These systems compare output coupling surface geometry for two LED input coupling scenarios; direct and indirect input coupling. Computer modeling via commercial software packages is used to optimize and analyze system designs. It is critical in these simulations to have accurate source models. Therefore close attention is paid to the LED source model. The final simulation results are presented and uniformity and total light output is compared. The implications of these results for display applications are discussed.
The Effect of Prosthetic Foot Push-off on Mechanical Loading Associated with Knee Osteoarthritis in Lower Extremity Amputees

Lower extremity amputation not only limits mobility, but also increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis of the intact limb. Dynamic walking models of non-amputees suggest that pushing-off from the trailing limb can reduce collision forces on the leading limb. These collision forces may determine the peak knee external adduction moment (EAM), which has been linked to the development of knee OA in the general population. We therefore hypothesized that greater prosthetic push-off would lead to reduced loading and knee EAM of the intact limb in unilateral transtibial amputees. Seven unilateral transtibial amputees were studied during gait under three prosthetic foot conditions that were intended to vary push-off. Prosthetic foot-ankle push-off work, intact limb knee EAM and ground reaction impulses for both limbs during step-to-step transition were measured. Overall, trailing limb prosthetic push-off work was negatively correlated with leading intact limb 1st peak knee EAM (slope=-.72±.22; p=.011). Prosthetic push-off work and 1st peak intact knee EAM varied significantly with foot type. The prosthetic foot condition with the least push-off demonstrated the largest knee EAM, which was reduced by 26% with the prosthetic foot producing the most push-off. Trailing prosthetic limb push-off impulse was negatively correlated with leading intact limb loading impulse (slope=-.34±.14; p=.001), which may help explain how prosthetic limb push-off can affect intact limb loading. Prosthetic feet that perform more prosthetic push-off appear to be associated with a reduction in 1st peak intact knee EAM, and their use could potentially reduce the risk and burden of knee osteoarthritis in this population.
The reaction of formic acid with clean and water-covered Pt(111)

Abstract We have studied the interaction of formic acid with clean and water-covered Pt(111) in vacuum, using the technique of thermal desorption. We find that formic acid dissociates on clean Pt(111), forming gaseous CO 2 and H 2 exclusively at low exposure. At higher exposure, molecular formic acid begins to desorb at 200 K; simultaneously, the yields of CO 2 and H 2 saturate. At twice this exposure, the 200 K state saturates and multilayer desorption begins in a state centered at 165 K. Coadsorbed water does not measurably influence formic acid adsorption and dissociation. Finally, water is displaced from its own normal, high-temperature state by formic acid. This displacement is never complete, suggesting that formic acid or its dissociation products may not completely exclude water from metal sites.
Too much of a good thing: digitalis toxicity.

PRESENTATION Never underestimate a patient’s willingness to alter the prescribed therapeutic plan. A 79-year-old man with a history of permanent atrial fibrillation was brought to the emergency department after 3 days of severe nausea and nonbloody/nonbilious emesis. He also reported a decrease in urine output, extreme fatigue, and worsening blurry vision with “flashing white lights.” Eighteen days prior to his presentation, he had a pharyngeal cyst removed and tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes were placed. Postoperatively, his digoxin formulation was changed from tablet to an equivalent dosage of liquid preparation. He was discharged on postoperative day 8.
Quantitative DNA Methylation Analysis: The Promise of High-Throughput Epigenomic Diagnostic Testing in Human Neoplastic Disease

The term “epigenetics” was first introduced by Conrad Waddington in 1942 to describe “the interactions of genes with their environment, which bring the phenotype into being.”1 Later that same decade came the identification and characterization of DNA methylation,2 the first epigenetic mark to be discovered. The major target for DNA methylation in the mammalian genome is cytosine, where enzymatic attachment of a methyl group to the 5 position of the pyrimidine ring produces 5-methyl-cytosine,3 which has been referred to as the fifth base of genomic DNA. Although 5-methylcytosine is indistinguishable from cytosine within the structure of the DNA molecule where it base-pairs with guanine, the presence of the methyl group has considerable biological implications for DNA function.3 Alterations in DNA methylation affecting target sequences within the transcriptional control regions of genes produce changes in gene expression, with hypomethylation leading to increased ex-pression and hypermethylation leading to decreased expression. In contemporary terms, epigenetics refers to modifications of the genome that are heritable during cell division but do not involve a change in the DNA sequence.4 Thus, epigenetics describes heritable changes in gene expression that are not simply attributable to nucleotide sequence variation.5 It is now recognized that epigenetic regulation of gene expression reflects contributions from both DNA methylation and complex modifications of histone proteins and chromatin structure.6 Nonetheless, DNA methylation plays a central role in nongenomic inheritance and in the preservation of epigenetic states and remains the most accessible epi-genomic feature because of its inherent stability.4 Thus, DNA methylation represents a target of fundamental importance in the characterization of the epigenome, in defining the role of epigenetics in disease pathogenesis, and in the development of useful molecular tools for diagnostic testing and prediction of prognosis (clinical responses and patient outcomes) in neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases.7,8,9 In this issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, Ogino et al10 investigate one such molecular tool, sodium bisulfite conversion of DNA followed by MethyLight real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and describe the factors that influence the variability of quantitative analysis. However, to fully understand these results, it is important to comprehend the importance of DNA methylation in cancer and the significance of such information to cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
The relationship between vitamin D and the renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes

Vitamin D has been implicated in the pathophysiology of extraskeletal conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes via its ability to negatively regulate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This article reviews the evidence supporting a link between vitamin D and the RAS in these conditions, with specific emphasis on translational observations and their limitations. A literature review of animal and human studies evaluating the role of vitamin D in hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes was performed. Excess activity of the RAS has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, decreased insulin secretion, and insulin resistance. Animal studies provide strong support for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-mediated downregulation of renin expression and RAS activity via its interaction with the vitamin D receptor. Furthermore, the activity of vitamin D metabolites in animals is associated with reductions in blood pressure, proteinuria and renal injury, and with improved β-cell function. Many observational, and a few interventional, studies in humans have supported these findings; however, there is a lack of well-designed prospective human interventional studies to definitively assess clinical outcomes. There is a need for more well-designed prospective interventional studies to validate this hypothesis in human clinical outcomes.
Drug abuse prevention for high-risk African American children and their families: A review and model program

In this article we are specifically concerned with the familial and socioeconomic factors that contribute to the exceedingly high prevalence rates ofdrug abuse in African-Amer- ican children. In addition to detailing the impact of drug abuse in African-American children and their families, we consider how this critical health problem can be prevented using existing knowledge and strategies known to mental health professionals. A model program entitled Pro- ject for a Substance Abuse-Free Environment (SAFE) is outlined. Its objectives are to imple- ment: (a) a broad-spectrum family intervention to empower disadvantaged and high-risk fami- lies in their communities; (b) a competency-based skills intervention to increase resilience and decrease drug use and other maladaptive behaviors in at-risk children; (c) alternative activities that will promote self-efficacy, achievement, and self-esteem; (d) a culturally-relevant evalua- tion plan that includes both formative (process) and summative (outcome) evaluation; (e) a comprehensive approach for assessingproject impact; (e) systematic procedures for enhancing the maintenance and generalization of gains in participating children and families.
Numerical modeling of surface plasmon enhanced silicon on insulator avalanche photodiodes

Abstract We report an atypical device structure for a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) avalanche photodiode (APD) that uses vertically oriented surface plasmons to enable high device performance including high bandwidth and high responsivity. This device structure would allow for high bandwidth (>10 GHz) read out integrated circuitry to be fabricated alongside the photodetector. A detailed numerical simulation of the device is performed that includes the use of the surface impedance boundary condition (SIBC) algorithm to calculate the optical resonance modes of the structure. The SIBC algorithm is integrated with a Poisson’s equation solver and a Monte Carlo algorithm to model many aspects of the SOI APD device including bandwidth and responsivity as a function of applied bias. A brief discussion of surface plasmon modes and other optical modes in the APD and similar structures is also given.
Effect of liquid-forming additives on low-temperature superplastic deformation of alumina

The authors report the superplastic deformation behaviour of low-temperature sintered alumina doped with 2 mol% liquid-forming additives which shows a greatly enhanced superplasticity and a similar temperature-dependent characteristic to that found in CuO-added 2Y-TZP.
Tradeoff between data-, instruction-, and thread-level parallelism in stream processors

This paper explores the scalability of the Stream Processor architecture along the instruction-, data-, and thread-level parallelism dimensions. We develop detailed VLSI-cost and processor-performance models for a multi-threaded Stream Processor and evaluate the tradeoffs, in both functionality and hardware costs, of mechanisms that exploit the different types of parallelism. We show that the hardware overhead of supporting coarse-grained independent threads of control is 15 -- 86% depending on machine parameters. We also demonstrate that the performance gains provided are of a smaller magnitude for a set of numerical applications. We argue that for stream applications with scalable parallel algorithms the performance is not very sensitive to the control structures used within a large range of area-efficient architectural choices. We evaluate the specific effects on performance of scaling along the different parallelism dimensions and explain the limitations of the ILP, DLP, and TLP hardware mechanisms.
The price of uncertainty in pavement infrastructure management planning: An integer programming approach

Abstract Currently there is a true dichotomy in the pavement maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) literature. On the one hand, there are integer programming-based models that assume that parameters are deterministically known. On the other extreme, there are stochastic models, with the most popular class being based on the theory of Markov decision processes that are able to account for various sources of uncertainties observed in the real-world. In this paper, we present an integer programming-based alternative to account for these uncertainties. A critical feature of the proposed models is that they provide – a priori – probabilistic guarantees that the prescribed M&R decisions would result in pavement condition scores that are above their critical service levels, using minimal assumptions regarding the sources of uncertainty. By construction of the models, we can easily determine the additional budget requirements when additional sources of uncertainty are considered, starting from a fully deterministic model. We have coined this additional budget requirement the price of uncertainty to distinguish from previous related work where additional budget requirements were studied due to parameter uncertainties in stochastic models. A numerical case study presents valuable insights into the price of uncertainty and shows that it can be large.
Feasibility of recanalization of human coronary arteries using high-intensity ultrasound.

Abstract To investigate the feasibility of ultrasonic recanalization of obstructed human coronary arteries in vitro, high-intensity ultrasound was applied to 16 coronary arteries obtained at autopsy, using a prototype instrument enabling insonification through a catheter tip. It was a 119 cm long, 0.95 mm thick wire in an 8Fr catheter connected to an external ultrasonic transformer and power generator. A 5 MHz phased-array 2-dimensional echocardiography instrument was used to determine minimal luminal diameter and percent diameter narrowing before and after ultrasound application. The ultrasonic energy was delivered at 21.5 kHz and with a 52 ± 19 μmm average amplitude of tip displacement. The mean percent luminal diameter narrowing, flow rate and mean pressure gradient before ultrasound exposure were 74 ± 11%, 97 ± 61 ml/min, and 92 ± 18 mm Hg, respectively. After recanalization, the mean percent luminal diameter narrowing decreased to 45 ± 17% (p
Effectiveness of social norms media marketing in reducing drinking and driving: a statewide campaign.

This research evaluated the efficacy of a high-intensity social norms media marketing campaign aimed at correcting normative misperceptions and reducing the prevalence of drinking and driving among 21-to-34-year-olds in Montana. A quasi-experimental design was used, such that regions of Montana were assigned to one of three experimental groups: social norms media marketing campaign, buffer, and control. Four random samples of Montanans between the ages of 21 and 34 were assessed at four time points over 18 months via phone surveys. Findings suggest that the social norms media campaign was successful at exposing the targeted population to social norms messages in the counties within the intervention region. Moreover, results demonstrate the campaign reduced normative misperceptions, increased use of designated drivers, and decreased drinking and driving among those young adults in counties within the intervention region. Social norms media marketing can be effective at changing drinking-related behaviors at the population level. This research provides a model for utilizing social norms media marketing to address other behaviors related to public health.
Effect of ethylenebis (dithiocarbamic acid)disodium salt(nabam)and ethylenebis(dithiocarbamato)manganese(maneb) on Xenopus laevis development.

The fungicides ethylenebis [dithiocarbamic acid] (nabam) and ethylenebis [dithiocarbamato] manganese (maneb) were dissolved in a modified Holtfreter's solution at concentrations of 0.1–5 ppm. Thirty to 60 yolk-plug Xenopus laevis embryos were placed for 1–10 days in 200 ml of different concentrations of the fungicide solution. Treated and control (Holtfreter's only) embryos were fixed in Bouin's fluid or formalin for light microscopy, and in glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde for electron microscopy. Gross morphological and histological observations were made. The first changes observed in experimental embryos was a slight growth retardation and a transient absence or reduction in melanogenesis in the eye and on the rest of the body. The tail was shortened and the notochord had a distinct waviness. Animals in higher concentrations were unable to swim as well as controls. Histological examination, both light and electron microscopic, showed a general decrease in melanin content of the melanosomes in the pigmented retina. The notochord was increased in diameter; in sagittal sections the foldings were obvious. These results indicate that minute doses of these commonly used fungicides are harmful to the normal development of amphibian embryos.