cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosolids amendment and harvest frequency affect nitrogen use dynamics of switchgrass grown for biofuel production.

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a crucial index for developing sustainable bioenergy cropping systems. The objective of this study was to examine switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) NUE by using a low-cost organic amendment under different harvest frequencies. Aerobically digested biosolids were applied at 0, 153, 306, and 459 kg N ha−1 in a small plot study, and lime-stabilized biosolids were applied at 0, 77, and 154 kg N ha−1 in a field-scale study in Virginia, USA. Switchgrass was harvested once or twice per season. Switchgrass N concentration and N removal were measured to estimate switchgrass NUE, annual N recovery (ANR), and partial factor productivity (PFP). Across N rates, biosolid application increased biomass N concentration and removal by 29 % and 84 % and decreased NUE, ANR, and PFP in the plot study, but effects were inconsistent in the field study. Low NUE, ANR, and PFP obtained with a single, end-of-season harvest were likely functions of low feedstock N concentrations. Switchgrass harvested in summer had highest N concentrations. Cutting twice per season removed more N than cutting once; the resulting increase in NUE reflects differences in feedstock N concentrations rather than differences in yield. Our results suggest that biosolids can be applied as an alternative N source to support plant growth, and cutting once per season is preferable in sustainable biofuel production systems.
Effects of the antiestrogens, MER-25 and CI 628, on rat and hamster lordosis.

Abstract Antiestrogens were used to test the hypothesis that estrogen exerts a “maintenance,” as well as a “priming,” effect on rat and hamster sexual receptivity as it apparently does for guinea pigs. MER-25 (75 or 150 mg/kg) significantly reduced rat LQ when given −2 hr or 8 hr after EB injection. MER-25 given at 34 hr (2 hr prior to P) failed to diminish rat LQ. With hamsters, MER-25 in large doses (750 mg/kg) given either at −2 hr or 34 hr reduced lordosis duration to 40% of controls, but this effect was confounded by severe illness among the MER-25 injected animals. Lower doses failed to block behavior, but still produced some toxicity. CI 628 (50 mg/kg) greatly reduced hamster lordosis duration and increased lordosis latency when given 0 hr, but not 34 hr, after EB. The results are consistent with similar previous work on rats and do not support the concept of estrogen “maintenance” in either rats or hamsters.
Dual-radiolabeled nanoparticle SPECT probes for bioimaging

A gold nanoparticle was radiolabeled with 125I and 111In and functionalized with an MMP9-cleavable peptide to form a multispectral SPECT imaging contrast agent. Peptide cleavage from the nanoprobe by MMP9 was observed in vitro, and distinct pharmacokinetic properties of the contrast agent were observed between tumors with high or low MMP9 expression.
Factors Affecting the N‐Nitrosothiazolidine Content of Bacon

The analysis of raw and cooked bacon for the presence of N-nitrosothiazolidine (NTHZ), a recently identified nitrosamine in bacon, indicated that the levels found were unrelated to residual nitrite or refrigerated storage. Raw bacon contained higher levels of NTHZ than either fried, baked, or broiled bacon. Since the total amount of NTHZ in whole raw bacon was higher than that found in fried bacon and its drippings combined, it was concluded that NTHZ was not formed during frying as is N-nitrosopyrrolidine. The presence of NTHZ in bacon appears to be associated with smokehouse processing.
Effects of axial spatial resolution and sampling on object detectability and contrast for multiplanar positron emission tomography

A multiplanar positron emission tomography(PET)system is simulated using Gaussian curves to model the axial point spread functions (PSFs) of the planes to study the effects of resolution and sampling. Poor spatial resolution or insufficient sampling may cause deleterious data losses or artifacts in the reconstructed image. For a multiplanar PETsystem with an axial full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 6 mm and a 12 to 13 mm ring separation, a ripple in sensitivity of 9% is observed. A 1 mm object placed at the central direct plane results in detection of 59% of the signal in that plane. The theoretical observed contrast of a 3 mm object positioned at the center plane is 25% of the true contrast and decreases to 24% when the object is positioned between the central direct and cross planes. A PETsystem with an axial FWHM of 12 mm and a ring separation of 5–6 mm has a uniform sensitivity. A 1 mm object placed at the central direct plane detects 14% of the object signal in that plane. The theoretical observed contrast for a 3 mm object is 13% of true contrast when the object is positioned between the central direct and cross planes. It should be noted that all dimensions refer to the z direction through the center of the gantry in the simulated multiplanar system. The uniform sensitivity due to wider axial FWHMs decreases the amount of data loss for inter‐ring gaps; however, the blurring associated with wider FWHMs decreases observed contrast. This tradeoff between narrow or wide FWHMs and small or large inter‐ring gaps must be considered carefully in the design of a multiplanar PETsystem.
Privacy preserving origin-destination flow measurement in vehicular cyber-physical systems

Traffic volume measurement is one of the most basic functions of road planning and management. In this paper, we investigate an important problem of privacy preserving “point-to-point” traffic volume measurement. We formalize “point-to-point” traffic as an origin-destination (O-D) flow, which represents the set of vehicles traveling from one geographical location (origin) to another location (destination). We take advantage of vehicular cyber-physical systems (VCPS) to exploit the potential for a fundamental shift in the way how O-D data are collected. The challenge is to allow the collection of statistical O-D flow information, yet protect identities of individual vehicles. To address that, we design two novel schemes which utilize both the latest technological advance in VCPS and the nice properties of a family of commutative one-way hash functions. Furthermore, we adopt statistical methodology and use sampling to achieve far better efficiency with graceful degradation in measurement accuracy. We perform simulations to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of our schemes.
Fetal hydrops and congenital complete heart block: response to maternal steroid therapy.

The association between congenital complete hear t block, mate rna l systemic lupus erythematosus, and the ~ n t i S S A / R o ant ibody has been reported by several invegtigators? -3 Hydrops fetalis in affected pregnancies has been a t t r ibuted to reduced cardiac output due to bradycardia or myocarditis. This report describes resolution of early hydrops fetalis af ter ma te rna l be tamethasone therapy at 27 weeks gestat ion despite the persistence of fetal complete hear t block.
fMRI pattern classification using neuroanatomically constrained boosting

Pattern classification in functional MRI (fMRI) is a novel methodology to automatically identify differences in distributed neural substrates resulting from cognitive tasks. Reliable pattern classification is challenging due to the high dimensionality of fMRI data, the small number of available data sets, interindividual differences, and dependence on the acquisition methodology. Thus, most previous fMRI classification methods were applied in individual subjects. In this study, we developed a novel approach to improve multiclass classification across groups of subjects, field strengths, and fMRI methods. Spatially normalized activation maps were segmented into functional areas using a neuroanatomical atlas and each map was classified separately using local classifiers. A single multiclass output was applied using a weighted aggregation of the classifier's outputs. An Adaboost technique was applied, modified to find the optimal aggregation of a set of spatially distributed classifiers. This Adaboost combined the region-specific classifiers to achieve improved classification accuracy with respect to conventional techniques. Multiclass classification accuracy was assessed in an fMRI group study with interleaved motor, visual, auditory, and cognitive task design. Data were acquired across 18 subjects at different field strengths (1.5 T, 4 T), with different pulse sequence parameters (voxel size and readout bandwidth). Misclassification rates of the boosted classifier were between 3.5% and 10%, whereas for the single classifier, these were between 15% and 23%, suggesting that the boosted classifier provides a better generalization ability together with better robustness. The high computational speed of boosting classification makes it attractive for real-time fMRI to facilitate online interpretation of dynamically changing activation patterns.
Managerialist Professionalism: The Destruction of a Non-conforming Subculture

This paper explores the complex relationship between professionalism and managerialism in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and argues that professional aspiration now embraces the managerial paradigm. More specifically, it describes a subculture – that of permanent night nurses – which endures a schematic difference from the now dominant day nurse culture, and is in imminent danger of extinction. It is held in contempt by many nursing professionals and managers whose agendas converge to form the unified template which informs their action. It is suggested that night nurses, marginalized and powerless, are a subculture with distinct native-view characteristics. Ward-based, like their day colleagues, but separated by a temporal divide, permanent night nurses recognize their difference, largely reject the new managerialist professionalism, feel unappreciated and cling to their perceived camaraderie and close patient-relationships. This research explores the nature and origins of the new managerialist nursing profession and examines the basis of its claims of professionalism. The ethnographic methodology and research design are outlined and considerable data are presented. The paper draws upon the arguments of fellow professionals and managers who seek to deny the right of existence to this group. It is argued that ‘atrocity stories’ and other discourse, are evidence of evolving closure criteria, which exclude this apparently non-conforming subcultural group.
Reduced speed of microvascular blood flow in hemodialysis patients versus healthy controls: a coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy study

We present a pilot clinical application of coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy (CHS), a technique to investigate cerebral hemodynamics at the microcirculatory level. CHS relies on frequency-resolved measure- ments of induced cerebral hemodynamic oscillations that are measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and analyzed with a hemodynamic model. We have used cyclic inflation (200 mmHg) and deflation of a pneu- matic cuff placed around the subject's thigh at seven frequencies in the range of 0.03 to 0.17 Hz to generate CHS spectra and to obtain a set of physiological parameters that include the blood transit times in the cerebral micro- circulation, the cutoff frequency for cerebral autoregulation, and blood volume ratios across the three different compartments. We have investigated five hemodialysis patients, during the hemodialysis procedure, and six healthy subjects. We have found that the blood transit time in the cerebral microcirculation is significantly longer in hemodialysis patients with respect to healthy subjects. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of autoregulation efficiency and blood volume ratios. The demonstration of the applicability of CHS in a clinical setting and its sensitivity to the highly important cerebral microcirculation may open up new opportunities for NIRS applications in research and in medical diagnostics and monitoring. © 2014 Society of Photo-
A Simple Algorithm for Sequentially Incorporating Gravity Observations in Seismic Traveltime Tomography

The geologic structure of the Earth's upper crust can be revealed by modeling variation in seismic arrival times and in potential field measurements. We demonstrate a simple method for sequentially satisfying seismic traveltime and observed gravity residuals in an iterative 3-D inversion. The algorithm is portable to any seismic analysis method that uses a gridded representation of velocity structure. Our technique calculates the gravity anomaly resulting from a velocity model by converting to density with Gardner's rule. The residual between calculated and observed gravity is minimized by weighted adjustments to the model velocity-depth gradient where the gradient is steepest and where seismic coverage is least. The adjustments are scaled by the sign and magnitude of the gravity residuals, and a smoothing step is performed to minimize vertical streaking. The adjusted model is then used as a starting model in the next seismic traveltime iteration. The process is repeated until one velocity model can simul...
The relationship between job embeddedness and work engagement

Research on job embeddedness has focused on explaining why employees choose to stay with their organizations rather than why they leave. Recently, research on job embeddedness has expanded to predict other employee behaviors such as organizational citizenship behaviors and innovation-related behaviors. To date, no research has been conducted to investigate the relationship between job embeddedness and work engagement. The purpose of this study was to add to the literature on job embeddedness by investigating relationships between the six dimensions of job embeddedness and the three dimensions of work engagement. Based on 213 participants, the study results showed that organizational embeddedness was positively related to work engagement. Furthermore, non-work aspects of a person's life-space (community fit and community sacrifice) were related to work engagement. These findings add to the utility of job embeddedness when predicting employee behaviors such as work engagement and also provide novel insight into unthought-of antecedents of work engagement.
Machine characterization for short-term or instantaneous torque capabilities: An approach based on transient thermal response

This paper investigates short-term torque capability maximization in electric machines based on thermal time ratings. To understand time ratings, machine transient thermal response is divided into four regimes: subtransient, transition, transient, and temperature creep. Each regime is discussed separately. For modest overload conditions, an exponential characteristic based on limited geometric data is formulated for the time ratings, while for severe overload cases, linear temperature rise linked to known “i-squared-t” (i2t) conductor rating approaches suffice to characterize the temperature rise. It is shown that both exponential and i2t methods fail to provide accurate estimates for moderate overload operation. In such cases heat transfer inside the machine is solved analytically to obtain time ratings. Experiments with a 5 hp induction machine were conducted to evaluate the thermal characteristics and insulation material properties. This machine is used to validate the theoretical foundation presented for time ratings. The results show that time rating estimation based on limited geometric data is accurate within an error range of about 7%. Implementation of these time ratings for real-time torque maximization is discussed.
Systematic review: the treatment of anal fissure

Summary Background Anal fissure is one of the most common anorectal conditions encountered in clinical practice. Most patients experience anal pain with defecation and minor bright red rectal bleeding, allowing a focused history to direct the evaluation. Methods A systematic medical literature search of NIH, Pubmed, and MEDLINE using the search terms anal fissure, sphincterotomy, anal surgery and anal fissure medical therapy. English language was not a restriction. Cited references were used to find additional studies. Results No single treatment is the best choice for all patients. Because pharmacological therapy is not associated with permanent alterations in continence, a trial of either a topical sphincter relaxant or botulin toxin injection, along with adequate fluid and fibre intake, is a reasonable option. However, because pharmacological therapy has lower healing and higher relapse rates, surgery can be offered in the first instance to patients without incontinence risk factors who have severe, unrelenting pain and are willing to accept a small risk of incontinence, for the highest likelihood of prompt healing and the lowest risk of recurrence. Conclusions Both non-operative and operative approaches currently exist for the management of anal fissure. Improved non-surgical therapies may continue to lessen the role of sphincter-dividing surgery in future.
Characterization of Chiral H and J Aggregates of Cyanine Dyes Formed by DNA Templating Using Stark and Fluorescence Spectroscopies

A series of studies is presented to characterize the photophysical properties of a novel type of aggregate formed by the spontaneous noncovalent assembly of numerous cofacial dimers of cyanine dyes (DiSC3+(5)) to the minor groove of poly(dI-dC) DNA. The dimensions of these helical aggregates, first synthesized and characterized by Armitage and co-workers (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 9977-9986), are restricted to the width of the dye dimer because of steric constraints in the minor groove, though the length of the aggregate can extend essentially for the full length of the DNA template. These unique species exhibit both H- and J-type absorption bands that are shifted from the absorption maximum of the monomeric dye by +1650 and -1275 cm -1 , respectively, because of the stacking interactions between the dyes composing the dimers. Additional splittings are seen because of head-to-head interactions between adjacent dye dimers. Here, we present the low-temperature (77 K) absorption, fluorescence, and electroabsorption spectra of these aggregates as well as measurements of the fluorescence lifetime of the monomer and of the J-type emission at 10 °C. The electroabsorption measurements yield values of the average difference polarizability on excitation, 〈¢r〉, for the H and J bands of -74 and -34 A 3 , respectively. These are between 2 and 6 times larger than that of the monomer. Both bands exhibit similar values for the difference dipole moment on excitation (j¢I Bj )o f between 0.6 and 0.7 D that are somewhat smaller than that of the monomer (1.1 D). The absorption and fluorescence experiments show that the line width of the J band is 4 times narrower than the experimental fwhm of the DiSC3+(5) monomer while the fluorescence decay of the aggregate is roughly a factor of 2 faster. Implications of all of these measurements for determining the number of dyes that are excited cooperatively upon light absorption are discussed.
Performance of shuffle-like switching networks with deflection

Four packet-switched networks using shuffle-exchange interconnections and deflection routing are analyzed. The first two are well-known networks based solely on shuffle interconnections, and the other two are variations in which the negative effects of deflection are reduced. Approximate state equations are given under a uniform traffic assumption. The equations predict the distribution of packet delay and can be used in situations where packets are assigned priorities. The four networks are briefly compared to each other and to Batcher-Banyan sorting networks and hypercube deflection networks. >
Evaluation of a Research-Based Parenting Education Program for Divorcing Parents

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a court-mandated educational program for divorcing parents, the Focus on Kids (FOK) program. The participants for this study were 376 (54.8% females) divorcing, divorced, or never married parents who attended the FOK program over a 6-month period in 1999. In addition to describing participants' ratings of the helpfulness of the program, the research addressed whether these helpfulness ratings varied by a series of demographic, marriage, and child-related variables. Results showed that, in general, participants were very satisfied with the helpfulness of the program, and this general satisfaction held across most subgroups defined by the demographic, marriage, and child-related variables. Implications for future program planning are discussed.
Sec16 influences transitional ER sites by regulating rather than organizing COPII

During the budding of coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles from transitional endoplasmic reticulum (tER) sites, Sec16 has been proposed to play two distinct roles: negatively regulating COPII turnover and organizing COPII assembly at tER sites. We tested these ideas using the yeast Pichia pastoris. Redistribution of Sec16 to the cytosol accelerates tER dynamics, supporting a negative regulatory role for Sec16. To evaluate a possible COPII organization role, we dissected the functional regions of Sec16. The central conserved domain, which had been implicated in coordinating COPII assembly, is actually dispensable for normal tER structure. An upstream conserved region (UCR) localizes Sec16 to tER sites. The UCR binds COPII components, and removal of COPII from tER sites also removes Sec16, indicating that COPII recruits Sec16 rather than the other way around. We propose that Sec16 does not in fact organize COPII. Instead, regulation of COPII turnover can account for the influence of Sec16 on tER sites.
Evaluation of constipation by abdominal radiographs correlated with treatment outcome in children with dysfunctional elimination

Objectives To analyze the utility of assessing degree of constipation by abdominal radiograph (KUB) in relation to symptoms and urodynamic data in children with dysfunctional elimination. Methods A retrospective review of children with concomitant constipation and daytime incontinence was performed. Inclusion required at least two consecutive visits with KUB and noninvasive uroflowmetry. Patients were excluded for anticholinergic medication use or neurogenic or anatomic abnormalities. Rectal fecal quantification and presence of stool throughout the colon was assessed on KUB and categorized as “empty,” “normal amount of stool,” or “fecal distention of rectum (FDR).” Results Twenty-six patients met inclusion requirements (6 boys, 20 girls; average age, 7.7 ± 2.2 years). The average time between the initial and subsequent visit was 12.5 ± 7.8 weeks. Initial KUB revealed FDR in 17. No statistical significance was found between FDR on initial or final KUB and outcome of wetting symptoms, nor could a relationship between FDR uroflow parameters at either visit be demonstrated. Conclusions No correlation between any uroflowmetry parameter and the presence of FDR at the initial or final visits could be demonstrated. Similarly, no statistical significance between FDR on final or initial KUB and outcome of wetting symptoms was established.
How General Is General Strain Theory? Assessing Determinacy and Indeterminacy across Life Domains

This article explores how assumptions of determinacy and indeterminacy apply to general strain theory. Theories assuming determinacy assert that motivational conditions determine specific forms of deviant adaptations, whereas those assuming indeterminacy propose that a given social circumstance can predispose a person toward many forms of deviance. The authors propose that strain theory posits a strong tendency for the domains in which stresses occur to match those in which delinquency takes place. This is a source of determinacy. Drawing on stress spillover and aggression displacement arguments, the authors also discuss sources of indeterminacy—or domain crossover effects. The tendency toward domain matching that is tempered by stress spillover and aggression displacement is what the authors refer to as soft determinacy. The authors derive hypotheses from their soft determinacy argument and test them on a sample of middle school students. The results support the arguments and suggest that discussion of s...
Guanidinium‐carboxylate interactions

The crystal structures of the 1:1 complexes methylguanidinium benzylhydrogenmalonate, (C2N3H8)+(C10H9O4)−, MGD.BMAL, and methylguanidinium ethylhydrogenmalonate, (C2N3H8)+(C5H7O4)−, MGD.EMAL, and of the 2:1 complex methylguanidinium sulfate, (C2N3H8)2SO4, have been determined from three-dimensional X-ray data. For MGD.BMAL, the complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P with two formula units in a cell of dimensions a = 6.277(5), b = 8.470(3), c = 13.191(6)A, α= 91.01(1), β= 99.64(9), γ= 90.83(5)°. The structure has been refined to a final value of R = 0.061 based on 1511 intensities. The MGD.EMAL complex is also triclinic, space group P with two molecules in a cell of dimensions a = 9.254(7), b = 9.625(6), c = 6.778(2) A, α= 109.6(1), β= 100.8(1), γ= 62.7(1)A. The crystals of this compound are of low quality, and the final value is R = 0.109 based on 706 intensities. (MGD)2SO4 is orthorhombic, space group P212121, with four molecules in a cell of dimensions a = 7.100(4), b = 12.151(3), c = 13.108(2) A. Refinement has converged to R = 0.054 based on 907 data. All three crystals exhibit extensive interionic hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen bonding in MGD.BMAL includes a Type B interaction and a Type 1 interaction, the latter being a pairwise interaction from both amino nitrogen atoms on the cation to two carboxylate oxygen atoms from the two different carboxylate groups in an anion. In MGD.EMAL, the anion participates in both a Type A and a Type B pairwise interaction with two neighboring cations. The possible implications of the hydrogen bonding patterns in these two compounds for the role of arginyl side chains in protection of γ-carboxyglutamate residues from decarboxylation are discussed.
Use of Propofol Sedation in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Prospective Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of propofol sedation for pediatric procedures in the emergency department. For patients needing painful procedures, propofol was administered intravenously. Vital signs, complications, and time to recovery were recorded. Patient amnesia and parent, patient, and operator satisfaction with sedation were assessed. The mean age was 7.4 years; 65% were male. Most underwent fracture reduction. Mean total dose was 3.3 mg/kg. Thirty percent experienced desaturation. One required assisted ventilation. Most had decreases in blood pressure. Mean recovery time was 18 minutes. Satisfaction with sedation was rated "excellent." Propofol was an effective sedation with minimal complications in the emergency department setting.
Pseudo-streaming potentials in Necturus gallbladder epithelium. II. The mechanism is a junctional diffusion potential.

The mechanisms of apparent streaming potentials elicited across Necturus gallbladder epithelium by addition or removal of sucrose from the apical bathing solution were studied by assessing the time courses of: (a) the change in transepithelial voltage (Vms). (b) the change in osmolality at the cell surface (estimated with a tetrabutylammonium [TBA+]-selective microelectrode, using TBA+ as a tracer for sucrose), and (c) the change in cell impermeant solute concentration ([TMA+]i, measured with an intracellular double-barrel TMA(+)-selective microelectrode after loading the cells with TMA+ by transient permeabilization with nystatin). For both sucrose addition and removal, the time courses of Vms were the same as the time courses of the voltage signals produced by [TMA+]i, while the time courses of the voltage signals produced by [TBA+]o were much faster. These results suggest that the apparent streaming potentials are caused by changes of [NaCl] in the lateral intercellular spaces, whose time course reflects the changes in cell water volume (and osmolality) elicited by the alterations in apical solution osmolality. Changes in cell osmolality are slow relative to those of the apical solution osmolality, whereas lateral space osmolality follows cell osmolality rapidly, due to the large surface area of lateral membranes and the small volume of the spaces. Analysis of a simple mathematical model of the epithelium yields an apical membrane Lp in good agreement with previous measurements and suggests that elevations of the apical solution osmolality elicit rapid reductions in junctional ionic selectivity, also in good agreement with experimental determinations. Elevations in apical solution [NaCl] cause biphasic transepithelial voltage changes: a rapid negative Vms change of similar time course to that of a Na+/TBA+ bi-ionic potential and a slow positive Vms change of similar time course to that of the sucrose-induced apparent streaming potential. We conclude that the Vms changes elicited by addition of impermeant solute to the apical bathing solution are pseudo-streaming potentials, i.e., junctional diffusion potentials caused by salt concentration changes in the lateral intercellular spaces secondary to osmotic water flow from the cells to the apical bathing solution and from the lateral intercellular spaces to the cells. Our results do not support the notion of junctional solute-solvent coupling during transepithelial osmotic water flow.
Tetracycline alters drug susceptibility in Candida albicans and other pathogenic fungi

The tetracycline (TET) promoter has been used in several systems as an inducible regulator of gene expression. In control analyses, the standard Candida albicans laboratory strain SC5314 was found to have altered susceptibility to a variety of antifungal drugs in the presence of relatively high concentrations (50-200 microg ml(-1)) of TET. Altered susceptibility was most notable with exposure to amphotericin B (AMB), with a 32-fold increase in susceptibility, and terbinafine (TRB), with a 32-fold decrease in susceptibility. The TET/AMB synergy was observed in several clinical isolates of C. albicans and in the distantly related species Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans. The TET/AMB synergy is not related to efflux pump activity, as determined by FACS analyses and by analysis of a strain containing efflux pump deletions. Gene expression analyses by luciferase and by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR failed to identify significant alterations in expression of any genes associated with resistance. C. albicans grown with TET for 48 h does show a reduction in total cellular ergosterol. Analysis of growth curves suggests that the TET effect is associated with lack of a diauxic shift, which is related to a loss of mitochondrial function. MitoTracker fluorescent dye was used to demonstrate that TET has a direct effect on mitochondrial function. These results demonstrate the need for careful analysis of TET effects when using a TET-inducible promoter, especially in studies that involve antifungal drugs. This study defines some limits to the use of the TET-inducible promoter, and identifies effects on cells that are the result of TET exposure alone, not the result of expression of a targeted gene.
Neurocysticercosis Coincident with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

We describe the unusual coincidence in a 25 year old Mexican immigrant who presented with neurocysticercosis and acute myeloid leukemia. Treatment for the acute leukemia was initiated after corticosteroids were administered to decrease cerebral edema caused by the neurocysticercosis. Complete remission of the leukemia was eventually achieved and specific antibiotic therapy for neurocysticercosis was initiated with praziquantel. We discuss our approach to the treatment of these two diseases, the complications that arose, and briefly review the literature on the current treatment of neurocysticercosis.
A procedure for estimating the number of outliers

A new type of procedure for estimating the number of outliers in a sample is presented and compared with existing procedures. The probabilities of exact, under-, and overestimation with the different procedures are examined for two different contamination schemes.
Deterministic global optimization of nonlinear dynamic systems

A new approach is described for the deterministic global optimization of dynamic systems, including optimal control problems. The method is based on interval analysis and Taylor models and employs a type of sequential approach. A key feature of the method is the use of a new validated solver for parametric ODEs, which is used to produce guaranteed bounds on the solutions of dynamic systems with interval-valued parameters. This is combined with a new technique for domain reduction based on the use of Taylor models in an efficient constraint propagation scheme. The result is that an ϵ-global optimum can be found with both mathematical and computational certainty. Computational studies on benchmark problems are presented showing that this new approach provides significant improvements in computational efficiency, well over an order of magnitude in most cases, relative to other recently described methods. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Assessing vulnerability to invasion by nonnative plant species at multiple spatial scales.

Basic information on where nonnative plant spe- cies have successfully invaded is lacking. We assessed the vulnerability of 22 vegetation types (25 sets of four plots in nine study areas) to nonnative plant invasions in the north- central United States. In general, habitats with high native species richness were more heavily invaded than species- poor habitats, low-elevation areas were more invaded than high-elevation areas, and riparian zones were more invaded than nearby upland sites. For the 100 1000-m 2 plots (across all vegetation types), 50% of the variation in nonnative species richness was explained by longitude, latitude, native plant species richness, soil total percentage nitrogen, and mean maximum July temperature (n 100 plots; P 0.001). At the vegetation-type scale (n 25 sets of four 1000-m 2 plots/ type), 64% of the variation in nonnative species richness was explained by native plant species richness, elevation, and Oc- tober to June precipitation (P 0.001). The foliar cover of nonnative species (log) was strongly positively correlated with the nonnative species richness at the plot scale (r 0.77, P 0.001) and vegetation-type scale (r 0.83, P 0.001). We concluded that, at the vegetation-type and re- gional scales in the north- central United States, (1) vegetation types rich in native species are often highly vulnerable to inva- sion by nonnative plant species; (2) where several nonnative species become established, nonnative species cover can substantially increase; (3) the attributes that maintain high na- tive plant species richness (high light, water, nitrogen, and temperatures) also help maintain nonnative plant species rich- ness; and (4) more care must be taken to preserve native spe- cies diversity in highly vulnerable habitats. Invasive nonnative plant species are a growing con- cern in the north- central United States and elsewhere because some of them can poison livestock, clog water- ways, compete with cash crops, and degrade rangelands (Westbrooks 1999). In this paper, we operationally de- fine nonnative species as species from other continents. Managers of national parks, wildlife refuges, and other natural areas are also concerned because of the poten- tial negative effects of nonnative plant species on native
An Energy-Efficient Reliability Model for Parallel Disk Systems

In the last decade, parallel disk systems have increasingly become popular for data-intensive applications running on high-performance computing platforms. Conservation of energy in parallel disk systems has a strong impact on the cost of cooling equipment and backup power-generation. This is because a significant amount of energy is consumed by parallel disks in high-performance computing centers. Although a wide range of energy conservation techniques have been developed for disk systems, most energy saving schemes have adverse impacts on the reliability of parallel disk systems. To address this deficiency, we must focus on reliability analysis for energy-efficient parallel disk systems. In this paper, we make use of a Markov process to develop a quantitative reliability model for energy-efficient parallel disk systems using data mirroring. With the new model in place, a reliability analysis tool is developed to efficiently evaluate reliability of fault-tolerant parallel disk systems with two power modes.
The pharmacologic management of idiopathic overactive bladder in primary care

After reading this article on overac­ tive bladder, the family physician will be able to: 1. Characterize the impact of overactive bladder in women 2. Describe the role of patient education, behavioral modification, and pharma­ cologic treatment 3. Select antimuscarinic therapy based on patient characteristics and comorbidities 4. Describe the efficacy and safety of mira­ begron and onabotulinumtoxinA
High-Fidelity Buckling Analysis of Composite Cylinders Using the STAGS Finite Element Code

Results from previous shell buckling studies are presented that illustrate some of the unique and powerful capabilities in the STAGS finite element analysis code that have made it an indispensable tool in structures research at NASA over the past few decades. In particular, prototypical results from the development and validation of high-fidelity buckling simulations are presented for several unstiffened thin-walled compression-loaded graphite-epoxy cylindrical shells along with a discussion on the specific methods and user-defined subroutines in STAGS that are used to carry out the high-fidelity simulations. These simulations accurately account for the effects of geometric shell-wall imperfections, shell-wall thickness variations, local shell-wall ply-gaps associated with the fabrication process, shell-end geometric imperfections, nonuniform applied end loads, and elastic boundary conditions. The analysis procedure uses a combination of nonlinear quasi-static and transient dynamic solution algorithms to predict the prebuckling and unstable collapse response characteristics of the cylinders. Finally, the use of high-fidelity models in the development of analysis-based shell-buckling knockdown (design) factors is demonstrated.
The Influence of fMRI Lie Detection Evidence on Juror Decision‐Making

In the current study, we report on an experiment examining whether functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) lie detection evidence would influence potential jurors' assessment of guilt in a criminal trial. Potential jurors (N = 330) read a vignette summarizing a trial, with some versions of the vignette including lie detection evidence indicating that the defendant was lying about having committed the crime. Lie detector evidence was based on evidence from the polygraph, fMRI (functional brain imaging), or thermal facial imaging. Results showed that fMRI lie detection evidence led to more guilty verdicts than lie detection evidence based on polygraph evidence, thermal facial imaging, or a control condition that did not include lie detection evidence. However, when the validity of the fMRI lie detection evidence was called into question on cross-examination, guilty verdicts were reduced to the level of the control condition. These results provide important information about the influence of lie detection evidence in legal settings.
EFFECT OF NON-MAGNETIC IMPURITIES (Zn, Li) ON THE STRIPED STATE OF A SPIN-FERMION MODEL FOR CUPRATES

The presence of stripes and the effect of adding non-magnetic impurities (NMI), such as Zn or Li, to high-Tc cuprates is studied applying Monte Carlo techniques to a spin-fermion model. It is observed that adding Li is qualitatively similar to diping with equa percentages of Sr and Zn. The mobile holes (MH) are trapped by the NMI and the system remains insulating and commensurate with antiferromagnetic (AF) correlations. This behavior persists in the region %NMI>%MH. On the other hand, when %NMI<%MH magnetic and charge incommensurabilities are observed. The vertical or horizontal holerich stripes, present when %NMI=0 upon hole doping, are pinned by the impurities and tend to become diagonal, surrounding finite AF domains. The %MH-%NMI plane is investigated. Good agreement with experimental results is found in the small portion of this diagram where experimental data are available. Predictions about the expected behavior in the remaining regions are made.
Analysis of Multi-stage Convex Relaxation for Sparse Regularization

We consider learning formulations with non-convex objective functions that often occur in practical applications. There are two approaches to this problem: Heuristic methods such as gradient descent that only find a local minimum. A drawback of this approach is the lack of theoretical guarantee showing that the local minimum gives a good solution. Convex relaxation such as L1-regularization that solves the problem under some conditions. However it often leads to a sub-optimal solution in reality. This paper tries to remedy the above gap between theory and practice. In particular, we present a multi-stage convex relaxation scheme for solving problems with non-convex objective functions. For learning formulations with sparse regularization, we analyze the behavior of a specific multi-stage relaxation scheme. Under appropriate conditions, we show that the local solution obtained by this procedure is superior to the global solution of the standard L1 convex relaxation for learning sparse targets.
A Mutation That Improves Soluble Recombinant Hemoglobin Accumulation in Escherichia coli in Heme Excess

High-level expression of soluble recombinant human hemoglobin (rHb) in Escherichia coli was obtained with several hemoglobin variants. Under identical conditions, two rHbs containing the Presbyterian mutation (Asn-108-->Lys) in beta-globin accumulated to approximately twofold less soluble globin than rHbs containing the corresponding wild-type beta-globin subunit accumulated. The beta-globin Providence(asp) mutation (Lys-82-->Asp) significantly improved soluble rHb accumulation compared to the wild-type beta-globin subunit and restored soluble accumulation of rHbs containing the Presbyterian mutation to wild-type levels. The Providenceasp substitution introduced a negatively charged residue into the normally cationic 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate binding pocket, potentially reducing the electrostatic repulsion in the absence of the polyanion. The average soluble globin accumulation when there was coexpression of di-alpha-globin and beta-Lys-82-->Asp-globin (rHb9.1) and heme was present in at least a threefold molar excess was 36% +/- 3% of the soluble cell protein in E. coli. The average total accumulation (soluble globin plus insoluble globin) was 56% +/- 7% of the soluble cell protein. Fermentations yielded 6.0 +/- 0. 3 g of soluble rHb9.1 per liter 16 h after induction and 6.4 +/- 0.2 g/liter 24 h after induction. The average total globin yield was 9.4 g/liter 16 h after induction. High-level accumulation of soluble rHb in E. coli depends on culture conditions, the protein sequence, and the molar ratio of the heme cofactor added.
A Policy Framework for Economic and Social Liberation: The Policy Mandala:

To help marginalized people break out of their cycle of oppression and poverty we need to implement long term integrated policies focusing on all four of their environments: material, physiological, personal and social. This paper will present a policy framework, The Policy Mandala, and illustrate its usefulness with the comparative experience of Dalits (Scheduled Castes) in India and ALANA (African Latino Asian and Native American) people in the USA, in their struggle for economic and social liberation.
Maimonides' Doctrine of Creation

Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed is among the most influential works ever written in religious philosophy. It occupies a unique place in Jewish religious thought. While the majority of subsequent Jewish thinkers have criticized what they understood of Maimonides' text, they have often felt obligated to struggle with his contentions. This obligation constitutes the highest expression of respect in Jewish philosophy.
In Situ Studies of Nitridation of Cu/Ti Thin Films Using Environmental Cell in Transmission Electron Microscopy

Co-deposited Cu/Ti thin films were heated at various temperatures in an ammonia ambient in an environmental cell fitted in to the column of transmission electron microscope (TEM). The reaction dynamics was observed in situ and recorded on video using a TV camera with 1/30 sec. time resolution. The nitridation of titanium accompanied by nucleation and growth of copper particles started at 370°C. Ti2N formed at lower temperatures while TiN was formed above 400°C. The nucleation of crystals occurred simultaneously (within a minute) throughout the film indicating no effect of electron beam on reaction process. The growth rate of copper particles was observed to vary slightly from one particle to another indicating varying growth rate for different facets.
Optical Resolution of π-Thiophene Complexes (C6Me6)Ru(2-RC4H3S)2+ and Related Studies

Diasteriomeric iminium thiolato complexes were prepared by the addition of S-(-)-{alpha}-methylbenzylamine to the {pi}-thiophene complexes [(C{sub 6}Me{sub 6})Ru(2-RC{sub 4}H{sub 3}S)]{sup 2+}, where R = Me(1{sup 2+}), CH{sub 2}OH (3{sup 2+}), and 2-C{sub 4}H{sub 3}S(6{sup 2+}). After chromatographic separation, the diastereomers were treated with HOTf to generate optically pure {pi}-thiophene complexes. The absolute configuration of [(C{sub 6}Me{sub 6})RuSCMeC{sub 2}H{sub 2}(CHNHCHMePh)]OTf, (-)-2(OTf), was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction; the monohydrate crystallized in the acentric space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}. Base hydrolysis of (-)-1{sup 2+} gave the formyl thiolato complex (-)-9{sub kin}, which isomerized to (+)-9{sub therm} with inversion of configuration at Ru, as indicated by circular dichroism measurements. The methyl ester of the amino acid (L)-phenylalanine was shown to add to (C{sub 6}Me{sub 6})Ru(C{sub 4}H{sub 4}S){sup 2+} to give a 2:1 mixture of diastereomeric iminium thiolato complexes. 19 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.
Design opportunities for supporting patient information needs during an emergency visit

Recent technologies, such as online patient portals, mobile apps and various health-related information websites, provide information to patients. However, these systems often only provide pre-defined categories of information for patients to browse through, instead of providing information that can meet patients' situated information needs during their ongoing care process, particularly during an emergency visit when information is lacking the most. To understand what information is desired by patients during this time and why they need this information, we conducted an ethnographic study with patients during their ED visits. We report various phases of the patient care trajectory and describe the three types of information wanted by patients: medicine-related, ED care process-driven, and care plan-oriented. We then discuss how these different types of information needs are related to the overall patient care trajectory, highlighting the situational and temporal aspects of information needs. Finally, we identify key design opportunities for pervasive computing technology to support patients during a short-term hospital stay.