cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation in Coronal Activity from Solar Cycle 24 Minimum to Maximum Using Three-Dimensional Reconstructions of the Coronal Electron Density from STEREO/COR1

Three-dimensional electron density distributions in the solar corona are reconstructed for 100 Carrington rotations (CR 2054 – 2153) during 2007/03 – 2014/08 using the spherically symmetric method from polarized white-light observations with the inner coronagraph (COR1) onboard the twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO). These three-dimensional electron density distributions are validated by comparison with similar density models derived using other methods such as tomography and a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model as well as using data from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO)-C2. Uncertainties in the estimated total mass of the global corona are analyzed based on differences between the density distributions for COR1-A and -B. Long-term variations of coronal activity in terms of the global and hemispheric average electron densities (equivalent to the total coronal mass) reveal a hemispheric asymmetry during the rising phase of Solar Cycle 24, with the northern hemisphere leading the southern hemisphere by a phase shift of 7 – 9 months. Using 14 CR ( $\approx13$ -month) running averages, the amplitudes of the variation in average electron density between Cycle 24 maximum and Cycle 23/24 minimum (called the modulation factors) are found to be in the range of 1.6 – 4.3. These modulation factors are latitudinally dependent, being largest in polar regions and smallest in the equatorial region. These modulation factors also show a hemispheric asymmetry: they are somewhat larger in the southern hemisphere. The wavelet analysis shows that the short-term quasi-periodic oscillations during the rising and maximum phases of Cycle 24 have a dominant period of 7 – 8 months. In addition, it is found that the radial distribution of the mean electron density for streamers at Cycle 24 maximum is only slightly larger (by $\approx30\%$ ) than at cycle minimum.
Implementation of a Web-Based Tool With Text Message Prompts to Improve End-of-Shift Assessments for Emergency Medicine Residents.

Background End-of-shift assessments (ESA) can provide representative data on medical trainee performance but do not occur routinely and are not documented systematically. Objective To evaluate the implementation of a web-based tool with text message prompts to assist mobile ESA (mESA) in an emergency medicine (EM) residency program. Methods mESA used timed text messages to prompt faculty/trainees to expect in-person qualitative ESA in a milestone content area and for the faculty to record descriptive performance data through a web-based platform. We assessed implementation between January 2018 and November 2019 using the RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance). Results Reach: 96 faculty and 79 trainees participated in the mESA program. Effectiveness: From surveys, approximately 72% of faculty and 58% of trainees reported increases in providing and receiving ESA feedback after program implementation. From ESA submissions, trainees reported receiving in-person feedback on 90% of shifts. Residency leadership confirmed perceived utility of the mESA program. Adoption: mESA prompts were sent on 7792 unique shifts across 4 EDs, all days of week, and different times of day. Faculty electronically submitted ESA feedback on 45% of shifts. Implementation quality: No technological errors occurred. Maintenance: Completion of in-person ESA feedback and electronic submission of feedback by faculty was stable over time. Conclusions We found mixed evidence in support of using a web-based tool with text message prompts for mESA for EM trainees.
Trademarks Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), with References to the Current Mexican Law

The introduction of Mexico into the international trademark arena may significantly influence the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”). NAFTA established a reliable and efficient system for trademark registration and protection. This system not only protects owners of trademarks, but also helps consumers identify and purchase goods or services that meet their needs.Despite its membership in NAFTA, Mexico is in the process of internationalizing its Intellectual Property protections. It is evident that among countries, economic improvement is generally the main motivation to form Free Trade Agreements, and Mexico's case is no different. Mexico has pursued an aggressive strategy of bilateral and regional agreements related to intellectual property protection. However, it seems that Mexico's strategy of bilateral agreements is also intended to decrease its reliance on the United States as a trading partner. This decrease in reliance will likely significantly influence the future of NAFTA.
Correlation of non-invasive diffuse optical measurements of cerebral hemodynamics and cerebral microdialysis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

We examine the correlation of non-invasive, frequency-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (FD-DOS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) measurements of cerebral tissue oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with invasive cerebral microdialysis measurement of the cerebral lactate-pyruvate ratio (LPR), a biomarker of metabolic stress, during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a pediatric swine model of ECMO assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (n=15). During 22-24 hours of ECMO, non-invasive FD-DOS/DCS neuromonitoring of OEF and rCBF demonstrated significant correlations with cerebral LPR. Non-invasive detection of critical neurometabolic stress at the bedside may facilitate brain-targeted ECMO management after cardiac arrest.
Measuring and modeling in vivo human gracilis muscle-tendon unit length

Musculoskeletal models rely heavily on the use of an anatomical dataset and clearly defined assumptions to accurately model the subject being studied. Therefore, it is important to understand the limitations of using musculoskeletal models to study individuals. This paper describes a method of measuring in vivo gracilis muscle-tendon unit length and presents a comparison of experimental data versus predictions from four musculoskeletal models in OpenSim. The largest errors occurred when the knee was fully extended. At this position, the absolute average muscle-tendon unit length error was 7% and the absolute average fiber length error was between 15% and 32%. However, the variability of these errors was significant. Manual linear scaling based on an anthropometric database did not capture the variability observed in subjects. The fiber length errors observed are predicted to have a significant impact on muscle force production that may not represent true subject specific force-length relationship of the gracilis.
Dietary Intake and Representativeness of a Diverse College-Attending Population Compared with an Age-Matched US Population.

Young adults typically gain more dietary autonomy as they start college, though this can also present nutritional challenges; however, research on the generalizability of their dietary intake data is scarce. To address this representativeness concern, we compared food and nutrient intakes reported by college freshmen attending a large, diverse university to an age-matched sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We studied 269 students 18–24 years old recruited through the Mason: Health Start Here (HSH) study, a population-based cohort study of college students. Diet was assessed using a diet history questionnaire (DHQ-III) and estimated with food source composition tables. The NHANES sample of 835 adults was the reference dataset. Reported dietary intakes were weighted and compared with national intakes via t-tests. We observed comparable energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes in both groups; however, the HSH cohort reported a higher density intake of most micronutrients than the NHANES sample. Differences between these samples in intake, mode of dietary assessment administration, and reactivity may help explain the differences detected. These results demonstrate that when appropriately contextualized in terms of methodology and potential sources of bias, single college studies can be useful for understanding nutrition in young adults more broadly.
A case-control study of respiratory medication and co-occurring gastrointestinal prescription burden among persons with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.

We previously reported increased pain and gastrointestinal (GI) medication prescription claims among persons with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and peripubertal increase in opioid and anti-emetic claims among women with EDS. Herein, we hypothesized a higher proportion of respiratory and co-occurring respiratory and GI medication prescription claims among persons with EDS compared to their matched controls with increases among peripubertal women with EDS. We compared the proportions of respiratory and co-occurring respiratory and GI medication prescription claims among persons with EDS (aged 5-62) against their age-, sex-, state of residence-, and earliest claim date-matched controls using 10 years of private prescription claims data. Prescription claims among persons with EDS versus matched controls were increased for eight medication classes (p < .0001): intranasal/inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (30.8% vs. 19.0%), oral steroids (30.0% vs. 16.5%), H1-antihistamines (26.2% vs. 12.2%), short-acting beta agonists (22.7% vs. 11.6%), decongestants (21.6% vs. 15.9%), leukotriene modifiers (8.9% vs. 3.6%), ICS/long-acting beta agonists (5.7% vs. 2.9%), muscarinic antagonists (2.5% vs. 0.9%), and co-occurring prescriptions (29% vs. 10%). Our results suggest a critical time window for peripubertal intervention and research and a need to focus on the pathogenesis and clinical evaluation of EDS-specific respiratory and aerodigestive disorders.
The rGel/BLyS Fusion Toxin Inhibits Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Growth In Vitro and In Vivo

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and accounts for 30%to 40%of NHL. Molecules targeting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) are expected to be of therapeutic value in those tumors where NF-kappaB seems to play a unique survival role such as activated B-cell (ABC)-subtype DLBCL. We previously generated a rGel/BLyS fusion toxin for receptor-mediated delivery of the rGel toxin specifically to malignant B cells. In this study, we examined this fusion toxin for its ability to suppress DLBCL growth in vitro and in vivo. rGel/BLyS was specifically cytotoxic to DLBCL lines expressing all three BLyS receptors and constitutively active NF-kappaB. Treatment with rGel/BLyS induced down-regulation of the phosphorylation of inhibitory subunit of NF-kappaB (IkappaB-alpha), inhibition of NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity, and accumulation of IkappaB-alpha. In agreement with these results, we additionally found that rGel/BLyS downregulated levels of several NF-kappaB targets including Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, survivin, and x-chromosome linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis. Treatment also induced up-regulation of Bax and apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and poly ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage. Importantly, rGel/BLyS significantly inhibited tumor growth (P < .05) in a DLBCL xenograft model. Thus, our results indicate that rGel/BLyS is an excellent candidate for the treatment of aggressive NHLs that are both dependent on NF-kappaB and are resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic regimens.
Longer-Term Economic Effects of College Selectivity and Control.

This study uses a nationally representative sample of baccalaureate recipients—4 years after graduation—to assess the effects of college selectivity and control on earnings and indebtedness related to undergraduate education. After controlling for salient background, education, and labor market characteristics there is strong evidence of a substantial earnings return to college selectivity and control, which is consistent with the bulk of earlier work in this area. The impact of these factors on education-related debt is varied, with graduates from more selective private institutions continuing to bear the largest debt burden. Findings also suggest, however, that the enhanced earnings for graduates from selective private colleges are quickly offsetting the associated debt burden. Potentially problematic issues include a mix of high debt loads and sub-par labor market experiences for graduates from low selectivity private institutions—those that also serve a disproportionate number of nontraditional students.
The making of a Yoruba-English machine translator

In recent decades, the field of artificial intelligence has covered much research in the area of computer translation. The targets of this research have often been the most broadly spoken languages, like English, French, Chinese and Russian. As a result, little or no AI-related research has been done with the less mainstream languages. In particular, for various reasons many African cultures are without access to computer translation. This sometimes hinders their progress in a globalized world, as they are more susceptible to being excluded from translation efforts. The aim of my project is to provide a machine translator for the English and Yoruba languages that would be beneficial both practically and as a pacesetter for other West African languages in computational linguistics using classic syntactic and semantic analyzing algorithms.
An algorithm computing submatrices of the n-th Kronecker power matrix

The author describes an algorithm for finding part of a Kronecker power matrix without computing the whole matrix. Two definitions are provided. The algorithm for finding a submatrix and its proof are described. >
Structure and Function of the Complement Receptors, CR1 (CD35) and CR2 (CD21)

Publisher Summary This chapter reports recent findings regarding two of these receptors, complement receptor type 1 (CR1; CD35) and complement receptor type 2 (CR2; CD21), which bind the cleavage fragments of C4 and C3 that are covalently attached to activators of the complement system. The complete primary structure of CR1 is now known through molecular cloning studies. The most common allotype of CR1, the F or A allotype, is a polypeptide of 2039 residues: A 41-amino acid signal peptide, an extracellular domain of 1930 residues, a 25-amino acid transmembrane region, and a 43-amino acid cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular portion of the receptor is composed exclusively of 30 short consensus repeats (SCRs). Each SCR contains 60 to 70 amino acids, six of which are found in all SCRs: Four cysteines, a single tryptophan between the third and fourth cysteine, and a glycine after the second cysteine. The primary protein structure of CR2 has been determined through analysis of the nucleotide sequences of clones isolated from human tonsillar and Raji lymphoblastoid cell line cDNA libraries. These clones encode a 20-amino acid signal peptide, a 954-residue extracellular domain, a 24-amino acid transmembrane region, and a 34-amino acid cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain is composed entirely of 15 tandem short consensus repeat sequences that are homologous to those described in CR1 and other C3/C4-binding proteins, as well as in some membrane proteins that do not share this function. The molecular cloning of CR1 enabled the construction of eukaryotic expression vectors containing cDNA inserts, representing the entire CR1 coding sequence and various deletion mutants. The expression of these recombinant forms of CR1, and the analysis of their ligand binding function has led to the identification of distinct C3b and C4b recognition sites. These functional domains have been assigned to specific structural elements of the receptor, the SCR and the LHR. The functions of CR2 have been more difficult to define fully than has its structure. The experimental evidence to date suggests that this single transmembrane glycoprotein may have several important immunoregulatory.
"As olde bookes maken us memorie": Chaucer and the Clerical Commentary Tradition

The clerical exegesis within Chaucer's Canterbury Tales has frequently been connected to medieval ethical commentary traditions. This paper challenges that idea with new manuscript evidence from paraphrases of Ovid's Metamorphoses , which would have taught Chaucer how to read and write. The article argues for a re-evaluation of Chaucer's relationship to the clerical milieu that inspired his characterization of the Monk, the Wife of Bath and her husband Jankyn, the Summoner, and the Summoner's friar. The ways in which these characters adapt and comment on hermeneutics elucidate both the means by which lay readers accessed clerical discourse and the patterns of reading and textual analysis that inspired the composition of parts of the Canterbury Tales .
Presence of Cytochrome and Menaquinone in Clostridium formicoaceticum and Clostridium thermoaceticum

Abstract Cytochrome b and menaquinone have been demonstrated in the homoacetate-fermenting Clostridium formicoaceticum and Clostridium thermoaceticum.
LOGICALC: An Environment for Interactive Proof Development

LogiCalc facilitates theorem-proving work with typical predicate-calculus formalizations of AI problems. It follows the scLCF model: goals are analysed top-down by refining them into plans and subgoals. Proofs are synthesized bottom-up by executing the plans' validations. LogiCalc is based on a system of Natural Deduction for the sequent calculus, with a double twist: (1) formulae are skolemized by default and unification is built into the logic, (2) assumption sets are implemented with an scATMS. The underlying graph helps make the most of every answer: (1) goals are grouped in equivalence classes and thus share their answers, (2) related classes are linked together and communicate their answers to one another. Refinements often require premises. A transparent scDWIM detaching mechanism allows the use of a subformula of an assertion as a premise. The system automatically determines the auxiliary goals required to infer it and adds them to the resulting plan; mismatches contribute equality goals. Proofs are generalized by a technique related to Explanation-Based Generalization, but operating on a reification of the logic. Finally, proof summaries can be automatically generated for publication in $\rm L\!\sc{A}T\sb{E}X.$ Heuristics determine how to compress/omit/in-line uninteresting parts. The thesis also contributes an axiomatization of Qualitative Physics.
Subsurface mass transport affects the radioxenon signatures that are used to identify clandestine nuclear tests

[1] The ratios of noble gas radioisotopes can provide critical information with which to verify that a belowground nuclear test has taken place. The relative abundance of anthropogenic isotopes is typically assumed to rely solely on their fission yield and decay rate. The xenon signature of a nuclear test is then bounded by the signal from directly produced fission xenon, and by the signal that would come from the addition of xenon from iodine precursors. Here we show that this signal range is too narrowly defined. Transport simulations were done to span the range of geological conditions within the Nevada Test Site. The simulations assume a 1 kt test and the barometric history following the nuclear test at Pahute Mesa in March 1992. Predicted xenon ratios fall outside of the typically assumed range 20% of the time and situations can arise where the ground level signal comes entirely from the decay of iodine precursors.
Structure-function relationships in the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (573.2)

Mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) plays a key role at the mitochondrial replication fork. Previous studies examining variant human mtSSBs showed a significant decrease in their ability to stimulate the human mitochondrial replicase, DNA polymerase γ (pol γ) in vitro, suggesting that specific structural features are involved in direct interactions with pol γ (Oliveira, M. O., Kaguni, L. S. (2011) J. Biol. Chem. 286, 40649-40658). We are currently studying the effects of the corresponding variants of the Drosophila melanogaster mtSSB (Dm mtSSB) in coordinating DNA polymerase γ function and by doing so, we hope to understand the biochemical properties of this highly conserved protein that allow for differential stimulation of the human and fly replicases, which themselves differ in oligomeric structure, and nearly ten fold in the level of stimulation by their cognate mtSSBs. We have generated three variants of Dm mtSSB that introduce changes in amino acid residues located on the prote...
WE-C-BRA-03: Acceptance Testing and Commissioning of a Commercial 3D Surface Matching Video System

Non‐invasive 3D surface matching systems have become commercially available forinitial patient positioning and real‐time monitoring during radiotherapytreatment. Some systems are capable of providing surface motion surrogates that can be used for respiratory gating. All systems must undergo commissioning and acceptance prior to clinical use. First, clinical implementation of these systems requires the establishment of routine quality control proceduresthat range from phantom studies to monitoring clinical setups.In particular, the congruence of the surfaceimaging isocentermust be compared to both the imaging and treatmentradiation isocenters. Isocenter congruence accuracy limitations may need to be tailored to the treatment site. For example, tighter accuracy is expected of isocenter congruence for treatment monitoring ofstereotactic radiosurgery patients compared to monitoring of breast patients due to the smaller planning target volume margins. For clinical commissioning studies, the correlation of 3D surface matching compared to the routinely‐used image‐guided procedures should be well characterized. Furthermore, understanding the accuracy, robustness, and limitations of the algorithms used to register two 3D surfaces is key to understanding the expected clinical results. We will summarize our institutional experience with acceptance testing and commissioning the AlignRT (VisionRT Ltd., London, UK) 3D surface matching system and its clinical implementation for positioningpatients receiving whole breast radiotherapy. Learning Objectives: 1. List some acceptance testing procedures for surfaceimaging systems 2. Understand the commissioning process of surfaceimaging systems for whole breast radiotherapy 3. Understand how surfaceimagingisocenter congruence testing must be incorporated into ongoing quality assurance of image‐guided RT (IGRT)
Triaxial rotor model description of quadrupole interference in collective nuclei: The P 3 term

The triaxial rotor model with independent inertia and electric quadrupole tensors is applied to the ${P}_{3}$ term, ${P}_{3}=\ensuremath{\langle}{0}_{1}||\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{T}(E2)||{2}_{1}\ensuremath{\rangle}\ensuremath{\langle}{2}_{1}||\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{T}(E2)||{2}_{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}\ensuremath{\langle}{2}_{2}||\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{T}(E2)||{0}_{1}\ensuremath{\rangle}$, which is a standard measure of quadrupole interference in collective nuclei. It is shown that the model naturally explains nuclei with anomalous signs for their ${P}_{3}$ terms. Measurements of $Q({2}_{1})$ in multiple-step Coulomb excitation can be significantly dependent on the sign of this term. The example of $^{194}\mathrm{Pt}$ is considered.
R-loops at immunoglobulin class switch regions in the chromosomes of stimulated B cells

The mechanism responsible for immunoglobulin class switch recombination is unknown. Previous work has shown that class switch sequences have the unusual property of forming RNA-DNA hybrids when transcribed in vitro. Here we show that the RNA-DNA hybrid structure that forms in vitro is an R-loop with a displaced guanine (G)-rich strand that is single-stranded. This R-loop structure exists in vivo in B cells that have been stimulated to transcribe the γ3 or the γ2b switch region. The length of the R-loops can exceed 1 kilobase. We propose that this distinctive DNA structure is important in the class switch recombination mechanism
The Egyptian "decans"

It is shown that the 10° sections of the ecliptic, called decans by the Greeks, were originally constellations rising heliacally 10 days apart, and invisible for 70 days. Such stars belong to a zone south of the ecliptic and include Sirius and Orion. The use of the decans for time measurement at night leads to a twelve-division of the period of complete darkness. From this is eventually derived the twenty-four division of day and night.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor decreases ischemia reperfusion induced fluid leak.

Background Intravascular volume loss from ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a major clinical concern. We hypothesize that angiotensin II decreases IR-mediated microvascular fluid leak via the angiotensin II type 2 receptor in a cAMP dependent manner. We therefore sought to determine hydraulic permeability after IR of venules treated with 1) angiotensin II, 2) angiotensin II and cAMP synthesis inhibitor, and 3) angiotensin II and an angiotensin II type 2 receptor antagonist. Methods Rat mesenteric post-capillary venules were micro-cannulated to measure hydraulic permeability (L p ). IR was achieved by placing animals in a 5% oxygen environment and preventing venular flow, after which blood flow was allowed to resume. L p was measured after IR and treatment with 1) angiotensin II (20 n m ), 2) angiotensin II (20 n m ) + cAMP synthesis inhibitor (DDA,10uM), and 3) angiotensin II (20 n m ) + type 2 receptor antagonist (PD-123319, 300 μ m ) ( n = 6 in each group). Results Compared with the seven-fold increase in L p because of IR alone: 1) angiotensin II attenuated the seven-fold increase by 50% ( P Conclusion Treatment with angiotensin II attenuated increases in hydraulic permeability because of IR by 50%. Inhibition of cAMP synthesis did not change the effect of angiotensin II on IR mediated leak, and angiotensin II type 2 receptor inhibition completely blocked the effects of angiotensin II. These results indicate that angiotensin II decreases IR induced leak via the angiotensin II type 2 receptor in a cAMP independent manner. A better understanding of mediators that reduce intravascular fluid loss from IR-induced microvascular dysfunction may help clinicians treat uncontrolled fluid extravasation that occurs during shock and sepsis.
The reliability of randomized algorithms

Recently, certain philosophers of mathematics (Fallis [1997]; Womack and Farach [1997]) have argued that there are no epistemic considerations that should stop mathematicians from using probabilistic methods to establish that mathematical propositions are true. However, mathematicians clearly should not use methods that are unreliable. Unfortunately, due to the fact that randomized algorithms are not really random in practice, there is reason to doubt their reliability. In this paper, I analyze the prospects for establishing that randomized algorithms are reliable. I end by arguing that it would be inconsistent for mathematicians to suspend judgement on the truth of mathematical propositions on the basis of worries about the reliability of randomized algorithms.
Multimodal In Vivo Imaging Exposes the Voyage of Nanoparticles in Tumor Microcirculation

Tumors present numerous biobarriers to the successful delivery of nanoparticles. Decreased blood flow and high interstitial pressure in tumors dictate the degree of resistance to extravasation of nanoparticles. To understand how a nanoparticle can overcome these biobarriers, we developed a multimodal in vivo imaging methodology, which enabled the noninvasive measurement of microvascular parameters and deposition of nanoparticles at the microscopic scale. To monitor the spatiotemporal progression of tumor vasculature and its vascular permeability to nanoparticles at the microcapillary level, we developed a quantitative in vivo imaging method using an iodinated liposomal contrast agent and a micro-CT. Following perfusion CT for quantitative assessment of blood flow, small animal fluorescence molecular tomography was used to image the in vivo fate of cocktails containing liposomes of different sizes labeled with different NIR fluorophores. The animal studies showed that the deposition of liposomes depended on local blood flow. Considering tumor regions of different blood flow, the deposition of liposomes followed a size-dependent pattern. In general, the larger liposomes effectively extravasated in fast flow regions, while smaller liposomes performed better in slow flow regions. We also evaluated whether the tumor retention of nanoparticles is dictated by targeting them to a receptor overexpressed by the cancer cells. Targeting of 100 nm liposomes showed no benefits at any flow rate. However, active targeting of 30 nm liposomes substantially increased their deposition in slow flow tumor regions (∼12-fold increase), which suggested that targeting prevented the washout of the smaller nanoparticles from the tumor interstitium back to blood circulation.
Elevated C-reactive protein and self-reported disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, has been associated with increased disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. However, the association in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. We examined the association of CRP with self-reported disease activity in the Carolina Lupus Study and described differences by sociodemographic characteristics. The study included baseline and three-year follow-up data on 107 African-American and 69 Caucasian SLE patients enrolled at a median 13 months since diagnosis. Models estimated prevalence differences in the association of baseline CRP with self-reported flares, adjusting for age, sex, race and education. Active disease or flare was reported by 59% at baseline and 58% at follow-up. Higher CRP (>10 µg/ml vs. <3 µg/ml) was associated with a 17% (95% confidence interval (CI): -20, 53%) higher prevalence of flare at baseline and a 26% (95% CI: -9, 62%) higher prevalence of flare at follow-up. These CRP-flare associations were notably stronger in patients with lower education at baseline and in African-Americans at follow-up. These findings suggest that CRP may be a useful marker in studies of SLE health disparities.
EVALUATING RATIONAL PARTISAN BUSINESS CYCLE THEORY: A RESPONSE*

In a recent article published in this journal Steven Sheffrin presented the results of two tests on the so called “Rational Partisan Theory”. Sheffrin concluded that the evidence provides “little support for a strict interpretation of the theory”. This note argues that, although interesting in itself, the tests performed by Sheffrin are not particularly informative about the empirical relevance of the Rational Partisan Theory. Also, this note reconciles Sheffrin's results on OECD economies with the literature, which, in general, has found rather supportive evidence for the Rational Partisan Theory.
The role of the suprachiasmatic nuclei in the generation of circadian rhythms in the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus

1. Neural mechanisms involved in the generation and entrainment of circadian rhythms of behaviour were studied in male golden hamsters,Mesocricetus auratus. 2. Destruction of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus and accompanying interruption of the retino-hypothalamic tract (RHT) modified or eliminated entrainment to lighting cycles. 3. Such lesions also prevented the generation of normal circadian rhythms of both activity and drinking. Some lesioned hamsters generated bimodal (circa 12 h) and trimodal (circa 8 h) activity patterns in constant conditions. 4. Other lesioned hamsters appeared to be arrhythmic under constant conditions; power spectral analysis revealed low amplitude circa 8 h rhythms in the records of many of these hamsters. 5. The records of many lesioned hamsters showed several activity components that dissociated from each other and from the illumination cycle and free ran independently for many cycles. These and other features of the activity records indicate that activity rhythms in hamsters are controlled by a complex of oscillatory units whose mutual coupling produces the features of normal circadian rhythmicity. The SCN are apparently responsible for the maintenance of normal coupling among these oscillators and, thereby, for the generation of circadian behavioural rhythmicity. 6. The presence of residual entrainment after SCN destruction in some hamsters shows that visual pathways other than the RHT can to a limited extent mediate light effects on the circadian system. .
NUMERICAL CALCULATION OF FLUTTER DERIVATIVES VIA INDICIAL FUNCTIONS

The central focus of the present study is the numerical calculation of flutter derivatives. These aeroelastic coefficients play an important role in determining stability, or rather, instability of long, flexible structures under ambient wind loading. In recent years, the Finite Element Method (FEM) has gained considerable acceptance in the solution of problems governed by the viscous, incompressible flow equations. FIDAP is one such general fluid dynamics analysis package that makes use of Finite Element methodology. The most direct way of obtaining flutter derivatives would be to simulate the full oscillatory object motion in a flow and use the unsteady lift and moment forces thus determined. This would essentially entail an internal boundary motion in the flow, which requires considerable computational effort in the case of most Eulerian non-adaptive grid-based numerical methods. However, the alternative indicial function approach investigated in this study limits itself to step changes in motional variables. Inherent to using this approach, then, is the assumption of reduced computational complexity.
HLA-DQ6 and ingestion of contaminated water: possible gene-environment interaction in an outbreak of Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis that can cause severe multisystem disease. While host gene-environment interactions likely modify infectious disease susceptibility, including for leptopsirosis, this has not been documented. In a 1998 leptospirosis outbreak investigation among triathletes in a lake swim, swallowing lake-water was a disease risk-factor. We used genomic DNA from 85 anonymized blood-sample remainders from that investigation to examine the association of laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis with gene polymorphisms (TNF-α alleles and serologically defined genotypes for HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1). HLA-DQ6-positive triathletes had increased risk of laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis (OR=2.8, P=0.04) compared to DQ6-negatives. DQ6-positive triathletes swallowing lake-water had greatest risk (OR 8.46, P⩽0.001). This first report of a genetic risk-factor affecting susceptibility to leptospirosis is also the first documented gene–environment interaction (DQ6 and swallowed water) affecting infectious disease susceptibility. Based on these preliminary findings, we hypothesize a role for superantigens in leptospirosis and underscore the importance of outbreak investigations for understanding infectious disease gene–environment interactions.
Performance evaluation of a high-speed switched network for PACS

We have replaced our shared-media Ethernet and FDDI network with a multi-tiered, switched network using OC-12 (622 Mbps) ATM for the network backbone, OC3 (155 Mbps) connections to high-end servers and display workstations, and switched 100/10 Mbps Ethernet for workstations and desktop computers. The purpose of this research was to help PACS designers and implementers understand key performance factors in a high- speed switched network by characterizing and evaluating its image delivery performance, specifically, the performance of socket-based TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and DICOM 3.0 communications. A test network within the UCLA Clinical RIS/PACS was constructed using Sun UltraSPARC-II machines with ATM, Fast Ethernet, and Ethernet network interfaces. To identify performance bottlenecks, we evaluated network throughput for memory to memory, memory to disk, disk to memory, and disk to disk transfers. To evaluate the effect of file size, tests involving disks were further divided using sizes of small (514 KB), medium (8 MB), and large (16 MB) files. The observed maximum throughput for various network configurations using the TCP protocol was 117 Mbps for memory to memory and 88 MBPS for memory to disk. For disk to memory, the peak throughput was 98 Mbps using small files, 114 Mbps using medium files, and 116 Mbps using large files. The peak throughput for disk to disk became 64 Mbps using small files and 96 Mbps using medium and large files. The peak throughput using the DICOM 3.0 protocol was substantially lower in all categories. The measured throughput varied significantly among the tests when TCP socket buffer was raised above the default value. The optimal buffer size was approximately 16 KB or the TCP protocol and around 256 KB for the DICOM protocol. The application message size also displayed distinctive effects on network throughput when the TCP socket buffer size was varied. The throughput results for Fast Ethernet and Ethernet were expectedly lower but the patterns were interestingly different from those for ATM. To achieve the optimum throughput in a TCP-based high-speed switched medial imaging network, the size of the TCP socket buffer is the most important parameter to optimize. If the DICOM 3.0 protocol is used, however, the performance gain by tuning system parameters is minimal, particularly if small files are used. Compared to socket-based TCP, the decrease in throughput caused by DICOM 3.0 protocol overhead is significantly larger in a high-speed switched network. This suggests that the protocol itself is the bottleneck in high-speed networks and that the protocol should be fine-tuned to take advantage of the services provided by such networks and not to duplicate them. To design a successful high-speed PACS network, it is important that bandwidth-demanding workstations and servers be on the same subnet and use the same technology so that no routing and data conversions are required.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Neurogenesis and Gliogenesis in the Postischemic Brain

Stem cells are found throughout the adult mammalian brain, including the subventricular zone (SVZ) adjacent to the lateral ventricles, and in the hippocampal dentate subgranular zone (SGZ). Cells born in the SVZ migrate to the olfactory bulb. Those born in the SGZ migrate into the granule cell layer. Following 5 or 10 min of global ischemia in the adult gerbil, there is a tenfold increase in the birth of new cells in the SGZ as assessed using bromo-deoxy-uridine incorporation. This begins at 7 days, peaks at 11 days, and decreases thereafter. Over the ensuing month, approximately one-fourth of the newborn cells disappear. Of the remaining cells, 60% migrate into the granule cell layer where two-thirds of these become NeuN, calbindin, and MAP-2 immunostained neurons. The remaining 40% of the cells migrate into the dentate hilus where one-fourth of these become glial fibrillary acidic protein-labeled astrocytes. Death of CA1 pyramidal neurons does not stimulate neurogenesis because ischemia-induced toleranc...
Staff scheduling in high volume service facilities with downgrading

This paper discusses the problem of scheduling a multi-skilled workforce in service organizations where demand varies throughout the day, 7 days a week. The goal is to determine the optimal complement of workers so that demand is met without violating labor rules, union agreements, and company policies. It is assumed that each member of the workforce possesses a particular type of skill and can be categorized as either full-time, part-time, or temporary. Demand is specified by skill type, and in the downgrading analysis, a person in a higher skill category can be assigned a job in a lower skill category, but at the original rate of pay. We develop a mixed-integer linear programming model for this problem based on staffing requirements at US Postal Service mail Processing and Distribution Centers (P&DCs). The solution methodology involves the use of a commercial code to find daily shifts, and post-processing heuristics to construct 5-day a week schedules, allocate lunch breaks, and assign workers to jobs d...
Activating ego engagement through social media integration in the large lecture hall

This chapter provides strategies for harnessing the power of social media to better help Millennial students connect with course content.
Nuclear Accumulation of p53 Is a Potential Marker for the Development of Squamous Cell Lung Cancer in Smokers

Study objectives To determine whether the nuclear accumulation of p53 in patients with early bronchial neoplasia represents an altered susceptibility for the development of lung cancer. Patients and measurements We evaluated the percentage of cells accumulating nuclear p53 immunohistochemically in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung, the associated uninvolved bronchial mucosa, and epithelial hyperplasia in 60 archival lung specimens of smokers and in the normal bronchial epithelium and hyperplastic lesions of 60 smokers who had not developed lung cancer. Results The percentage of cells accumulating p53 was significantly higher in SCC-associated uninvolved bronchial epithelia of (mean [± SD], 4 ± 0.9%) and in specimens from patients with epithelial hyperplasia (mean, 9 ± 2%) compared to the percentage of cells from the bronchial epithelia of (mean, 0.5 ± 0.2%) and in specimens from patients with epithelial hyperplasia (mean, 1.5 ± 0.5%) who were smokers who had not developed lung cancer (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0004, respectively). We also observed a statistically significant stepwise increase in the percentage of cells accumulating p53 from SCC-associated uninvolved bronchial epithelium to those from a patient with epithelial hyperplasia to those from a patient with SCC (mean, 35 ± 4%), suggesting the involvement of p53 accumulation in the development of SCC (p ≤ 0.05 for all comparisons). The accumulation of p53 in SCC cells was not significantly associated with the size of the tumor, nodal involvement, the stage of the disease, the presence or absence of metastasis, the grade of differentiation, or survival of the disease, indicating its lack of association with the clinical progression of the disease. Conclusions These results suggested that p53 accumulation is an early event in lung carcinogenesis and potentially could be useful in the identification of smokers who are at risk of developing SCC, but not in the estimation of survival of the disease.
Respiration of Artemia franciscana embryos after continuous anoxia over 1-year period

Encysted embryos of the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, exhibit extraordinary longevity when exposed to continuous anoxia. To explore the metabolic basis of this ability, the post-anoxic respiration of embryos exposed to anoxia for periods exceeding 1 year was measured. Since anoxic metabolism might result in the accumulation of metabolic end products, an O2 debt would be expected. Contrary to that expectation, post-anoxic embryos exhibited a marked depression in respiration rate whether embryos were hydrated under anoxic conditions or were exposed to a previous aerobic incubation and then placed under anoxia. These results, and those of previous studies, suggest that extended anoxia may bring the metabolism of these embryos to a reversible standstill.
Associations Among Empathy, Social Competence, & Reactive/Proactive Aggression Subtypes

Differences between proactive and reactive aggression subtypes on self-reported measures of empathy, social competence, and expectation for reward were examined among 433 middle school students (65.4% White, 33.9% Black). As hypothesized, males scored higher on proactive and reactive aggression scales and lower on empathy measures than females. K-means cluster analysis yielded the following four distinct groups: reactive, proactive, proactive/reactive aggressive, and uninvolved. Overall, uninvolved (nonaggressive youth) had higher empathy and social competence scores and lower expectation of reward for the use of aggression. The reactive and proactive groups did not differ significantly on study variables. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Coupled 2D-3D finite element method for analysis of a skin panel with a discontinuous stiffener

This paper describes a computationally efficient analysis method which was used to predict detailed stress states in a typical composite compression panel with a discontinuous hat stiffener. A global-local approach was used. The global model incorporated both 2D shell and 3D brick elements connected by newly developed transition elements. Most of the panel was modeled with 2D elements, while 3D elements were employed to model the stiffener flange and the adjacent skin. Both linear and geometrically nonlinear analyses were performed on the global model. The effect of geometric nonlinearity induced by the eccentric load path due to the discontinuous hat stiffener was significant. The local model used a fine mesh of 3D brick elements to model the region at the end of the stiffener. Boundary conditions of the local 3D model were obtained by spline interpolation of the nodal displacements from the global analysis. Detailed in-plane and through-the-thickness stresses were calculated in the flange-skin interface near the end of the stiffener.
Use of Sulfonamides in Treatment of Experimental Clostridium welchii Infection

Summary1. A suspension of sulfonamides injected subcutaneously into the inguinal region of mice produced high sustained concentrations of the drug in the blood. 2. A single dose of a suspension of sulfathiazole or sulfadiazine injected immediately following inoculation with Cl. welchii protected 45-53% of the mice. A 1 mg dose gave as much protection as a 50 mg dose. A delay in therapy of 1 or 2 hours markedly reduced the protective action. Sulfanilamide gave very little protection.
Causality tests and functional form sensitivity

(1985). Causality tests and functional form sensitivity. Applied Economics: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 135-141.
Recent applications of PIXE spectrometry in archaeology II. Characterization of Chinese pottery exported to the Islamic world

Abstract The early 9th century a.d. trade links between China's Tang dynasty and the Western world, by land along the caravan routes of the Silk Road and by sea via India and the Gulf, encouraged a taste for many kinds of Chinese ceramics among the affluent societies of the Islamic empire. Using PIXE analysis to determine the primary composition and minor element patterns of the clay fabrics of a wide range of pottery recovered from the Islamic city of Siraf (in southern Iran), we have established clear differences between Chinese wares imported to that region and a variety of imitative wares of local origin. Parallels and contrasts are drawn between our data and those obtained by Chinese scholars in recent years for the products of various Tang kiln sites, particularly for a series of distinctive stonewares from Tongguan (Hunan province).
Identification of a herpes simplex virus-induced dendrite in an eye-bank donor cornea.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the presence of an active herpetic dendrite in an eye-bank cornea. METHODS: CASE REPORT: One eye-bank cornea was studied. Viral cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing were performed 4 days after tissue preservation. The presence or absence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 was investigated. RESULTS: The presence of an active HSV dendrite in an eye-bank cornea was verified. HSV type 1 was confirmed using PCR amplification and restriction endonuclease DNA fragment analysis. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that HSV may remain viable in stored corneal tissue at 4 degrees C.