cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations of teacher behavior in desegrated reading groups

Despite concern about the effectiveness of biracial schooling, there is little research which delineates what actually happens in desegrated classrooms. To generate information where the scientific knowledge base is limited, 10 second-grade teachers (five black and five white) were observed. The question raised was: In a sequence of teaching behaviors for reading groups, what are the proportions of positive and negative behaviors directed toward black and white children? In summing the behavior of all 10 teachers, the proportions of positive and negative behaviors directed toward black and white children were remarkably similar to the ethnic composition of the sample, yet these undifferentiated results did not hold for groups of black or white teachers. In addition to group differences, sketches of an individual white and a black teacher are presented, including observation results and data from a standardized interview of social distance.
Predictors of service utilization in veterans with bipolar disorder: a prospective study

This study prospectively followed 103 bipolar patients enrolled in a VA treatment program for 1 year. Mental health service utilization was recorded and aggregated using the VA Cost Distribution Report. We hypothesized that previously reported predictors of disease severity would also predict service utilization, and that several other predictors of service utilization might also be identified. Analyses indicated that only the presence of a major affective episode at clinic intake and a recalled history of childhood physical abuse predicted mental health service utilization. Contrary to expectations, previously reported predictors of disease severity were not significant predictors. Implications for the study of economic outcome are discussed. In particular, we propose that economic outcome is a complex function of both patient and system factors, rather than simply being passively driven by disease severity.
On the distinction between lag and delay in population growth

The analysis and results presented in this paper provide conclusive evidence to distinguish between the delay effect and the lag as two biologically distinct phenomena. It therefore dispels the incorrect notion that delay effects represented by delay differential equations are the biological reason behind the lag phase in microorganism growth. The resulting consequence so far is that the only other reason for the lag phase is the existence of unstable stationary states. The latter are a result of accounting for the microbial metabolic mass transfer in the population growth process.
Navier-Stokes computations with finite-rate chemistry for LO2/LH2 rocket engine plume flow studies

Computational fluid dynamics methods have been developed and applied to Space Shuttle Main Engine LO2/LH2 plume flow simulation/analysis of airloading and convective base heating effects on the vehicle at high flight velocities and altitudes. New methods are described which were applied to the simulation of a Return-to-Launch-Site abort where the vehicle would fly briefly at negative angles of attack into its own plume. A simplified two-perfect-gases-mixing approach is used where one gas is the plume and the other is air at 180-deg and 135-deg flight angle of attack. Related research has resulted in real gas multiple-plume interaction methods with finite-rate chemistry described herein which are applied to the same high-altitude-flight conditions of 0 deg angle of attack. Continuing research plans are to study Orbiter wake/plume flows at several Mach numbers and altitudes during ascent and then to merge this model with the Shuttle 'nose-to-tail' aerodynamic and SRB plume models for an overall 'nose-to-plume' capability. These new methods are also applicable to future launch vehicles using clustered-engine LO2/LH2 propulsion.
SU-GG-I-112: Evaluation of Deformable Registration in CT Images with Limited Feature Visibility

Purpose: Applications of deformable image registration (DIR) often assume deformations to be correct everywhere in the patient volume of interest, but prior studies of DIR accuracy have been limited mostly to high‐contrast features in lung. This study examines DIR accuracy with respiration‐correlated CT (RCCT) images of software and physical deformable phantoms and with patient images in abdomen. Methods and Materials: DIR uses a fast free‐form algorithm, which minimizes an energy function consisting of pixel grayscale similarity and smoothness terms. We evaluate its accuracy in 3 types of RCCT images: an anthropomorphic software phantom that models diaphragmatic contraction and chest expansion and whose known voxel displacements provide ground truth; a physical deformable abdominal phantom with implanted radiopaque markers; and patient data in which the motion between end expiration (EE) and end inspiration (EI) images of small low‐contrast features in or near the liver are compared to rigid registration as an approximate ground truth. Results: The mean 3D vector EE‐to‐EI discrepancy between DIR and ground truth displacement in software phantom is 4.5 mm in lung and 5.0 mm in abdomen. This is larger than that observed by comparing visible features in images alone. Mean 3D vector discrepancy is 6.1mm in physical phantom. In both phantoms, larger discrepancy appears to correlate with regions that lack visible features. In patient images, visible features in liver show good agreement between DIR prediction and ground truth, with mean 3D vector EE‐to‐EI discrepancy of 2.0 mm. Conclusions: Visible internal features in CTimages are important for guiding deformable registration. Radiotherapy applications that assume DIR is accurate throughout the volume may underestimate errors in regions lacking visible features. Results in patient images show that reasonable results can be obtained for features in abdomen. Research supported by NIH/NCI grant R01CA126993.
Comparing Personality Characteristics of Juvenile Sex Offenders and Non-Sex Offending Delinquent Peers: A Preliminary Investigation

There exists a paucity of research on psychopathology among Juvenile Sex Offenders (JSOs) as measured by standardized instruments, particularly as compared to nonclinical and other clinical populations. The current investigation involved a comparison of scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent Version (MMPI-A) between a group of JSOs and non-sex offending delinquent peers. Thirty-six youth from a staff-secure residential facilitate participated, 18 JSOs and 18 non-sex offending delinquent peers. Results revealed that the mean score on clinical Scale 4 (Psychopathic Deviant) was in the clinically significant range for non-sex offending peers and not for JSOs, although the difference between the mean scores was not statistically significant. Chi-square analysis indicated that a significantly greater number of non-sex offending delinquents had scores in the clinical range on this scale as compared to JSOs. Results are discussed in the context of current research on psychopathology among JSOs.
Preparation of poly amides via the phosphorylation reaction. I. Wholly aromatic polyamides and polyamide‐hydrazides

Aromatic polyamides of the AB, AA–BB, and ordered copolyamide types plus aromatic hydrazide and amide–hydrazides were prepared via the phosphorylation reaction. The relationship of the molecular weight, as evidenced by the inherent viscosity values obtained, of the several polymers to the structural features and properties of the monomers used and the polymers obtained is discussed in detail. Some salient observations are that poor solubility of the rodlike polymers definitely appears to set limits to obtaining high molecular weight and strongly basic groups, e.g., —CO—NH—NH2, in monomers, prevent the attainment of high molecular weight because such groups coordinate more strongly with the phosphite complex than does the pyridine catalyst in the phosphorylation reaction. Fibers were spun from two aromatic polyamides prepared via the phosphorylation reaction. Excellent tensile properties were achieved for fiber from poly–p–benzamide (PPB) and the polyisophthalamide of 4, 4′-methylenedianiline despite the relatively low molecular weight of these polymers (?7inh 1.6 and 1.1, respectively). The PPB fiber was spun from both isotropic and anisotropic spinning solutions. Fiber obtained from the anisotropic dope had moderately high tensile strengths (8–12 gpd) and remarkably high initial modulus values (435–745 gpd). These results indicate that polymers made by the phosphorylation route would give fibers with as high tensile properties as polymer made by the diacid chloride-diamine polycondensation route providing that the inherent viscosities of polymer prepared by the former process could be increased to equal those by the latter process.
Natural selection in a contemporary human population

Our aims were to demonstrate that natural selection is operating on contemporary humans, predict future evolutionary change for specific traits with medical significance, and show that for some traits we can make short-term predictions about our future evolution. To do so, we measured the strength of selection, estimated genetic variation and covariation, and predicted the response to selection for women in the Framingham Heart Study, a project of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University that began in 1948. We found that natural selection is acting to cause slow, gradual evolutionary change. The descendants of these women are predicted to be on average slightly shorter and stouter, to have lower total cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure, to have their first child earlier, and to reach menopause later than they would in the absence of evolution. Selection is tending to lengthen the reproductive period at both ends. To better understand and predict such changes, the design of planned large, long-term, multicohort studies should include input from evolutionary biologists.
Beyond realignment: Jo Grimond and the legacy of civic liberalism

Reflecting on Grimond's legacy, Richard V Reeves says the Liberal Democrats should give up the goal of a political realignment with Labour and instead concentrate on promoting the cause of liberalism.
A detailed evaluation of the Eta-CMAQ forecast model performance for O3, its related precursors, and meteorological parameters during the 2004 ICARTT study

[1] The Eta-Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model's forecast performance for ozone (O3), its precursors, and meteorological parameters has been assessed over the eastern United States with the observations obtained by aircraft, ship, ozonesonde, and lidar and two surface networks (AIRNOW and AIRMAP) during the 2004 International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation (ICARTT) study. The results at the AIRNOW sites show that the model was able to reproduce the day-to-day variations of observed daily maximum 8-hour O3 and captured the majority (73%) of observed daily maximum 8-hour O3 within a factor of 1.5 with normalized mean bias of 22%. The model in general reproduced O3 vertical distributions on most of the days at low altitudes, but consistent overestimations above ∼6 km are evident because of a combination of effects related to the specifications of lateral boundary conditions from the Global Forecast System (GFS) as well as the model's coarse vertical resolution in the upper free troposphere. The model captured the vertical variation patterns of the observed values for other parameters (HNO3, SO2, NO2, HCHO, and NOy_sum (NOy_sum = NO + NO2 + HNO3 + PAN)) with some exceptions, depending on the studied areas and air mass characteristics. The consistent underestimation of CO by ∼30% from surface to high altitudes is partly attributed to the inadequate representation of the transport of pollution associated with Alaska forest fires from outside the domain. The model exhibited good performance for marine or continental clear airflows from the east/north/northwest/south and southwest flows influenced only by Boston city plumes but overestimation for southeast flows influenced by the long-range transport of urban plumes from both New York City and Boston.
Refractory Migraine – A Review

Refractory migraine has long been a challenge to all headache specialists. This subgroup of migraine patients experience disability and impaired quality of life, despite optimal treatment. This article reviews the proposed definitions and epidemiology of refractory migraine, as well as the pathophysiology that may contribute to the genesis of this disorder. Aspects of treatment, including pharmacological, complementary/adjunct, and invasive approaches, are reviewed. Comorbid factors, medication overuse, potential pitfalls to treatment, and areas for future investigation are highlighted.
Ancient Sensor for Ancient Drug

Salicylate, a compound found in willow tree bark, is the active breakdown product of aspirin, and has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of salicylate has been unclear. On page 918 of this issue, Hawley et al. ( 1 ) show that salicylate activates the cellular metabolic regulator adenosine monophosphate (AMP)–activated protein kinase (AMPK), which stimulates fat utilization in mice.
Integrating ensemble species distribution modelling and statistical phylogeography to inform projections of climate change impacts on species distributions

Aim Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used to forecast climate change impacts. These models, however, are subject to important assumptions and limitations. By integrating two independent but complementary methods, ensemble SDMs and statistical phylogeography, we addressed key assumptions and created robust assessments of climate change impacts on species distributions while improving the conservation value of these projections. Location North American cordillera. Methods This approach was demonstrated using the arctic-alpine plant Rhodiola integrifolia (Crassulaceae). SDMs were fitted to current and past climates using eight models, two thresholds and one to three climate data sets. These projections were combined to create a map of stable climate (refugia) since the Last Interglacial (124,000 kya). Five biogeographic hypotheses were developed based on the configuration of refugia and tested using statistical phylogeography. Projection of SDMs into the future was contingent on agreement across approaches; future projections (to 2085) used five climate data sets and two greenhouse gas scenarios. Results A multiple-refugia hypothesis was supported by both methods, confirming the assumption of niche conservatism in R. integrifolia and justifying the projection of SDMs onto future climates. Future projections showed substantial loss of climatically suitable habitat. Southern populations had the greatest losses, although the biogeographic scale of modelling may overpredict extinction risks in areas of topographic complexity. Past and future SDMs were assessed for novel values of climate variables; areas of novel climate were flagged as having higher uncertainty. Main conclusions Integrating molecular approaches with spatial analyses of species distributions under global change has great potential to improve conservation decision-making. Molecular tools can support and improve current methods for understanding the vulnerability of species to climate change and provide additional data upon which to base conservation decisions, such as prioritizing the conservation of areas of high genetic diversity to build evolutionary resiliency within populations.
Studies on the biochemistry and fine structure of silica shell formation in diatoms. IX: Sequential valve formation in a centric diatom, Chaetoceros rostratum

Valve formation in a centric diatom,Chaetoceros rostratum Lauder is described. Following cytokinesis, an intracellular cytoplasmic strand traversed by mitochondria and microtubules remains between the sibling cells. The primary silicification site in the new cells is the eccentrically located labiate process area. A cytoplasmic labiate process apparatus is closely associated with labiate process formation. Silicification of the intercellular cytoplasmic strand results in firm intercellular linkage and division of elongated mitochondria. At intermediate developing stages, the valve has an unusual diagonal symmetry. The seta is the last valve component to be formed. Microtubules and a hitherto undescribed structure, the “striated dense body”, are involved in seta formation.
Quantitative structure refinement from the ARCS chopper spectrometer

The new wide angular-range chopper spectrometer ARCS at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been successfully used in white- beam mode, with no Fermi chopper, to obtain neutron powder difiraction based atomic pair distribution functions (PDFs). Obtained PDF patterns of Si, Ni, and Al2O3 were reflned using the PDFflt method and the results compared to data collected at the NPDF difiractometer at Los Alamos National Laboratory. High quality resulting flts are presented, demonstrating that reliable powder difiraction data can be obtained from ARCS when operated in this conflguration.
Buckshot's Case: Social Work and Death Penalty Mitigation in Alabama

This co-constructed narrative reports on the experiences of a clinical social worker who testifies as an expert witness at death penalty mitigation hearings in Alabama. A state with a historic record riddled with racial inequities and injustices, Alabama uses the death penalty aggressively. For many poor defendants, the difference between death and life in prison without the possibility of parole is made at mitigation hearings in which the jury may hear testimony which puts the defendant’s life and crime in context. There is no better-suited profession than social work for conducting this task. This is the story of one social worker and one defendant whose life is on the line.
Antimetabolite incorporation into DNA: Structural and thermodynamic basis for anticancer activity

Antimetabolites are a class of effective anticancer drugs that structurally resemble naturally occurring biochemicals and interfere in essential biochemical processes. In this review, the recent literature describing investigations of the structural and thermodynamic basis for the anticancer activity of three antipyrimidines [1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl cytidine (AraC). 2',2'-difluoro deoxycytidine (dFdC), and 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FdUrd)] is summarized. Our laboratory, and others, have shown that misincorporation of any of these three antipyrimidines into DNA perturbs the structure and decreases the stability of duplex DNA. These data are useful for rationalizing the effects of antipyrimidine misincorporation on the activities of proteins required for DNA replication and repair such as DNA topoisomerase 1 and DNA polymerases. The studies completed to date and summarized in this review demonstrate the utility of investigations into the structure-function relationships between antipyrimidine-substituted DNA complexed with DNA-modifying proteins for the purpose of understanding the basis for effective antipyrimidine cancer chemotherapy and the future design of novel anticancer drugs.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of the sialyl Lewis X glycan and its derivatives.

Abstract A combination of recombinant FKP and α-(1→3)-fucosyltransferase allows the facile synthesis of the sialyl Lewis X tetrasaccharide glycan and its derivatives in excellent yield. In this system, the universal fucosyl donor, guanidine 5′-diphosphate-β- l -fucose (GDP-fucose), or its analogues can be generated in situ by cofactor recycling using pyruvate kinase.
Alterations in calf blood flow following profundaplasty.

Abstract Ten adult males (13 limbs) undergoing profundaplasty were studied. Indications for operation were rest pain in 11 limbs and disabling claudication in 2 limbs. Measurements of calf blood flow (CBF) were performed by venous occlusion plethysmography at rest and during reactive hyperemia (RH) and Doppler ankle systolic blood pressures (DABP) were obtained preoperatively, 3 days, 1 week and 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. In nine procedures with successful clinical outcome, mean resting CBF was 3.1 ± 0.2 (SEM) cc/100 ml min -1 preoperatively, while CBF was 3.3 ± 0.3, 3.4 ± 0.4, 3.5 ± 0.5, 3.2 ± 0.3, and 3.8 ± 0.4 cc/100 ml min -1 3 days, 1 week, and 1, 6, and 12 months after operation, respectively. Peak CBF during RH in these cases was 4.5 ± 0.4 cc/100 ml min -1 preoperatively and 5.4 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.6, 6.7 ± 0.6, 8.6 ± 1.2, and 7.9 ± 1.3 cc/100 ml min −1 3 days, 1 week, and 1, 6, and 12 months after operation, respectively. Mean preoperative DABP was 49 mm Hg, while DABP was 45 ± 7, 48 ± 6, 59 ± 6, 71 ± 7, and 69 ± 6 mm Hg 3 days, 1 week, and 1, 6, and 12 months after operation, respectively. In four procedures resulting in no symptomatic improvement, changes in resting CBF, peak CBF during RH, and DABP were not significant. Resting CBF before and after profundaplasty were not significantly different ( P > 0.05). However, peak CBF during RH significantly ( P P
Childhood punishment experience and adult violence

Using secondary analysis of data from a national survey, this note examines the relationship between childhood punishment experiences and adult violence. The data indicate that the correlation is rather low, a finding that is consistent with previous research on samples of children. It is suggested that in spite of this finding, rather extreme childhood experiences may be fairly strongly related to adult physical aggression, and suggestions for further research are offered.
The Use of Multiple Matrix Sampling to Approximate Norms Distributions: An Empirical Comparison of two Models:

ABSTRACT Multiple matrix sampling (MMS) procedures were utilized to determine the necessary parameters of a Pearson Type I curve. Empirical norms distributions were approximated by both the Type I model and the negative hypergeometric model. Four existing ITED norms distributions, two subtests and two grades, were approximated by the MMS procedures. Two sampling designs for each test-grade combination were studied. Comparison of approximations obtained for the Type I curve and the negative hypergeometric curve supported the use of the Type I curve for determining test score distributions of large populations. (Author) 0
Elucidation of the nature of the murine oncogenic virus inhibitor isolated from JLS-V5 cell line.

SummaryAn inhibitor (STAS) prepared from the supernatant of JLS-V5 cells blocked the replication of MLV in vitro when added to MEF cultures as late as 48 hr after but not prior to infection with MLV. Potent antiviral activity against MLV was also observed with inhibitor prepared from JLS—V9 tissue culture supernatant fluid, fetal calf serum (FCS), normal Balb/c mouse plasma, MEM + 10% FCS, saline, or silicotungstic acid (STA). Inhibitor prepared from JLS-V5 supernatant fluid, but substituting ZnSO4 PCA, TCA, ethanol, or ammonium sulfate precipitants instead of STA, showed little or no activity against MLV in vitro. No viracidal activity was obtained when MLV was exposed directly to JLS-V5 STAS. These studies suggest that the active ingredient in JLS-V5 STAS may be silicotungstic acid.
Interior Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method for the Time-Dependent First Order Maxwell's Equations

An interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method is described with a conformal perfectly matched layer (PML) for solving the two first-order Maxwell's equations in the time domain. Both central and upwind fluxes are studied in this work. In both cases, the proposed method is explicit and conditionally stable. Additionally, a local time-stepping strategy is applied to increase efficiency and reduce the computational time. Finally, numerical examples are presented to validate the method.
Regulation of PTEN Expression in Intestinal Epithelial Cells by c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Activation and Nuclear Factor-κB Inhibition

The tumor suppressor protein phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) plays an important role in intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation and tumor suppression by antagonizing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms regulating PTEN expression are largely undefined. Here, we show that treatment of the colon cancer cell line HT29 with the differentiating agent sodium butyrate (NaBT) increased PTEN protein and mRNA expression and induced c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Inhibition of JNK by chemical or genetic methods attenuated NaBT-induced PTEN expression. In addition, our findings showed a cross-talk between nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and JNK with respect to PTEN regulation. Overexpression of the NF-κB superrepressor increased PTEN expression and JNK activity, whereas overexpression of the p65 NF-κB subunit reduced both basal and NaBT-mediated JNK activation and PTEN expression. Moreover, we showed that overexpression of PTEN or treatment with NaBT increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1 in HT29 cells; this induction was attenuated by inhibition of PTEN or JNK expression or overexpression of p65. Finally, we show a role for PTEN in NaBT-mediated cell death and differentiation. Our findings suggest that the JNK/PTEN and NF-κB/PTEN pathways play a critical role in normal intestinal homeostasis and colon carcinogenesis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(16):7773–81]
Crystal structure of the third KH domain of human poly(C)-binding protein-2 in complex with a C-rich strand of human telomeric DNA at 1.6 Å resolution

KH (hnRNP K homology) domains, consisting of approximately 70 amino acid residues, are present in a variety of nucleic-acid-binding proteins. Among these are poly(C)-binding proteins (PCBPs), which are important regulators of mRNA stability and posttranscriptional regulation in general. All PCBPs contain three different KH domains and recognize poly(C)-sequences with high affinity and specificity. To reveal the molecular basis of poly(C)-sequence recognition, we have determined the crystal structure, at 1.6 A resolution, of PCBP2 KH3 domain in complex with a 7-nt DNA sequence (5'-AACCCTA-3') corresponding to one repeat of the C-rich strand of human telomeric DNA. The domain assumes a type-I KH fold in a betaalphaalphabetabetaalpha configuration. The protein-DNA interface could be studied in unprecedented detail and is made up of a series of direct and water-mediated hydrogen bonds between the protein and the DNA, revealing an especially dense network involving several structural water molecules for the last 2 nt in the core recognition sequence. Unlike published KH domain structures, the protein crystallizes without protein-protein contacts, yielding new insights into the dimerization properties of different KH domains. A nucleotide platform, an interesting feature found in some RNA molecules, was identified, evidently for the first time in DNA.
Duration of a Well-Child Visit: Association With Content, Family-Centeredness, and Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: Studies of pediatric primary care suggest that time is an important limitation to the delivery of recommended preventive services. Given the increasingly frenetic pace of pediatric practice, there is an increased need to monitor the length of pediatric visits and the association of visit length with content, family-centered care, and parent satisfaction with care. OBJECTIVE: To examine the length of well-child visits and the associations of visit length with content, family-centered care, and parent satisfaction among a national sample of children. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey of parents of children aged 4 to 35 months from the 2000 National Survey of Early Childhood Health ( n = 2068). RESULTS: One-third (33.6%) of parents reported spending ≤10 minutes with the clinician at their last well-child visit, nearly half (47.1%) spent 11 to 20 minutes, and 20.3% spent >20 minutes. Longer visits were associated with more anticipatory guidance, more psychosocial risk assessment, and higher family-centered care ratings. A visit of >20 minutes was associated with 2.4 (confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–3.7) higher odds of receiving a developmental assessment, 3.2 (CI: 1.7–6.1) higher odds of recommending the clinician, and 9.7 (CI: 3.5–26.5) higher odds of having enough time to ask questions. CONCLUSIONS: Many well-child visits are of short duration, and shorter visits are associated with reductions in content and quality of care and parent satisfaction with care. Efforts to improve preventive services will require strategies that address the time devoted to well-child care. The results of this study should be interpreted in light of changes in practice standards, reimbursement, and outcome measurement that have taken place since 2000 and the limitations of the measurement of utilization solely on the basis of parent report.
Patterns of health care utilization related to initiation of amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, or pregabalin in fibromyalgia

Several pharmacologic treatments are available for fibromyalgia, but little is known about the comparative effectiveness of these treatments on health care utilization. Using US commercial insurance claims data (covering 2007 to 2009), we conducted a cohort study to examine the comparative effectiveness of amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, and pregabalin on health care utilization in patients with fibromyalgia. We measured patients’ medication adherence using the proportion of days covered (PDC) and estimated multivariable rate ratios (RRs) for outpatient visits, prescriptions, hospitalization, and emergency department (ED) visits in propensity score (PS)–matched cohorts. Cohorts of 8,269 amitriptyline, 9,941 duloxetine, and 18,613 gabapentin initiators were compared with their PS-matched pregabalin initiators. During the baseline 180-day period, patients had, on average, seven to nine physician visits, including six to eight specialist visits, and received eight prescription drugs. The mean PDC up to 180 days varied from 38.6% to 67.7%. The number of outpatient visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations decreased slightly after initiating one of the study drugs, but the number of ED visits increased after treatment initiation. Compared to pregabalin, duloxetine was associated with decreased outpatient visits (RR, 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.88 to 1.00), prescriptions (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.98), hospitalizations (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.83), and ED visits (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.91). Little difference in health care utilization rates was noted among amitriptyline and gabapentin initiators compared to those who were started on pregabalin. Fibromyalgia patients had high health care utilization before and after initiation of amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, or pregabalin. Medication adherence was suboptimal. Overall, fibromyalgia treatment had little impact on reducing health care utilization, but duloxetine initiators had less health care utilization than those started on pregabalin.
Prokaryotic Ubiquitin-Like Protein Provides a Two-Part Degron to Mycobacterium Proteasome Substrates

Prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein (Pup) is a posttranslational modifier that targets proteins for degradation by the mycobacterial proteasome. We show that the disordered amino terminus of Pup is required for degradation, while the helical carboxyl terminus mediates its attachment to proteins. Thus, Pup has distinct regions that either interact with pupylation enzymes or initiate proteasomal degradation.
Modulation of the autonomic nervous system assessed through heart rate variability by a mindfulness based stress reduction program.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an established method to evaluate cardiac sympatho-vagal balance [1]. Reduced HRV is an adverse prognostic marker for fatal arrhythmias in myocardial infarction and heart failure patients [2,3]. Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is a well-delineated 8-week meditation program that has a standardized technique [4]. Certain meditation practices have been shown to positively influence HRV [5,6], but the effects of MBSR on HRV have not been established. Twenty two healthy volunteerswere recruited fromparticipants of a MBSR program. After excluding for followup loss and ECG artifact, final study population was 18 subjects (44% men, mean age 52.7 ± 11.8 years, mean BMI 24.0 ± 3.9 kg/m). The study protocol was approved by the University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent (in accordancewith theHelsinki Declaration) was obtained. Volunteers were reimbursed US$50 per visit to cover travel costs. MBSR consists of an 8-week intervention with weekly classes that last 2–3 h, and daily home practice is encouraged [7].
Increased monocytes and bands following a red blood cell transfusion.

The objective of this study is to analyze the white blood cell changes that occur after a transfusion of red blood cells in order to identify a subclinical inflammatory response in neonates. Retrospective analysis of infants who received a red blood cell transfusion in an intensive care nursery. White blood cell results within 24 h pre- to 48 h post-transfusion were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, T-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation and multivariable linear regression. Monocytes (P=0.02) and bands (P=0.035) were increased post-transfusion. There were no differences in monocytes (P=0.46) or bands (P=0.56) between groups who did or did not have blood cultures obtained. There was no difference in monocytes between groups who did or did not have sepsis (P=0.88). We identified an elevation in monocytes and bands in the 48 h following a transfusion in premature infants. Our findings support a possible pro-inflammatory response related to transfusion of red blood cells.
Optimization of IGBT in power factor correction module for home appliance

IGBTs in an application specific power factor correction module for home air conditioner, have been characterized in terms of the conducted and radiated EMI noise as well as static and dynamic loss. Simulation and experimental results showed that internal gate resistance and drift layer thickness should be optimized in terms of performance and EMI noises. System simulation predicted that total power consumption by IGBT, FRD and rectifier does not exceed 80 W even in worst condition; output power=3 kW, controlled output DC voltage=380 V, Vin=170 V and fs=25 kHz.
Design and Characterization of a Hardware Encryption Management Unit for Secure Computing Platforms

Software protection is increasingly necessary for uses in commercial systems, digital content distributors, and military systems. The Secure Software (SecSoft) architecture is one of several architectures attempting to provide hardware enforced software protection. The advantage of the SecSoft architecture is increased software protection without alteration to the fundamental interaction of software, operating systems, and developer tools. This work presents the design, implementation, and performance analysis of a fast, flexible hardware Encryption Management Unit (EMU) for such architectures. The EMU provides selective decryption of software instructions residing in page-sized sections of memory, without modification to the core processor. Results are derived from a FPGA based prototype platform containing different cryptographic routines operating with a standard processor.
A case of CMT 1B due to Val 102/fs null mutation of the MPZ gene presenting as hyperCKemia

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous neuropathies classically divided into demyelinating (CMT1) and axonal forms (CMT2). The most common demyelinating form is CMT1A, due to a duplication in the gene encoding the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22). Less frequently, mutations in the myelin protein zero gene (MPZ/P0) account for demyelinating CMT1B. Herein, we report a patient presenting with an isolated hyperCKemia in whom electrophysiological and pathological findings revealed a demyelinating and axonal neuropathy. Sequencing of the MPZ gene revealed a 306delA at codon 102 in the proband and in two relatives. This mutation has been already described in association with paucisymptomatic CMT without hyperCKemia.
Immunity Studies in Avian Cecal Coccidiosis II. The Use of Deep Litter and Hydrated Lime Treated Litter in the Development of Immunity in Young Chickens

Abstract FLOOR litter in poultry houses has been used many years to absorb moisture and thus aid in the prevention of coccidiosis by keeping the floors dry and preventing the sporulation of oocysts. Later the practice of using deep litter or built-up litter developed and is now widely used to keep the floors dry and help to control the spread of coccidiosis. The method usually consists of using loose, dry litter, four to six inches deep, of various materials as wood shavings, chopped grain straws, ground corn cobs, peat moss, and others. Small quantities of clean litter are added as long as the old litter is dry. The litter is often allowed to remain during the entire 10 to 12 weeks necessary for the rearing of a brood of chicks. The litter is stirred frequently, often daily, and new litter added when dampness occurs. Boughton (1939) tested the use of deep . . .
An emerging molecular map of the phytochromes

Molecular mapping studies and sequence comparisons are providing provocative new insights into regions of the phytochrome polypeptide important to the functional activities of the photoreceptor. The NH 2 -terminal structural domain contains the determinants for photoperception, and for the differences in photosensory specificity and photolability between phyA and phyB. However, a contiguous COOH-terminal domain is also required for the transfer of perceived informational signals downstream to transduction pathway components and for PfrA-specific degradation to proceed. The COOH-terminal domains of phyA and phyB are functionally interchangeable in these processes and a core sequence at the proximal end of this domain contains determinants necessary for signal transfer from both phyA and phyB, suggesting a common biochemical mechanism of signal transfer for the two photoreceptors. Striking sequence similarity between the NH 2 -terminal domain of a Synechocystis protein, ORF SLR0473, and the phytochromes indicates that the cyanobacteria contain phytochrome-related photoreceptors. The COOH-terminal domains of ORF SLR0473 and the phytochromes are also related to one another and both show sequence similarities to the sensor histidine kinases. These data raise the possibility that the cyanobacteria have a functional photoregulated histidine kinase signalling system and that the plant phytochromes represent remnants of that system.
The role of cytoplasmic streaming in symplastic transport

The distributing of materials throughout a symplastic domain must involve at least two classes of transport steps: plasmodesmatal and cytoplasmic. To underpin the latter, the most obvious candidate mechanisms are cytoplasmic streaming and diffusion. The thesis will be here advanced that, although both candidates clearly do transport cytoplasmic entities, the cytoplasmic streaming per se is not of primary importance in symplastic transport but that its underlying molecular motor activity (of which the streaming is a readily visible consequence) is. Following brief tutorials on low Reynolds number flow, diffusion, and targeted intracytoplasmic transport, the hypothesis is broached that macromolecular and vesicular transport along actin trackways is both the cause of visible streaming and the essential metabolically driven cytoplasmic step in symplastic transport. The concluding discussion highlights four underdeveloped aspects of the active cytoplasmic step: (i) visualization of the real-time transport of messages and metabolites; (ii) enumeration of the entities trafficked; (iii) elucidation of the routing of the messages and metabolites within the cytoplasm; and (iv) transference of the trafficked entities from cytoplasm into plasmodesmata.
Multiple Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract In the past 25 years, obesity and diabetes mellitus have overtaken cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension as risk factors for coronary heart disease. Data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey of 50 states revealed that, in 2000, the prevalence of obesity among US adults was approximately 20%, a 61% increase from the 1991 prevalence rate. Currently, most adults (≥56%) are overweight, approximately 1 in 5 is obese, and 7.3% have diabetes. Overweight and obesity increase the risk for hospitalization and death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes at all levels of risk and independently of other risk factors. In particular, abdominal obesity (assessed indirectly by measuring waist circumference) may be associated with clustering of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors (i.e., hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and elevated levels of fasting glucose) known as the metabolic syndrome. Patients with even minimal abnormalities in any 3 of the 5 risk factors for the metabolic syndrome are at heightened risk for CVD or diabetes. It is estimated that 47 million US adults, 25% of the population, have ≥3 metabolic syndrome components. Abdominal obesity is the most common, followed by low HDL cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and high levels of triglycerides. The risk for disease increases over time as the number of metabolic syndrome characteristics accumulates; therefore, early intervention is warranted. Given the prevalence and potentially deadly consequences of the metabolic syndrome, it is imperative for physicians to recognize the presence of these risk factors in their patients and to familiarize themselves with the recommended treatment strategies.
Discounted optimal growth in a two-sector RSS model: a further geometric investigation*

The geometric apparatus of Khan–Mitra (Adv. Math. Econ. 8:349–381, 2006; Jpn. Econ. Rev. 58:191–225, 2007) enables an identification of a tripartite (inside-borderline-outside) distinction for discounted Ramseyian optimality in the 2-sector RSS model and to obtain the following results: (a) parametric ranges of the discount factor for which the check-map is the optimal policy function, (b) necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of stable optimal 2-period cycles, (c) absence of 3-period cycles in the borderline case, and (d) existence of unstable 3-period cycles in a canonical instance of the outside case. The geometry is shown to have more general interest and relevance for future work.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine does not protect mouse ears from the effects of noise*

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational injuries in the United States. It would be extremely valuable if a safe, inexpensive compound could be identified which protects worker hearing from noise. In a series of experiments, Kopke has shown that the compound N-acetyl-L-cysteine (L-NAC) can protect the hearing of chinchillas from the effects of a single exposure to noise. L-NAC is used in clinical medicine and is very safe. Although L-NAC was reported to be promising, it has not been successful in other studies (Kramer et al., 2006; Hamernik et al., 2008). The present study was undertaken to determine if L-NAC could protect C57BL/6J (B6) mice from the permanent effects of noise. Two groups of five B6 mice were injected with either 300 or 600 mg/kg L-NAC approximately 1 hr prior to a 104 dB broadband noise exposure and again immediately after the exposure. A control group (N = 7) was exposed to the same noise level but injected with vehicle (sterile saline). Auditory brainstem response measurements were made at 4, 8, 16 and 32 kHz one week prior to and 12 days after exposure. There were no statistically significant differences in ABR threshold shifts between the mice receiving L-NAC and the control mice. This indicates that L-NAC was not effective in preventing permanent threshold shift in this mouse model of NIHL.
A qualitative study to identify reasons for discharges against medical advice in the cardiovascular setting

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for the largest number of discharges against medical advice (AMA). However, there is limited information regarding the reasons for discharges AMA in the CVD setting. Objective To identify reasons for discharges AMA among patients with CVD. Design Qualitative study using focus group interviews (FGIs). Participants A convenience sample of patients with a CVD-related discharge diagnosis who left AMA and providers (physicians, nurses and social workers) whose patients have left AMA. Primary and secondary outcomes To identify patients9 reasons for discharges AMA as identified by patients and providers. To identify strategies to reduce discharges AMA. Approach FGIs were grouped according to patients, physicians and nurses/social workers. A content analysis was performed independently by three coauthors to identify the nature and range of the participants9 viewpoints on the reasons for discharges AMA. The content analysis involved specific categories of reasons as motivated by the Health Belief Model as well as reasons (ie, themes) that emerged from the interview data. Results 9 patients, 10 physicians and 23 nurses/social workers were recruited for the FGIs. Patients and providers reported the same three reasons for discharges AMA: (1) patient9s preference for their own doctor, (2) long wait time and (3) factors outside the hospital. Patients identified an unmet expectation to be involved in setting the treatment plan as a reason to leave AMA. Participants identified improved communication as a solution for reducing discharges AMA. Conclusions Patients wanted more involvement in their care, exhibited a strong preference for their own primary physician, felt that they spent a long time waiting in the hospital and were motivated to leave AMA by factors outside the hospital. Providers identified similar reasons except the patients9 desire for involvement. Additional research is needed to determine the applicability of results in broader patient and provider populations.