cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MHC Class lb-Restricted Cell Responses to Listeria Monocytogenes Infection

Murine infection with Listeria monocytogenes induces CD8+ T cell responses specific for bacterial peptides that are presented on the infected cell surface by MHC class Ia and MHC class Ib molecules. We have used MHC tetramers to demonstrate that CD8+ T cells restricted by the H2-M3 MHC class Ib molecules constitute a substantial portion of the T cell response to L. monocytogenes infection. The in vivo size and kinetics of MHC class Ib-restricted T cell populations suggests that they play a prominent role in bacterial clearance following primary L. monocytogenes infection.
ALTERED SENSITIVITY TO LOW DOSE DEX IN A SUBSET OF PATIENTS WITH PREMATURE ADRENARCHE (PA)

The regulatory mechanisms of adrenarche and PA, including the existence of a non-ACTH androgen stimulating factor, are controversial. We sought to evaluate the suppressibility of the HPA axis in PA in 24 children (age 1.5-8.75 yrs, 4M/20F) in whom the dx of PA was confirmed by ACTH testing. We measured cortisol and androgen at SAM after a single PH low dose of DEX 0.3mg/m2 given between 11PM-MN (Hindmarsh and Brook, Clin Endo 1985.) 2 Groups of PA were defined by their response to DEX. GROUP I:(n=12) cortisol(F) <5ug/dl, GROUP II:(n=12)F ≥ 5ug/dl (p=.01) The mean age was 88 vs 84 months for I vs II and the mean CA/BA was 1.2 vs 0.99, I vs II. Although the mean responses to ACTH and DEX of T, DHEA, δ4A, 17OHP and A517P did not differ, the rate of increase response to ACTH and decrease to DEX of Δ517P, DHEA and Δ4A were sig. greater in group I vs group 11.(*=p<.002) These results suggest a greater sensitivity to changes in ACTH secretion in I vs II These indings further suggest the possibility of different regulatory mechanisms resulting in PA: an ACTH and a non-ACTH factor.
Phone-Based GOTV—What’s on the Line? Field Experiments with Varied Partisan Components, 2002-2003:

Most of the recent literature that investigates voter turnout and mobilization finds little or no impact on turnout as a result of get-out-the-vote (GOTV) phone drives. This article describes four field experiments embedded within GOTV phone drives conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area in November 2002 and October 2003. One of the drives was strictly nonpartisan, two were explicitly partisan (Democratic), and the last was quasi-partisan in that it was explicitly in opposition to a municipal proposition. These experiments were designed to investigate whether GOTV phone drives are effective tools for increasing turnout. None of the GOTV phone drives with a partisan or quasi-partisan component resulted in a detectable increase in voter turnout. The overall results raise serious questions about the efficacy of GOTV phone drives, particularly those with the intent of affecting electoral outcomes.
Outgassed Water on Mars: Constraints from Melt Inclusions in SNC Meteorites

The SNC (shergottite-nakhlite-chassignite) meteorites, thought to be igneous rocks from Mars, contain melt inclusions trapped at depth in early-formed crystals. Determination of the pre-eruptive water contents of SNC parental magmas from calculations of the solidification histories of these amphibole-bearing inclusions indicates that martian magmas commonly contained 1.4 percent water by weight. When combined with an estimate of the volume of igneous materials on Mars, this information suggests that the total amount of water outgassed since 3.9 billion years ago corresponds to global depths on the order of 200 meters. This value is significantly higher than previous geochemical estimates but lower than estimates based on erosion by floods. These results imply a wetter Mars interior than has been previously thought and support suggestions of significant outgassing before formation of a stable crust or heterogeneous accretion of a veneer of cometary matter.
Asymptotics of M-estimators in non-linear regression with long memory designs

This paper derives the asymptotic distribution of a class of M-estimators in a family of non-linear regression models when the errors and the design variables are long memory moving averages. The class of estimators includes analogs of the least square, least absolute deviation and the Huber(c) estimators. A simulation study comparing the finite sample behaviour of the least absolute deviation and the least-square estimators is also included.
Effects of postovulatory estrogen on progesterone and prostaglandin F levels in the monkey.

Abstract Estrogen administration during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle resulted in rapid decline of progesterone levels in the peripheral plasma of 13 out of 16 cycles in macaque monkeys. In most instances, values returned to normal whether or not estrogen was continued. In more than half the animals, there was also a rise in plasma prostaglandin F.
Kinetic analysis of product release and metal ions in a metallonuclease

Most nucleases rely on divalent cations as cofactors to catalyze the hydrolysis of nucleic acid phosphodiester bonds. Here both equilibrium and kinetic experiments are used to test recently proposed models regarding the metal ion dependence of product release and the degree of cooperativity between metal ions bound in the active sites of the homodimeric PvuII endonuclease. Equilibrium fluorescence anisotropy studies indicate that product binding is dramatically weakened in the presence of metal ions. Pre-steady state kinetics indicate that product release is at least partially rate limiting. Steady state and pre-steady state data fit best to models in which metals remain bound to the enzyme after the release of product. Finally, analysis of cooperative and independent binding models for metal ions indicates that single turnover kinetic data are consistent with little to no positive cooperativity between the two metal ions binding each active site.
QCD corrections to scalar production via heavy quark fusion at hadron colliders

We recently proposed that, due to the top-quark-mass enhanced Yukawa coupling, the s-channel production of a charged scalar or pseudoscalar from heavy quark fusion can be an important new mechanism for discovering nonstandard spin-0 particles. In this work, we present the complete $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s})$ QCD corrections to this s-channel production process at hadron colliders, and also the results of QCD resummation over multiple soft-gluon emission. The systematic QCD-improved production and decay rates at the Fermilab Tevatron and the CERN LHC are given for the charged top pions in the top-color models, and for the charged Higgs bosons in the generic two Higgs doublet model. The direct extension to the production of the neutral (pseudo)scalars via $b\overline{b}$ fusion is studied in the minimal supersymmtric standard model (MSSM) with large $\mathrm{tan}\ensuremath{\beta},$ and in the top-color model with a large bottom Yukawa coupling.
Patient dose considerations for routine megavoltage cone-beam CT imaging.

Megavoltage cone-beam CT (MVCBCT), the recent addition to the family of in-room CTimagingsystems for image-guided radiation therapy(IGRT), uses a conventional treatment unit equipped with a flat panel detector to obtain a three-dimensional representation of the patient in treatment position. MVCBCT has been used for more than two years in our clinic for anatomy verification and to improve patient alignment prior to dose delivery. The objective of this research is to evaluate the image acquisition dose delivered to patients for MVCBCT and to develop a simple method to reduce the additional dose resulting from routine MVCBCT imaging. Conventional CT scans of phantoms and patients were imported into a commercial treatment planning system (TPS: Phillips, Pinnacle) and an arc treatment mimicking the MVCBCT acquisition process was generated to compute the delivered acquisition dose. To validate the dose obtained from the TPS, a simple water-equivalent cylindrical phantom with spaces for MOSFETs and an ion chamber was used to measure the MVCBCT image acquisition dose. Absolute dose distributions were obtained by simulating MVCBCTs of 9 and 5 monitor units (MU) on pelvis and head and neck patients, respectively. A compensation factor was introduced to generate composite plans of treatment and MVCBCT imagingdose. The article provides a simple equation to compute the compensation factor. The developed imaging compensation method was tested on routinely used clinical plans for prostate and head and neck patients. The quantitative comparison between the calculated dose by the TPS and measurement points on the cylindrical phantom were all within 3%. The dose percentage difference for the ion chamber placed in the center of the phantom was only 0.2%. For a typical MVCBCT, the dose delivered to patients forms a small anterior-posterior gradient ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 cGy per MVCBCT MU. MVCBCT acquisitions in the pelvis and head and neck areas deliver slightly more dose than current portal imaging but render soft tissue information for positioning. Overall, the additional dose from daily 9 MU MVCBCTs of prostate patients is small compared to the treatmentdose ( 4 % ) . Dose-volume histograms of compensated plans for pelvis and head and neck patients imaged daily with MVCBCT showed no additional dose to the target and small increases at low doses. The results indicate that the dose delivered for MVCBCT imaging can be precisely calculated in the TPS and therefore included in the treatment plan. This allows simple plan compensations, such as slightly reducing the treatmentdose, to minimize the total dose received by critical structures from daily positioning with MVCBCT. The proposed compensation factor reduces the number of MU per treatment beam per fraction. Both the number of fractions and the beam arrangement are kept unchanged. Reducing the imaging volume in the cranio-caudal direction can further reduce the dose delivered for MVCBCT. This is a useful feature to eliminate the imagingdose to the eyes or to focus on a specific region of interest for alignment.
Nonrandom Device Mismatch Considerations in Nanoscale SRAM

Competitive density, performance, and functional objectives of the SRAM bit cell require design rules which are much more aggressive than those used in base logic designs. Because soft fail yield in SRAM is dependent on the device threshold and threshold mismatch in the bit cell, much research has been directed toward addressing the random contributors to within-cell device threshold variation. We examine four sources of potential nonrandom threshold mismatch that can arise from the use of aggressive design rules in the bit cell: 1) implanted ion straggle in SiO2; 2) polysilicon inter-diffusion driven counter-doping; 3) lateral ion straggle from the photoresist; and 4) photoresist implant shadowing. Using simulation and hardware measurements, we quantify the device parametric impacts and provide a statistical treatment forming the basis for quantification of the functional margin impacts on the bit cell. We examine two lithography-compliant bit-cell layout topologies and quantify the impact of systematic mismatch on the margin limited yield.
Inhibition of Calcium-Dependent B Cell Activation by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Abstract The environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has previously been shown to directly suppress humoral immunity in mice when administered either in vivo or to isolated low-density B lymphocytes in culture. Because TCDD-mediated suppression of the antibody forming cell response to both LPS and SRBC was found to require early xenobiotic exposure (i.e., within 3 and 24 hr of antigen addition, respectively), an early B cell activation event is most likely to be affected by TCDD. Antigen recognition via the surface immunoglobulin (sIg) receptor leads to B cell activation and clonal expansion, priming the cell to secrete specific antibody. The signal transduction events triggered by either antigen or anti-Ig antibodies are similar and relatively well characterized in comparison to other models of B cell activation, such as stimulation by LPS or activated T-helper cell membranes. In order to study the potential effects of TCDD on early B cell activation events, we examined murine low-density B cell responses to activation by anti-IgM in the presence of immunosuppressive concentrations of TCDD. Compared to vehicle controls, TCDD inhibited anti-IgM-stimulated proliferative responses but not Ia expression induced by sIgM ligation. In addition, B cell proliferative responses to the combination of PMA and ionomycin were suppressed by up to 50% of control levels at 30 nM TCDD, indicating that TCDD may disrupt signaling pathways distal to phospholipase C. The magnitude of TCDD-induced suppression of the PMA plus ionomycin induced proliferative response was dependent upon the ionomycin concentration but not the PMA concentration, suggesting that TCDD manifests its antiproliferative effects on B cells by inhibiting calcium-dependent activation.
Physical and Electrical Properties of Yttrium Silicate Thin Films

This article reports on the physical and electrical properties of yttrium silicate, which is a possible high-k replacement for the SiO2 gate dielectric in CMOS devices. The yttrium silicate (Y-O-Si) films are formed by sputtering yttrium onto clean silicon, annealing in vacuum to form yttrium silicide and then oxidizing in N2O to form the silicate. Shifts in the Y 3d, Si 2p and O 1s photoelectron spectra with respect to Y2O3 and SiO2 indicate that the films are fully oxidized yttrium silicate. FTIR results that reveal a Si-O stretching mode at 950 cm−1 and Y-O stretching modes in the far-IR are consistent with XPS. XPS and FTIR results are in accordance with the donation of electron density from the yttrium to the Si-O bond in the silicate. The yttrium silicate films contain a fixed charge density of ∼9×1010 cm−2 negative charges as calculated from measured C-V behavior. The properties of ultra-thin yttrium silicate films with an equivalent silicon dioxide thickness (electrical) of ∼1.0 nm will be discussed elsewhere.
Ophthalmic disease of fish

This article aims to familiarize veterinarians with fish ophthalmology as a component of fish medicine. Over the past few years, the ornamental fish industry has experienced a rapidly increasing popularity, and millions of dollars are spent in the United States each year on pet fish, making it the biggest animal-related hobby. Over 90% of fish sold in pet stores are freshwater species, of which about 80% are raised on fish farms around the world; however, almost all marine fish and about 20% of all freshwater fish are wild caught; these fish are imported into the United States in large quantities from overseas without any minimum quarantine protocol. Eventually, most wild-caught and farmed fish reach the facilities of wholesalers. To ensure a high turnover rate of their livestock (up to 90% within 1 week), most wholesalers do not apply quarantine protocols [1]. Nonexistent quarantine and stress of transport can result in a wide variety of fish diseases that may not be evident until the fish reaches its final destination. Medical care of fish mainly encompasses home and business aquariums, aquatic exhibits, ornamental garden ponds, and commercial fish farms. Stocking of these facilities with fish often represents a significant investment by the aquaculturalist (eg, show-quality kois may be worth up to US$100,000). Overall, there is a tremendous need for medical care of fish. Ocular disorders in fish are common and can occur as primary or secondary manifestations of a systemic disease. A complete ocular examination should be included in every routine physical examination. Because most species are sight feeders and because vision has a major role in the schooling habits of fish, any visual impairment usually has fatal consequences for the individual fish and may cause substantial economic loss to the client.
Continuity of Care Through Improved Documentation

An 18-month, nursing service-education project studied means to improve the quality of maternity services in satellite clinic settings. Tools, inservice education meetings, and questionnaires were used to guide nurses, other team members, and students in patient education services. Progress in written and verbal communications was made. Ongoing collaboration between the nurse practitioner and nurse educator produced mutual benefits and unanticipated outcomes.
Accelerator operation management using objects

Conflicts over control of shared devices or resources in an accelerator control system, and problems that can occur due to applications performing conflicting operations, are usually resolved by accelerator operators. For these conflicts to be detected by the control system, a model of accelerator operation must be available to the system. We present a design for an operation management system addressing the issues of operations management using the language of Object-Oriented Design (OOD). A possible implementation using commercially available software tools is also presented.
Analysis of Wolbachia Strains Associated With Conotrachelus nenuphar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Eastern United States

We studied the distribution patterns of Wolbachia infection associated with plum curculio strains in eight states of the eastern United States. The presence of the Wolbachia-specific gene wsp identified infections of this endosymbiont in 97.8% of the 93 samples tested. Three distinct Wolbachia strains were identified. The strains wCne1 (593 bp) and wCne2 (593 bp) were 97% identical, and their sequences were both 84% identical with wCne3 (590 bp). BLASTN searches through GenBank showed strong similarities between the wsp sequences of the three strains compared with Wolbachia sequenced from other hosts. Degree of similarity with sequences in other Wolbachia strains is discussed. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for superinfection detection. Of 93 samples, 15 (16.1%), 21 (22.6%), 19 (20.4%), and 36 (38.7%) samples were infected by wCne1, wCne2, wCne1 + 2, and wCne3, respectively. Only two (2.2%) samples had no infection. The wCne3 strain was always present as a single infection. Wolbachia strains approximate the distribution of plum curculio strains: northern strain infected with wCne1 and wCne2 strains in supergroup B, and southern strain infected with wCne3 strain in supergroup A, with the mid-Atlantic region as the convergence area. Based on haplotype distribution of plum curculio mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I, there was a closer relation of the mid-southern plum curculio clade to the far-southern clade than to the northern clade. However, Wolbachia symbionts in mid-southern plum curculio are more closely related to those in northern plum curculio than to those in far-southern plum curculio. The relationship of Wolbachia infection with reproductive incompatibility between plum curculio populations was also discussed.
Seven-Transmembrane Receptors and Ubiquitination

Regulation of protein function by posttranslational modification plays an important role in many biological pathways. The most well known among such modifications is protein phosphorylation performed by highly specific protein kinases. In the past decade, however, covalent linkage of the low-molecular-weight protein ubiquitin to substrate proteins (protein ubiquitination) has proven to be yet another widely used mechanism of protein regulation playing a crucial role in virtually all aspects of cellular functions. This review highlights some of the recently discovered and provocative roles for ubiquitination in the regulation of the life cycle and signal transduction properties of 7-transmembrane receptors that serve to integrate many biological functions and play fundamental roles in cardiovascular homeostasis.
Ray tracing deterministic 3-D fractals

As shown in 1982, Julia sets of quadratic functions as well as many other deterministic fractals exist in spaces of higher dimensionality than the complex plane. Originally a boundary-tracking algorithm was used to view these structures but required a large amount of storage space to operate. By ray tracing these objects, the storage facilities of a graphics workstation frame buffer are sufficient. A short discussion of a specific set of 3-D deterministic fractals precedes a full description of a ray-tracing algorithm applied to these objects. A comparison with the boundary-tracking method and applications to other 3-D deterministic fractals are also included.
Testosterone and Androstenedione Production Rates in Patients with Metastatic Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Five women with functioning adrenal cortical carcinoma had increased testosterone blood production rates and plasma levels which ranged from high normal to 20 times normal. In a man with feminizing adrenal cortical carcinoma the plasma testosterone was low but the production rate was normal. The testosterone metabolic clearance rates were increased above normal in all 6 patients. In 3 with very large tumors the testosterone metabolic clearance rates were higher than previously observed in patients without neoplastic disease. It is postulated that the large tumors actively metabolized testosterone so as to increase its clearance from the blood compartment. In contrast to testosterone, both androstenedione plasma levels and production rates ranged from normal to very high but in only one patient was the metabolic clearance rate higher than normal. In one patient a major fraction of the plasma testosterone was derived from plasma androstenedione but in 2 others testosterone was either secreted or de...
Intakes of Alcohol and Folate During Adolescence and Risk of Proliferative Benign Breast Disease

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Alcohol consumption during adolescence and early adulthood has been associated with an increased risk of biopsy-confirmed benign breast disease (BBD), an established risk factor of breast cancer. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This is the first study to analyze the association between adolescent alcohol consumption and risk of biopsy-confirmed proliferative BBD by adolescent folate intake. The result provides no evidence for protective effects of adolescent folate intake on risk of alcohol-associated BBD. abstract To examine the combined effect of alcohol and folate in- take during adolescence on the risk of proliferative benign breast disease (BBD). METHODS: We used data from 29 117 women in the Nurses' Health Study II who completed both adolescent alcohol consumption ques- tions in 1989 and an adolescent diet questionnaire in 1998. A total of 659 women with proliferative BBD diagnosed between 1991 and 2001 were confirmed by central pathology review. Cox proportional haz- ards models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for established risk factors of breast cancer. RESULTS: Adolescent alcohol consumption was dose-dependently associated with an increased risk of proliferative BBD (hazard ratio = 1.15 per 10 g/day consumption; 95% CI, 1.03-1.28). There was no significant association between adolescent folate intake and the risk of proliferative BBD. Stratified analyses showed that each 10-g/day alcohol intake during adolescence was associated with a 21% (95% CI, 1.01-1.45) increase in the risk of proliferative BBD among women with low folate intake during adolescence, which was not significantly different from the alcohol-associated risk among women with moderate and high folate intake during adolescence (P for interaction = 0.18).
Characterization of Aroma‐Active Compounds in Microwave Blanched Peanuts

Microwave blanching of peanuts has been explored as an alternative to conventional oven methods based on its speed of operation, energy savings, and efficiency of process control. Although processing times can be greatly reduced, the occurrence of stale/floral and ashy off-flavors has been reported at high process temperatures. This study examined the chemical compounds responsible for this off-flavor using solvent extraction/solvent assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC/O), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Select compounds were quantified based on AEDA results using SAFE and GC/MS. Quantification, threshold testing, and analysis of model systems revealed increased formation of guaiacol and phenylacetaldehyde in the off-flavored peanuts, which resulted in the burnt and stale/floral flavors noted by a
Learning Gradients: Predictive Models that Infer Geometry and Statistical Dependence

The problems of dimension reduction and inference of statistical dependence are addressed by the modeling framework of learning gradients. The models we propose hold for Euclidean spaces as well as the manifold setting. The central quantity in this approach is an estimate of the gradient of the regression or classification function. Two quadratic forms are constructed from gradient estimates: the gradient outer product and gradient based diffusion maps. The first quantity can be used for supervised dimension reduction on manifolds as well as inference of a graphical model encoding dependencies that are predictive of a response variable. The second quantity can be used for nonlinear projections that incorporate both the geometric structure of the manifold as well as variation of the response variable on the manifold. We relate the gradient outer product to standard statistical quantities such as covariances and provide a simple and precise comparison of a variety of supervised dimensionality reduction methods. We provide rates of convergence for both inference of informative directions as well as inference of a graphical model of variable dependencies.
Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Special Education Administration Simulations

Recent literature indicates that computer-assisted instruction simulations may enhance motivation, support the transfer of knowledge and skills, and increase instructional efficiency. The present study was conducted to evaluate these assumptions using special education administration simulations with high- and low-achieving college students. Significant differences were not obtained in a contrast between the standard objective question module and the simulation module. This finding held true for items taken directly from the modules and generalization items. In addition, use of a student opinion survey indicated that participants favored the standard objective question module. Finally, students required substantially more time to complete the simulation module. As in previous investigations, high-achieving students learned more than low-achieving students, regardless of the nature of the module. The results are discussed with reference to alternative CAI simulation designs that may support the original as...
At home testing: optimizing management for the infertility physician.

Objective To review and describe various over-the-counter testing products available to the infertility patient, a billion-dollar a year industry that continues to grow. Design Methodology involved a detailed Medline search of literature, use of online search engines, and focused communications with various manufacturers to determine the usefulness and validity of existing products. Conclusion(s) Although some home tests have been subjected to scientific scrutiny, others have not. At-home testing represents an opportunity for physicians to involve patients actively in their care. When properly used, these tests also may result in cost savings. However, physicians and consumers must understand the limitations of these tests. Many of the technologies used are innovative and, with proper evaluation and implementation, could serve as valuable adjuncts to medical practice.
Minimally Cationic Cell-Permeable Miniature Proteins via α-Helical Arginine Display

Protein therapeutics are a blossoming industry, with revenues exceeding $51 billion in 2005 and a growth rate nearly three times that of the overall pharmaceutical industry. Although it has been known for decades that cationic polymers can transport molecular cargos across the plasma membrane, inefficient cellular delivery continues to impede the development of protein drugs. Our lab recently reported that small, folded proteins containing a minimal cationic motif embedded within a type II polyproline (PPII) helix efficiently cross the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. Here we demonstrate that an even smaller cationic motif can be embedded within the α-helix of a small, folded protein to generate molecules that penetrate cells significantly more efficiently than arginine-rich sequences or Tat. Our results suggest that the function of cell permeability can be encoded by judicious placement of as few as 2−3 additional arginine residues on a protein α-helix.
Social Aspects and Implications of “Running to the Hills”: The Case of the Beothuk Indians of Newfoundland

ABSTRACT When faced with the presence of hostile others on the landscape, hunter-gatherers may choose or be obliged to retreat to areas beyond the reach of their enemies—to run to the hills. Although sometimes successful, “running to the hills” often incurs additional risks and/or requires fundamental transformations of land-use patterns, subsistence strategies, and dimensions of social life. This article explores this strategy as it unfolded among the Beothuk Indians of Newfoundland. Forced to seek refuge in the island's interior in the wake of European encroachment on the coast, the formerly maritime-adapted Beothuk were compelled to adopt a new—terrestrially focused—adaptation in a short period of time. Their failure to succeed at this venture underscores the value that coastal resources had in the Beothuk's “traditional” subsistence economy. But perhaps more importantly, their demise illustrates the critical role that social relations play in informing hunter-gatherer adaptations.
Poster 128:Ten-year-old girl with heart transplant: a case report.1

Abstract Setting: Free-standing rehabilitation hospital. Patient: A 10-year-old girl born with truncus arteriosis and who had undergone 4 prior surgeries for complex congenital cyanotic heart disease. Case Description: The patient experienced multiple complications during the fifth attempted surgical repair, resulting in ineffective cardiac output and requiring prolonged use of a bypass machine until a donor heart was obtained 7 days later. She had additional complications, including a yeast infection, delayed surgical closure of her chest due to the size of the donor heart, and required a tracheotomy after failing extubation. She was decannulated 1 month later and referred for comprehensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation as an outpatient. Functional limitations at that time included generalized weakness and fatigue, which interfered with ambulation and self-care, and dysphonia. She had lost 15lb. Physical examination showed cushingoid features, a hoarse soft voice, otherwise normal cranial nerves, well-healed surgical scars on her chest and neck, absent ankle stretch reflexes, grade 4/5 strength except at the ankles (where strength was grade 1), stronger on the left than the right, and a healing coccygeal pressure ulcer. Range of motion was functional. She demonstrated a steppage gait, which was improved with an off-the-shelf ankle-foot orthosis. Neurocognitive status was normal. She responded well to an interdisciplinary program including rehabilitation nursing, rehabilitation psychology, spiritual care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy and was able to return to school part time 3 months after her initial surgery. Assessment/Results: This youngster experienced many complications after her surgery, but enjoyed an excellent recovery and returned to nearly normal function with the assistance of a comprehensive interdisciplinary team. Discussion: Heart transplants are very rare in this age group and not without complications. Conclusion: Children with heart transplants can benefit from interdisciplinary rehabilitation.
Relation of plasma norepinephrine and sympathetic traffic during hypotension in humans

We compared changes in antecubital venous plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and peroneal nerve muscle sympathetic activity (MSA) during and after nitroprusside (NP)-induced hypotension in nine healthy volunteers. During NP, MSA increased at 98.7%/min, peaked at 4 min at 399 +/- 77% (SE) of base line, and then decreased, so that at the end of the infusion MSA was 298 +/- 39% of base line. NE increased at 9.2%/min and peaked at 14.5 min at 231 +/- 31% of base line just before the end of the infusion. Percent increases of MSA and NE near the end of NP were not significantly different. The time-to-peak NE lagged the time-to-peak MSA by nearly 10 min. These results suggest that during increases of sympathetic outflow diffusion and washout of NE from neuroeffector junctions result in delayed increases in NE in the venous drainage; percent changes in MSA and NE during prolonged stable mild hypotension are similar. The findings provide conditional support for the use of changes in NE to indicate changes in sympathetic traffic.
Diffuse large B-cell NHL.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States, accounting for 30 to 40 percent of adult NHL.1 Over the past 10 years, routine incorporation of monoclonal antibody therapy in treatment regimens has favorably impacted overall survival in most subgroups of patients with DLBCL. Additionally, there has been remarkable progress in the understanding of the biological heterogeneity of this disease. Historically, the International Prognostic Factor index (IPI) permitted identification of subsets of patients with large variations in prognosis. There is now accumulating evidence that the clinical behavior of certain DLBCL can be profiled by the expression of molecular markers, which will undoubtedly play a role in the development of new prognostic models that may refine our ability to identify poor-risk patients. With this technology, over the next decade, it is hoped that novel therapeutic targets will be identified, allowing continued improvements in outcome for patients with this disease.
An argument inPhysics II.8

Soulevant la question de l'identification de la position materialiste et proto-darwiniste qu'Aristote critique en «Physique», II. 8, l'A. propose une interpretation detaillee de l'argument aristotelicien en faveur de l'explication teleologique des choses naturelles. Examinant le role des notions de hasard, cause accidentelle, cause finale, finalite, regularite et irregularite dans les categories d'Aristote, d'une part, et examinant l'interpretation eliminativisme du passage developpee par S. Meyer, d'autre part, l'A. montre que la these materialiste visee par Aristote est celle du reductionnisme des causes finales aux causes efficientes
Integration sites for Moloney murine leukemia virus DNA in infected mouse cells.

The integration of viral DNA in mouse cells infected with Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) has been studied by the “blotting” technology introduced by Southern (1975). We were interested in determining if there is a single site in the chromosomal DNA at which M-MuLV viral DNA is integrated, a small number of sites, or a large number of possible integration sites. The technique used involved cleavage of infected cell DNA with a sequence-specific restriction endonuclease, resolution of the resulting DNA fragments by electrophoresis in 0.6% agarose gels, and blot transfer of the separated fragments to nitrocellulose filters. Detection of DNA fragments with sequence homology to M-MuLV was achieved by hybridization with 32P-labeled M-MuLV complementary DNA (cDNA). The labeled cDNA (approximately 2 x 108 cpm/µg) was synthesized in an endogenous reaction using purified virus and added calf thymus oligo-deoxynucleotide primers in order to generate a uniformly representative probe (Fan and Verma, 1978).
Implementation and analysis of Dutch-style sealed-bid auctions computational vs unconditional security

Designing a sealed-bid auction protocol is a challenging problem in the field of applied cryptography. In the last couple of decades, numerous protocols have been proposed in the literature where each one has its own property in terms of the security model, communication and computation complexities. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no study to implement and compare a similar class of sealed-bid auction protocols. This paper therefore implements and evaluates five different Dutch-style sealed-bid auction protocols, of which three protocols are computationally secure and two protocols are unconditionally secure. It mainly focuses on the computational cost of the initialization and verification phases of these privacy-preserving protocols.
K+-Mediated Regulation of Distal Convoluted Tubule Na/Cl Cotransporter Phosphorylation During Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension.

See related article, pp 904–912 The thiazide-sensitive Na/Cl cotransporter NCC mediates NaCl reabsorption by the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) playing an important role in Na homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. In addition, the DCT is involved in maintaining K+ homeostasis by controlling the amount of K+ secreted into the lumen through the apical channel ROMK (renal outer medulla K+ channel).1 NH2-terminal NCC phosphorylation by SPAK (STE20-related proline–alanine rich kinase) kinases is known to stimulate NCC activity. It is well established that chronically elevated angiotensin II (Ang II) increases NCC phosphorylation, and this thought to be mediated in part by activation of SPAK kinases. Several lines of evidence indicate that WNK (with-no-lysine kinase) kinases are upstream of SPAK and involved in Ang II–induced stimulation of NCC phosphorylation. However, recent data point to an important role of plasma potassium in the regulation of NCC phosphorylation that may override NCC regulation by hormones and dietary salt. For example, acutely increasing plasma K+ in rats decreased …
Does mental status impact therapist and patient communication in emergency department brief interventions addressing alcohol use

Motivational interviewing (MI) is often incorporated into screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) interventions in critical care settings to address alcohol and other drug use. However, cognitive status has been linked to differential response to MI sessions in emergency department (ED) settings. The current study examined one possible explanation for this differential response: whether higher versus lower mental status impacts patient response to clinician statements during MI sessions conducted in an ED. Participants were 126 patients receiving an MI-based single-session alcohol brief intervention, and 13 therapists who provided treatment. Participants completed a mental status exam (MSE) as part of the screening process. Intervention sessions were audio-taped, and transcribed and coded using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC 2.0; Miller, Moyers, Ernst, & Amrhein, 2003). The MISC 2.0 coded therapist behaviors that are related to the use of motivational interviewing, and patient language reflecting movement toward (change talk) or away from (sustain talk) changing personal alcohol use. Overall, patients responded in a similar manner to therapist MI behaviors regardless of high versus low level of mental functioning at the time of the intervention. Group differences emerged on patient response to only three specific therapist skills: giving information, open questions, and complex reflection. Thus, the differential effects of SBIRT in critical care settings do not appear to be a result of differences in the therapist and patient communication process.
Using Technology for Ministry: Trends, Principles and Applications

This survey of developments, guidelines and uses of technology by congregations and their leaders offers an overview of the topic and points to sources for further study. As technology plays a larger role in religious communities there is a need for guiding principles for its use. Congregational leaders do well to engage technology reflectively while staying informed on its possible applications in ministry. While this article is of primary interest to those in leadership positions at the congregational level, it can also serve both as a primer to seminary students and as a tool for librarians providing reference services on the topic.
Predictors of Length of Stay Among Youths Hospitalized in State Hospitals in Illinois

Using data from the Integrated Database on Children and Family Services in Illinois, we examined factors associated with the length of psychiatric hospitalization of youths in state hospitals between July 1, 1987 and June 30, 1992. Univariate analysis indicated that those diagnosed with attention deficit, psychotic, and conduct disorder experienced longer hospitalizations. In contrast, youths diagnosed with depressive disorders, drug and alcohol disorders, and adjustment disorders had shorter hospitalizations. Youths receiving services from multiple sectors of the human service delivery system experienced longer hospitalizations. Youths living in communities with state hospital linked community-based mental health services had shorter hospitalizations. Males experienced longer hospitalizations than females and African American youths experienced longer hospitalizations than White youths. Hispanic youths experienced shorter stays than either White or African American youths. The proportional hazards model indicated that being female, a history of previous admissions, multiservice use, and dangerousness were all associated with the decreased likelihood of discharge. Psychotic, attention deficit, and bipolar disorders were also associated with a decreased likelihood of hospital discharge. Youths with depressive disorders and African Americans with psychotic disorders had an increased likelihood of discharge. Increased age was also associated with the increased likelihood of discharge.
Coffee-table complexities

To describe how theoretical physicists feel about Murray Gell-Mann, I think back to the era when he was inventing the quark and various other essential components of the "Standard Model" of the elementary particles. It was then widely agreed that the truth about the elementary particles would be quite hard to understand even after Murray revealed it to us.
A Participatory Process to Engage Appalachian Youth in Reducing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption

Children and adolescents consume excessive amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which are associated with adverse health outcomes. We describe a yearlong participatory research study to reduce SSBs in Central Appalachia, where excessive consumption is particularly prevalent. This study was conducted in partnership with a community advisory board in Southwest Virginia. Nine "youth ambassadors," aged 10 to 13 years helped to systematically adapt SIPsmartER, an effective theory-based program for Appalachian adults, to be age and culturally appropriate and meet desired theoretical objectives. They then assisted with delivering the curriculum during a school-based feasibility study and led an advocacy event in their community. Satisfaction surveys and feedback sessions indicate that ambassadors found the program acceptable and important for other students. Validated surveys and focus groups suggested that theoretical objectives were met. Findings from these mixed methods sources informed curricular changes to further enhance acceptability and refine theoretical objectives. Participation in follow-up advocacy activities was tracked and described. Following the yearlong study, ambassadors reported having advocacy skills and motivation to continue reducing SSB intake in their community. Results, challenges, and lessons learned are presented to inform larger efforts to enhance acceptability of programs and inspire youth to take action to reduce health disparities in Appalachian communities.
ENHANCED LYSYL OXIDASE EXPRESSION IN PERIPHERAL ARTERY RESTENOSIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERED COLLAGENS: IMPLICATIONS IN RESTENOTIC PLAQUE PROGRESSION AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an enzyme expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (smc) and fibroblasts, that maintains extracellular matrix stability and arterial remodeling. Previously we have reported human peripheral vascular disease restenosis showing increased smc and fibroblast proliferation.
MAGNITUDE AND DETERMINANTS OF VARIATION IN PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION PAYMENTS

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common and expensive procedure that has become a target for bundled payment initiatives. We sought to describe the magnitude and determinants of variation in 90-day PCI payments. We linked clinical registry data from PCIs performed at 33 Michigan
Postnatal maturation of rabbit renal collecting duct: intercalated cell function

Intercalated cells play a major role in renal regulation of acid-base balance. We used fluorescent dyes to characterize postnatal maturation of intercalated cells. We stained rabbit collecting duct...
Human Rights: Political Aspects

Building on the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights has over the past half century emerged as a standard, if secondary, subject of international relations. Today, a system of authoritative international norms has been largely accepted not only by states but also by leading elements of civil society and political opposition movements in all areas of the globe. In addition, human rights are increasingly integrated with other national and international objectives, such as security and development. Implementation, however, remains largely national. International implementation machinery, with rate exceptions (e.g., regionally in Europe and globally in the case of genocide and crimes against humanity), involves promotion and monitoring, rather than enforcement.
Chicago and Dovetail Hi-C proximity ligation yield chromosome length scaffolds of Ixodes scapularis genome

A high-quality genome sequence is essential for understanding an organism on molecular level. However, the larger genomes with substantial repetitive sequences are challenging to assemble with the sequencing technologies. Hi-C technique is changing the genome architecture landscape by providing links across a variety of length scales, spanning even whole chromosomes. Ixodes scapularis haploid genome is 2.1 gbp and the current assembly consists of 369,495 scaffolds representing 57% of the genome. The fragmented genome poses challenges with functional gene analysis and an improved assembly is needed. We therefore used the Hi C technique to achieve chromosomal level assembly of tick genome. With Chicago and Dovetail Hi C assemblies, we were able to achieve 28 >10Mb sequences that correspond to 28 chromosomes in I. scapularis.
Load Aggregation Methods for Quasi-Static Power Flow Analysis on High PV Penetration Feeders

This paper focuses on developing load aggregation methodologies for analyzing quasi-static power flows on high photovoltaic penetrated distribution feeders so statistics of the transformer loading levels, voltage ramping events, and voltage violation events can be properly quantified. A load profile aggregation algorithm is presented to construct 24-hour, minute-by-minute load profiles at each load node on the test feeder so the aggregation of those load profiles matches the load profile measured at the feeder head. A quasi-static power flow analyses are conducted to obtain minute-by-minute power flow results that can be used to quantify transformer overloads and voltage issues in distribution systems. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed methodology, the IEEE-123 test feeder model and residential load profiles collected from the PECAN street project are used in the case studies. Simulation results show that the method is effective in producing the required operation statistics.