cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activity Characterization for Modeling Behavioral-driven Human Mobility in Platial Networks

The population is increasingly becoming tractable as more and more people carry handheld devices as part of their everyday activities. Recent studies have shown that handheld devices' generated traffic share is now more than 50% of total global online traffic. This has created an unprecedented opportunity for modeling human mobility behavior. For example, aggregate check-ins and dwell time can reveal building level occupancies. However, there are clear limits to accurate modeling (e.g. reproducible, repeatable, and realistic), unless we decipher the underlying reason causing typical mobility patterns. We know that human behavior is a reflection of a set of activities, such as going to the gym or work, and which can be seen as a catalyst for humans to move from one location to another. This work envisions the use of activity characterization for modeling human mobility by introducing a context that maps activities to certain mobility patterns. In the end, we highlight the efficacy of the proposed approach by analyzing the impact of public policies surrounding stay at home order on human mobility.
Numerical Observation of Disorder-Induced Anomalous Kinetics in the A + A -> 0 Reaction

We address via numerical simulation the two-dimensional bimolecular annihilation reaction $A + A \to \emptyset$ in the presence of quenched, random impurities. Renormalization group calculations have suggested that this reaction displays anomalous kinetics at long times, $c_{A}(t) \sim at^{\delta -1}$, for certain types of topological or charged reactants and impurities. Both the exponent and the prefactor depend on the strength of disorder. The decay exponents determined from our simulations agree well with the values predicted by theory. The observed renormalization of the prefactor also agrees well with the values predicted by theory.
Revenue recognition timing and attributes of reported revenue: the case of software industry's adoption of sop 91-1

In this study I examine how revenue recognition timing affects attributes of reported revenue, using a sample of software companies that adopted Statement of Position (SOP) 91-1 in the early 1990s. I find that early recognition yields more timely revenue information, as evidenced by higher contemporaneous correlation with information impounded in stock returns. However, such early recognition diminishes the extent to which accounts receivable accruals map into future cash flow realizations and decreases the time-series predictability of reported revenue. Overall, my results suggest that early revenue recognition makes reported revenue more timely and hence more relevant, but at the cost of lower reliability and lower time-series predictability.
Failure by corrosion of a Steinmann pin used for intramedullary fixation.

A case report is presented where a Steinmann pin used as an intramedullary rod in a fibula showed marked pitting corrosion and ultimately had to be removed because of tissue reaction. The composition of the steel was the principal factor in promoting corrosion, although cyclic stress and non-metallic inclusions probably influenced the localization of the corrosion process.
"Unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy following COVID-19 vaccination: A case report and imaging findings".

As more people receive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations, the side effects of the vaccines will become more apparent. One reported side effect that has come to light is unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy ipsilateral to the vaccination site. In general, unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy has a broad differential including malignancy, infection, autoimmune disorder, and iatrogenic etiologies. We present a case of a previously healthy 38-year-old woman who received her first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination 3 days prior to presenting to the emergency department complaining of 2 weeks of abdominal pain and 20-pound unintentional weight loss. Unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy, ipsilateral to the vaccination site, was found on a contrast-enhanced computed tomography examination of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Subsequent diagnostic mammograms did not demonstrate evidence of malignancy; however, axillary ultrasound again revealed nonspecific lymphadenopathy. A short-term follow-up axillary ultrasound was recommended, rather than a lymph node biopsy, given the history of recent vaccination. At clinical follow-up, the patient's abdominal pain resolved and no further weight loss was noted. This case report discusses the key components and workup recommendation of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy in the setting of COVID-19 vaccination.
Predictors and outcomes of heart block during surgical stage I palliation of patients with a single ventricle: A report from the NPC-QIC.

Background Mortality in cohorts with a single ventricle remains high with multiple associated factors. The effect of heart block during stage I palliation remains unclear. Objective The purpose of this study was to study patient and surgical risks of heart block and its effect on 12-month transplant-free survival in patients with a single ventricle. Methods Patient, surgical, outcome data and heart block status (transient and permanent) were obtained from the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative single ventricle database. Bivariate analysis was performed comparing patients with and without heart block, and multivariate modeling was used to identify variables associated with block. One-year outcomes were analyzed to identify variables associated with lower 12-month transplant-free survival. Results In total, 1423 patients were identified, of whom 28 (2%) developed heart block (second degree or complete) during their surgical admission. Associated risk factors for block included heterotaxy syndrome (odds ratio [OR] 6.4) and atrial flutter/fibrillation (OR 3.8). Patients with heart block had lower 12-month survival, though only in patients with complete heart block as opposed to second degree block. At 12 months of age, 43% (12/28) of patients with heart block died and were more likely to experience mortality at 12 months than patients without block (OR 4.9; 95% confidence interval 1.4–17.5; P = .01). Conclusion Although rare, complete heart block after stage I palliation represents an additional risk of poor outcomes in this high-risk patient population. Heterotaxy syndrome was the most significant risk factor for the development of heart block after stage I palliation. The role of transient block in outcomes and potential rescue with long-term pacing remains unknown and requires additional study.
Using Small Molecule Absorbers to Create a Photothermal Wax Motor.

Organic phase change materials are used in actuators like wax motors. The solid→liquid phase transition that drives expansion is commonly induced by resistive heating that requires an electrical connection. The use of light to generate a phase change provides a non-contact way to power wax motors. Here, it is demonstrated that small molecules can act as absorbers to enable a photoinduced solid→liquid melting transition in eicosane, a low molecular weight phase change material. Three different small molecule absorbers are utilized: (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), azobenzene (AZOB), and guaiazulene (GAZ). The GAZ/eicosane mixture is characterized in detail because its absorption extends out to 750 nm, opening up the possibility of using near-infrared diodes as the photon source. The GAZ/eicosane composite is incorporated into a commercial wax motor assembly and 532 nm laser light is used to lift up to 400 g. The temporal response, work and force output, and efficiency are measured, and no loss of lifting capability or degradation is observed after ten cycles of irradiation. The incorporation of small aromatic molecules with low-energy absorption features into phase change materials can provide a general way to make light powered wax motors.
Laboratory Maintenance of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia canis and Recovery of Organisms for Molecular Biology and Proteomics Studies

Tick-borne illnesses are emerging as a major concern for human health in recent years. These include the human monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by the Amblyomma americanum tick-transmitted bacterium, Ehrlichia chaffeensis; human ewingii ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ewingii (also transmitted by A. americanum ticks); and human granulocytic anaplasmosis caused by the Ixodes scapularis tick-transmitted pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Likewise, tick-borne rickettsial pathogens are also a major concern to the health of various vertebrates including dogs, cattle, and several wild animals. In vitro-cultured pathogens grown in a vertebrate host cell and a tick cell culture system will be useful in studies to understand the pathogenic differences as well as to perform experimental infection studies and to generate large quantities of purified antigens. In this unit, methods for culturing E. chaffeensis and Ehrlichia canis (a canine monocytic ehrlichiosis pathogen) in cell lines to represent vertebrate and tick hosts are described. The unit also includes methods useful in purifying bacteria from the host cells and to evaluate proteins by 2-D gel electrophoresis and western blotting.
Efficient algorithms for graphic matroid intersection and parity

An algorithm for matroid intersection, based on the phase approach of Dinic for network flow and Hopcroft and Karp for matching, is presented. An implementation for graphic matroids uses time O(n1/2m) if m is Ω(n3/2lg n), and similar expressions otherwise. An implementation to find k edge-disjoint spanning trees on a graph uses time O(k3/2n1/2m) if m is Ω(n lg n) and a similar expression otherwise; when m is O(k1/2n3/2) this improves the previous bound, O(k2n2). Improved algorithms for other problems are obtained, including maintaining a minimum spanning tree on a planar graph subject to changing edge costs, and finding shortest pairs of disjoint paths in a network. An algorithm for graphic matroid parity is presented that runs in time O(n m lg5n). This improves the previous bound of O(n2m).
Characterization of the rubella virus nonstructural protease domain and its cleavage site.

The region of the rubella virus nonstructural open reading frame that contains the papain-like cysteine protease domain and its cleavage site was expressed with a Sindbis virus vector. Cys-1151 has previously been shown to be required for the activity of the protease (L. D. Marr, C.-Y. Wang, and T. K. Frey, Virology 198:586–592, 1994). Here we show that His-1272 is also necessary for protease activity, consistent with the active site of the enzyme being composed of a catalytic dyad consisting of Cys-1151 and His-1272. By means of radiochemical amino acid sequencing, the site in the polyprotein cleaved by the nonstructural protease was found to follow Gly-1300 in the sequence Gly-1299–Gly-1300–Gly-1301. Mutagenesis studies demonstrated that change of Gly-1300 to alanine or valine abrogated cleavage. In contrast, Gly-1299 and Gly-1301 could be changed to alanine with retention of cleavage, but a change to valine abrogated cleavage. Coexpression of a construct that contains a cleavage site mutation (to serve as a protease) together with a construct that contains a protease mutation (to serve as a substrate) failed to reveal trans cleavage. Coexpression of wild-type constructs with protease-mutant constructs also failed to reveal trans cleavage, even after extended in vitro incubation following lysis. These results indicate that the protease functions only in cis, at least under the conditions tested.
Hormonal control of uterine contraction: Characterization of cyclic AMP-dependent membrane properties in the myometrium

Abstract A mitochondria-free membrane fraction prepared from rat myometrium accumulated 45 Ca 2+ in the presence of oxalic acid and ATP. The rate of transport of Ca 2+ into the membranous vesicles was increased by greater than 50% in the presence of 3′,5′-cyclic AMP, but not by 2′,3′-cyclic AMP or 5′-AMP. Membrane ATPase activity was stimulated by cyclic AMP in a manner similar to Ca 2+ -transport. ATPase activity was stimulated by Mg 2+ ; slight additional stimulation was obtained in the presence of Na + and K + but not in the presence of Ca 2+ . Despite the cyclic AMP sensitivity of membrane ATPase activity, the absence of any effect of inhibitors of Ca 2+ -transport suggest it has little to do with Ca 2+ accumulation by the membranes. Cyclic AMP-induced increase in Ca 2+ -transport and membrane ATPase activity was duplicated in vivo by incubating uteri in 10 −4 M isoproterenol prior to membrane isolation. Isoproterenol has been previously shown to increase myometrial cyclic AMP levels, and changes in Ca 2+ -transport by cell membranes in relation to intracellular cyclic AMP levels may be the mechanism through which hormones modulate uterine contractility.
Entropy as a fixed point

We study complexity and information and introduce the idea that while complexity is relative to a given class of processes, information is process independent: Information is complexity relative to the class of all conceivable processes. In essence, the idea is that information is an extension of the concept 'algorithmic complexity' from a class of desirable and concrete processes, such as those represented by binary decision trees, to a class more general that can only in pragmatic terms be regarded as existing in the conception. It is then precisely the fact that information is defined relative to such a large class of processes that it becomes an effective tool for analyzing phenomena in a wide range of disciplines.We test these ideas on the complexity of classical states. A domain is used to specify the class of processes, and both qualitative and quantitative notions of complexity for classical states emerge. The resulting theory is used to give new proofs of fundamental results from classical information theory, to give a new characterization of entropy in quantum mechanics, to establish a rigorous connection between entanglement transformation and computation, and to derive lower bounds on algorithmic complexity. All of this is a consequence of the setting which gives rise to the fixed point theorem: The least fixed point of the copying operator above complexity is information.
Routinized Assessment of Suicide Risk in Clinical Practice: An Empirically Informed Update

OBJECTIVE: Empirically informed suicide risk assessment frameworks are useful in guiding the evaluation and treatment of individuals presenting with suicidal symptoms. Joiner et al. (1999) formulated one such framework, which has provided a concise heuristic for the assessment of suicide risk. The purpose of this review is to ensure compatibility of this suicide risk assessment framework with the growing literature on suicide-related behaviors. METHODS: This review integrates recent literature on suicide risk factors and clinical applications into the existing model. Further, we present a review of risk factors not previously included in the Joiner et al. (1999) framework, such as the interpersonal theory of suicide variables of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and capability for suicide (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010) and acute symptoms of suicidality (i.e., agitation, irritability, weight loss, sleep disturbances, severe affective states, and social withdrawal). RESULTS: These additional indicators of suicide risk further facilitate the classification of patients into standardized categories of suicide risk severity and the critical clinical decision making needed for the management of such risk. CONCLUSIONS: To increase the accessibility of empirically informed risk assessment protocols for suicide prevention and treatment, an updated suicide risk assessment form and decision tree are provided. Language: en
Functionally Modeled User Interfaces

Fruit is a new user interface toolkit based on a formal model of user interfaces. This formal basis enables us to write simple, concise executable specifications of interactive applications. This paper presents the Fruit model and several example specifications. We consider one example (a basic media controller) in detail, and contrast the executable specification style of Fruit with a more traditional “rapid prototype” implementation using an imperative, object-oriented toolkit (Java/Swing) to show the benefits of our approach.
Isoflurane preserves spatial working memory in adult mice after moderate hypoxia

Perioperative hypoxia may contribute to postoperative cognitive impairment. It is unknown, however, whether anesthetics exacerbate or protect against hypoxia-related central nervous system impairment. We sought to determine whether hypoxia alone or in combinationwithisofluranedisruptsworkingmemory inmice.Tothisextent,weassignedadultmicetooneof four treatments for 1 h: oxygen 21%, oxygen 21% isoflurane 1.2%, oxygen 8%, or oxygen 8% isoflurane 1.2%. Mice breathed spontaneously throughout the experiment. Body temperature was maintained at 37°C 0.5°C.Micewereallowedtorecoverfor24htoavoidthe confounding influence of residual anesthetics on neurobehavioral performance. Working memory was assessed by use of a Y maze modified for mice. For the training trial, entry to one arm was blocked and mice were permitted to run between the two open arms for 15 min and inspect the objects outside. For the test trial, carried out 1 h later, all arms were open. Time spent in each arm was automatically recorded by a camera and associated software. Mice were tested 1, 4, and 7 days after anesthesia. A different arm was used as the novel arm for each test. Performance was analyzed with repeated-measurements analysis of variance, followed by analysis of simple main effects and by post hoc comparisonusingNewman-Keulstestwhenappropriate.P values0.05wereconsideredsignificant.Animalssubjectedtohypoxia(8%oxygenfor1h)spentsignificantly less time in the novel arm 1 day after the insult. The
Post-LDAC Reflections of ROTC Cadets: Relationship to Leadership and Performance

In the United States Reserve Officer Training Program, cadets attend a month-long camp, where they are evaluated on leadership ability. The purpose of this study was to assess the experiences of cadets upon their return. Through semistructured interviews, with 25 cadets, 3 distinct higher order themes emerged: (a) perceived difficulty of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, (b) psychological skills required for success, and (c) social climate experienced. Furthermore, upon completion of general inductive analysis, cadets’ responses were compared to their leadership score, thereby highlighting how salient aspects of leadership manifest themselves through cadets’ behaviors and performances.
A pipeline for copy number variation detection based on principal component analysis

DNA copy number variation (CNV), an important structural variation, is known to be pervasive in the human genome and the determination of CNVs is essential to understanding their potential effects on the susceptibility to diseases. However, CNV detection using SNP array data is challenging due to the low signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, we propose a principal component analysis (PCA) based approach for data correction, and present a novel processing pipeline for reliable CNV detection. Tested data include both simulated and real SNP array datasets. Simulations demonstrate a substantial reduction in the false positive rate of CNV detection after PCA-correction. And we also observe a significant improvement in data quality in real SNP array data after correction.
Neuroleptics, extrapyramidal symptoms, and serum-calcium levels

Abstract A prospective study of 34 new admissions to a psychiatric center revealed an 80% incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms among patients receiving only neuroleptic drugs (N = 24) during the first 2 weeks of hospitalization. The occurrence of acute dystonic reactions and parkinsonian symptoms (but not akathisia) in this group was significantly associated with a decrease in serumcalcium levels. The findings suggest the need for (1) prophylactic use of antiparkinsonian drugs during the initial stages of neuroleptic treatment and (2) further research into the possible role of calcium metabolism in the production of extrapyramidal side effects.
Separation of several rare earths by extraction chromatography using bifunctional phosphine oxides.

Abstract Data are presented on the separation of various rare earth ions by extraction chromatography using methylenebis(di- n -hexylphosphine oxide), MHDPO, and methylenebis [di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphine oxide], MEHDPO, supported on kieselguhr, Kel-F, or Plaskon as stationary phases. The data suggest the particular support used for the extractant has little effect on HETP provided the particle size of the supporting material is the same. The observed K D and HETP values are shown to be relatively insensitive to moderate changes in the flow rate and temperature. Average values of HETP of approximately 1 mm were observed but values less than half that large were obtained in some cases. Elution curves for the separation of four adjacent rare earths (milligram amounts of gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and holmium) are shown.
Simulation-Optimization Methodology for the Design of Outlet Control Structures for Ecological Detention Ponds

AbstractThis work presents a new paradigm for the design of stormwater detention basins. Through simulation and optimization, this work seeks to find the design of a detention basin outlet control structure that reduces the ecological impairment to downstream water bodies. Ecological impairment is measured using the ecodifference, a metric that represents the hydrologic alteration in the stream. The ecodifference is defined as the weighted sum of the eco-flow statistics, nine hydrological flow statistics that have been shown to be particularly relevant to ecological quality. In this simulation-optimization methodology, a genetic algorithm (GA) is combined with a hydrologic simulator of a detention pond. The GA is used to design the openings in the outlet control structure that minimizes the ecodifference. Constraints are used to meet current municipality design regulations. The simulation-optimization methodology is been applied to a case study site, and resulting designs demonstrate that improvements in ...
The effects of solution chemistry on the sticking efficiencies of viable Enterococcus faecalis: An atomic force microscopy and modeling study

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory in combination with the interaction force boundary layer (IFBL) model have been used to empirically and theoretically calculate sticking efficiencies (α) of Enterococcus faecalis cells against a silica glass surface. Sticking efficiencies were calculated in solutions of varying pH and ionic strength and related to maximum distances of transport through a hypothetical soil block using colloid filtration theory. AFM measurements show that the repulsive and attractive forces between E. faecalis cells and a glass surface are a function of ionic strength but are less sensitive to changes in solution pH. Zeta (ζ)-potential measurements of the cells and glass surfaces correlate with these trends. Calculated DLVO energy profiles predict much greater sensitivity to changing solution chemistry. Sticking efficiencies derived from AFM measurements range from 9.6 × 10−17 to 1 in solutions of low ionic strength (IS) and from 2.6 × 10−33 to 1 at higher IS. Corresponding α values determined from DLVO theory are essentially zero in all tested solutions. Sticking efficiencies calculated in this study are smaller than values determined from column and field studies in similar systems; however, α derived from AFM data and the IFBL model more closely represent field data than do values calculated from DLVO energy values. A comparison with different methods of calculating α suggests that reversible adhesion may be significant in column-scale transport studies.
The effects of prenatal tertiary butanol administration in CBA/J and C57BL/6J mice

Pregnant mice of the CBA/J and C57BL/6J strains were given either tertiary butanol (10.5 mmoles/kg, p.o.) or an equivalent volume of tap water twice daily from day 6 through day 18 of gestation. Examination on day 18 revealed significantly more resorptions per litter in the t-butanol-treated animals but no interstrain difference. Tertiary butanol did not significantly affect the body weight of the survivors nor produce significant abnormalities in either strain. Subsequent blood concentration profiles in female C57BL/6J mice indicated that the treatment regimen produced blood levels equivalent to teratogenic ethanol treatment. Mice receiving 3 days of t-butanol treatment did not eliminate the drug more rapidly than control animals, indicating that tolerance was not a factor in the treatment regimen. Since t-butanol shares membrane disordering effects with ethanol but is not metabolized by the same pathway, a role for acetaldehyde or the process of ethanol metabolism is suggested in ethanol teratogenicity.
Recent developments in microwave-assisted polymerization with a focus on ring-opening polymerization

Due to its advantages of direct heating, high temperature homogeneity, reaction rate enhancement, as well as energy savings, microwave-assisted polymerization has become a fast-growing field of polymer research. This paper reviews microwave-assisted polymerization, with an emphasis on the microwave-assisted ring-opening polymerization, covering both homopolymerization and copolymerization of the cyclic monomers. The advantages of microwave-assisted ring-opening polymerization over conventional polymerization are discussed briefly.
Motor Unit and Neuromuscular Junction Remodeling with Aging

The neuromuscular system is one of the largest and most vital organ systems of the body. The function and mass of the neuromuscular system gradually deteriorate during the natural process of aging. The neuromuscular system is comprised of individual motor units, each of which features a single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates. Motor units also demonstrate age-related remodeling such as reduced number, muscle fiber atrophy, but an increased number of fibers per motor unit. Enabling communication between motor neurons and the muscle fibers they innervate is a specialized synapse known as the neuromuscular junction. Aging, too, elicits remodeling of this synapse joining motor nerve terminal endings with a small ( < 0.1%) area of the muscle fiber's surface called the endplate. Aged neuromuscular junctions exhibit elevations in pre-synaptic nerve terminal branching, and in the post-synaptic distribution of receptor sites for neurotransmitter. This anatomical remodeling is coupled with age-related neurophysiological alterations including increased quantal content, with a more rapid rundown of endplate potential strength during continuous stimulation of the pre-synaptic neuron. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that aging impacts the capacity of the NMJ to adapt to increased, as well as decreased physical activity. Because of the marked increase in the number of people considered to be aged in industrialized countries, it is essential to expand our understanding of the influence of aging on the neuromuscular system, its constituent motor units, and the neuromuscular junctions which allow neural cells and muscle fibers to effectively work together.
Regulation of osteoblast growth by interactions between transforming growth factor-beta and 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Abstract Osteoblast growth and differentiation encompass a series of events including proliferation, changes in cell shape, and expression of the markers specific for osteoblast phenotype. Both transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25[OH]2D3) are effective in regulating osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, bone matrix maturation and cell-specific gene expression. Although there is some degree of controversy regarding the influences on osteoblasts in vitro, it is generally agreed that TGF-beta stimulates osteoblast proliferation and growth, and inhibits the expression of the markers characteristic of the osteoblast phenotype such as osteocalcin. In contrast, 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 causes inhibition of the proliferation of osteoblasts, arrests their growth, and stimulates expression of specific markers. In many studies, complex interactions have been demonstrated between TGF-beta and 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 modulating their receptor expression, synthesis, and effects on osteoblast-specific gene expression. The cooperative actions of TGF-beta and 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 can be synergistic or antagonistic. It has recently been established that Smad proteins that transduce signals downstream the TGF-beta stimulation may mediate the crosstalk between TGF-beta and 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 signaling. Future studies should focus on the explanation of the molecular basis of these interactions and the in vivo consequences of the regulation of osteoblast growth and differentiation by TGF-beta and 1alpha,25(OH)2D3.
Family History of Suicide and Impulsivity

A family history of suicide indicates a raised risk for suicidal behavior; this liability might be familially transmitted as an impulsive-aggression trait. To examine the impulsivity factor, data from 258 abstinent drug dependent patients who were interviewed about their family history of suicidal behavior and who completed the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) were examined. The results showed that patients with a family history of suicidal behavior had significantly higher BIS scores for risk taking than patients without a family history of suicidal behavior. Also, patients with a family history of suicidal behavior who had themselves attempted suicide had significantly higher BIS scores for both impulsivity and risk taking than patients with a family history of suicidal behavior who had never attempted suicide.
Cation−Cation π−π Stacking in Small Ionic Clusters of 1,2,4-Triazolium

The existence of cation−cation π−π stacking in the 1,2,4-triazolium−dinitramide tetramer and 1,2,4-triazolium−chloride tetramer (two cations and two anions) is predicted based on the structures optimized using second-order perturbation theory (MP2). In the most stable tetramer structure of 1,2,4-triazolium−dinitramide, π−π stacking is formed with an interplane distance of ∼3.2 A and a parallel displacement of ∼1.4 A. In the most stable tetramer structure of 1,2,4-triazolium−chloride, π−π stacking is formed with an interplane distance of ∼2.9 A and a parallel displacement of ∼1.0 A.
Pulmonary manifestations in a pediatric patient with ulcerative colitis: a case report

Although respiratory involvement has been described in patients with IBD, well-defined interstitial lung disease has not been reported, especially among children with ulcerative colitis. Herein, we present a case of an adolescent female with ulcerative colitis and extra-intestinal complications involving the lungs that were effectively treated with anti-metabolite therapy. Children with UC may manifest either interstitial or large airway pulmonary involvement. All children with suspected lung involvement should be screened for tuberculosis prior to starting immunosuppressive therapy.
Field-Scale Variability of Phosphorus and Potassium Uptake by No-Till Corn and Soybean

Use of precision farming technologies requires better understanding of nutrient variability in soils and plants. This study assessed patterns of spatial variability of plant P and K content of no-till corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] on eight fields that had varied histories of fertilization. One hundred composite whole-plant samples (five corn plants and 10 soybean plants at V5 to V6 growth stages) were collected in late spring from 2.2-m 2 areas spaced 3.05 m along two intersecting transects. Dry weight (DW) and total P and K concentrations were measured in all samples. Plots of observed values, variography, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) analyses revealed clustering of values and periodic patterns of DW and nutrient content in most fields. The patterns of variability varied greatly among fields and directions within a field. The diversity of patterns probably results from nonuniform distribution of fertilizers and animal manures. Patterns of plant K uptake (KU) followed patterns of plant K concentration (KC) in some fields and those of DW in others. Patterns of plant P uptake (PU), however, usually followed those of DW. Implementation of plant analysis for no-till fields should address situations with high spatially structured variability of cyclic or clustered structure. The results show that the structure of the variability in P and K uptake is site specific and that both the sampling scheme and the optimal separation distance between sampling positions would vary greatly among fields. The results suggest that plant analysis would have similar sampling problems to those of soil testing for representing the P and K supplies of corn and soybean fields.
Missing data on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale: a comparison of 4 imputation techniques.

Abstract Background Missing data are widespread in the medical sciences. Given their prevalence, researchers must be prepared to address problems that arise when data are missing. Objectives The objectives were to (1) provide an estimate of bias for each imputation technique with known values from data engineered to be missing completely at random; (2) determine whether different Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale scores were obtained from item-mean, person-mean, regression, and hot-deck imputation techniques and whether they differed from the CES-D score obtained from complete cases; and (3) determine whether the variables that predicted the CES-D scores were the same for the complete cases and each of the 4 imputation techniques. Methods Depressive symptoms were assessed in patients (N = 2,317) in an international clinical trial comparing high blood pressure treatments between April 1, 1999, and October 31, 1999. Patients were mailed surveys after randomization. Depressive symptoms were measured using the CES-D Scale. Respondents who completed all 20 items were compared with those who did not complete all 20 items, using independent t tests and chi-square. Z scores were used to determine CES-D mean differences, and multiple regression models were used to predict the CES-D scores for the 4 imputation techniques and the complete case data. Results Imputed CES-D mean scores ranged from 14.58 to 14.68. The 4 imputed CES-D mean scores were consistently, but not significantly, higher than the complete case CES-D mean of 14.06. Imputed mean scores were similar to each other and the complete case mean score. Four regression models predicting the imputed CES-D scores yielded similar predictions. With the exception of sex, the same variables predicted the complete case CES-D and the imputed CES-D scores. Conclusions All the imputed means were similar to the complete case mean, with the exception of the regression imputation. Imputing missing data did not significantly alter the conclusions regarding which factors were associated with variations in CES-D scores. Since imputation has the potential to increase statistical power, researchers dealing with missing CES-D scores should consider imputing missing data.
Eotaxin-1 (CCL11)

The eosinophil was first named by the brilliant German scientist Paul Ehrlich in 1879, while he was experimenting with aniline dyes to stain blood cells and tissues. He also discovered neutrophils, basophils, and mast cells. The highly basic proteins in cytosolic granules of a small subpopulation of cells in human blood stained vivid pink with the acid dye eosin (from the Greek “eos” meaning dawn), hence “eosinophils.” He subsequently observed high numbers of these cells in the sputum of asthmatic patients and recognized the close relationship between eosinophilia and the severity of asthma. Pertinent to our story was his proposition that a “material which attracts eosinophils” exists. Further, he postulated that eosinophils and neutrophils possess different “chemotactic irritability” and that eosinophils only migrate to sites where a “specific stimulating substance” is present (1).
The chemical fractionation of an adrenocorticolytic drug.

It has long been known that technical DDD produces adrenal cortical atrophy, but the actual active agent has not been isolated. To isolate this agent, technical DDD was fractionated by recrystallization, oxidation, column chromatography, and chemical and physical analysis into several fractions. Most of the material (83“) was p,p'-DD, 10“ was o,p'-DDD, and the remainder consisted of unidentified materials. THE commercially available insecticide dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (DDD), the principal constituent of which is l,l-dichloro-2,2 bis(parachlorophenyl)ethane (p,p-DDD), has been described as an adrenocorticolytic agent. This drug causes extensive necrosis and atrophy of the adrenal cortex in dogs (2, 3). The adrenocorticolytic property of the compound has been utilized in the study of the biochemistry and physiology of the adrenal cortex, and has been used in experimental therapy in hyperadrenalism. The atrophy produced by DDD has been confirmed in many laboratories most of which have failed to make...
Coupled socio-cultural and ecological systems at the margins: Arctic and alpine cases

There is agreement that the most effective response to the unprecedented confluence of issues that face humanity at the dawn of the third millennium, namely, climate change, economic crisis, and growing energy demand is 1) applied interdisciplinary research involving coupled socio-cultural and ecological systems and 2) practical application of knowledge generated by the sciences. Meaningful examination and understanding of coupled-systems emerges from direct engagement with communities that have faced and adapted to dramatic changes. Drawing from a high latitude (Arctic) case and a high altitude (Alpine case), this paper illustrates that the interplay of cultural values, social structures, and ecosystems services facilitate adaptation.
Analysis of growth factor gradients in hydra.

Differential equations have been written and solved to describe the concentration gradients for the two hydra growth factors. The equations consider diffusion, catabolism and synthesis of the materials based primarily on the model of hydra growth described by A. L. Burnett. Concentration gradient profiles were obtained which correspond with the concentration gradients deduced from experimental evidence. It has also been possible to show that in areas of high mitotic rate, mitotic rate is related to the calculated concentration ratio of the two growth factors (stimulator/inhibitor). However, the correspondence of mitotic rate to growth factor concentration ratio does not hold for extreme values of the ratio indicating that very high and very low concentration ratios are not conductive to mitotic activity.
Cerebral fat embolism with focal siderosis and pericapillary hemorrhages after intraperitoneal injection of oil in cats terminally fixed by perfusion.

Abstract Ten cats and one dog were injected intraperitoneally with oil and fixed by perfusion 1 to 73 days later; the brains of two cats with 2 weeks of survival displayed multiple small embolic lesions of varying intensity. Focal lesions were characterized by loss of neurons, axons, and myelin sheaths, by astrocytic reaction with deposition of glycogen, and by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of microglial cells with storage of iron (siderosis). Numerous minute pericapillary hemorrhages were located in and near lesions throughout the brain. The lesions are associated with intravital circulation of oil absorbed from the peritoneal cavity. The focal siderosis is attributed to diffusion of serum iron at sites where the blood-brain barrier has been lowered by passage of emboli. The petechial hemorrhages are ascribed to sudden increase in venous pressure during perfusion of saline, causing rupture of previously damaged capillaries.
Bilateral first rib resection and scalenectomy is effective for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome

Objective Because of the small numbers of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) patients treated with bilateral first rib resection and scalenectomy (FRRS), this patient subset has not been well studied. We examined a large cohort of TOS patients who underwent bilateral FRRS to evaluate patient characteristics and outcomes. Methods Patients treated with bilateral FRRS at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions from 2003 to 2012 were identified by review of a prospectively maintained database. Statistical analysis compared patients with unilateral and bilateral FRRS and bilateral patients with different TOS indications. Results Fifty-three patients underwent bilateral FRRS with a mean follow-up of 11.4 months. Average time between operations was 17.0 months (range, 5.1-59.8 months). Compared with 408 unilateral FRRS patients, bilateral patients were younger (30 vs 35 years; P = .012), with no significant difference in gender. Among patients with dual-sided FRRS, 25 (47%) had bilateral neurogenic symptoms, 2 (4%) had bilateral arterial symptoms, and 26 (49%) had venous symptoms with the first side due to intermittent compression in 5 (second side: four, intermittent compression; one, neurogenic) and effort thrombosis in 21 (second side: 9, effort thrombosis; 8, intermittent compression; 4, neurogenic). Ten patients had prophylactic FRRS to prevent contralateral venous or arterial thrombosis, and eight had cervical ribs. Compared with neurogenic patients, venous patients were younger (25 vs 35 years; P Conclusions Bilateral FRRS is an effective method for treatment of TOS. Venous bilateral patients more often are younger, are competitive athletes, and require close postoperative monitoring for recurrent stenosis and thrombosis.
Estrogen or Testosterone Increases Facial and Body Attractiveness in Hypogonadal Adolescents 13

Estrogen or Testosterone Increases Facial and Body Attractiveness in Hypogonadal Adolescents 13
Maternal smoking during pregnancy and infant stress response: Test of a prenatal programming hypothesis

Summary Background Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) is associated with early and long-term neurobehavioral deficits; however mechanisms remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that MSDP programs the hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axis of the offspring leading to adverse outcomes. In an intensive, prospective study, we investigated associations between MSDP and infant cortisol stress response and explored whether alterations in cortisol response were mediated by epigenetic modulation of the placental glucocorticoid receptor gene ( NR3C1 ). Methods Participants were 100 healthy mother-infant pairs (53% MSDP-exposed; 42% female) from a low income, racially/ethnically diverse sample (55% minorities). MSDP was assessed by timeline followback interview verified by saliva and meconium cotinine. Infant cortisol responses to a neurobehavioral exam were assessed seven times over the first postnatal month. Methylation of placental NR3C1 promoter exon 1F was assessed using bisulfite pyrosequencing in a subsample ( n = 45). Results MSDP-exposed infants showed significantly and persistently attenuated basal and reactive cortisol levels over the first postnatal month vs. unexposed infants. Exploratory analyses revealed that MSDP was associated with altered methylation of the placental NR3C1 promoter; degree of methylation of the placental NR3C1 was associated with infant basal and reactive cortisol over the first postnatal month and mediated effects of MSDP on infant basal cortisol. Conclusions Results provide initial support for our hypothesis that MSDP programs offspring HPA (dys)regulation. Epigenetic regulation of placental GR may serve as a novel underlying mechanism. Results may have implications for delineating pathways to adverse outcomes from MSDP.
Factors influencing adoption of Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and mobile technologies by the growth engine of the U.S. economy

Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and mobile technologies help small businesses to serve as the growth engine of the U.S. economy. We propose and test a model to compare the influence of organizational, environmental, and technological factors on the decision of small businesses owners, CIOs, and CEOs to select one set of technologies over the other. Results from structural equations modeling indicate that organizational (top management support, IT staff size, and IT budget), environmental (external support for IT adoption), and technological (perceived benefits of IT and perceived barriers to adopting IT) factors significantly influence the adoption of Web 2.0 by small businesses. All of the above factors except IT budget and perceived benefits fuel the adoption of Web 1.0 technologies. Despite perceiving barriers to adopting IT, small businesses owners, CIOs, and CEOs invest in mobile technologies. Top–management support and external support for IT adoption are the only factors positively affecting the adoption of all of the three sets of technologies considered in this study. We offer strategic suggestions to small businesses for selecting Internet and mobile technology–based solutions and services.
Salinization of Mirror Lake by Road Salt

The salinization of Mirror Lake in the White Mountains of New Hampshire has been ongoing steadily since Interstate 93 (I-93) was built through the NE subcatchment of the lake in the fall and winter of 1969–1970. Salt added to I-93 during winter as a deicer has been transported to the lake by different quantified, hydrologic pathways, but primarily from the Northeast Tributary, which was intersected by I-93. Now, surprisingly, after the New Hampshire Department of Transportation has spent more than $500,000 on recent structural modifications to divert salt from I-93 away from the Northeast subcatchment of Mirror Lake, applications of salt to a small, town road traversing the other two subcatchments for the lake and servicing a new housing development, have become the major source of salt to the lake. Streamflow from these two subcatchments currently provides more than three times as much salt to the lake as from I-93, and the salt concentration in the lake continues to rise.
Exact temporal characterization of 10 Gbps optical wide-area network

We design and implement a novel class of highly precise network instrumentation and apply this tool to perform the first exact packet-timing measurements of a wide-area network ever undertaken, capturing 10 Gigabit Ethernet packets in flight on optical fiber. Through principled design, we improve timing precision by two to six orders of magnitude over existing techniques. Our observations contest several common assumptions about behavior of wide-area networks and the relationship between their input and output traffic flows. Further, we identify and characterize emergent packet chains as a mechanism to explain previously observed anomalous packet loss on receiver endpoints of such networks.
The Patient with “Postnasal Drip”

Postnasal drip (PND) is a common clinical complaint, yet its physiologic basis and appropriate treatment have been inadequately addressed in the medical literature. PND may be caused by a variety of conditions involving the nose and throat. Often, the symptom is not caused by actual secretions draining from the nose into the pharynx. In many instances, no definitive cause can be identified. Empiric treatment for PND symptoms should be guided by associated symptoms that suggest either a sinonasal cause or gastroesophageal reflux. Rarely, PND may be a symptom of a serious process such as a mass lesion in the pharynx or a malignancy and thus referral to an otolaryngologist is appropriate if symptoms are persistent, unexplainable, or associated with warning signs of malignancy.