cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Event-related fMRI contrast when using constant interstimulus interval: theory and experiment.

Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (ERfMRI) involves the mapping of averaged hemodynamic changes resulting from repeated, brief (<3 sec) brain activation episodes. In this paper, two issues regarding constant-interstimulus interval ER-fMRI were addressed. First, the optimal interstimulus interval (ISI), given a stimulus duration (SD), was determined. Second, the statistical power of ER-fMRI relative to that of a blocked-design paradigm was determined. Experimentally, it was found that with a 2-sec SD, the optimal ISI is 12 to 14 sec. Theoretically, the optimal repetition interval (Topt 5 ISI 1 SD) is 12 to 14 sec for stimuli of 2 sec or less. For longer stimuli, Topt is 8 1 2 z SD. At the optimal ISI for SD 5 2 sec, the experimentally determined functional contrast of ER-fMRI was only 235% lower than that of blocked-design fMRI. Simulations that assumed a linear system demonstrated an event-related functional contrast that was 265% lower than that of the blocked design. These differences between simulated and experimental contrast suggest that the ER-fMRI amplitude is greater than that predicted by a linear shift-invariant system. Magn Reson Med 43:540 ‐548, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Protection from Systemic Candida albicans Infection by Inactivation of the Sts Phosphatases

The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans causes invasive candidiasis, characterized by fatal organ failure due to disseminated fungal growth and inflammatory damage. The suppressor of TCR signaling 1 (Sts-1) and Sts-2 are two homologous phosphatases that negatively regulate signaling pathways in a number of hematopoietic cell lineages, including T lymphocytes, mast cells, and platelets. Functional inactivation of both Sts enzymes leads to profound resistance to systemic infection by C. albicans, such that greater than 80% of mice lacking Sts-1 and -2 survive a dose of C. albicans (2.5 × 10 5 CFU/mouse) that is uniformly lethal to wild-type mice within 10 days. Restriction of fungal growth within the kidney occurs by 24 h postinfection in the mutant mice. This occurs without induction of a hyperinflammatory response, as evidenced by the decreased presence of leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines that normally accompany the antifungal immune response. Instead, the absence of the Sts phosphatases leads to the rapid induction of a unique immunological environment within the kidney, as indicated by the early induction of a proinflammatory cytokine (CXL10). Mice lacking either Sts enzyme individually display an intermediate lethality phenotype. These observations identify an opportunity to optimize host immune responses toward a deadly fungal pathogen.
Analysis for 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin Residues in Environmental Samples

Small scale environmental monitoring studies have been conducted to quantitatively determine the presence or absence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) in fish and deer. 2,3,7,8-TCDD was detected in a concentration range of 3 to 42 parts-per-trillion (ppt) in 19 of 20 fish samples collected in the State of Michigan. Two of 27 ppt levels of 2,3,7,8-TCDD were detected in various parts of the bodies of deer which were used in a study conducted in California to determine the effects of an aerial application of 2,4,5-T. Average minimum limits of detection for these analyses were: fish, 3 ppt; deer, 2 ppt. The analytical methodology, criteria for confirmation of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and the results of each study are discussed.
Update of cancer and non-cancer mortality in the Missouri poultry cohort.

Background Workers in poultry slaughtering and processing plants have one of the highest human exposures to transmissible agents that cause cancer and other diseases in chickens and turkeys, and also have other occupational carcinogenic exposures. The general population is also exposed to these transmissible agents. Methods We investigated mortality in workers who belong to a poultry union in Missouri, and estimated standardized mortality ratios. Results Significantly increased mortality was observed for some leukemias, benign neoplasms, thyroid diseases, bacterial infections, and schizophrenic disorders. The risk of breast cancer and several non-cancer conditions was significantly depressed. Conclusion The findings add to the growing evidence suggesting that workers occupationally exposed to transmissible agents and carcinogens in the poultry industry, are at increased risk of dying from certain chronic diseases, including cancer. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:49–54, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Site Selectivity of the E-beam Excitation of Eu ion in GaN

GaN is a very promising semiconductor host for rare-earth (RE) based electrically-pumped light emitters. Recently, simulated emission in Eu-doped GaN has been reported under optical excitation, rekindling the hope that an electrically-pumped rare-earth-doped semiconductor laser can be realized. In these laser experiments performed under pulsed UV excitation, it was noted that by changing the resonator length the emission wavelength is shifting suggesting that different types of Eu ions are contributing emphasizing the importance to understand the excitation mechanism for different incorporation sites of the ion. This is the purpose of this work.
Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation for Marginal Zone Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The marginal zone non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a recently defined group of related low-grade B cell malignancies whose natural history is heterogeneous. The optimal therapy is often unclear, particularly for the subset of patients with disseminated disease that behaves aggressively. We have retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 11 patients with chemosensitive but disseminated marginal zone lymphomas who underwent uniform conditioning with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with anti-B cell monoclonal antibody-purged autologous bone marrow between January 1994 and September 1999. All patients had stage IV disease and received multiple chemotherapy regimens prior to autologous BMT. Only 36% were in complete remission at the time of bone marrow harvest, and 36% had overt bone marrow infiltration at that time. Two treatment-related deaths occurred between 100 days and 6 months. Three patients relapsed and died of disease. One patient developed and died of myelodysplasia. Five patients remain in continuous complete remission at a median follow-up of 52 months (45%). The median progression-free survival for these patients was 56 months, with median overall survival 58 months. The only significant predictor of disease-free and overall survival was age at the time of transplant; no patient under 45 at the time of transplant has relapsed or died of any cause (P = 0.003). Outcomes of autologous BMT in patients with disseminated marginal zone NHL are similar to those in follicular NHL, and suggest that certain patients may experience prolonged disease-free survival.
Measuring Prices in Health Care Markets Using Commercial Claims Data.

Objective To compare methods of price measurement in health care markets. Data Sources Truven Health Analytics MarketScan commercial claims. Study Design We constructed medical prices indices using three approaches: (1) a “sentinel” service approach based on a single common service in a specific clinical domain, (2) a market basket approach, and (3) a spending decomposition approach. We constructed indices at the Metropolitan Statistical Area level and estimated correlations between and within them. Principal Findings Price indices using a spending decomposition approach were strongly and positively correlated with indices constructed from broad market baskets of common services (r > 0.95). Prices of single common services exhibited weak to moderate correlations with each other and other measures. Conclusions Market-level price measures that reflect broad sets of services are likely to rank markets similarly. Price indices relying on individual sentinel services may be more appropriate for examining specialty- or service-specific drivers of prices.
DECADA: Tool for Discrete-Event Control and Diagnosis Analysis

We introduce a tool for analyzing the control and diagnosis issues in discrete-event systems. The tool consists of a program written in C that accepts command line arguments and a GUI front end written in Java that can be used to execute the command line driven program. The tool accepts models of underlying systems and specifications in form of finite automata and supports various automata-level computations as well as control and diagnosis related verification and synthesis. We describe the way the tool is structured and the way it can be used
Transitions to and from the CD4-Bound Conformation Are Modulated by a Single-Residue Change in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gp120 Inner Domain

Binding to the primary receptor CD4 induces conformational changes in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 envelope glycoprotein that allow binding to the coreceptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) and ultimately trigger viral membrane-cell membrane fusion mediated by the gp41 transmembrane envelope glycoprotein. Here we report the derivation of an HIV-1 gp120 variant, H66N, that confers envelope glycoprotein resistance to temperature extremes. The H66N change decreases the spontaneous sampling of the CD4-bound conformation by the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins, thus diminishing CD4-independent infection. The H66N change also stabilizes the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex once the CD4-bound state is achieved, decreasing the probability of CD4-induced inactivation and revealing the enhancing effects of soluble CD4 binding on HIV-1 infection. In the CD4-bound conformation, the highly conserved histidine 66 is located between the receptor-binding and gp41-interactive surfaces of gp120. Thus, a single amino acid change in this strategically positioned gp120 inner domain residue influences the propensity of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins to negotiate conformational transitions to and from the CD4-bound state.
ethA, inhA, and katG Loci of Ethionamide-Resistant Clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates

Ethionamide (ETH) is a structural analog of the antituberculosis drug isoniazid (INH). Both of these drugs target InhA, an enzyme involved in mycolic acid biosynthesis. INH requires catalase-peroxidase (KatG) activation, and mutations in katG are a major INH resistance mechanism. Recently an enzyme (EthA) capable of activating ETH has been identified. We sequenced the entire ethA structural gene of 41 ETH-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. We also sequenced two regions of inhA and all or part of katG. The MICs of ETH and INH were determined in order to associate the mutations identified with a resistance phenotype. Fifteen isolates were found to possess ethA mutations, for all of which the ETH MICs were > or =50 microg/ml. The ethA mutations were all different, previously unreported, and distributed throughout the gene. In eight of the isolates, a missense mutation in the inhA structural gene occurred. The ETH MICs for seven of the InhA mutants were > or =100 microg/ml, and these isolates were also resistant to > or =8 microg of INH per ml. Only a single point mutation in the inhA promoter was identified in 14 isolates. A katG mutation occurred in 15 isolates, for which the INH MICs for all but 1 were > or =32 microg/ml. As expected, we found no association between katG mutation and the level of ETH resistance. Mutations within the ethA and inhA structural genes were associated with relatively high levels of ETH resistance. Approximately 76% of isolates resistant to > or =50 microg of ETH per ml had such mutations.
Switching of the bacterial flagellar motor near zero load

Flagellated bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, are able to swim up gradients of chemical attractants by modulating the direction of rotation of their flagellar motors, which spin alternately clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW). Chemotactic behavior has been studied under a variety of conditions, mostly at high loads (at large motor torques). Here, we examine motor switching at low loads. Nano-gold spheres of various sizes were attached to hooks (the flexible coupling at the base of the flagellar filament) of cells lacking flagellar filaments in media containing different concentrations of the viscous agent Ficoll. The speeds and directions of rotation of the spheres were measured. Contrary to the case at high loads, motor switching rates increased appreciably with load. Both the CW-->CCW and CCW-->CW switching rates increased linearly with motor torque. Evidently, the switch senses stator-rotor interactions as well as the CheY-P concentration.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Mediates Persistent Chemokine Release by Chlamydia pneumoniae–Infected Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective— The intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae is present in many atherosclerotic lesions, where it could promote inflammation. This study determined whether monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) release is stimulated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that are exposed to or infected by C pneumoniae and whether toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) or TLR4 mediate these effects. Methods and Results— TLR2 mRNA was expressed constitutively and was upregulated by C pneumoniae exposure in mouse aortic SMC and was inducible by C pneumoniae and TLR3 and TLR4 agonists in human coronary artery SMCs. Exposure to inactivated or viable extracellular C pneumoniae evoked a robust increase in MCP-1 release and activated nuclear factor-κB and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 in wild-type and TLR4 signaling–deficient mouse aortic SMCs but not in TLR2-deficient SMCs, probably because of TLR2-mediated recognition of a chlamydial antigen. Brief exposure to viable C pneumoniae led to active infection of VSMCs, shown by chlamydial protein synthesis, and caused a persistent (>48-hour) MCP-1 release that was also TLR2 dependent. Conclusions— The results show that VSMCs express functional TLR2 and that TLR2 mediates both a persistent activation of chemokine release in C pneumoniae –infected VSMCs and its acute stimulation by extracellular C pneumoniae . Therefore, TLR2 expressed in VSMCs may promote inflammation within the arterial wall.
Intraseasonal precipitation variability on Kilimanjaro and the East African region and its relationship to the large-scale circulation

Atmospheric circulation anomalies, related to snowfall events on the Tanzanian volcano Kilimanjaro, were analyzed based on hourly snowfall data from an automated weather station (AWS), global precipitation and reanalysis products. Analysis of 5 years of data (2000–2005) shows that snowfall on Kilimanjaro is linked to large-scale circulation anomalies, which can be identified in global reanalysis products. During the long rains season (March–May) snowfall on Kilimanjaro is associated with a west to east propagating wave of convective activity, which over East Africa merges with a precipitation-band maintained by steady easterly moisture influx due to cyclonic activity over northern Madagascar. Snowfall events tend to be associated with low wind speed, favorable for the development of surface radiative heating, thereby destabilizing the atmospheric column and initiating upward motion and deep convection. High near-surface specific humidity provides the necessary water vapor so that convection becomes moist. The short rains season (October–December) is dominated by east to west moisture transport. This easterly flow extends vertically through much of the troposphere and horizontally from the western Indian Ocean westward across the African continent. An active center of vertical motion and deep convection located over the western Indian Ocean near the East African coastline is responsible for easterly moisture transport and spill-over of precipitation into the East African domain. During positive phases of the Indian Ocean Zonal Mode (IOZM) strong trade winds prevail across the Indian Ocean, which, in combination with enhanced westerlies over the continental interior, tend to enhance low-level wind and moisture convergence near Kilimanjaro. During the negative IOZM phase on the other hand, the trade winds across the Indian Ocean and the westerly flow from the Atlantic Ocean are weaker, moisture convergence is reduced and conditions to initiate deep convection over Kilimanjaro are generally less favorable.
A prediction model of the depth-of-discharge effect on the cycle life of a storage cell

Cycle life requirements are very high for batteries used in aerospace applications in low Earth orbit. The data base required to establish confidence in a particular cell design is thus both extensive and expensive. Reliable accelerated cycle life testing and performance decay modeling represent attractive alternatives to real-time tests of cycle life. In light of certain long-term cycle life test results, this paper examines a very simple performance decay model developed earlier. Application of that model to available data demonstrates a rigid relationship between a battery's expected cycle life and the depth of discharge of cycling. Further, modeling analysis of the data suggests that a significantly improved cycle life can be obtained with advanced components, materials, and designs; and that cycle life can be reliably predicted from the results of accelerated testing.
Synthesis and Anti-cancer Activity of Some Novel 5-Azacytosine Nucleosides

Abstract 1-O-Acetyl-2-deoxy-3,5-di-O-toluoyl-4-thio-D-erythro-pentofuranose and 2-deoxy-1,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-4-thio-L-threo-pentofuranose were coupled with 5-azacytosine to obtain α and β anomers of nucleosides. All four nucleosides were reduced to the corresponding dihydro derivatives and deblocked to give target compounds. All eight target compounds were evaluated in a series of human cancer cell lines in culture. Only 2′-deoxy-4′-thio-5-azacytidine (3β) was found to be cytotoxic in all the cell lines and was further evaluated in vivo. Details of the synthesis and biological activity are reported.
Blog Credibility: Examining the Influence of Author Information and Blog Reach

Literature on blog credibility shows that blog readers find blogs more credible than the mainstream media, whereas it is just the opposite with the general audience. Using three experiments, the present study examines the influence of two factors: identity of the blogger (journalist blogger vs. nonjournalist blogger) and reach of the blog (low vs. high) on blog credibility. Findings show that in the case of the general audience, the journalist blogger was perceived as more credible. Of interest, results also show that reach of the blog-influenced blog credibility only in the case of the nonjournalist blogger. Implications are discussed.
Risk of thrombosis in pediatric ALL patients--is there a problem!

parin (LMWH) during induction therapy, no thrombotic events were observed during 76 courses ASP therapy. One patient suffered a CNS infarct after discontinuation of LMWH. In a group of 50 historical control patients who had not received LMWH, two patients had TE. The significance of this intervention is still to be known [4].
Activation of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Long Terminal Repeat by Respiratory Burst Oxidants of Neutrophils

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) introduced in association with the luciferase reporter gene into Jurkat T cells was strongly activated by a combination of human neutrophils and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Activation was not observed when normal neutrophils were replaced by neutrophils which lack a respiratory burst, ie, from a patient with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), was strongly inhibited by catalase, was potentiated by vanadate, was stimulated by relatively low concentrations of azide, and was inhibited by selective inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). The PMA affected activation in three ways: (1) by directly activating the LTR in Jurkat LTRluc; (2) by inducing a respiratory burst in neutrophils with the formation of H2O2; and (3) by increasing the sensitivity of Jurkat LTRluc to the activating effect of H2O2. When PMA was replaced by opsonized zymosan as the neutrophil stimulus, activation of the LTR was low unless azide was added. Activation in the presence of azide was not seen when CGD neutrophils were used or when catalase was added, suggesting that azide acts by inhibiting the degradation of H2O2. These findings indicate that activation of the HIV-1 LTR in Jurkat T cells can be induced by H2O2 released by neutrophils, particularly when PKC is concomitantly activated.
Dynamic Buckling and Fluid–Structure Interaction of Submerged Tubular Structures

Dynamic buckling of submerged structures is a challenging problem for which experimental data is scarce and generalized theoretical models are difficult to employ. In addition to the complexities of dynamic buckling, this problem features additional difficulties due to the strong fluid–solid interaction that is characteristic of structures submerged in a dense fluid. This chapter reviews some recent experiments in which time-resolved measurements of pressure and strain were made during the buckling of submerged tubes. This data clarifies the buckling behavior over a useful range of conditions and provides a means to validate theoretical models with a rigor not possible using post-collapse measurements alone. Observations from the experiments are then used to develop simple models of buckling and fluid–structure interaction; comparisons with the experimental data demonstrate good agreement in spite of the many simplifications used in the modeling.
Bacterial retention and cleanability of plastic and wood cutting boards with commercial food service maintenance practices

The retention of bacteria on wood and plastic cutting board surfaces and their removal by washing, using protocols consistent with commercial food service, was examined. Plastic and wood boards were subjected to repeated hand and machine washing to simulate wear that would occur during commercial usage. Electron microscopy revealed a more pronounced wearing of the wood surface as compared to the plastic, with cracks on the wood that were sufficiently wide to entrap bacteria. New and previously washed wood and plastic surfaces were inoculated with Escherichia coli and then washed using standard food service washing and sanitizing procedures. The cleanliness of the resulting surfaces was estimated by measuring the residual adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The plastic surfaces were consistently cleaner than wood surfaces by this measure, and wood surfaces that had been hand washed five times prior to inoculation were significantly less clean than any other surfaces or treatments. Bacterial retention after washing on the surface was demonstrated by agar overlay. Even after standard food service washing and sanitizing, colonies of the inoculated bacteria were observed sporadically, but only on wood surfaces and not on plastic. These results suggest that wood surfaces can absorb moisture and in effect can absorb contaminating bacteria, and the difficulty in removing these bacteria may make this material less desirable from a food safety perspective.
Structure and mechanics of coated textile fabrics

Abstract: Coated fabrics are an important family of textile structures and have a wide range of applications. Geometry and manufacturing methods of coated fabrics along with fibers and fabrics used in the reinforcement structures are explained. Polymers and additives used in coated fabrics are included. Adhesion between coatings and fabrics is critical for the high performance expected of coated fabrics. The behavior of coated fabrics in tensile, tear, bending and shear loading is analyzed. Models to simulate the mechanics of coated fabrics are discussed. Recycling techniques of coated fabrics are included.
Mapping the details of contact effect of modulated Au-octanedithiol-Au break junction by force-conductance cross-correlation.

We have measured the force and conductance of Au-octanedithiol-Au junctions using a modified conducting atomic force microscopy break junction technique with sawtooth modulations. Force–conductance two-dimensional cross-correlation histogram (FC-2DCCH) analysis for the single-molecule plateaus is demonstrated. Interestingly, four strong correlated regions appear in FC-2DCCHs consistently when modulations with different amplitudes are applied, in sharp contrast to the results under no modulation. These regions reflect the conductance and force changes during the transition of two molecule/electrode contact configurations. As the modulation amplitude increases, intermediate transition states of the contact configurations are discerned and further confirmed by comparing individual traces. This study unravels the relation between force and conductance hidden in the data of a modulated single-molecule break junction system and provides a fresh understanding of electron transport properties at molecule/electrod...
Sidedress, Furrow, and Stem Application of Phosphate and Carbamate Insecticides for Control of Cotton Pests

In field experiments CL-47470 (cyclic propylene (di-ethoxyphosphinyl) dithioimidocarbonate), Baygon® ( o -iso-propoxyphenyl methylcarbamate, aldecarb, dimethoate, di-sulfoton, and phorate granules applied in the furrow at methylplanting time or sicledressed later controlled the cotton diethoxyphosaphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, and the desert spider mite, Tetranychus desertorum Banks, for 2 to 6 weeks after treatment. Aldecarb sidedressed controlled the cotton flea-hopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter), and green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), but resulted in an increase of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), and the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie). Diazinon, Nellite (phenyl N, N’ -dimethylphosphorodiamidate), carpropoxyphenyl bofuran, Azodrin (3-hydroxy- N -methyl-cis-crotonamide disulfoton, methyl phosphate), UC-I0854 ( m -isopropylphenyl methylplanting carbamate), CL-47031 (cyclic ethylene (diethoxyphosaphid, phinyl) dithioimidocarbonate), and Bayer 25141 ( O, O -diethyl o -[ p -(methylsulfinyl)phenyl] phosphorothioate) were not effective when sidedressed. CL-47470 and CL-47031 were effective when sprayed on the stems of young cotton. Stem sprays were as effective as furrow applications, and both were more effective than sidedress applications.
Experimental and Mechanistic Modeling of Fast Pyrolysis of Neat Glucose-Based Carbohydrates. 1. Experiments and Development of a Detailed Mechanistic Model

Fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, utilizing moderate temperatures ranging from 400 to 600 °C, produces a primary liquid product (pyrolytic bio-oil), which is potentially compatible with existing petroleum-based infrastructure and can be catalytically upgraded to fuels and chemicals. In this work, experiments were conducted with a micropyrolyzer coupled to a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector system to investigate fast pyrolysis of neat cellulose and other glucose-based carbohydrates. A detailed mechanistic model building on our previous work was developed for fast pyrolysis of neat glucose-based carbohydrates by integrating updated findings obtained through experiments and theoretical calculations. The model described the decomposition of cellulosic polymer chains, reactions of intermediates, and formation of a range of low molecular weight compounds at the mechanistic level and specified each elementary reaction step in terms of Arrhenius parameters. The mechanistic m...
Na+-Gated Nonselective Cation Channel From Lobster Olfactory Projection Neurons

Zhainazarov, Aslbek B. and Barry W. Ache. Na+-gated nonselective cation channel from lobster olfactory projection neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 3387–3391, 1998. A nonselective cation channel specifically activated by intracellular Na+ was identified in cell-free patches taken from cultured lobster olfactory projection neurons. Na+ reversibly activates the channel in a concentration-dependent manner, with a “half-effect” Na+ concentration of 76.4 mM at −60 mV. The conductance of the channel is 32 pS. The channel is permeable to both alkali metal (Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+) and divalent (Ca2+ > Mn2+ > Sr2+ > Mg2+ > Ba2+ > Na+) cations. The presence of a channel with the ability to generate plateau potentials suggests that the channel may potentially contribute to oscillatory behavior in these olfactory interneurons.
Plasma exchange led to a higher rate of renal recovery than intravenous methylpredisolone in severe vasculitis.

Source Citation Jayne DR, Gaskin G, Rasmussen N, et al. Randomized trial of plasma exchange or high-dosage methylprednisolone as adjunctive therapy for severe renal vasculitis. J Am Soc Nephrol. 20...
Protecting weak measurements against systematic errors

In this work, we consider the systematic error of quantum metrology by weak measurements under decoherence. We derive the systematic error of maximum likelihood estimation in general to the first-order approximation of a small deviation in the probability distribution and study the robustness of standard weak measurement and postselected weak measurements against systematic errors. We show that, with a large weak value, the systematic error of a postselected weak measurement when the probe undergoes decoherence can be significantly lower than that of a standard weak measurement. This indicates another advantage of weak-value amplification in improving the performance of parameter estimation. We illustrate the results by an exact numerical simulation of decoherence arising from a bosonic mode and compare it to the first-order analytical result we obtain.
Strategic human resource management: Employee involvement, diversity, and international issues

Abstract The new millennium will necessitate many changes in organizations and therefore in the issues we study. The field of strategic human resource management has certainly come to an evolutionary crossroads. It has evolved quite rapidly during the past decade, growing from early definitional and theoretical beginnings to the current state of an accumulation of empirical work exploring the fit among human resources practices, strategy, and performance. We attempt to stretch the boundaries of how we define and research strategic human resource management, by introducing three arenas for inquiry that may serve as a springboard or starting point for provocative and controversial discussion which may influence both the theoretical and empirical progress in the field. We focus on Employee Involvement, Diversity, and Strategic International Human Resource Management as presenting important challenges for current researchers and future scholars.
Triglycerides and Glycerophospholipids

Overview • The cytoplasmic biosynthesis of triglyceride and glycerophospholipid begins with glycerol 3-phosphate formation.
Perioperative Optimization of Geriatric Lower Extremity Bypass in the Era of Increased Performance Accountability.

Background The initiation of bundled payment for care improvement by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has led to increased financial and performance accountability. As most vascular surgery patients are elderly and reimbursed via CMS, improving their outcomes will be critical for durable financial stability. As a first step in forming a multidisciplinary pathway for the elderly vascular patients, we sought to identify modifiable perioperative variables in geriatric patients undergoing lower extremity bypass (LEB). Methods The 2011–2013 LEB-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used for this analysis ( n = 5316). Patients were stratified by age n = 2171), 65–74 ( n = 1858), 75–84 ( n = 1190), and ≥85 ( n = 394) years. Comparisons of patient- and procedure-related characteristics and 30-day postoperative outcomes stratified by age groups were performed with Pearson χ 2 tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables. Results During the study period, 5316 total patients were identified. There were 2171 patients aged P P P P P = 0.12). Conclusions Geriatric patients undergoing LEB have unique and potentially modifiable perioperative factors that may improve postoperative outcomes. These modifiers will be the basis of a multidisciplinary care path targeting the geriatric vascular surgery patients.
Teratogenicity of Anticonvulsants (AEDs)

The risks of teratogenic effects of AEDs are reported from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Delivering on the Promise of the Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act aims to increase access to care and improve the quality of care while simultaneously lowering the total cost of care. But have we delivered on these promises? With some political stakeholders looking to scale back or repeal specific reforms, certain low-income and disadvantaged groups may not have access to the affordable coverage options originally envisioned. Demonstrations at the ground level often yield surprising results that further threaten the original objectives. There has also been a delay in developing successful payment models and quality reporting systems across different patient populations and payers. As a result, developing an iterative evaluation process that informs policy makers at regular intervals will be essential in assuring that the Affordable Care Act achieves what it set out to do.
Estimating water balance, evapotranspiration and water use efficiency of spring safflower using the CROPGRO model

Abstract Inclusion of drought tolerant, low input crops such as safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.) is one of the strategies to extend the life of fast declining Ogallala Aquifer in the Southern High Plains (SHP). Crop modeling is a viable option to simulate safflower water footprints in different climatic scenarios to assess its feasibility in optimization of water use in the SHP. Such progress would join corollary efforts to improve irrigation management practices of safflower for increased water productivity. The primary objective of the study was to calibrate the CROPGRO model for improved ability to simulate water balance, evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE) of spring safflower. The model was calibrated based on soil water extraction data from PI8311 cultivar in an experiment conducted during 2013 and 2014 at Clovis, NM. The observed data from other two cultivars, 99OL and Nutrisaff, were used to evaluate the model. The model was able to simulate total above ground biomass of safflower in a reasonable fashion. The optimal prediction of soil water content, water balance and seed yield of safflower led to excellent ET and WUE simulations with root mean square error of 34 mm and 0.6 kg ha −1 mm −1 , respectively. The satisfactory performance of the model for an independent data demonstrates that the CROPGRO model is capable of predicting water use of spring safflower in semi-arid regions of the SHP; however, site-specific calibrations based on weather, especially soil and rooting inputs may be needed in different regions.
Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma: A 15-Year Single Institution Experience

Objective Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is an aggressive neoplasm, with conflicting existing literature regarding prognosis and treatment due to the rarity of disease. Characterization of optimal SNUC management is necessary for improved outcomes. Study Design Case series with planned data collection and analysis. Setting Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital. Participants Patients with pathologically confirmed SNUC treated within a 15-year period were identified, and records were obtained and evaluated for several demographic characteristics. Main Outcomes Measures Disease-specific survival from diagnosis was the primary endpoint, while disease recurrence was a secondary endpoint of the study. Results Twenty-seven patients with established SNUC were included in this cohort, with a median age of 55 years. Eighty-five percent of patients were surgically treated, and 85% of patients presented with stage IV disease. Two-year disease-specific survival was 66% and 5-year disease-specific survival was 46%. Ninety-six percent of patients received both chemotherapy and radiation as adjuvant treatment. Nodal disease at presentation and disease recurrence both significantly decreased patient survival (p Conclusions The majority of patients at this institution presented with clinically advanced disease, and most were managed with a multimodal approach of surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation. Extent of disease at presentation and progression of disease following treatment are poor prognostic signs and may merit a more aggressive approach, while early detection and treatment may improve survival and decrease patient morbidity.
Thermal Conductivity of G-348 Isostatic Graphite

AbstractFundamental measurements have been obtained to deduce the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity for fine-grain G-348 isostatic graphite, which has been used in thermal experiments related to gas-cooled nuclear reactors. Measurements of thermal diffusivity, mass, volume, and thermal expansion were converted to thermal conductivity. Resulting correlations for the thermal conductivity and thermal expansion are presented as functions of temperature from laboratory temperature to 1000°C.
Evaluating critical bits in arithmetic operations due to timing violations

Various error models are being used in simulation of voltage-scaled arithmetic units to examine application-level tolerance of timing violations. The selection of an error model needs further consideration, as differences in error models drastically affect the performance of the application. Specifically, floating point arithmetic units (FPUs) have architectural characteristics that characterize its behavior. We examine the architecture of FPUs and design a new error model, which we call Critical Bit. We run selected benchmark applications with Critical Bit and other widely used error injection models to demonstrate the differences.
TELEVISION IS NOT RADIO: Theologies of Mediation in the Egyptian Islamic Revival

What makes media “Islamic”? Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with Islamic television producers in Cairo, this article looks at the passionate contention within Egypt’s piety movement over the development of new forms of religious media. I suggest that at stake in these mass-mediated debates over da‘wa (Islamic outreach) are conflicting theologies of mediation that configure the boundaries of the religious and the secular differently. This God-talk matters greatly to Islamic revivalists, who spend more time debunking each other than they do secularists. Attention to these internal critiques foregrounds the competing moral conceptions of human flourishing and divine obligation that animate Egypt’s Islamic Revival. Indeed, focusing on the piety movement’s internal fractures as God-talk allows for an ethnographic engagement with how Muslim adepts critique religious difference—and the difference that religious critique makes—beyond the imperatives of secular power. This focus, in turn, complicates the stakes of anthropological judgment.
Biophysics and Microphysiology of Synaptic Transmission in Hippocampus

Most of what is known about the microphysiology and biophysics of synaptic transmission has derived from the study of just three preparations: the vertebrate and arthropod neuromuscular junctions and the squid giant synapse (Katz, 1969; Martin, 1977; Takeuchi, 1977). Although the general facts and laws gleaned from these three classical preparations probably apply also to cortical synapses, this inference remains an article of faith. Furthermore, there are structural and functional specializations in the cortex that cannot readily be addressed in the three classical preparations.
Developing Dependable Systems by Maximizing Component Diversity

In this chapter, we maximize component diversity as a means to achieve the goal of system dependability. Component diversity is examined from four different perspectives: 1) environmental perspective that emphasizes a component’s strengths and weaknesses under diverse operational environments, 2) target perspective that examines different dependability attributes, such as reliability, safety, security, fault tolerance, and resiliency, for a component, 3) internal perspective that focuses on internal characteristics that can be linked logically or empirically to external dependability attributes, and 4) value-based perspective that focuses on a stakeholder’s value assessment of different dependability attributes. Based on this examination, we develop an evaluation framework that quanties component diversity into a matrix, and use a mathematical optimization technique called data envelopment analysis (DEA) to select the optimal set of components to ensure system dependability. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the viability of our approach.
Comparative Metabolism of Pyrethroids Derived from 3-Phenoxybenzyl and α-Cyano-3-Phenoxybenzyl Alcohols

Abstract Fenothrin, permethrin, Cypermethrin, decamethrin, fenpropanate and fenvalerate are highly insecticidal pyrethroids prepared by esterification of 3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol or α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol with chrysanthemic acid or other acids of similar configuration. These pyrethroids are rapidly metabolized in rats by hydrolysis and by oxidation at the 4′-position of the alcohol moiety and to a lesser extent at the aliphatic substituents. These sites are also involved in metabolism of the permethrin isomers in cows, chickens, insects, plants and soils, of decamethrin in mice and plants, and of fenvalerate in soils. Additional sites of oxidation of the permethrin isomers, decamethrin or fenvalerate in some animals are the 2′-, 5- and 6-positions of the alcohol moiety. Various combinations of oxidation, hydrolysis and conjugation lead to >50 identified metabolites of the permethrin isomers in various insects and mammals. In vitro studies with microsomal oxidase preparations from mammals, insects and fish reveal some or all of these sites of hydroxylation and further oxidation of the hydroxymethyl substituents to the corresponding aldehydes and carboxylic acids. The selective toxicity of pyrethroids between insects and mammals may be further increased by replacing substituents biodegraded rapidly in insects with others more resistant to insect but not mammalian pyrethroid carboxyesterases and microsomal oxidases.
New concepts in protein-DNA recognition: sequence-directed DNA bending and flexibility.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the unusual DNA structures with known sequence dependencies such as bends, and the relatively new concept of sequence-directed structural softness or flexibility, and correlates these with protein structural motifs wherever possible. It shows that analyses of consensus binding sequences in DNA can provide important clues both for identifying possible roles of localized DNA structures (or microstructures) in protein-DNA interactions and for interpreting these roles in structure-function terms. An important consequence is that most biological processes are modulated at the molecular level by the interactions of regulatory proteins with themselves or other proteins, and with their characteristic operator DNA. A corollary is that the trajectory of the DNA is precisely defined, particularly in large, multi-subunit nucleoprotein complexes. Because both of these factors are highly site specific, they can confer a corresponding level of site specificity to the processes they control, which include transcriptional regulation, the action of hormone receptors, and certain types of site-specific recombination, including the precise insertion of viral DNA into host genomes.
The Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Kawasaki Disease

Epidemiologic and clinical features of Kawasaki Disease (KD) strongly support an infectious etiology. KD is worldwide, most prominently in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, reflecting increased genetic susceptibility among Asian populations. In Hawaii, KD rates are 20-fold higher in Japanese ethnics than in Caucasians, intermediate in other ethnicities. The age distribution of KD, highest in children < 2 yo, lower in those < 6 months, is compatible with infection by a ubiquitous agent resulting in increasing immunity with age and with transplacental immunity, as with some classic viruses. The primarily winter-spring KD seasonality and well-documented Japanese epidemics with wave-like spread also support an infectious trigger. We hypothesize KD pathogenesis involves an RNA virus that usually causes asymptomatic infection but KD in a subset of genetically predisposed children. CD8 T cells, oligoclonal IgA, and upregulation of cytotoxic T cell and interferon pathway genes in the coronaries in fatal KD also support a viral etiology. Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in ciliated bronchial epithelium identified by monoclonal antibodies made from oligoclonal IgA heavy chains also supports a viral etiology. Recent availability of "second generation" antibodies from KD peripheral blood plasmablasts may identify a specific viral antigen. Thus, we propose an unidentified ("new") RNA virus infects bronchial epithelium usually causing asymptomatic infection but KD in a subset of genetically predisposed children. The agent persists in inclusion bodies, with intermittent respiratory shedding, entering the bloodstream via macrophages targeting coronaries. Antigen-specific IgA plasma cells and CD8 T cells respond but coronaries can be damaged. IVIG may include antibody against the agent. Post infection, 97-99% of KD patients are immune to the agent, protected against recurrence. The agent can spread either from those with asymptomatic primary infection in winter-spring or from a previously infected contact who intermittently sheds the agent.
Variability in nicotine conditioned place preference and stress‐induced reinstatement in mice: Effects of sex, initial chamber preference, and guanfacine

Relapse to smoking occurs at higher rates in women compared with men, especially when triggered by stress. Studies suggest that sex-specific interactions between nicotine reward and stress contribute to these sex differences. Accordingly, novel treatment options targeting stress pathways, such as guanfacine, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, may provide sex-sensitive therapeutic effects. Preclinical studies are critical for elucidating neurobiological mechanisms of stress-induced relapse and potential therapies, but rodent models of nicotine addiction are often hindered by large behavioral variability. In this study, we used nicotine conditioned place preference to investigate stress-induced reinstatement of nicotine preference in male and female mice, and the effects of guanfacine on this behavior. Our results showed that overall, nicotine induced significant place preference acquisition and swim stress-induced reinstatement in both male and female mice, but with different nicotine dose-response patterns. In addition, we explored the variability in nicotine-dependent behaviors with median split analyses and found that initial chamber preference in each sex differentially accounted for variability in stress-induced reinstatement. In groups that showed significant stress-induced reinstatement, pretreatment with guanfacine attenuated this behavior. Finally, we evaluated neuronal activation by Arc immunoreactivity in the infralimbic cortex, prelimbic cortex, anterior insula, basolateral amygdala, lateral central amygdala and nucleus accumbens core and shell. Guanfacine induced sex-dependent changes in Arc immunoreactivity in the infralimbic cortex and anterior insula. This study demonstrates sex-dependent relationships between initial chamber preference and stress-induced reinstatement of nicotine conditioned place preference, and the effects of guanfacine on both behavior and neurobiological mechanisms.