cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of intravenous testosterone on nitrogen balance in man.

The anabolic effect of testosterone and its analogues has been adequately demonstrated by many workers. More recently, a preparation of testosterone dissolved in a solution of 25 per cent human serum albumin for intravenous administration was studied in our laboratories (1). This preparation was administered intravenously to 4 subjects and appeared to stimulate a sustained anabolic response in the 2 who received more than 150 mg. of the hormone.
Examination of self-efficacy, social support, and stress as predictors of psychological and physical distress among Hispanic college students

Social and cognitive factors were investigated to determine whether self-efficacy and social support moderate the relationship between stress, andphysical andpsychological distress among Hispanic c...
DIII-D radiation shielding procedures and experiences

The DIII-D tokamak operates with a neutron radiation shield to allow enhanced plasma operations with increased neutron production while minimizing the site boundary dose level. Neutron rates as high as 4*10/sup 15/ neutron/s and total neutron production as high as 4*10/sup 15/ neutrons per shot are obtained while maintaining the site dose below the DOE (Department of Energy) administrative level of 20 mrem per year. The radiation shielding has increased by a factor of 300 over the preshield value and is in agreement with the design calculation. The maximum site neutron dose since installation of the shield has been less than 0.03 mrem for a shot and less than 0.4 mrem for a day. The site neutron and gamma dose are monitored continuously during operations by a PC-based computer system that provides the means of measuring the low dose levels that occur during a shot by including postshot background subtraction. The neutron and gamma dose are measured and archived by shot, hour, and day in a database. Activation of the machine after a run day and during vessel entries is monitored, and the activated nuclides have been determined. >
The Effect of Visual Illusions on the Graphical Display of Information

ABSTRACT: Graphical displays of business and accounting information are widely used as decision aids. Theoretical work in visual perception indicates graphs that exhibit certain characteristics create visual illusions that may result in biased decision making. This paper reports the results of an experiment that demonstrates how such two-dimensional and three-dimensional visual illusions cause viewers to make biased comparison judgments. The experiment also shows that these decision biases can be mitigated by including gridlines in both two- and three-dimensional graphs.
The Differential Effect of Three Naturalistic Language Interventions on Language Use in Children with Autism.

Naturalistic interventions show promise for improving language in children with autism. Specific interventions differ in direct elicitation of child language and indirect language stimulation, and ...
Beam test of a grid-less multi-harmonic buncher

The Argonne Tandem Linear Accelerator System (ATLAS) is the first superconducting heavy-ion linac in the world. Currently ATLAS is being upgraded with the Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU). The latter is a funded project to expand the range of shortlived, neutron-rich rare isotope beams available for nuclear physics research at ATLAS. To avoid beam losses associated with the existing gridded multi-harmonic buncher (MHB), we have developed and built a grid-less four-harmonic buncher with fundamental frequency of 12.125 MHz. In this paper, we report the results of the MHB commissioning and ATLAS beam performance with the new buncher.
Constraining rooting depths in tropical rainforests using satellite data and ecosystem modeling for accurate simulation of gross primary production seasonality

Accurate parameterization of rooting depth is difficult but important for capturing the spatio-temporal dynamics of carbon, water and energy cycles in tropical forests. In this study, we adopted a new approach to constrain rooting depth in terrestrial ecosystem models over the Amazon using satellite data [moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) enhanced vegetation index (EVI)] and Biome-BGC terrestrial ecosystem model. We simulated seasonal variations in gross primary production (GPP) using different rooting depths (1, 3, 5, and 10m) at point and spatial scales to investigate how rooting depth affects modeled seasonal GPP variations and to determine which rooting depth simulates GPP consistent with satellite-based observations. First, we confirmed that rooting depth strongly controls modeled GPP seasonal variations and that only deep rooting systems can successfully track flux-based GPP seasonality at the Tapajos km67 flux site. Second, spatial analysis showed that the model can reproduce the seasonal variations in satellite-based EVI seasonality, however, with required rooting depths strongly dependent on precipitation and the dry season length. For example, a shallow rooting depth (1‐3m) is sufficient in regions with a short dry season (e.g. 0‐2 months), and deeper roots are required in regions with a longer dry season (e.g. 3‐5 and 5‐10m for the regions with 3‐4 and 5‐6 months dry season, respectively). Our analysis suggests that setting of proper rooting depths is important to simulating GPP seasonality in tropical forests, and the use of satellite data can help to constrain the spatial variability of rooting depth.
Recursive estimation with uncertain observations in a multisensor environment

There is increasing interest in simultaneously employing multiple sensors in surveillance and search systems. The paper treats the recursive estimation problem with uncertain observations when multiple sensors are used. Discrete-time results are obtained when the observations contain the signal to be estimated with probability one. These results are then extended to the case when the observations may not contain the signal with probability one. The case of partially uncertain observations is also considered.
Asymmetric microdisk resonators: Using geometry to control evanescent field

The geometry of a microdisk resonator can be used to control the intensity of its evanescent field. Asymmetric microdisk devices can allow for substantial increase of the distance between the evanescently coupled elements of optoelectronic circuits.
An investigation of submarine groundwater—borne nutrient fluxes to the west Florida shelf and recurrent harmful algal blooms

A cross-shelf, water-column mass balance of radon-222 (222Rn) provided estimates of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), which were then used to quantify benthic nutrient fluxes. Surface water and groundwater were collected along a shore-normal transect that extended from Tampa Bay, Florida, across the Pinellas County peninsula, to the 10-m isobath in the Gulf of Mexico. Samples were analyzed for 222Rn and radium-223,224,226 (223,224,226Ra) activities as well as inorganic and organic nutrients. Cross-shore gradients of 222Rn and 223,224,226Ra activities indicate a nearshore source for these isotopes, which mixes with water characterized by low activities offshore. Radon-based SGD rates vary between 2.5 and 15 cm d21 proximal to the shoreline and decrease offshore. The source of SGD is largely shallow exchange between surface and pore waters, although deeper groundwater cycling may also be important. Enrichment of total dissolved nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorus in pore water combined with SGD rates results in specific nutrient fluxes comparable to or greater than estuarine fluxes from Tampa Bay. The significance of these fluxes to nearshore blooms of Karenia brevis is highlighted by comparison with prescribed nutrient demands for bloom maintenance and growth. Whereas our flux estimates do not indicate SGD and benthic fluxes as the dominant nutrient source to the harmful algal blooms, SGD-derived loads do narrow the deficit between documented nutrient supplies and bloom demands. Population growth within the world’s coastal communities has enhanced nutrient and contaminant delivery to the coastal ocean and contributed to widespread water-quality degradation (Howarth et al. 2000). Traditionally, surface
Redox-Based Separation of Americium from Lanthanides in Sulfate Media

In the development of advanced nuclear fuel cycles, a primary motivation is the reduction of the long-term radiotoxicity of the wastes. From a few decades to several thousand years after removal of the fuel from the reactor, americium (Am) dominates the radiotoxicity of used fuel, thus its transmutation represents an attractive option for improved management of the residues. However, every viable scenario for transmutation of Am demands some degree of separation of Am from fission product lanthanides. Partitioning of Am from curium further simplifies the transmutation process. The mutual separation of these elements is very challenging due to their similar chemistry. The focus of this work is on the utilization of the upper oxidation states of americium (Am(V/VI)) to facilitate a more efficient separation of Am from fission product lanthanides and curium. A minimum 90% efficient separation of americium from the lanthanides and curium has been achieved in the laboratory by selectively oxidizing trivalent A...
3D ICEPIC simulations of a pulsed relativistic magnetron with transparent cathode: A comparative study

Ongoing research at the University of New Mexico (UNM) shows significant improvement in the start and rate-of-build-up of microwave oscillations in a relativistic magnetron driven by a transparent cathode [1,2]. Nearly all simulation work on this cathode to-date has been carried out utilizing the MAGIC particle-in-cell (PIC) code. Simulations of the A6 magnetron with transparent cathode using the 3-dimensional code Improved Concurrent Electromagnetic Particle-In-Cell (ICEPIC) at the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) were carried out to examine the performance of the transparent code and compare with results from MAGIC. Output parameters such as microwave power, microwave frequency and anode current all as function of axial magnetic field are presented and compared with the MAGIC results.
Selective incorporation of isotopically labeled amino acids for identification of intact proteins on a proteome-wide level.

The post-genomic era and increased demands for broad proteome measurements have greatly increased the needs for protein identification. We describe a strategy that uses accurate mass measurements and partial amino acid content information to unambiguously identify intact proteins, and show its initial application to the proteomes of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Proteins were extracted from the organisms grown in minimal medium or minimal medium to which isotopically labeled leucine (Leu-D10) had been added. The two protein extracts were mixed and analyzed by capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR). The incorporation of the isotopically labeled residue has no effect on the CIEF separation of proteins, and both isotopically labeled and unlabeled versions of specific proteins are observed within the same mass spectrum. The difference in the mass of the unlabeled and labeled proteins is used to determine the number of Leu residues present in a particular protein. Proteins can then often be unambiguously identified based on their accurately determined molecular mass and the additional constraint provided by number of Leu residues. The identities of proteins were further confirmed by repeating CIEF/FTICR measurements with samples that contain other isotopically labeled amino acid residues (e.g. His, Arg, Ile, Phe, Lys). A theoretical study of the amino acid composition (for a difference in the amino acid sequence) showed the constraints needed in order to identify the protein unambiguously. Additionally, the mass differences between the predicted and the experimental accurate mass measurement provide insights into the nature of simple post-translational modifications. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Software evolution via reusable architecture

This paper explores the idea of component-based reuse of software development architecture. It includes: (1) analysis of a domain-specific software development architecture, (2) development of a component base (repository) that is robust with respect to system evolution, and (3) implementation of a light weight inference engine for automated decision support. The study is aimed at gaining a framework for component-based reuse of software architecture, where a family of software systems sharing the same architecture are produced using common components. This embraces a component base (repository) equipped with a lightweight inference engine for software evolution and automated decision support for processes such as component retrieval, version control, project management, and task decomposition.
Unstructured Light Fields

We present a system for interactively acquiring and rendering light fields using a hand-held commodity camera. The main challenge we address is assisting a user in achieving good coverage of the 4D domain despite the challenges of hand-held acquisition. We define coverage by bounding reprojection error between viewpoints, which accounts for all 4 dimensions of the light field. We use this criterion together with a recent Simultaneous Localization and Mapping technique to compute a coverage map on the space of viewpoints. We provide users with real-time feedback and direct them toward under-sampled parts of the light field. Our system is lightweight and has allowed us to capture hundreds of light fields. We further present a new rendering algorithm that is tailored to the unstructured yet dense data we capture. Our method can achieve piecewise-bicubic reconstruction using a triangulation of the captured viewpoints and subdivision rules applied to reconstruction weights. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE AND THE SPECIES-SPECIFIC REINFORCEMENT OF MALE MATING PREFERENCE IN THE CHRYSOCHUS (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) HYBRID ZONE

Most studies of reinforcement have focused on the evolution of either female choice or male mating cues, following the long-held view in sexual selection theory that mating mistakes are typically more costly for females than for males. However, factors such as conspecific sperm precedence can buffer females against the cost of mating mistakes, suggesting that in some hybrid zones mating mistakes may be more costly for males than for females. Thus, the historical bias in reinforcement research may underestimate its frequency. In this study, we present evidence that reinforcement has driven the evolution of male choice in a hybrid zone between the highly promiscuous leaf beetles Chrysochus cobaltinus and C. auratus, the hybrids of which have extremely low fitness. In addition, there is evidence for male choice in these beetles and that male mating mistakes may be costly, due to reduced opportunities to mate with conspecific females. The present study combines laboratory and field methods to quantify the strength of sexual isolation, test the hypothesis of reproductive character displacement, and assess the link between relative abundance and the strength of selection against hybridization. We document that, while sexual isolation is weak, it is sufficient to produce positive assortative mating. In addition, reproductive character displacement was only detected in the relatively rare species. The strong postzygotic barriers in this system are sufficient to generate the bimodality that characterizes this hybrid zone, but the weak sexual isolation is not, calling into question whether strong prezygotic isolation is necessary for the maintenance of bimodality. Growing evidence that the cost of mating mistakes is sufficient to shape the evolution of male mate choice suggests that the reinforcement of male mate choice may prove to be a widespread occurrence.
Weakness of short-term synchronization among respiratory nerve activities during fictive vomiting

In decerebrate, paralyzed cats, phrenic (PHR) and lumbar abdominal (ABD) nerve discharges during both neural respiration and fictive vomiting (FV) were subjected to spectral and coherence analyses. During respiration, PHR discharge exhibited high-frequency oscillation (HFO), manifested as a narrow spectral peak (range 57-90 Hz) in autospectra and left-right coherence spectra. During FV, the following occurred: 1) the HFO peak disappeared and was replaced by a broad peak with higher modal frequency (range 84-120 Hz), indicating elimination of inputs from the medullary inspiratory pattern generator. 2) Left-right PHR coherence spectra had no distinct peaks, indicating that correlations between opposite PHR discharges were now not frequency specific. 3) Although ABD and PHR autospectra were similar, PHR-ABD coherences were near zero, indicating lack of common inputs on a short time scale. 4) Nonzero coherences between ABD nerves were confined to ipsilateral pairs. Thus coherence analysis indicates that the outputs of the vomiting pattern generator are temporally dispersed on a short time scale and are not necessarily common to different motoneuron populations.
Selective identification of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators from their biosynthetic double di-oxygenation isomers

The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are substrates for lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases. During inflammatory processes, these enzymes form several distinct families of oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids coined specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. Structural elucidation of these natural products using LC-MS/MS based metabololipidomics with the pico- to nanogram amounts of biosynthetic material available have been performed. The specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators display stereospecific and potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions. Most often the different families among these mediators are chemically characterized by two or three chiral, secondary alcohols, separated by either an E,E,Z-triene or an E,Z,E,E-tetraene moiety. The lipoxygenases also form other oxygenated polyunsaturated natural products, coined double di-oxygenation products, that are constitutional isomers of the protectin and maresin families of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. Very often these products exhibit similar chromatographic properties and mass spectrometrical fragment ions as the pro-resolving mediators. In addition, the double di-oxygenation products are sometimes formed in larger amounts than the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. Thus, it is not always possible to distinguish between the specialized pro-resolving mediators and their double di-oxygenation isomers in biological systems, using LC/MS-based techniques. Herein, a convenient and easy-to-use protocol to meet this challenge is presented.
P-015 High Resolution- MRI Features of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Over Time

Introduction Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is associated with thunderclap headache, subarachnoid haemorrhage and potential ischaemic sequelae, with very different management than traditional central nervous system vasculitides. The advent of vessel wall imaging may help differentiate RCVS from other lesions, however knowledge of the imaging features of the syndrome over time may help physicians make the diagnosis with greater confidence. Methods The Cleveland Clinic 3-Tesla High resolution MRI (HRMR) database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with clinically diagnosed RCVS that also received HRMR yielding a total of 13 patients. Imaging protocol included black-blood gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequence with fat suppression and time-of-flight MRA of the circle of Willis. Imaging features were assessed by 2 experienced neuro-radiologists and indexed to time of imaging relative to the date of symptom onset. The images were then placed in sequential order, and features summarised as a function of time as an aggregate of patients. Findings The median age was 52 years with 2/13 (15%) being males. Median time to scan from symptom onset was 0.5 months. Mild vessel wall enhancement and thickening was noted in 4 patients (30%), while 6 patients had wall thickening alone. Remaining 3 patients only showed multifocal stenosis. Three patients (23%) were on steroids at time of initial scan. Nine patients (63%) had follow up imaging with a median follow up of 2.5 months. At follow up, 7/9 patients showed resolution of the enhancement and wall thickening while 1 patient had mild vessel wall enhancement and another had vessel wall thickening. Conclusion In this limited retrospective review of RCVS patients, there is a clear improvement over time in terms of vessel wall enhancement and thickening. Vessel wall thickening and enhancement was more vivid at earlier time points and reduced over time. HRMR imaging of the vessel walls may provide corroboration of clinical onset and track resolution of RCVS as well as differentiate the disease from other vasculopathies. Further research is needed. Disclosures R. Cerejo: None. F. Hui: None. S. Jones: None. E. Obusez: None. T. Hammad: None. R. Hajj-ali: None. K. Uchino: None.
Ligand-controlled Co-reduction versus electroless Co-deposition: synthesis of nanodendrites with spatially defined bimetallic distributions.

The predictable synthesis of bimetallic nanostructures via co-reduction of two metal precursors is challenging due to our limited understanding of precursor ligand effects. Here, the influence of different metal–ligand environments is systematically examined in the synthesis of Pd–Pt nanostructures as a model bimetallic system. Nanodendrites with different spatially defined Pd–Pt compositions are achieved, where the local ligand environments of metal precursors dictate if temporally separated co-reduction dominates to achieve core–shell nanostructures or whether electroless co-deposition proceeds to facilitate alloyed nanostructure formation. As the properties of bimetallic nanomaterials depend on crystal ordering and composition, chemical routes to structurally defined bimetallic nanomaterials are critically needed. The approaches reported here should be applicable to other bimetallic compositions given the established reactivity of coordination complexes available for use as precursors.
Geophysical Surveys, Levee Certification Geophysical Investigations, DC Resistivity

The Yuma Area Levee system, running along the northern boundary of the city of Yuma (Arizona), trends parallel to sections of the Gila and Colorado Rivers. These Levees constructed from the surrounding earth, are composed of an assortment of sands, silts, clays, and quarried rock (which armors the river side of each levee structure). Sections of the levee system, and portions of the levee system near Walker’s Ranch have been chosen for investigation to determine structural integrity and areas susceptible to slope failure or internal erosion in the event of flooding. By using direct current resistivity (DCR), an assessment of the subsurface levee structure can be made, identifying material properties within the levee itself that indicate the presence of sands, clays, or anomalous void spaces if present. This data is used to help determine locations for levee remediation. This report discusses results from the DCR surveys performed at various locations along the levees. In general, areas of high electrical resistivity can represent locations of clean sands and gravels which may be prone to internal erosion at flood stage river levels. Areas of localized very low resistivity can indicate the presence of steel or other metallic materials such as culverts. This report provides a table of all direct current resistivity soundings and their quality of processed data. A few of the soundings revealed very high root mean square (RMS) error. These soundings will be disregarded. Direct current resistivity soundings with lower RMS error more accurately reveal areas of high resistivity sands and gravels within the levee structure. Only soundings classified as Good Data and Very Good Data will be used in evaluating the subsurface conditions when considering possible levee remediation locations. Direct Current Resistivity Summary Using a multi-electrode direct current (DC) resistivity system, DC resistivity Wenner surveys were performed at 14 locations along the Levees north of Yuma, AZ. These surveys were interpreted through multiple inversions using the Earth Imager 2D software package (Advanced Geosciences, Inc.). Background Areas of high resistivity may indicate areas containing sands, gravels, other openwork coarse grained materials, or void space within the structure (although large void spaces are unlikely). Structures including culverts and steel pipes may appear as low resistivity (high conductivity) areas. However, because these structures have limited diameters, DCR measurements may not be sensitive to influence of their material properties. Areas of lower resistivity usually indicate higher clay content or a relative increase of water saturation.
Regulation of Seasonal Egg Hatch by Plant Phenology in Stethoconus japonicus (Heteroptera: Miridae), a Specialist Predator of Stephanitis pyrioides (Heteroptera: Tingidae)

Stethoconus japonicus Schumacher altered its oviposition site on azalea, Rhododendron spp., plants as the summer progressed. During June, eggs were deposited mostly in the midrib on the new growth. As leaves aged, the oviposition site shifted to current year's stems and the leaf scars of year-old growth. The shift in oviposition site was coincidental with a decline in leaf moisture of ≍9% and an increase in leaf age. Eggs deposited in the leaf midrib changed shape Significantly and increased in weight by 60% from day 3 to day 10; the sigmoidal curve fit a change in weight. As eggs aged from 2 to 10 d, they showed a significant increase in breadth, no change in length, and a significant reduction in width. Eggs of S.japonicus began to hatch in the field in late June when early instars of the second generation of its prey, the azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), were present. The late hatch of this specialist predator resulted in synchrony with the second generation of its prey. Asynchrony and late hatch of overwintered eggs makes S.japonicus a suitable candidate for IPM programs because the predator may escape the effects of pesticides directed at the first generation of azalea lace bug nymphs.
A Highly Efficient Reconfigurable Charge Pump Energy Harvester With Wide Harvesting Range and Two-Dimensional MPPT for Internet of Things

A monolithic microwatt-level charge pump energy harvester is proposed for smart nodes of Internet of Things (IOT) networks. Due to the variation of the available voltage and power in IOT scenarios, the charge pump was optimized by the proposed architecture and circuit level innovations. First, a reconfigurable charge pump is introduced to provide the hybrid conversion ratios (CRs) as $1\frac {1}{3} \times$ up to $8 \times$ for minimizing the charge redistribution loss. Second, the reconfigurable feature also dynamically tunes to maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with the frequency modulation, resulting in a two-dimensional (2-D) MPPT. Therefore, the voltage conversion efficiency (VCE) and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) are enhanced and flattened. Third, the constant-on-time (COT) scheme from the regulation part was reused with the proposed MPPT arbiter as a sensing approach, which eliminates the conventional power hungry current sensor. The proposed energy harvester is capable of harvesting various energy sources, such as a photovoltaic (PV) cell and a thermoelectric generator (TEG), with a wide input range from 0.45 to 3 V and a regulated 3.3 V output voltage for the IOT smart nodes. Measured results showed that the harvester achieved a flattened and improved PCE as high as 89% for ultra-low power operation capability below $50\,\upmu{\text {W}}$ .
The Grammar of Indifference: Tocqueville and the Language of Democracy:

This essay analyzes what Alexis de Tocqueville calls an “application of linguistics to history.” Beginning with Tocqueville’s position that language is the ground of meaningful bonds between people, I argue that the internal logic of a language—the grammar—is correlated with the internal logic governing the social order that both begets and is begotten by that language. Social orders therefore have both linguistic and political grammars and, as the internal logic of language changes, so too can the political grammar. This essay thus traces what Tocqueville envisions as the historical importance of language: from the language of aristocracy and the grammar of difference, to revolutionary language and the grammar of concurrence, to democratic language and the grammar of indifference. It concludes with Tocqueville’s suggestion of how good grammar might be taught in democratic ages.
Control of Over-test and Short-test in Shock Spectrum

Shock response spectrum is a usual shock test method.It can simulate exactly the shock enviroment that products ex- perienced.However,if acceleration and time cure differ from the reality greatly,the over - test and short - test may happen.The limit demands of shock response spectrum were put forward.The over-test and short - test can be avoided by controlling and optimizing some parameters and making the spectrum similar to acceleration and time cure.
The Möbius Function (MOBIUS)

This chapter describes algorithm MOBIUS, which generates Mobius function. It presents a process of calculation. Beginning with the incidence matrix H of the a covers b relation, few operations are performed. Using the subroutine TRIANG, the permutation SIGMA is found such that when the rows and columns of H are renumbered according to SIGMA, H becomes triangular. Using subroutine RENUMB, the permutation SIGMA is applied to the rows and columns of H . I–H is then inverted using subroutine INVERT. All nonzero elements are replaced by 1s, yielding the zeta matrix of the partial order. Then, using subroutine INVERT, the resulting matrix is inverted. This gives the Mobius function MU according to the renumbering SIGMA. The inverse permutation SIG1 of SIGMA is found. The rows and columns of MU are renumbered according to SIG1. It gives the Mobius matrix MU consistent with the initial ordering of the rows and columns of H .
The Embedding Effect of Transformational Leadership in Extreme Contexts

Over the last thirty years, measures of transformational leadership have been positively related to a broad range of individual, unit and organizational performance outcomes. Most of this literatur...
Multiregional analysis of global 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine throughout the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Epigenetic modifications to cytosine are known to alter transcriptional states and deregulate gene expression in cancer, embryonic development, and most recently in neurodegeneration. To test the hypothesis that global levels of cytosine modification are altered throughout the progression of Alzheimer's disease, 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxmethylcytosine (5-hmC) were quantified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and stable labeled internal standards of cytosine, 5-mC, and 5-hmC. Cytosine modifications were quantified in DNA extracted from tissue specimens of four brain regions (cerebellum, inferior parietal lobe, superior and middle temporal gyrus, and hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus) of cognitively normal control (NC) subjects and subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), preclinical Alzheimer's disease (PCAD), late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Repeated measures analyses of the data show significant alterations in 5-mC and 5-hmC in early stages of Alzheimer's disease (PCAD and MCI), as well as FTLD and DLB subjects, across multiple regions of the brain. These data suggest alterations in epigenetic regulation of genes may play an early role in the progression of AD as well as other types of neurodegeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Crystal structure of Pistol, a class of self-cleaving ribozyme

Small self-cleaving ribozymes have been discovered in all evolutionary domains of life. They can catalyze site-specific RNA cleavage, and as a result, they have relevance in gene regulation. Comparative genomic analysis has led to the discovery of a new class of small self-cleaving ribozymes named Pistol. We report the crystal structure of Pistol at 2.97-A resolution. Our results suggest that the Pistol ribozyme self-cleavage mechanism likely uses a guanine base in the active site pocket to carry out the phosphoester transfer reaction. The guanine G40 is in close proximity to serve as the general base for activating the nucleophile by deprotonating the 2'-hydroxyl to initiate the reaction (phosphoester transfer). Furthermore, G40 can also establish hydrogen bonding interactions with the nonbridging oxygen of the scissile phosphate. The proximity of G32 to the O5' leaving group suggests that G32 may putatively serve as the general acid. The RNA structure of Pistol also contains A-minor interactions, which seem to be important to maintain its tertiary structure and compact fold. Our findings expand the repertoire of ribozyme structures and highlight the conserved evolutionary mechanism used by ribozymes for catalysis.
Attenuation near Anza, California

Abstract Data from the Anza array in southern California have been analyzed to study attenuation. The data set includes records from 68 earthquakes, each of which recorded at an average of 4 to 5 three-component stations. Total Q was estimated from spectral amplitudes observed from similar-sized sources at a wide range of distances from single stations. Also, two attenuation-related parameters were obtained using a parametric model for the seismic acceleration spectrum. These data are consistent with the model that the high-frequency acceleration spectrum is described by exponential decay for frequencies between 15 and 100 Hz. The decay parameter, κ , is observed as a function of hypocentral distance, site, and source characteristics. A comparison of κ ( r ) at Anza with results from the Imperial Valley, California, shows that d κ / dr is similar in the two regions, but that κ (0) is significantly smaller at Anza. This supports the interpretation that κ is an attenuation effect, with κ (0) reflecting Q i , the frequency-dependent component of Q , in the few kilometers immediately below a station and d κ / dr due to a more regional Q i structure at depth. The extrapolated zero-frequency intercepts from these exponential decay fits to the spectra fall-off more rapidly than geometrical spreading, indicating that there is also a significant frequency-dependent conribution to Q in the region.
Geo-demographics of gunshot wound injuries in Miami-Dade county, 2002-2012.

We evaluated correlates of gunshot wound (GSW) injuries in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Firearm-related injury has previously been linked to socio- and geo-demographic indicators such as occupation, income, neighborhood and race in other metropolitan areas, but remains understudied in Miami. We reviewed 4,547 cases from a Level I trauma center’s patient registry involving an intentional firearm-related injury occurring from 2002 to 2012. During this eleven-year study period, this trauma center was the only one in Miami-Dade County, and thus representative of countywide injuries. The crude morbidity rate of GSW injury over the 11-year period was 15 per 100,000 persons with a crude mortality rate of 0.27 per 100,000 persons. The case fatality rate of injured patients was 15.4%. Both morbidity and mortality increased modestly over the 11-year study period. The total number of GSW patients rose annually during the study period and patients were disproportionately young, black males, though we observed higher severity of injury in white populations. Geo-demographic analysis revealed that both GSW incident locations and patient home addresses are spatially clustered in predominantly poor, black neighborhoods near downtown Miami, and that these patterns persisted throughout the study period. Using spatial regression, we observed that census tract-level GSW incidence rates (coded by home address) were associated with a census tract’s proportion of black residents (P < .001), single-parent households (P < .001), and median age (P < .001) (R 2 = .42). These findings represent the first representative geo-demographic analysis of GSW injuries in Miami-Dade County, and offer evidence to support urgent, targeted community engagement and prevention strategies to reduce local firearm violence.
Preventing Hospitalization with Veterans Affairs Home‐Based Primary Care: Which Individuals Benefit Most?

Objectives To examine how medical complexity modifies the relationship between enrollment in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home-based primary care (HBPC) and hospitalization for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions (ACSC) for veterans with diabetes mellitus and whether the effect of HBPC on hospitalizations varies according to clinical condition. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting VA and non-VA hospitals. Participants VA beneficiaries aged 67 and older with diabetes mellitus and enrolled in Medicare (N = 364,972). Measurements Instrumental variables regression models were used to estimate the effect of HBPC enrollment on hospitalization for ACSCs (defined according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Prevention Quality Indicators) overall and in subgroups stratified according to medical complexity. Models were also estimated for each ACSC to determine which conditions were most sensitive to HBPC. Distance from the veteran's residence to the nearest HBPC site was used as the instrumental variable. Results HBPC was associated with fewer ACSC hospitalizations (odds ratio (OR) = 0.35 per person-month, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30–0.42). For veterans in the highest quartile of medical complexity, HBPC enrollment was associated with fewer ACSC hospitalizations (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19–0.93), whereas for those in the lowest quartile, HBPC was associated with more ACSC hospitalizations (OR = 33.2, 95% CI = 4.6–240.1). HBPC enrollment was associated with fewer hospitalizations for a range of ACSCs. Conclusion HBPC enrollment was associated with fewer hospitalizations for a range of ACSCs in veterans with diabetes mellitus but only in the most medically complex individuals. This demonstrates the importance of appropriate targeting and suggests that the effect of HBPC is attributable to its comprehensive approach rather than condition-specific interventions.
Plasmodium falciparum K13 Mutations Differentially Impact Ozonide Susceptibility and Parasite Fitness In Vitro.

ABSTRACT The emergence and spread in Southeast Asia of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin (ART) derivatives, the cornerstone of first-line artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), underscore the urgent need to identify suitable replacement drugs. Discovery and development efforts have identified a series of ozonides with attractive chemical and pharmacological properties that are being touted as suitable replacements. Partial resistance to ART, defined as delayed parasite clearance in malaria patients treated with an ART derivative or an ACT, has been associated with mutations in the P. falciparum K13 gene. In light of reports showing that ART derivatives and ozonides share similar modes of action, we have investigated whether parasites expressing mutant K13 are cross-resistant to the ozonides OZ439 (artefenomel) and OZ227 (arterolane). This work used a panel of culture-adapted clinical isolates from Cambodia that were genetically edited to express variant forms of K13. Phenotypic analyses employed ring-stage survival assays (ring-stage survival assay from 0 to 3 h [RSA0–3h]), whose results have earlier been shown to correlate with parasite clearance rates in patients. Our results document cross-resistance between OZ277 and dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semisynthetic derivative of ART, in parasites carrying the K13 mutations C580Y, R539T, and I543T. For OZ439, we observed cross-resistance only for parasites that carried the rare K13 I543T mutation, with no evidence of cross-resistance afforded by the prevalent C580Y mutation. Mixed-culture competition experiments with isogenic lines carrying modified K13 revealed variable growth deficits depending on the K13 mutation and parasite strain and provide a rationale for the broad dissemination of the fitness-neutral K13 C580Y mutation throughout strains currently circulating in Southeast Asia. IMPORTANCE ACTs have helped halve the malaria disease burden in recent years; however, emerging resistance to ART derivatives threatens to reverse this substantial progress. Resistance is driven primarily by mutations in the P. falciparum K13 gene. These mutations pose a threat to ozonides, touted as promising alternatives to ARTs that share a similar mode of action. We report that DHA was considerably more potent than OZ439 and OZ277 against ART-sensitive asexual blood-stage parasites cultured in vitro. We also document that mutant K13 significantly compromised the activity of the registered drug OZ277. In contrast, OZ439 remained effective against most parasite lines expressing mutant K13, with the exception of I543T that merits further monitoring in field-based OZ439 efficacy studies. K13 mutations differed considerably in their impact on parasite growth rates, in a strain-dependent context, with the most prevalent C580Y mutation being fitness neutral in recently culture-adapted strains from Cambodia, the epicenter of emerging ART resistance.
Science Cafés: Transforming citizens to scientific citizens—What influences participants’ perceived change in health and scientific literacy?

Introduction Science Cafes facilitated by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin seek to increase health and scientific literacy through informal conversation between researchers and community members. The goal was to understand what factors have the greatest influence on attendees’ perceived changes in health and science literacy levels (PCHSL) to increase impact. Methods Previous research established the evaluation used in the Science Cafes to measure PCHSL. In this study, comparisons were made between (1) 2 different approaches to Science Cafes (Genomics Science Cafes or Health Science Cafes) and (2) regression models to show which factors best predicted PCHSL. Results The approach of the Genomics Science Cafes series to Science Cafes showed a larger impact on PCHSL. Regression models suggest SES and education significantly contributes to PCHSL. Conclusions Insights for program development to have greater impact on PCHSL were identified. Continuing to optimize dissemination of research findings to the public is essential for improving community health and well-being.
Postoperative Schmerztherapie: Systemische Analgesie

Die systemische Schmerztherapie orientiert sich am WHO-Stufenschema zur Analgesie. Meist wird die Kombination eines Opioids mit einem antipyretischen Analgetikum zu einer zufriedenstellenden Schmerzlinderung fuhren. Die typischen Analgetika, Nicht-Opioid- und Opioidanalgetika, sowie die Adjuvanzien werden ebenso in diesem Kapitel beschrieben, wie der Einsatz der „patient-controlled analgesia“ (PCA).
Structure of optimal policies to periodic-review inventory models with convex costs and backorders for all values of discount factors

This paper describes the structure of optimal policies for discounted periodic-review single-commodity total-cost inventory control problems with fixed ordering costs for finite and infinite horizons. There are known conditions in the literature for optimality of $$(s_t,S_t)$$ policies for finite-horizon problems and the optimality of (s, S) policies for infinite-horizon problems. The results of this paper cover the situation, when such assumption may not hold. This paper describes a parameter, which, together with the value of the discount factor and the horizon length, defines the structure of an optimal policy. For the infinite horizon, depending on the values of this parameter and the discount factor, an optimal policy either is an (s, S) policy or never orders inventory. For a finite horizon, depending on the values of this parameter, the discount factor, and the horizon length, there are three possible structures of an optimal policy: (1) it is an $$(s_t,S_t)$$ policy, (2) it is an $$(s_t,S_t)$$ policy at earlier stages and then does not order inventory, or (3) it never orders inventory. The paper also establishes continuity of optimal value functions and describes alternative optimal actions at states $$s_t$$ and s.
Frequency and Predictors of Drug-Eluting Stent Use in Saphenous Vein Bypass Graft Percutaneous Coronary Interventions : A Report From the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data CathPCI Registry

Objectives We examined a large registry to determine the frequency and factors associated with drug-eluting stents (DES) use in saphenous vein graft (SVG) in contemporary practice. Background Prospective trials comparing DES with bare-metal stents in SVG lesions have provided conflicting conclusions regarding safety and efficacy leading to potential variation in stent choice for these lesions. Methods We analyzed the frequency and factors associated with DES use in patients undergoing SVG stenting from January 1, 2004, to March 31, 2009, in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. Generalized estimating equations logistic regression modeling was used to generate independent variables associated with DES use in SVGs. Results During the study period, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a SVG represented 5.7% of the total PCI volume (91,355 of 1,596,966). Of the 84,875 patients who received a SVG stent, a DES was used in 64.5%. From 2005 to 2009, DES use in SVG PCI changed from 80% to 62%. Unfractionated heparin was used in 46%, enoxaparin in 17%, bivalirudin in 42%, and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor in 40% of cases. On multivariable analysis, several parameters (including the period, multivessel PCI, prior PCI, no acute myocardial infarction, and no smoking) were associated with DES use. Conclusions Currently, DES are used in nearly two-thirds of SVG interventions. Several clinical parameters (such as the period of implantation and the complexity of coronary artery disease) are associated with the decision to implant a DES in these challenging lesions.