cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective autocatalysis. III. Configurational and conformational studies on a 1,4-benzodiazepinooxazole derivative.

We report here on configurational and conformational studies undertaken on the bromofluoro-1,4-benzodiazepinooxazole derivative I, which has previously been found capable of undergoing total spontaneous resolution under racemizing conditions. Due to its bridgehead N-atom I may exist in any of four diastereomeric forms,C r N r (orC s N s ) andC r N s (orC s N r ). Molecular mechanics calculations revealed that in their lowest energy conformations theC r N r (orC s N s ) diastereomers were favored over theC r N s (orC s N r ) diastereomers by some 3.42 kcal/mol, while semi-empirical quantum mechanical calculations indicated heats of formation also favoring theC r N (orC s N s ) diastereomers by 3.83 kcal/mol. The1H NMR spectra of the three crystalline modifications (α, β andγ) of I were examined in acetone, and found to be identical. These data, combined with the results of the above calculations, suggest that I exists in methanol or methanol-acetone solutions as theC r N (orC s N s ) enantiomer prior to its racemization.
Evaluation of a chromogenic assay to measure the factor Xa inhibitory activity of unfractionated heparin in canine plasma.

Background: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) has a complex pharmacologic profile that necessitates patient monitoring to prevent inadequate anticoagulation or overdosage and hemorrhage. Factor Xa inhibitory assays (to measure anti-Xa activity) are used to adjust UFH dosage and define safe and effective regimens for specific thrombotic disorders in humans. Objective: In this study, the accuracy, linearity, and clinical utility of a chromogenic assay were assessed for monitoring UFH anti-Xa activity in canine plasma samples. Methods: A commercial assay (Rotachrom Heparin, Diagnostica Stago, Parsippany, NJ, USA) was used to measure anti-Xa activity in canine plasma samples spiked with different concentrations of UFH. Background absorbance and assay linearity were compared for canine and human plasmas. Percentage recovery of UFH anti-Xa activity and intra- and interassay imprecisions were investigated by multiple measurements of canine plasma to which known amounts of UFH were added. The spiked plasma samples also were used to determine the heparin sensitivity of an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test. Results: Canine plasma samples were assayed at a higher dilution than were human plasma samples (3:8 versus 4:8) to eliminate higher background anti-Xa activity in canine plasma. Using this modification, the recovery of anti-Xa activity in canine plasma was linear (R2 > .9) at concentrations of 0–0.75 U/mL UFH. Intra- and interassay imprecisions for plasma samples containing 0.5 U/mL UFH were <10%, whereas samples containing 0.25 U/mL UFH had imprecisions of 13% and 24%, respectively. The anti-Xa activity range of 0.5–0.75 U/mL caused prolongation of aPTTs to 1.5–2.5 times the assay mean. Conclusions: Plasma anti-Xa activity of dogs treated with UFH can be accurately monitored using this commercially-available chromogenic assay.
Genitourinary Cancers Other than Prostate Cancer in a BRCA-tested Cohort from a Single Institution

Genitourinary malignancies have well-known hereditary components, and BRCA gene mutations have been implicated in the etiology of many malignancies including prostate cancer [1,2]. We describe here patient and disease characteristics related to genitourinary malignancies other than prostate cancer in a large BRCA-tested cohort from the clinical genetics service at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Between 1996 and 2012, 6830 patients were tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and were enrolled in an study approved by the Institutional Review Board. Patients with genitourinary malignancies were identified, and demographic data and disease characteristics were collected at the time of testing. Simple frequencies and Fisher exact tests were used to examine differences in the prevalence of genitourinary malignancies between carriers and noncarriers of BRCA mutations. Of the 6830 patients examined, 1297 (18.9%) were carriers of BRCA mutations. The carriers were mainly white (93%) and female (91%), and 43% were Ashkenazi Jews. The noncarriers were mainly white (91%) and females (95%), and 35% were Ashkenazi Jews. At the time of testing, seven (0.5%) and 13 (0.2%) patients had a history of genitourinary malignancy in the BRCA carrier and noncarrier cohorts, respectively. Bladder cancer affected three BRCA mutation carriers (two BRCA1 and one BRCA2 mutations) and nine noncarriers, kidney cancer affected three carriers (all BRCA1 185delAG mutation carriers) and two noncarriers, and testis cancer affected one carrier (5382incC BRCA1 mutation) and two noncarriers. The percentage of genitourinary cancers did not significantly differ between BRCA mutation carriers and noncarriers by cancer type (two-tailed p value 0.8 for bladder, 0.1 for kidney, and 0.08 for testis). A subset analysis by mutation showed that kidney cancer was significantly associated with the BRCA1 Ashkenazi Jewish founder mutation (185delAG) (odds ratio 12.71, 95% confidence interval 1.453–152.4; p = 0.02). However, there was no loss of heterozygosity for 185delAG in tumor tissue available from one of the mutation carriers affected by kidney cancer. Limitations are the retrospective nature of the data and the small number of genitourinary malignancies; however, this cohort could be considered representative of large centers experienced in this field, especially for Ashkenazi Jewish patients.
3,5-Di-tert-butyl-3'-(N-tert-butyl-N-aminoxy)-4-oxybiphenyl: A Heterospin Diradical with Temperature Dependent Behavior.

The title diradical was synthesized and investigated by ESR and UV−vis spectroscopy. It was found to have a lifetime of weeks even in the presence of oxygen, and even survives brief heating in tolu...
Gradient projection for linearly constrained convex optimization in sparse signal recovery

The l 2 -l 1 compressed sensing minimization problem can be solved efficiently by gradient projection. In imaging applications, the signal of interest corresponds to nonnegative pixel intensities; thus, with additional nonnegativity constraints on the reconstruction, the resulting constrained minimization problem becomes more challenging to solve. In this paper, we propose a gradient projection approach for sparse signal recovery where the reconstruction is subject to nonnegativity constraints. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Optimal simulation of volume turbulence with phase screens

Imaging through volume turbulence gives rise to anisoplanatism (space-variant blur). The effects of volume turbulence on imaging are often modeled through the use of a sequence of phase screens distributed along the optical path. Wallner recently derived a prescription for the optimal functional form and location of multiple phase screens for use in simulating the effects of volume turbulence in infinite-range imaging geometries. We generalized Wallner's method to accommodate the finite range case and to have a more optimal functional form for the phase screens. These methods can also be used for designing a multi-conjugate AO system. Examples of optimal solutions are given for horizontal-path finite-range imaging cases.
Computed tomography diagnosis of acute facial swelling in an adult hemophiliac.

Acute facial swelling can be life threatening due to airway obstruction. Hemophiliac patients presenting with acute facial swelling must have accurate and expedient diagnosis. We report the case of acute non traumatic swelling in a hemophiliac patient that was easily and accurately diagnosed by the use of computed tomography scan.
Vigabatrin Versus ACTH as First-Line Treatment for Infantile Spasms : A Randomized, Prospective Study

Summary: Purpose: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of vigabatrin (VGB) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) as first-line therapy in infantile spasms. Methods: Forty-two infants (22 males, 20 females) aged 2–9 months with newly diagnosed infantile spasms, were included in the trial. Patients were randomized to receive VGB 100–150 mg/kg/day or Depot ACTH 10 IU/day. The alternative drug was given if spasms were not controlled within 20 days or in cases of intolerance to initial therapy. Twenty-three patients (7 cryptogenic, 16 symptomatic) received VGB as first-line therapy; 19 patients (8 cryptogenic, 11 symptomatic) received ACTH as the first drug. Results: Cessation of spasms was observed in 11 (48%) of the patients randomized to VGB and in 14 (74%) of those randomized to ACTH. Response to VGB was observed within 1–14 days, but two-thirds of patients (7/11) responded within 3 days. In the group treated with VGB, side effects such as drowsiness, hypotonia and irritability were observed in 13% of patients, compared with 37% in the group treated with ACTH. VGB was more effective than ACTH as treatment for cerebral malformations or tuberous sclerosis, whereas ACTH proved more effective in perinatal hypoxic/ischemic injury. The efficacy of the two drugs was similar in cryptogenic cases. Disappearance of interictal EEG abnormalities occurred sooner in patients randomized to ACTH than in those who received VGB as initial therapy. During the second phase, the alternative drug was given to the resistant patients. Spasms ceased in 2 of 5 patients treated with VGB and in 11 of 12 patients treated with ACTH. After 3 months, relapses of spasms were observed in 6 patients treated with ACTH and in 1 treated with VGB. VGB produced a therapeutic response in nearly half the patients receiving this drug. Conclusions: Our data lend further support to the view that VGB may be considered a first-choice drug in the treatment of IS.
The evaluation of logistics development level in Daqing based on DEA

As the resource-based cities, Daqing will develop logistics industry in the transition. This paper hereby proposed the evaluation model of logistics development level by DEA, and pointed out the development direction and improvement methods for Daqing logistics industry based on the contrastive analysis among three typical cities in domestic.
β-Amyloid-induced Dynamin 1 Degradation Is Mediated by N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Hippocampal Neurons

Abstract Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that leads to debilitating cognitive deficits. Although little is known about the early functional or ultrastructural changes associated with AD, it has been proposed that a stage of synaptic dysfunction might precede neurodegeneration in the development of this disease. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms that underlie such synaptic dysfunction remain largely unknown. Recently we have shown that β-amyloid (Aβ), the main component of senile plaques, induced a significant decrease in dynamin 1, a protein that plays a critical role in synaptic vesicle recycling, and hence, in the signaling properties of the synapse. We report here that this dynamin 1 degradation was the result of calpain activation induced by the sustained calcium influx mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in hippocampal neurons. In addition, our results showed that soluble oligomeric Aβ, and not fibrillar Aβ, was responsible for this sustained calcium influx, calpain activation, and dynamin 1 degradation. Considering the importance of dynamin 1 to synaptic function, these data suggest that Aβ soluble oligomers might catalyze a stage of synaptic dysfunction that precedes synapse loss and neurodegeneration. These data also highlight the calpain system as a novel therapeutic target for early stage AD intervention.
How to develop and use scenarios

Abstract Scenario analysis is an increasingly popular way to look at the future business environment. This paper provides a critical assessment of the literature on scenario analysis. It summarizes what is currently known about this approach to forecasting, and offers some guidelines regarding the construction and use of scenarios. It also offers a comparison and evaluation of many of the techniques that have been proffered to generate scenarios, suggesting which are worth while and which are not.
A form of X-linked mental retardation with marfanoid habitus

A kindred has been studied in which mental retardation and marfanoid clinical features are present in several individuals. The pedigree is consistent with X-linked recessive inheritance. Four affected males aged 12-18 years and four obligate carriers have been identified. Clinical findings in the 4 affected males included a tall slender habitus (3) (the fourth was tall but muscular), a long-narrow face (3), large head (4), highly arched palate (4), small mandible (4), abnormal speech (4), hypernasal voice (3), joint hyperextensibility (3), borderline to large testes (3), pectus excavatum (2), atrial septal defect (1), and a double row of teeth (1). Mental retardation (4) ranged from mild to severe; abnormal behavior included hyperactive and aggressive behavior (2), autistic-like (1) and jovial behavior (1). One and possibly two, males had absence of the corpus callosum. Chromosome studies on all were normal; no marker X was observed. We believe this family probably represents a new form of X-linked mental retardation.
Increased expression of FoxM1 transcription factor in respiratory epithelium inhibits lung sacculation and causes Clara cell hyperplasia

Foxm1 is a member of the Forkhead Box (Fox) family of transcription factors. Foxm1 (previously called Foxm1b, HFH-11B, Trident, Win, or MPP2) is expressed in multiple cell types and plays important roles in cellular proliferation, differentiation and tumorigenesis. Genetic deletion of Foxm1 from mouse respiratory epithelium during initial stages of lung development inhibits lung maturation and causes respiratory failure after birth. However, the role of Foxm1 during postnatal lung morphogenesis remains unknown. In the present study, Foxm1 expression was detected in epithelial cells of conducting and peripheral airways and changing dynamically with lung maturation. To discern the biological role of Foxm1 in the prenatal and postnatal lung, a novel transgenic mouse line that expresses a constitutively active form of FoxM1 (FoxM1 N-terminal deletion mutant or FoxM1-ΔN) under the control of lung epithelial-specific SPC promoter was produced. Expression of the FoxM1-ΔN transgene during embryogenesis caused epithelial hyperplasia, inhibited lung sacculation and expression of the type II epithelial marker, pro-SPC. Expression of FoxM1-ΔN mutant during the postnatal period did not influence alveologenesis but caused focal airway hyperplasia and increased proliferation of Clara cells. Likewise, expression of FoxM1-ΔN mutant in conducting airways with Scgb1a1 promoter was sufficient to induce Clara cell hyperplasia. Furthermore, FoxM1-ΔN cooperated with activated K-Ras to induce lung tumor growth in vivo. Increased activity of Foxm1 altered lung sacculation, induced proliferation in the respiratory epithelium and accelerated lung tumor growth, indicating that precise regulation of Foxm1 is critical for normal lung morphogenesis and development of lung cancer.
Improved small molecule drug release from in situ forming poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds incorporating poly(β-amino ester) and hydroxyapatite microparticles

In situ forming implants are an attractive choice for controlled drug release into a fixed location. Currently, rapidly solidifying solvent exchange systems suffer from a high initial burst, and sustained release behavior is tied to polymer precipitation and degradation rate. The present studies investigated addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) and drug-loaded poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) microparticles to in situ forming poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based systems to prolong release and reduce burst. PBAEs were synthesized, imbibed with simvastatin (osteogenic) or clodronate (anti-resorptive), and then ground into microparticles. Microparticles were mixed with or without HA into a PLGA solution, and the mixture was injected into buffer, leading to precipitation and creating solid scaffolds with embedded HA and PBAE microparticles. Simvastatin release was prolonged through 30 days, and burst release was reduced from 81 to 39% when loaded into PBAE microparticles. Clodronate burst was reduced from 49 to 32...
Human Factors Design of an AIDS Prevention Pamphlet

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can be contracted by persons who are transfused with blood that contains by HIV the AIDS virus. As a result, in addition to testing all blood for the AIDS...
Predictors of performance of venture capitalist-backed organizations

Abstract Venture capitalists seek investment opportunities in young, privately-held companies with promising growth prospects. In addition to supplying capital, venture capitalists are decision-making agents who participate in the governance of their ventures and attempt to influence objectives, strategy, structure, and control processes. This study develops and evaluates models examining the impact and relative importance of venture-capitalist factors, managerial strategy, industry structure variables, and their interactions on performance of venture capital-backed organizations. The models are evaluated based on their ability to predict whether the VC-backed venture will provide superior long-term performance.
An atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization ion trap with enhanced sensitivity.

When atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-MALDI) became commercially available, the technique generated a great deal of interest because ion production was decoupled from mass analysis. Mass accuracy and resolution were therefore dependent on parameters governing the mass analyzer rather than the matrix and sample preparation. Researchers have successfully used AP-MALDI sources with both orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oaTOFMS) and ion trap mass spectrometers. However, one limitation of the technique has been sensitivity, especially for mixtures of peptides generated from tryptic digests. In this work, data are presented documenting an increase in sensitivity of approximately two orders of magnitude as compared with results previously reported in the literature. The improvement in sensitivity is thought to derive primarily from the novel use of a countercurrent heated gas stream directed at the sample, although the target plate position and ion sampling configuration have also been optimized to reduce chemical noise from low molecular weight ions. A tryptic digest of BSA containing 125 attomoles on the plate was successfully identified in MS-only mode, while MS/MS analysis of 250 attomoles of the same digest provided product ion spectra with sufficient information to identify the protein. More complicated mixtures of standard proteins were used to model proteomics experiments, and preliminary data suggest a minimum working dynamic range of 20-fold for the analysis of mixtures of protein digests.
An adaptation of an auto‐collimator for television use

An auto-collimator as the basis of a measurement system has virtues, but continuous use can cause eyestrain. This note describes the modification of an auto-collimator for a Tuckerman extensometer to television use. It was found that eyestrain was eliminated, setting up became much more rapid, and that remote measurement became possible.
Food flavourings and compounds of related structure I. Acute oral toxicity

Abstract Oral dosages of 107 synthetic and natural flavourings and structurally-related compounds were administered by intubation to the mouse, rat or guinea-pig. Animals were observed usually for 2 weeks during which time the development of toxic signs was followed and time of death recorded. The acute oral LD 50 of each compound was determined.
An AM1 study of the effect of substituents on the bond dissociation energies of anilines, phenols, and α-substituted toluenes

Abstract Two isodesmic equations (see Graphical Abstract) were used to separate the ground state and radical effect of para -substituents, Y, on the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of YC 6 H 4 Z–H (Z=CHX, NX, or O). In all cases, the ground state is destabilized by electron-donating groups ( p -EDGs), while stabilized by electron-withdrawing groups ( p -EWGs). The radicals are stabilized by p -EDGs, the ‘captodative effect’, but the effect of p -EWGs depends upon the electronegativity of Z, which can be modified by an adjacent substituent, X. When Z is polarized by a strong EWG (e.g. NO 2 ) or when Z is NH or O, the radicals are destabilized by p -EWGs, an ‘anti-captodative effect’. Relative to C 6 H 5 Z–H, the p -EWGs may either increase or decrease the BDE depending upon the ‘apparent electronegativity’ of Z.
Pelvoinfundibular atresia: the usual form of multicystic kidney: 44 unilateral and two bilateral cases.

T HIS REPORT ANALYZES 44 unilateral and two bilateral cases of embryonal pelvoinfundibular atresia seen at this hospital since the late 1930s. The report attempts to answer four questions: What is the basic nature of the disease? What distinguishes it from other cystic, dysplastic, hypoplastic, and obstructive renal disorders? How may it be accurately diagnosed? What happens in the long term to children born with a kidney of this sort?
Staining of magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei with vasopressin anti-idiotype antibody: a potential method for receptor immunocytochemistry

A vasopressin anti-idiotype antibody was generated by immunization with a primary anti-vasopressin IgG. This antibody was capable of immunostaining vasopressinergic neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalami of normal and Brattleboro rats. Staining was eliminated by preabsorption or coincubation of the antibody with a vasopressin binding protein prepared from rat neural membranes. The anti-idiotype also inhibited binding of [3H]vasopressin to this neural membrane protein in a dose-dependent manner. These experiments suggest that the anti-idiotype antibody recognizes a receptor associated with vasopressinergic neurons.
Peptidergic transmission in the brain. I. Vasopressin-like signal in the hippocampus.

Abstract Studies of the action of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the rat hippocampal slice have produced a model of the peptide's neural action. AVP excites local circuit inhibitory interneurons and causes consequent inhibition of pyramidal cells that is apparent as a reduction in the amplitude of the evoked population spike in field potential recording. Here we show that applied AVP does the same thing to the evoked population spike in the whole animal. Then we show that stimulation of the source of hippocampal AVP, the medial amygdaloid nucleus, also inhibits the evoked population spike. Analysis of the synaptic potential indicates that the same mechanisms are employed by exogenously applied and endogenously released peptide. The inhibition can only be obtained by stimulating those brain structures known to project vasopressin fibers to the hippocampus. The stimulus-response characteristics and kinetics of the endogenous signal correspond to the properties of peptidergic signals in simple systems. The results are taken to support a transmitter role for AVP in the rat hippocampus.
High-Gamma Spatial Light Modulator For Nonlinear Optical Processing

This paper describes how the standard microchannel spatial light modulator can be (a) operated and (b) modified to generate a real-time, high-gamma readout characteristic. The paper also examines the use of such a device in a pulse-frequency modulation optical processor to achieve a wide range of real-time, nonlinear image and signal processing operations such as histogram measurement, density slicing, density-based artificial stereo and gray level image enhancement.
Electron and Hole Transfer from Indium Phosphide Quantum Dots

Electron- and hole-transfer reactions are studied in colloidal InP quantum dots (QDs). Photoluminescence quenching and time-resolved transient absorption (TA) measurements are utilized to examine hole transfer from photoexcited InP QDs to the hole acceptor N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) and electron transfer to nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) films. Core-confined holes are effectively quenched by TMPD, resulting in a new approximately 4-ps component in the TA decay. It is found that electron transfer to TiO2 is primarily mediated through surface-localized states on the InP QDs.
Native hepatitis B virions and capsids visualized by electron cryomicroscopy.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects more than 350 million people, of which one million will die every year. The infectious virion is an enveloped capsid containing the viral polymerase and double-stranded DNA genome. The structure of the capsid assembled in vitro from expressed core protein has been studied intensively. However, little is known about the structure and assembly of native capsids present in infected cells, and even less is known about the structure of mature virions. We used electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) and image analysis to examine HBV virions (Dane particles) isolated from patient serum and capsids positive and negative for HBV DNA isolated from the livers of transgenic mice. Both types of capsids assembled as icosahedral particles indistinguishable from previous image reconstructions of capsids. Likewise, the virions contained capsids with either T=3 or T=4 icosahedral symmetry. Projections extending from the lipid envelope were attributed to surface glycoproteins. Their packing was unexpectedly nonicosahedral but conformed to an ordered lattice. These structural features distinguish HBV from other enveloped viruses.
A novel distribution-free segmentation approach applied to multispectral thermal imager data

The timely analysis and exploitation of data from multispectral/hyperspectral sensors from remote sensing platforms can be a daunting task. One such sensor platform is the Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI), which provides a highly informative source of remote sensing data. In a typical exploitation scenario, an image analyst may need to consistently locate regions/objects of interest from a stream of imagery in a timely manner. Many available image analysis/segmentation techniques are often either slow, not robust to spectral variabilities from view to view or within a spectrally similar region, or may require a significant amount of user intervention including a priori knowledge to achieve a segmentation corresponding to self-similar regions within the data. This paper discusses an unsupervised segmentation approach that exploits the gross spectral shape of MTI data. We describe a nonparametric unsupervised approach based on a graph theoretic representation of the data. The goal of this approach is to perform coarse level segmentation that can stand alone or as a potential precursor to other image analysis tools. In comparison to previous techniques, the key characteristics of this approach are in its simplicity, speed, and consistency. Most importantly it requires few user inputs and determines the number of spectral clusters, their overall size, and subsequent pixel assignment directly from the data.
The Effectiveness of Personalization in Delivering E-learning Classes

In this paper we present an evaluation methodology of personalized delivery of multimedia resources in an e-learning platform that takes advantage of web 2.0 technologies and its standards, such as (i) streaming using RSS and Atom feeds, (ii) searching using meta-data search engine, (iii) delivering using ubiquitous computing and (iv) personalized learning. Our framework consists of the following phases: (1) tracking the preferred delivery mechanism for each student model, (2) measuring the effect of the semantic profile time window parameter, (3) clustering students models based on similarity metrics on the delivery preferences and (4) comparing the results between personalized and non-personalized delivery. One important aspect of our approach is the combination of personalization and the data driven extraction (via clustering) of the students models based on similarity metrics. Our experimental results show that personalized delivery increases the usage of e-learning materials and the percentage of reviewing multimedia resources if these materials are delivered in ways that fit students preferences.
Lazy release consistency for software distributed shared memory

Relaxed memory consistency models, such as release consistency, were introduced in order to reduce the impact of remote memory access latency in both software and hardware distributed shared memory (DSM). However, in a software DSM, it is also important to reduce the number of messages and the amount of data exchanged for remote memory access. Lazy release consistency is a new algorithm for implementing release consistency that lazily pulls modifications across the interconnect only when necessary. Trace-driven simulation using the SPLASH benchmarks indicates that lazy release consistency reduces both the number of messages and the amount of data transferred between processors. These reductions are especially significant for programs that exhibit false sharing and make extensive use of locks.
Indices of Trade Partner Concentration for 183 Countries

Review of: Indices of Trade Partner Concentration for 183 Countries, 1980-2008 Author/Compiler: Salvatore Babones and Robin Farabee-Siers Repository: World-Historical Dataverse: http://www.dataverse.pitt.edu, The Archive > JWSR > “Indices of Trade Partner Concentration”
Toward structural LES modeling with high-order spectral difference schemes

The combination of the high-order unstructured spectral difference spatial discretization scheme with sub-grid scale modeling for large-eddy simulation was investigated with particular focus on the consistent implementation of a structural mixed model based on the scale similarity hypothesis. The difficult task of deriving a consistent formulation for the discrete filter within hexahedral elements of arbitrary order led to the development of a new class of three-dimensional constrained discrete filters. Results from computations of turbulent channel flow at Reτ = 180 and 395 and flow past a confined circular cylinder at ReD = 2580 were compared against direct numerical simulation and particle image velocimetry measurements, respectively. The numerical experiments suggest that the results are sensitive to the use of an sub-grid scale closure, even when a high-order numerical scheme is used, especially when the grid resolution is kept relatively low. The use of the similarity mixed formulation proved to be particularly accurate in reproducing sub-grid scale interactions, confirming that its well-known potential can be realized in conjunction with state-of-the-art high-order numerical schemes.
Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization and the Learning Health System: A Good Start

“Quality,” “safety,” “value,” “cost,” “measurement,” “alignment,” “performance,” “incentives,” “triple aim.” These words and phrases, among others, are now part of the standard lexicon of contemporary health care delivery in the United States. Clinical and scientific journals have published many articles studying and discussing these topics, and the popular press has described the notion of “overkill” in referring to unnecessary medical care.1 A key word in all of these discussions is “appropriate.” According to Hendel et al, “an appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is one in which the expected clinical benefit exceeds the risks of the procedure by a sufficiently wide margin such that the procedure is generally considered acceptable or reasonable care.”2 Are health care professionals recommending, ordering, or performing diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions supported by high-quality evidence? Or, as noted in this definition, are they ordering tests and performing interventions more likely to be helpful than harmful? Given the annual cost of US health care, these are important practice and policy conversations. It is known from longstanding research conducted as part of the Dartmouth Atlas Project that tremendous variations exist in cardiology practice across the country3 that are readily explained neither by differences in patient characteristics nor by disease severity. In a field as evidence-driven as cardiovascular medicine, this surprises many who assume that practice guidelines4 provide sufficient recommendations for most of the common conditions and procedures in clinical cardiology. But it is also clear that for the vast majority of diagnostic and therapeutic tests clinicians perform in the daily practice of clinical cardiology, the evidence base lacks sufficient high-quality studies to provide definitive recommendations (classes 1 and 3, the “dos and don’ts” of practice).5 Yet clinicians and patients must still make recommendations and decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and policy makers and payers require data on which to base allocations of resources or decisions for reimbursement. The “triple aim” in health care captures some of this as the goal to improve care and health while reducing per capita costs.6 To achieve this laudable goal, the Institute of Medicine has put forward the notion of the learning health care system: “a health care system designed to generate and apply the best evidence for the collaborative health care choices of each patient and provider; to drive the process of discovery as a natural outgrowth of patient care; and to ensure innovation, quality, safety, and value in health care.”7 The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have an ongoing 30-year commitment to produce clinical practice guidelines to provide the clinical and patient communities with evidence-based recRelated article page 2045 Editorial Opinion
Preaching as the unfinished task of theology : grief, trauma, and early Christian texts in homiletical interpretation

Preachers sometimes find themselves vexed by biblical texts that offer troubling theological problems. Early on Christian proclamation sought to move past those problems by encouraging figural inte...
Impact of Economic and Technical Uncertainties on Dynamic New Product Development

A new product development process is usually under economic and technical uncertainties, and adjustable to the arrival of new information. As a result, new product development is not a one-time decision but a dynamic process under uncertainties. This paper applies repeated real options to derive optimal decision-making rules for a firm that faces two repeated options: 1) an incremental innovation project that is relatively easy to be developed and 2) a radical innovation project that offers superior performance but its development is much more difficult. Our findings can help firms make dynamic investment decisions on coexisting new product development projects.
One Thousand Patients With Primary Myelofibrosis: The Mayo Clinic Experience

Objective To share our decades of experience with primary myelofibrosis and underscore the importance of outcomes research studies in designing clinical trials and interpreting their results.
The Allele Frequency Spectrum in Genome-Wide Human Variation Data Reveals Signals of Differential Demographic History in Three Large World Populations

We have studied a genome-wide set of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allele frequency measures for African-American, East Asian, and European-American samples. For this analysis we derived a simple, closed mathematical formulation for the spectrum of expected allele frequencies when the sampled populations have experienced nonstationary demographic histories. The direct calculation generates the spectrum orders of magnitude faster than coalescent simulations do and allows us to generate spectra for a large number of alternative histories on a multidimensional parameter grid. Model-fitting experiments using this grid reveal significant population-specific differences among the demographic histories that best describe the observed allele frequency spectra. European and Asian spectra show a bottleneck-shaped history: a reduction of effective population size in the past followed by a recent phase of size recovery. In contrast, the African-American spectrum shows a history of moderate but uninterrupted population expansion. These differences are expected to have profound consequences for the design of medical association studies. The analytical methods developed for this study, i.e., a closed mathematical formulation for the allele frequency spectrum, correcting the ascertainment bias introduced by shallow SNP sampling, and dealing with variable sample sizes provide a general framework for the analysis of public variation data.
Image correlation spectroscopy of randomly distributed disks

Image correlation spectroscopy (ICS) has been widely used to quantify spatiotemporal distributions of fluorescently labelled cell membrane proteins and receptors. When the membrane proteins are randomly distributed, ICS may be used to estimate protein densities, provided the proteins behave as point-like objects. At high protein area fraction, however, even randomly placed proteins cannot obey Poisson statistics, because of excluded area. The difficulty can arise if the protein effective area is quite large, or if proteins form large complexes or aggregate into clusters. In these cases, there is a need to determine the correct form of the intensity correlation function for hard disks in two dimensions, including the excluded area effects. We present an approximate but highly accurate algorithm for the computation of this correlation function. The correlation function was verified using test images of randomly distributed hard disks of uniform intensity convolved with the microscope point spread function. This algorithm can be readily modified to compute exact intensity correlation functions for any probe geometry, interaction potential, and fluorophore distribution; we show how to apply it to describe a random distribution of large proteins labeled with a single fluorophore.
Pancreatitis-associated chymotrypsinogen C (CTRC) mutant elicits endoplasmic reticulum stress in pancreatic acinar cells

Objective Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disorder of the pancreas characterised by permanent destruction of acinar cells. Mutations in the chymotrypsinogen C ( CTRC ) gene have been linked to the development of chronic pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to explore whether CTRC mutants induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in pancreatic acinar cells. Design Dexamethasone-differentiated AR42J rat acinar cells and freshly isolated mouse acini were transfected with recombinant adenovirus carrying wild-type CTRC or the p.A73T pancreatitis-associated mutant. ER stress markers were assessed by reverse transcription-PCR and western blotting. Apoptosis was characterised by caspase-3/7 activity and the TUNEL assay. Results Acinar cells transfected with the p.A73T mutant, but not those with wild-type CTRC, developed significant ER stress as judged by elevated mRNA and protein levels of the ER chaperone immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP), increased splicing of the X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) mRNA and marked induction of the transcription factor C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), a mediator of ER stress-associated apoptosis. Consistent with higher CHOP expression, AR42J cells expressing the p.A73T mutant became detached over time and showed considerably increased caspase-3/7 activity and TUNEL staining. Conclusions Pancreatitis-associated CTRC mutations can markedly increase the propensity of chymotrypsinogen C to elicit ER stress in pancreatic acinar cells. Thus, carriers of CTRC mutations may be at a higher risk of developing ER stress in the exocrine pancreas, which may contribute to parenchymal damage through acinar cell apoptosis.
On Being Both With Us and Against Us: A Normative Conflict Model of Dissent in Social Groups

Although past research has demonstrated a positive relationship between collective identification and normative conformity, there may be circumstances in which strongly identified members do not conform but instead choose to challenge group norms. This article proposes a normative conflict model, which distinguishes between nonconformity due to dissent (challenging norms to change them) and nonconformity due to disengagement (distancing oneself from the group). The normative conflict model predicts that strongly identified members are likely to challenge group norms when they experience conflict between norms and important alternate standards for behavior, in particular when they perceive norms as being harmful to the group. Data in support of the model are reviewed, mechanisms by which external variables may influence dissent in social groups are elaborated, and the model is linked to contemporary perspectives on collective identity.
The impact of correlation on delay performance of high speed networks

This paper focuses on the impact of correlation on the delay performance of high speed networks. Markov-modulated Poisson process (MMPP), which captures both burstiness and correlation between interarrival times, is used to model packet arrival processes in high speed networks. Only one hop of a high speed network is studied since queueing networks can be approximately analyzed by decomposing the network into several separate elements. For simplicity, the authors model this one hop of the network as an MMPP/M/1 queue. The delay performance of MMPP/M/1 queue is investigated in terms of the MMPP correlation. A comparison among correlation, burstiness, and utilization impacts on delay performance is presented. >
Effects of Diet Composition and Insulin Resistance Status on Plasma Lipid Levels in a Weight Loss Intervention in Women.

Background Optimal macronutrient distribution of weight loss diets has not been established. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate and fat has been observed to promote differential plasma lipid responses in previous weight loss studies, and insulin resistance status may interact with diet composition and affect weight loss and lipid responses. Methods and Results Overweight and obese women (n=245) were enrolled in a 1‐year behavioral weight loss intervention and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 study groups: a lower fat (20% energy), higher carbohydrate (65% energy) diet; a lower carbohydrate (45% energy), higher fat (35% energy) diet; or a walnut‐rich, higher fat (35% energy), lower carbohydrate (45% energy) diet. Blood samples and data available from 213 women at baseline and at 6 months were the focus of this analysis. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were quantified and compared between and within groups. Triglycerides decreased in all study arms at 6 months ( P <0.05). The walnut‐rich diet increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol more than either the lower fat or lower carbohydrate diet ( P <0.05). The walnut‐rich diet also reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in insulin‐sensitive women, whereas the lower fat diet reduced both total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in insulin‐sensitive women ( P< 0.05). Insulin sensitivity and C‐reactive protein levels also improved. Conclusions Weight loss was similar across the diet groups, although insulin‐sensitive women lost more weight with a lower fat, higher carbohydrate diet versus a higher fat, lower carbohydrate diet. The walnut‐rich, higher fat diet resulted in the most favorable changes in lipid levels. Clinical Trial Registration URL: . Unique identifier: [NCT01424007][1]. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01424007&atom=%2Fahaoa%2F5%2F1%2Fe002771.atom
Analysis of contamination and health risk of lead in rice in Changde

Objective To investigate the contamination status of lead in rice form circulation market in Changde city and evaluate the health risk of rice for the residents. Methods The rice samples were collected randomly from supermarkets and farm produce markets of counties belonging to Changde city and analyzed by GFAAS,then the health risk of lead in rice was evaluated. Results A total of 100 rice samples were tested. The average value of lead in the rice samples was 0. 036 mg / kg and the excessive rate was 0%. Conclusion Lead level is low in rice in circulation market of Changde city,with low threat to health of people.
Optimum alcohol concentration for chain elongation in mixed‐culture fermentation of cellulosic substrate

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA, e.g., caproic, heptanoic, caprylic acid) are more valuable than short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, e.g., acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric acid). SCFAs are major products in methane-inhibited mixed-culture anaerobic fermentation. By feeding ethanol to the fermentor, MCFA formation is enhanced through chain elongation. Microorganisms such as Clostridium kluyveri elongate short-chain acids by combining them with alcohol. Very low ethanol concentration reduces chain elongation rates, whereas very high ethanol concentrations inhibit microorganisms. To maximize MCFA production, different ethanol concentrations were investigated in the mixed-culture fermentation of office paper and chicken manure. At 10 g/L ethanol concentration, 10 g/L MCFA was formed. High ethanol concentrations (above 40 g/L) inhibit microorganisms resulting in no chain elongation. For chain elongation, propanol was found to be more inhibitory than ethanol. The data suggest that MCFA production will increase by continuously extracting MCFA and maintaining 5-10 g/L ethanol concentration by periodic addition. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2597-2604. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complexity explosion problem analysis and development in back-stepping method

This paper studies the controller designing methods for a class of nonlinearity system, and gives detail analysis of complexity explosion for regular back-stepping method; develops a novel dynamic surface control method to avoid the problem in regular method, and gives the designing procedure and proof of Lyapunov stable controller. The simulations show the developed novel method is more prominent in control effect and practicability.
Interactions between intersubunit transmembrane domains regulate the chaperone-dependent degradation of an oligomeric membrane protein

In the kidney, the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) regulates blood pressure through control of sodium and volume homeostasis, and in the lung, ENaC regulates the volume of airway and alveolar fluids. ENaC is a heterotrimer of homologous α-, β- and γ-subunits, and assembles in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) before it traffics to and functions at the plasma membrane. Improperly folded or orphaned ENaC subunits are subject to ER quality control and targeted for ER-associated degradation (ERAD). We previously established that a conserved, ER lumenal, molecular chaperone, Lhs1/GRP170, selects αENaC, but not β- or γ-ENaC, for degradation when the ENaC subunits were individually expressed. We now find that when all three subunits are co-expressed, Lhs1-facilitated ERAD was blocked. To determine which domain–domain interactions between the ENaC subunits are critical for chaperone-dependent quality control, we employed a yeast model and expressed chimeric α/βENaC constructs in the context of the ENaC heterotrimer. We discovered that the βENaC transmembrane domain was sufficient to prevent the Lhs1-dependent degradation of the α-subunit in the context of the ENaC heterotrimer. Our work also found that Lhs1 delivers αENaC for proteasome-mediated degradation after the protein has become polyubiquitinated. These data indicate that the Lhs1 chaperone selectively recognizes an immature form of αENaC, one which has failed to correctly assemble with the other channel subunits via its transmembrane domain.