cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel estimator of the interaction matrix in Graphical Gaussian Model of omics data using the entropy of non-equilibrium systems.

MOTIVATION Inferring the direct relationships between biomolecules from omics datasets is essential for the understanding of biological and disease mechanisms. Gaussian Graphical Model (GGM) provides a fairly simple and accurate representation of these interactions. However, estimation of the associated interaction matrix using data is challenging due to a high number of measured molecules and a low number of samples. RESULTS In this article, we use the thermodynamic entropy of the non-equilibrium system of molecules and the data-driven constraints among their expressions to derive an analytic formula for the interaction matrix of Gaussian models. Through a data simulation, we show that our method returns an improved estimation of the interaction matrix. Also, using the developed method, we estimate the interaction matrix associated with plasma proteome and construct the corresponding GGM and show that known NAFLD-related proteins like ADIPOQ, APOC, APOE, DPP4, CAT, GC, HP, CETP, SERPINA1, COLA1, PIGR, IGHD, SAA1 and FCGBP are among the top 15% most interacting proteins of the dataset. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The supplementary materials can be found in the following URL: http://dynamic-proteome.utmb.edu/PrecisionMatrixEstimater/PrecisionMatrixEstimater.aspx. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Carriage of Haemophilus influenzae among children attending childcare centres in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the post vaccination era: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a human upper respiratory tract colonizer which causes wide range of disease especially in children<5 years old and in the elderly. Although worldwide incidence in industrialised countries where Hib vaccination is commonly used has dropped sharply since implementation of H. influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination, there is limited data on the disease burden caused by H. influenzae in Malaysia post vaccination era. A change in predominant serotype from type b to non-b serotypes of H. influenzae in invasive diseases was reported worldwide. We investigated the carriage of H. influenzae post vaccination era among 2-4 years old. METHODOLOGY Randomly, we collected 436 oropharyngeal swabs from healthy children aged 2-4 years in 30 registered childcare centres in Kuala Lumpur (August 2018-May 2019). Informed consent and written questionnaires were obtained from parents. H. influenzae was identified by standard microbiological methods. Univariable analysis was carried out to describe variables associated with colonization. All variables with p < 0.25 were included in multivariable logistic regression model. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A higher carriage rate was noted among the unvaccinated children (4/28; 14.3%) compared to vaccinated children (16/326; 4.9%) but were not statistically significant. The serotypes were type a (9; 37.5%), type b (5; 20.8%), type c (3; 12.5%), type d (2; 8%), type e (1; 4.2%) and type f (4; 16.7%). Variables like age, basic sanitation, immunization status, body mass index were included in multivariable logistic regression test since p values in univariate analysis were<0.25. Planned sewage system was found to be significant (Adjusted OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.46; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Fewer carriage rates were observed among children post Hib vaccination era. Hib carriage is still possible after vaccination. The presence non-b serotypes may imply emerging replacement serotypes.
851-P: Are We There Yet? Increasing Use of Cardioprotective Antihyperglycemic Agents in Patients with T2D and CVD or CV Risk in the U.S.

There is limited US real-world evidence on changes in use of antihyperglycemic agents (AHA) by age in patients with T2D and CVD or CV risk. Patients with T2D and CVD or T2D and an additional CV risk factor were identified from 2015-2019 in the MarketScan data. Patients with continuous enrollment for the calendar year of the index date (first observed CVD diagnosis [Dx]/CV risk factor) and no CVD Dx before or in the same year as the index date (CV risk cohort only) were included. Patients were followed for each year they were continuously enrolled or until a CVD Dx (CV risk cohort). AHA classes received in each year were reported by cohort and age group ( Disclosure R. Mody: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. J. Meyers: None. M. Yu: Employee; Self; Lilly Diabetes, Employee; Spouse/Partner; LifeLabs, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Lilly Diabetes, Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Lilly Diabetes. J. A. Levine: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. K. Davis: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Eisai Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
Presente Digitale: An Online Education System for Teachers

In this paper, we introduce the rationale, goals, and structure of Presente Digitale, an ambitious Italian project for the realization of an online education system on Digital Culture. Presente Digitale is dedicated to teachers and their students. Its aim is to offer paths of reflection closely linked to the digital world, which can respond to the current needs of schools and society about Digital Culture and helps in effectively convey this knowledge. This will give young people the opportunity to integrate their prior knowledge with a ‘teacher’s points of view’, and, mostly important, to be able to take a safe and solid path when approaching the labour market. The courses are free of charge and available online, making the participation really flexible.
Specialty Mediated 30-Day Complications in First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

ABSTRACT Background Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) takes on heterogenous upper extremity manifestations depending on whether the artery, vein or brachial plexus is primarily compressed. As a result of these variable vascular and neurogenic symptoms, these patients present to surgeons of various training backgrounds for surgical decompression. Surgeon specialty is known to correlate with outcomes for numerous vascular procedures, but its role in TOS is unclear. In this work we examine the association of surgeon specialty with short-term outcomes following first rib resection (FRRS) for TOS. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, 3,070 patients were identified who underwent FRRS for TOS between 2006-2017. The primary outcomes of the study were 30-d complications, including postoperative hemorrhage requiring transfusion, wound complications, pneumothorax and deep venous thrombosis. Arterial, venous, and neurogenic TOS were distinguished with ICD-9 and 10 codes while patient characteristics, provider specialty, and postoperative outcomes were classified through a combination of standard National Surgical Quality Improvement Program variables and ICD data. Results Most FRRS were performed by vascular surgeons (87.9%), general (6.9%) and thoracic surgeons (4.4%). The relative distribution of vascular TOS between the specialties was not significantly different, with non-vascular surgeons performing an equivalent amount of FRRS for arterial (1.1% versus 2.4%) and venous TOS (8.6% versus 9.1%, both P> 0.05). Patients who underwent FRRS with non-vascular surgeons experienced more frequent perioperative transfusions (3.2% versus 1.2%, P = 0.001) and wound infections (1.9% versus 0.8%, P= 0.04). On multivariable regression, patients undergoing FRRS for venous TOS were more likely to require blood transfusion (odds ratios:3.63, 95% CI 1.43-9.25). Patients operated on by surgeons whose specialty was not among the top three most common specialties performing FRRS had a 40% longer operative time (incidence rate ratios:1.42, 95% CI 1.15-1.74) as well as a significantly increased odds of requiring a transfusion (odds ratios:9.87, 95% CI 2.28-42.68). Conclusions The significantly increased operative times and transfusion requirements associated with specialties who uncommonly perform FRRS suggest the role of surgeon experience and volume in this procedure may play more of a role than specialty training. These data also suggest that vascular TOS carries unique risks that should be kept in mind when performing FRRS.
Novel Feline Papillomavirus Isolate P20 Assembled from Metagenomic Data Isolated from Human Skin of a House Cat Owner

A novel feline papillomavirus isolate was assembled from metagenomic sequencing data collected from the human skin of a house cat owner. This circular papillomavirus isolate P20 is 8069 bp in length and displays genome organization typical of feline papillomaviruses, but only exhibits approximately 75% synteny to other feline papillomaviruses.
Economic Aspects of Nutritional Monitoring on Dairy Herds

Veterinary nutritional services are an integral part of the herd health services offered to dairy clients (1). Nutrition plays a vital role influencing the production efficiency of the herd both on a disease and input cost level. Feeds form approximately 40-60% of the total input cost of milk production. More importantly the feeding program is a cost center that can be effectively controlled at minimal additional cost. The veterinarian can play the vital role in providing unbiased nutritional services at relatively low cost. The purpose of this talk is to go over the nature of this service. A nutritional service can be broken down into three main areas of routine activity in which the veterinarian can play a vital role: I) Feed Selection, 2) Feed distribution, and 3) Monitoring production efficiency. Each of these areas will be discussed in detail.
Horizontal Transfer, Genomic Diversity, and Genomic Differentiation

The genome of an individual cellular organism or a DNA virus is best defined as a single example of a set of unique and uniquely placed DNA sequences. Two techniques that have provided detailed bases of comparison among Escherichia coli strains, as well as among those of many other bacterial species, are multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP, also referred to as restriction analysis). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) technique has been particularly useful in epidemiological studies of pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Neisseria, and Streptococcus. A major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic recombination processes lies in the great phylogenetic distances crossed (very infrequently, to be sure, but with evolutionarily important effects) in prokaryotic horizontal transfer. Many types of antibiotic resistance are coded by plasmids, and conjugative plasmids facilitate horizontal gene transfer. The rates of horizontal transfer among the various bacteria in the same colon have not been investigated to any important extent; they would be worth knowing. The two sizeable hypervariable regions constitute genomic differentiation both in their site-specific dynamics of horizontal transfer and the resulting distinct local patterns of high variation. It summarizes Woese's view that horizontal transfer preceded vertical transfer and that horizontal transfer was the engine of evolution in supramolecular aggregates, which preceded cells, whose eventual achievement of sufficient complexity led to heredity and Darwinian evolution.
Physical basis for signal separation for remote sensing of multiple high energy radiation sources

In ‘radiation remote sensing’ multiple unknown high energy sources are generally involved. The detectors, upon sensing the corresponding mixed signals, must separate their contributions blindly for further analysis. A practical way to perform this separation could be through the Independent Component Analysis algorithm. However, the challenge faced is that theoretically there is no correlation among events, even those arising from the same source – thereby disabling meaningful ICA analysis. We overcome this hurdle by use of a thin barrier and by providing wide detector pulses. The radiation events that interact with the barrier take a longer time to reach the detector due to their increased path length. They also lose some energy, which makes them increasingly prone to capture in the barrier once they have scattered. These observations are confirmed through Monte-Carlo simulations upon Gamma-ray sources. Normalized crosscovariance up to 0.22 was found, but is actually controllable through appropriate selection of the detector shaping-pulse width. Experiments on a physical setup confirm these findings. Finally, the application of the ICA approach is demonstrated to demix, or separate, the individual contributions of the sources to the observed detector signals.
Electrode wear detection system for a boosted furnace with bottom electrodes

Modeling and furnace experimentation conducted for the development of an electrode wear detection system for a glass melter are presented. Electrical measurements are used to determine in-glass electrode wear. Errors due to thermal imbalance in the melter are simulated in modeling. Techniques for significantly reducing those measurement errors are given. >
Meconium embolism in vivo

Abstract Direct observation by stroboscopic cinemicrography of experimental meconium embolism in laboratory animals substantiates that the “obstetric shock” of Steiner and Lushbaugh is caused by disseminated particulate embolism to the pulmonary arteriolar circulation, which is “in series” with the general circulation. Imnumerable microemboli pass through the pulmonary capillary bed into the systemic circulation and, of these, many recirculate; pathogenetic significance of the microemboli remains to be demonstrated. The larger disseminated emboli impact into bifurcations of small pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Hence, at histologic tissue section, the emboli occupy relatively few cut sections of a pulmonary arterial tree, the remainder of which is well filled with blood. No arteriolar constrictions are observed proximally or distally to the emboli.
Abstract 13322: In-hospital Death and Stroke Following Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: a Nationwide Perspective

Significant heterogeneity exists in the current literature around the actual incidence of stroke following aortic valve replacement (AVR) among high-risk patients. We aimed to evaluate the risk of stroke in patients undergoing surgical AVR from a large national database. Methods: We used the 2002-2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample for this analysis. All patients undergoing isolated AVR or AVR with coronary artery bypass grafting (AVR+CABG) were identified using ICD codes. In-hospital death and any adverse neurological event were co-primary outcomes. Based on predicted death estimates, the study population was classified into low (<8%) and high (≤8%) surgical risk Results: Incidence of in-hospital death was 3.0% and 5.1% among patients undergoing isolated AVR and AVR+CABG respectively. The incidence of adverse neurological event was 2.0% and 2.9% among patients undergoing AVR and AVR+CABG respectively. We demonstrated a progressive increase in the risk of in-hospital death and adverse neurological events with increasing age (Fig 1). The incidence of in-hospital death was as high as 5.7% and 7.4% among patients aged ≤ 85 years undergoing isolated AVR and AVR+CABG respectively. Similarly, the incidence of any adverse neurologic event was 3.2% and 3.6% among patients aged ≤ 85 years undergoing isolated AVR and AVR+CABG respectively. We demonstrated a significantly higher risk of adverse neurological events among the high-risk cohort as compared to the low-risk cohort. Among patients undergoing isolated AVR, the incidence of any adverse neurological event was 1.8% and 4.8% in the low-risk and the high-risk cohorts respectively. Similarly, among patients undergoing AVR+CABG, the incidence of any adverse neurological event was 2.7% and 5.4% in the low-risk and the high-risk cohorts respectively. Conclusions: The incidence of in-hospital death and adverse neurological events was significantly higher among patients with advanced age and elevated surgical risk. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
The behavior of systems involving state-dependent delays

This paper focusses on the strange nature and qualitative behavior associated with the systems characterized by State Dependent-Delay Differential Equations (SD-DDEs). We consider one of the most simple and innocently looking SD-DDEs x(t) = ±x(t-x(t)). This retarded SD-DDE brings a lot of intricacies. It looks linear but is actually a nonlinear SD-DDE in disguise. It exhibits the phenomenon of bifurcation. Also there is a switch in the stability properties of this system. The type of bifurcation exhibited by the system x(t) = − x(t − x(t)) + μ is transcritical. Furthermore, its Taylor series approximation, based on truncation and partial sums, gives no idea of the response. We show that Taylorization of SD-DDEs, which is ubiquitously used in physics and engineering community, could be misleading. We also perform singular and regular perturbation analyses and derive the solution of the small signal perturbed system in terms of the Lambert-W function. We also demonstrate that the instability of SD-DDE is quite different from that of ODEs. Our simulation results reveal that serious errors may occur when SD-DDEs are approximated either by Taylorization or by constant delay systems.
Photoabsorption spectrum of the Xe@C60 endohedral fullerene

Photoabsorption spectrum of the Xe@C60 endohedral fullerene has been studied using the time-dependent-density-functional-theory (TDDFT), which represents the dynamical polarizability of an interacting electron system by an off-diagonal matrix element of the resolvent of the Liouvillian superoperator and solves the problem with the Lanczos algorithm. The method has been tested with the photoabsorption spectra for the free Xe atom and C60 fullerene. The result of the Xe atom encapsulated inside C60 confirms the three main peaks observed in the recent measurement in the energy region of the Xe 4d giant resonance and indicates the possibility that the Auger decay of the Xe+ has been greatly suppressed if the ion is encapsulated inside C60. It is suggested to use the current theoretical result around 22 eV to check this possibility.
Making a case for BPC [Broadening Participation in Computing]

BPC program aims to significantly increase the number of students who are US citizens and permanent residents receiving postsecondary degrees in the computing disciplines. The BPC program seeks to engage the computing community in developing and implementing innovative methods to improve recruitment and retention of these students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The NSF programs take a research approach to addressing the issues associated with broadening participation in computing. However there are few places where this type of research can be disseminated so that it would impact the computing community. This "Broadening Participation in Computing" series provides a forum for computer science researchers to present their findings and offer solutions that address these problems.
CHAPTER 29 – Ergodic Theory

This chapter examines the various aspects of ergodic theory. Ergodic theory emerged from the study of dynamical systems, which in turn originated in Newton's formulation of the laws of motion and the universal law of gravitation. The modem formulation of ergodic theory dates back to the theorems of von Neumann and Birkhoff concerning the equality of time and space means of physical quantities in dynamical systems. In modeling dynamical systems through measure-preserving transformations on a probability space, each point in the state space is assumed as representing perfect knowledge about the system at the level of abstraction that is considered relevant. Besides the quantitative problem of establishing the existence of long-term averages, one may also study on a more qualitative level the recurrence behavior of sets. Recurrence statements do not only have profound philosophical implications for understanding of dynamical systems but also provide an important link to the field of combinatorial number theory. Another important problem in ergodic theory is the classification problem. The convergence in ergodic theory is also elaborated in the chapter.
Volume change of McCall Glacier, Arctic Alaska, USA, 1956-2003

A long history of research documents that McCall Glacier, Arctic Alaska, USA, continues to lose mass at a rate that is likely increasing with time. We present a photo comparison (1958-2003) that visually documents these volume changes, along with survey measurements that quantify these losses. Measurements of longitudinal profiles initially acquired from airborne laser altimetry, and repeated by ground-based surveys, indicate that the areally averaged rate of thinning increased between 1956-93 and 1993-2002, from 0.35 ± 0.07 m a-1 to 0.47 ± 0.03 m a-1, respectively; total volume loss was (8.3 × 107) ± (1.7 × 107) m3 and (2.7 × 107) ± (0.2 × 107) m3 (all in water equivalent) for these two time periods. These profiles also indicate that a 1 km stretch of the mid-ablation area is behaving differently from this trend, with a rate of thinning that is not changing with time. Lastly we present a comparison of several methods for calculating volume change and assess their relative errors.
Choosing colors for map display icons using models of visual search.

OBJECTIVE: We show how to choose colors for icons on maps to minimize search time using predictions of a model of visual search. BACKGROUND: The model analyzes digital images of a search target (an icon on a map) and a search display (the map containing the icon) and predicts search time as a function of target-distractor color distinctiveness and target eccentricity. METHOD: We parameterized the model using data from a visual search task and performed a series of optimization tasks to test the model's ability to choose colors for icons to minimize search time across icons. Map display designs made by this procedure were tested experimentally. In a follow-up experiment, we examined the model's flexibility to assign colors in novel search situations. RESULTS: The model fits human performance, performs well on the optimization tasks, and can choose colors for icons on maps with novel stimuli to minimize search time without requiring additional model parameter fitting. CONCLUSION: Models of visual search can suggest color choices that produce search time reductions for display icons. APPLICATION: Designers should consider constructing visual search models as a low-cost method of evaluating color assignments. Language: en
Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Management of Patients' Symptoms:

The purpose of this article is to describe the results of a national descriptive survey of 509 pediatric oncology nurses' interventions for managing patients'symptoms. The Nurses' Distress and Interventions for Symptoms Survey (NDISS) is used to assess nurses' management of patients' 7 most distressing symptoms. The average number of symptoms reported as being present is 6.0 (SD 1.3; range, 0-7). Pain is the most commonly reported symptom; trouble sleeping is the least common. The mean score for nurses' distress is 2.9 (SD 0.8; range, 0-4); nurses' distress is greatest with trouble sleeping and lowest with hair loss. Nurses use an average of 12.7 interventions to treat each symptom; pain has the greatest number of interventions to treat and hair loss the least. The average perceived effectiveness of interventions across symptoms is 2.5 (SD 0.5; range, 0-4). Pain is perceived as the most effectively treated symptom; fatigue is the least.
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis in an immunodeficient 16-year-old female

We report the case of a 16-year-old female with genetic immunodeficiency in whom pulmonary coccidioidomycosis became disseminated. Most infections due to Coccidioides immitis are self-limited and resolve over a period of weeks to months without specific treatment. In rare cases, especially those associated with immunodeficiency, the disease is found outside the confines of the chest cavity. In these cases, the most common site of dissemination is the skin. Defining the extent of dissemination often relies on diagnostic imaging.
Use of P wave configuration during atrial tachycardia to predict site of origin

Objectives. This study sought to construct an algorithm to differentiate left atrial from right atrial tachycardia foci on the basis of surface electrocardiograms (ECGs). Background. Atrial tachycardia is an uncommon form of supraventricular tachycardia, often resistant to drug therapy. Methods. A total of 31 consecutive patients with atrial tachycardia due to either abnormal automaticity or triggered rhythm underwent detailed atrial endocardial mapping and successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of a single atrial focus. P wave configuration was analyzed from 12-lead ECGs during tachycardia during either spontaneous or pharmacologically induced atrioventricular block. P waves inscribed above the isoelectric line (TP interval) were classified as positive, below as negative, above and below (or conversely, below and above) as biphasic and flat P waves as isoelectric (0). In 17 patients the tachycardia was located in the right atrium: crista terminalis (n = 4); right atrial appendage (n = 4); lateral wall (n = 4); posteroinferior right atrium (n = 3); tricuspid annulus (n = 1); and near the coronary sinus (n = 1). In 14 patients, atrial tachycardia was located in the left atrium: at the entrance of the right (n = 6) or left (n = 4) superior pulmonary veins; left inferior pulmonary vein (n = 1); inferior left atrium (n = 1); base of left atrial appendage (n = 1); and high lateral left atrium (n = 1). Results. There were no differences in P wave vectors between sites at the right atrial lateral wall versus the right atrial appendage or between sites at the entrance of right versus left superior pulmonary veins. However, analysis of P wave configuration showed that leads aVL and V1were most helpful in distinguishing right atrial from left atrial foci. The sensitivity and specificity of using a positive or biphasic P wave in lead aVL to predict a right atrial focus was 88% and 79%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a positive P wave in lead V1in predicting a left atrial focus was 93% and 88%, respectively. Conclusions. 1) Analyses of surface P wave configuration proved to be reasonably good in differentiating right atrial from left atrial tachycardia foci. 2) Leads II, III and aVF were helpful in providing clues for differentiating superior from inferior foci.
Effects of human soluble epoxide hydrolase polymorphisms on isoprenoid phosphate hydrolysis

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is highly expressed in human liver and contains a C-terminal epoxide hydrolase activity and an N-terminal phosphatase activity. Endogenous C-terminal hydrolase substrates include arachidonic acid epoxides, however, data are limited regarding possible endogenous substrates for the N-terminal phosphatase. Possible sEH N-terminal substrates include isoprenoid phosphate precursors of cholesterol biosynthesis and protein isoprenylation. Here, we report the kinetic analysis for a range of sEH isoprenoid substrates. We also provide an analysis of the effects of human sEH polymorphisms on isoprenoid hydrolysis. Interestingly, the Arg287Gln polymorphism recently suggested to be involved in hypercholesterolemia was found to possess a higher isoprenoid phosphatase activity than the wild type sEH. Consistent with the finding of isoprenoid phosphates as substrates for sEH, we identified isoprenoid-derived N-terminal inhibitors with IC50 values ranging from 0.84 (±0.9) to 55.1 (±30.7) μM. Finally, we evaluated the effects of the different isoprenoid compounds on the C-terminal hydrolase activity.
Properties of Tribolium gut chitin synthetase

Abstract An insect chitin synthetase (CS) is readily assayed using the microsomal fraction (∼0.5 mg protein) from an homogenate of Tribolium castaneum larvae. This enzyme preparation is incubated at 22°C with uridine 5′-diphospho-N-acetyl[3H]glucosamine in 355 μl of 25 mM Tris-HCl buffer containing 10 mM MgCl2, 17 mM N-acetylglucosamine, and 1 mM dithiothreitol. Other divalent cations and amino sugars are less effective activators or are inhibitory. T. castaneum CS is strongly inhibited by polyoxin D and uridine 5′-diphosphate. These activation and inhibition properties of Tribolium castaneum gut CS are similar to those of fungal CS. The polymerization product formed by the Tribolium enzyme is stable in alkali but hydrolyzed by chitinase. Enzymes of Tribolium confusum, Tribolium brevicornis, Tenebrio molitor, and Galleria mellonella are also active under the same conditions. These enzymes are from the gut and probably from the peritrophic membrane. Integumental CS activity is not detected under the indicated assay conditions.
Visibility of Sine-Wave Gratings

Modulation thresholds have been measured for sine-wave gratings at various spatial frequencies. At low frequencies, the threshold is determined in part by the gradient between adjacent bright and dark bars. This is related to the effect of blurring the border between the bright and dark halves of a bipartite field; the results obtained with a sine-wave grating have been compared to the results obtained with a single border. An attempt has been made to isolate the roles played by optical blur and physiological spread of excitation and inhibition.
Validation of Noninvasive Methods for Detecting Hepatic Steatosis in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; a reliable noninvasive method of detection is needed. We aimed to validate noninvasive means of identifying steatosis in HIV-positive patients. We performed a single-center retrospective study to validate the abilities of the liver fat score (LFS) and the lipid accumulation product (LAP) to detect hepatic steatosis in HIV-positive patients, compared with HIV-negative individuals (controls); NAFLD was confirmed by histology, and findings were compared with those from ultrasonography. These models then were validated in HIV-positive patients with NAFLD vs patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, without hepatic steatosis. LFS identified hepatic steatosis in HIV-positive subjects, compared with controls, with an area under the receiver operating curve value of 0.971 ± 0.027 (95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.000). At a cut-off value of -0.945, the LFS identified patients with steatosis with 100% sensitivity and 84% specificity. At a cut-off of value of -0.234, the LFS differentiated between HIV-positive subjects with NAFLD and patients co-infected with HIV and HCV with 100% sensitivity and 74% specificity. LAP scores ≥38 identified HIV-positive patients with steatosis with 89% sensitivity and 83% specificity. LAP scores ≥42 differentiated between HIV-positive subjects with steatosis and patients co-infected with HIV and HCV with 89% specificity and 70% sensitivity. We validated the accuracy of LFS and LAP in detecting hepatic steatosis in HIV-positive patients.
One Possible Cause for Atmospheric Electric Phenomena.—A Query

MAY I ask Sir Arthur Schuster or Dr. Chree or some other authority whether there is any serious objection to an idea like the following:
Status inconsistency and the technician's work adjustment

This study examines Homans' proposition that an inconsistent status profile causes individuals to feel dissatisfied and to balance rankings at as high a level as possible on the various status dimensions being considered. The sample (n = 501) comprised a diverse group of technicians in a large federal agency. Six status dimensions were considered: knowledge, skill, responsibility, prestige, authority and opportunity for advancement. The criterion measures associated with status inconsistency included: job dissatisfaction; increased levels of interest in unionization; heightened interest in occupational certification; and reduced occupational and organizational commitment. In general, technicians possess extremely high levels of confidence in their knowledge and skill, but in self-comparisons with professionals they do not fare well on the status dimensions of authority, prestige and opportunity for advancement. Important sources of this imbalance in the technician's status profile are identified. Attitudinal and behaviour consequences are discussed, and organizational alternatives for responding to this occupational concern are also suggested.
Inhaled Diesel Emissions Generated with Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Fuel Additive Induce Adverse Pulmonary and Systemic Effects

Diesel exhaust (DE) exposure induces adverse cardiopulmonary effects. Cerium oxide nanoparticles added to diesel fuel (DECe) increases fuel burning efficiency but leads to altered emission characteristics and potentially altered health effects. Here, we evaluated whether DECe results in greater adverse pulmonary effects compared with DE. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to filtered air, DE, or DECe for 5 h/day for 2 days. N-acetyl glucosaminidase activity was increased in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats exposed to DECe but not DE. There were also marginal but insignificant increases in several other lung injury biomarkers in both exposure groups (DECe > DE for all). To further characterize DECe toxicity, rats in a second study were exposed to filtered air or DECe for 5 h/day for 2 days or 4 weeks. Tissue analysis indicated a concentration- and time-dependent accumulation of lung and liver cerium followed by a delayed clearance. The gas-phase and high concentration of DECe increased lung inflammation at the 2-day time point, indicating that gas-phase components, in addition to particles, contribute to pulmonary toxicity. This effect was reduced at 4 weeks except for a sustained increase in BALF γ-glutamyl transferase activity. Histopathology and transmission electron microscopy revealed increased alveolar septa thickness due to edema and increased numbers of pigmented macrophages after DECe exposure. Collectively, these findings indicate that DECe induces more adverse pulmonary effects on a mass basis than DE. In addition, lung accumulation of cerium, systemic translocation to the liver, and delayed clearance are added concerns to existing health effects of DECe.
Phase transition in the superconducting state in Gd-rich pseudoternary compounds (La1-xGdx)1.0Mo6Se8☆

Abstract A pronounced lambda-type specific heat anomaly in the superconducting state is reported for Gd-rich pseudoternary compounds (La1-xGdx)1.0Mo6Se8. The anomaly is very similar to that previously reported for the compound Gd1.2Mo6Se8. Both the temperature of the lambda anomaly (≈ 3.5 K) and the Curie-Weiss temperature were found to be nearly independent of x. In addition, evidence for the occurence of magnetic ordering at 0.8 K in Gd1.2Mo6Se8 is presented. These observations support our earlier conjecture that the lambda anomaly at 3.5 K does not arise from magnetic ordering of the Gd3+ ions. The anomaly appears instead to be due to a different type of phase transition which is associated with the presence of the localized 4f electrons of the Gd3+ ions, but the exact nature of the transition remains to be established.
$\Lambda$(c)+ Production and Semileptonic Decay in 29-{GeV} $e^+ e^-$ Annihilation

We present results on c+ production in 29-GeV e+e- annihilation. The c+ are observed via their semileptonic decays to e+X and +X. With radiative corrections, we find (e+e-c+X)Bc+eX)= 1.5±0.6±0.5 pb or 0.0038±0.0015±0.0012 c+e+X decay per hadronic event, and (e+e-c+X)B(c+X)= 1.4±1.4±0.4 pb or 0.0035±0.0035±0. 0011 c++X decay per hadronic event. These results can be used to place constraints on the predictions of various production models. © 1989 The American Physical Society.
Length of human immunodeficiency virus disease and not immune status is a risk factor for development of anal carcinoma.

Abstract Background The anal epithelium is subject to dysplastic change in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to determine if the duration of HIV disease or the patient's immune status were associated with the development of anal carcinoma. Methods HIV-positive patients diagnosed with anal neoplasms were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed via an unpaired Student t test and the Fisher exact test. Results Fourteen patients were identified, 7 with anal intraepithelial neoplasms (group 1) and 7 with anal carcinoma (group 2). Human papillomavirus was detected in 100% of patients in group 1 and in 67% of patients in group 2. There was no significant difference in the level of immunosuppression as assessed by the CD4 counts (266.9 ± 48.5 vs. 274.7 ± 92.0 cell/cμl; P = .94) and viral loads (19,243 ± 18,034 vs. 67,140 ± 39,570 RNA/mL; P = .29) between groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 2 had been HIV positive for a significantly longer period of time (12.6 ± 2.3 y) compared with group 1 (5.9 ± 2.0 y, P = .05). Conclusions The most significant factor for the development of invasive anal carcinoma in patients with HIV is duration of disease. As a result of improved long-term survival secondary to new HIV therapy, anal invasive carcinoma will become an increasing problem.
Alternate photoperiods time puberty in the female lamb.

In the spring-born lamb, puberty, the onset of repetitive ovarian cycles, occurs between 25 and 35 weeks of age during the decreasing day length of autumn. This study was conducted to determine the photoperiod conditions required for puberty. Several artificial photoperiod treatments were used, beginning from birth or soon after. Continuous exposure to long days or to short days delayed the first normal luteal cycle beyond 1 yr of age. Similarly, a single block of 4 or 10 weeks of long days at early ages, from either 3-7 of 3-13 weeks of age (afterwards under short days), produced only a few consecutive cycles within the first year after birth. However, exposure to blocks of long days at later ages resulted in the onset of cycles during the normal pubertal period. Lambs that experienced a 10-week block of long days (12-22 weeks of age; otherwise under short days) began reproductive cycles at 34 weeks of age. Reduction of the single block of long days to 5 weeks (17-22 weeks of age) or 1 week (week 22 of a...
REBT Used with Children and Adolescents who have Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Educational Settings: A Review of the Literature

This article discusses the need for a comprehensive intervention strategy for students who experience difficulty managing self-defeating emotions and behaviors in educational settings. The review of the literature identifies related research and describes how the application of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), as a comprehensive educational intervention, has been implemented with children and adolescents who have been identified as having emotional disturbance in various educational settings.
Studies on the disposition of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo [1,2-b] pyrazole in rodents

Abstract 2,3-Dihydro-1H-imidazo [1,2-b] pyrazole (IMPY, NSC-51143) is a new ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, presently undergoing clinical evaluation, that exhibits prolonged in vivo antitumor activity in experimental animals. Disposition studies were initiated to determine if the prolonged in vivo antitumor activity of IMPY could be explained by its pharmacologic properties. Plasma disappearance curves of radioactivity were biphasic after the i.v. administration of 100, 250 or 500 mg/kg to rats and 250 mg/kg to mice. The distribution phase was rapid in each case ( t 1 2 of approximately 30 min or less), followed by a prolonged elimination phase. Radioactivity was distributed to all tissues of rats and mice including brain after an i.v. dose of 250 mg/kg. In rats, 67.8% of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine during the first 24 hr. By 120 hr 74.3% had been excreted via the urine compared with 11.1% in the fees, the latter by biliary excretion. The chromatographic profile of the urine collected from rats and mice 4 hr after drug administration indicated extensive metabolism. Thus, the prolonged plasma and tissue levels of parent IMPY and its metabolites can account for the prolonged duration of cytotoxic activity in vivo.
New detection targets for amyloid-reactive probes: spectroscopic recognition of bacterial spores

We report characteristic changes in fluorescence of amyloid-binding dyes Thioflavin T (TfT), pinacyanol (PIN) and related dyes, caused by their interaction with suspended Bacillus spore cultures (B. subtilis, B thuringiensis). The gain in TfT emission in the presence of spores allowed their immediate detection in aqueous suspensions, with a sensitivity limit of < 105 spores per ml. The spectroscopic signatures are consistent with a large number of binding sites for the two dyes on spore coats. The possible structural relationship of these dye binding loci with characteristic motifs (β-stacks) of amyloid deposits and other misfolded protein formations suggests new designs for probing biocontamination and also for clinical studies of non-microbial human pathogens (e.g., amyloid-related protein aggregates in prion-related transmissible encephalopathies or in Alzheimer's disease). Also reported is a special screening technique that was designed and used herein for calibration of new detection probes and assays for spore detection. It employed spectroscopic interactions between the candidate amyloid stains and poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-coated colloid silica (Percoll) nanoparticles that also display remarkable parallelism with the corresponding dye-amyloid and dye-spore reactivities. Percoll may thus find new applications as a convenient non-biological structural model mimicking the putative probe-targeted motifs in both classes of bioanalytes. These findings are important in the design of new probes and assays for important human pathogens (i.e. bacterial spores and amyloidogenic protein aggregates).
Vertically stacked surface-emitting laser diodes array for high-brightness application

Vertically stacked array is based on grating coupled surface emitting laser diodes with monolithically integrated wavelength control element. Advanced performance of individual emitters allows exploiting spatial and spectral beam combining to achieve high brightness sources.
Gene Therapy With the Caspase Activation and Recruitment Domain Reduces the Ocular Inflammatory Response

Inflammation is a key component of chronic and acute diseases of the eye. Our goal is to test anti-inflammatory genes delivered by an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector as potential treatments for retinal inflammation. We developed a secretable and cell penetrating form of the caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) from the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) gene that binds caspase-1 and inhibits its activation by the inflammasome. The secretion and cell penetration characteristics of this construct were validated in vitro by measuring its effects on inflammasome signaling in a monocyte cell line and in an retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cell line. This vector was then packaged as AAV particles and tested in the endotoxin-induced uveitis mouse model. Gene expression was monitored one month after vector injection by fluorescence fundoscopy. Ocular inflammation was then induced by injecting lipopolysaccharide into the vitreous and was followed by enucleation 24 hours later. Eyes injected with the secretable and cell penetrating CARD AAV vector had both a significantly lower concentration of IL-1β as well as a 64% reduction in infiltrating cells detected in histological sections. These results suggest that anti-inflammatory genes such as the CARD could be used to treat recurring inflammatory diseases like uveitis or chronic subacute inflammations of the eye.
Advances in the understanding of Hemophilus spp

Summary During the past decade, much has been learned about the genus Hemophilus and host factors that play a major role in disease. Further studies using more sophisticated techniques will likely provide equally exciting information about this intriguing genus of bacteria.
Should the holding period matter for the intertemporal consumption-based CAPM?

Abstract Empirical studies of the restrictions implied by the intertemporal capital asset pricing model across different asset markets have found conflicting evidence. This paper asks whether an auxiliary assumption implicit in these tests could be responsible for the pattern of rejections. This auxiliary assumption requires that covariances of returns with consumption move in constant proportion over time. The paper tests this condition empirically using data on foreign exchange, bonds, and equity returns. Interestingly, the evidence suggests that the tendency to reject the intertemporal consumption-based asset pricing relationship depends upon the inadequacy of the auxiliary assumption, not necessarily the relationship itself.
Harm Reduction in MSW Substance Abuse Courses

Professional social work largely has endorsed the empirically supported paradigm of harm reduction in relation to substance abuse issues. Despite literature detailing similarities between social work and harm reduction, little is known about its presence in MSW substance abuse coursework. A purposive sample of 133 social work faculty from accredited MSW programs in the United States provided an exploratory, qualitative web-based survey. Findings indicate harm reduction varies in scope and nature and that faculty relate it to quality of life yet differ on its goals. Some faculty and students hold predisposed negative views toward harm reduction; students' views are influenced by professional and personal experiences yet also become more accepting with exposure. Implications for social work education and subsequent research are discussed.
Identification of genetic markers associated with residual feed intake and meat quality traits in the pig.

Residual feed intake (RFI) has become increasingly important and is being considered as a more reasonable approach to evaluate feed efficiency in livestock. However, the cost and technical difficulties in measuring this trait restrict the extensive adoption of RFI selection, and this makes marker assisted selection (MAS) a feasible tool. In addition, the effects on meat quality caused by low RFI selection have yet to be clarified. In this study, 11 SNPs from eight candidate genes were evaluated in a Yorkshire pig experimental population (n=169) consisting of a low RFI selection line and a randomly selected control line. Associations of these SNPs with RFI, growth rate, carcass composition, and meat quality measures including water holding capacity, pH at 2d postmortem, meat color and sensory traits were analyzed. The SNPs FTO p.Ala198Ala and TCF7L2 c.646+514A>G showed significant (P T and TCF7L2 c.646+514A>G were significantly (P G were associated with both visual scoring of meat color and the objective L-value measure of meat color. This study has identified potential genetic markers suitable for MAS in improving RFI, ADG, and meat color traits, but these associations need to be validated in other larger populations.
Modelling very large magnetoresistance of graphene nanoribbon devices.

We model a very large, tunable magnetoresistance (MR) in a graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistor, without artificial engineering of ferromagnetic contacts. A high MR of nearly 100% (about 50%) is obtained at low temperature (room temperature). We show that the MR ratio can be further tuned by using conventional electric field, in agreement with a recent experiment. The simulation results indicate that the large MR of GNRs stems from reduction of the bandgap of GNRs in the presence of applied magnetic field related to the 0th Landau level in graphene. Interestingly, in a more realistic device with edge roughness, the MR ratio is not degraded but rather enhanced, caused by the magnetic field induced spatial separation of the transport states. The large, tunable MR of GNRs resistant to edge roughness is attractive to device applications.