cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual Regulation of Ligand Binding by CD11b I Domain INHIBITION OF INTERCELLULAR ADHESION AND MONOCYTE PROCOAGULANT ACTIVITY BY A FACTOR X-DERIVED PEPTIDE

The role of coagulation factor X as a ligand for CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1, αMβ2) in leukocyte adhesion was investigated. A factor X peptide, (G)L238YQAKRFKV246(G), blocked ligand binding to CD11b/CD18 and prevented monocyte procoagulant activity. This peptide also inhibited monocytic THP-1 cell adhesion to tumor necrosis factor α-stimulated endothelium and blocked neutrophil migration through tumor necrosis factor α-activated endothelial cell monolayers. In contrast, other factor X-derived peptides were ineffective. Radiolabeled peptide (G)LYQAKRFKV(G) bound specifically and saturably to isolated recombinant CD11b I domain. Functionally, the factor X sequence (G)LYQAKRFKV(G) dose-dependently inhibited THP-1 cell attachment to intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) transfectants (IC50 = ∼50 μg/ml), indistinguishably from anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies 60.3 and IB4. In contrast, peptide (G)LYQAKRFKV(G) failed to reduce binding of125I-fibrinogen to immobilized CD11b I domain, which was abolished by the fibrinogen-derived peptide KYG190WTVFQKRLDGSV202. By Lineweaver-Burke analysis, peptide (G)LYQAKRFKV(G) inhibited factor X binding to CD11b/CD18 in a noncompetitive fashion, and intact factor X did not reduce monocyte-endothelial cell interaction. These data suggest that the factor X sequence (G)LYQAKRFKV(G) defines an ICAM-1-binding site on CD11b I domain physically distinct from and nonoverlapping with the fibrinogen interacting region(s). Engagement of this site induces a conformational change in the holoreceptor, which disrupts a distant factor X-binding site required for monocyte procoagulant activity. These observations demonstrate a dual regulatory role of CD11b I domain in ligand binding and provide a molecular basis for the recently reported anti-inflammatory properties of factor X homologous sequencesin vivo.
Homogeneity Problems in the Theory of Čech Compactifications

If X is a completely regular topological space, there exists a space sX, the so-called Cech compactification of X, which is characterized by the following three properties: sX is a compact (bicompact, in the older terminology) Hausdorff space, X is a dense subset of sX, and every bounded continuous real-valued function on X can be extended to a continuous function on βX [1; 831].
Cardiovascular Risk Study: A Comparison Between Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Nurses and the Nation

The purpose of this study was to determine if cardiovascular (CV) nurses exhibit lower coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors than the nation. The CHD risk factors measured were: prehypertension, hypertension, elevated total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, increased waist circumference (WC), cigarette smoking, and the presence of diabetes. When compared to US national averages, CV nurses in northeast Ohio demonstrated lower rates of smoking and abdominal obesity. No significant differences were found in cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, incidence of diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. These CV nurses did demonstrate higher blood pressures when compared to national averages for prehypertension. These findings illustrate a need to address CV nurses' specific CHD risk factors.
Correlation between sample first autocorrelation coefficient and extreme hydrologic runs

Abstract Differences between the annual runoff series, as the systems water supply and the annual output series, as the systems water demand, define various types of runs. The extreme runs of samples of these differences are positively correlated with the parameters of series dependence in general, and series first autocorrelation coefficient r 1 , estimated from these samples, in particular. This correlation is made between the estimated r 1 and each of the three variables of sample extreme runs. These variables are defined as summations of n longest or largest positive and longest or largest negative sample extreme runs. The resulting regression equations of r 1 versus these variables permit an alternative estimation of ϱ 1 , if this estimate is needed for any purpose. As expected, these correlations are always positive and relatively high. To show how high these correlations are, two models are used to generate samples of different sizes with various population ϱ 1 values and to study the resulting correlation: (1) first-order autoregressive normal process; and (2) dependent lognormal process, obtained by the exponential transformation of the first-order autoregressive normal process.
All-optical homomorphic image-processing system

An optical homomorphic system obtained by the use of the halftone technique has been realized that involves the effective use of a logarithmic and an exponential contact screen. Logarithmic filtering alone is able to separate the multiplicative noise. But the application of exponential processing on the logarithmically operated image restores the image and completes the homomorphic system.
Total-energy calculations of semiconductor surface reconstructions

Abstract In this article, the current understanding of semiconductor surface reconstructions and the role of total-energy calculations in achieving this understanding is reviewed. The methods used to compute semiconductor surface reconstructions are also surveyed. Central unifying themes such as the role of topology and surface stress in determining surface reconstructions, and the existence of universal reconstructions for the zincblende- and wurtzite-structure compound semiconductor cleavage surfaces are identified and discussed.
Medical Work: Accommodating a Body of Knowledge to Practice

It is the purpose of this paper to examine the relationship between the production of new scientific knowledge and the application of that knowledge to medical practice. The paper focuses, first, on the growth of the scientific enterprise and argues that the expanding medical division of labor is the profession's accommodation to the increased size of its body of knowledge. The paper goes on to discuss the emergent role of a new category of workers in that division of labor, clinical researchers. The second major focus of the paper concerns the relationship among medical specialists, who must allocate the new scientific discoveries among themselves. The final portion of the paper identifies the components of the process which accomplishes the task of distributing medical work among the specialty communities. The issue of primary concern to this discussion, which appears only as an underlying theme until the concluding section, is the effect of this allocation process on the structure of the medical profession and the type of medical care it delivers.
Reaction of enzymes of Lactobacillus bifidus var. pennsylvanicus with bifidus factor: effect of monosaccharides.

Summary1. The effect of the constituent monosaccharides on the enzymatic inactiva-tion of high molecular forms of bifidus factor has been studied. The most marked effect was observed with fucose when it was used with human milk or purified fractions from human milk. 2. The significance of this effect of fucose on the inactivation of the bifidus factor in vitro was emphasized by the experiments in vivo. L-Fucose markedly inhibited growth of L. bifidus var. pennsylvani-cus when the source of bifidus factor was human milk, but not when it was supplied as mucin or the simple N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-containing compounds.
The end of the line for neutrophils.

In this issue of Blood , Bartels and colleagues demonstrate that acetylation of the transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein e (C/EBPe) is essential for terminal neutrophil granulocyte differentiation.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Acetylation of C/EBPe is essential for terminal
Registration of ‘Santa Fe’ Pinto Bean

'Santa Fe' pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. No. CV-291, PI 656393), developed by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, was released in 2008 as an upright, midseason, disease-resistant cultivar. An F 4 -derived line developed using pedigree selection was advanced on the basis of superior yield performance, upright plant architecture and improved disease resistance. Over 4 yr of testing (2005-2008), Santa Fe was advanced from the F 7 to F 10 and yield tested at 32 locations in mid-Michigan and at locations in Colorado, North Dakota, Nebraska, Washington and Ontario. Santa Fe combines competitive yield potential (2729 kg ha -1 ) with erect type II architecture while retaining midseason maturity (91 d) in a pinto seed type. Santa Fe has resistance to lodging, making it suitable for direct harvest under narrow-row production systems. The upright architecture also contributes to avoidance to white mold [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary], a disease aggravated by narrow rows. Santa Fe possesses resistance to specific races of rust [incited by Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.:Pers.) Unger], virus, and anthracnose [caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Lams.-Scrib]. Santa Fe has a large mottled dry bean seed (40.4 g 100 seed -1 ) that meets the standards and canning quality of the pinto bean seed class.
Anterior and posterior compartment 3D endovaginal ultrasound anatomy based on direct histologic comparison

Introduction and hypothesis We used direct histologic comparison to validate the use of 3D endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) as a novel and emerging technology for evaluating the structures found in the anterior and posterior pelvic floor compartments.
Nature of DNA Precursors

No topic in molecular biology has been more controversial than DNA replication. So far, no postulated mechanisms or replicating enzymes have adequately withstood close scrutiny, and now, Werner questions the basic assumption that 5′ nucleoside triphosphates are the precursors for in vivo DNA replication.
Effects of inhibitors on 3-O-methylglucose transport in rabbit ileum.

Previous studies (Goldner, Schultz & Curran,J. Gen. Physiol. 1969,53:362) have suggested a direct coupling between influxes of sugars and Na across the brush border membrane of rabbit ileum. Effects of several inhibitors, ouabain, cyanide, dinitrophenol and iodoacetate on 3-O-methylglucose fluxes were examined in an effort to obtain information about coupling of sugar transport to metabolism. The inhibitors virtually abolished net active sugar transport across the whole tissue but had less striking effects on sugar influx across the brush border membrane, particularly when the cells were prevented from gaining Na as a result of inhibitor action. However, substantial but incomplete inhibition of influx was observed when the cells were permitted to gain Na. Mucosal strips incubated with ouabain to elevate cellular Na extruded sugar against a concentration gradient when cell Na concentration exceeded that in the medium. Conversely, a small extrusion of Na from ouabain-poisoned cells was observed in the presence of an outwardly directed concentration gradient for sugar. These results provide further evidence of coupling between Na and sugar movement. Additional direct coupling of sugar movement to metabolism cannot be ruled out.
Bupropion: pharmacology and therapeutic applications.

A total of 17 years after its introduction, bupropion remains a safe and effective antidepressant, suitable for first-line use. Bupropion undergoes metabolic transformation to an active metabolite, 4-hydroxybupropion, through hepatic cytochrome P450-2B6 (CYP2B6) and has inhibitory effects on cytochrome P450-2D6 (CYP2D6), thus raising concern for clinically-relevant drug interactions. Common side effects are nervousness and insomnia. Nausea appears slightly less common than with the SSRI drugs and sexual dysfunction is probably the least of any antidepressant. Bupropion is relatively safe in overdose with seizures being the predominant concern. The mechanism of action of bupropion is still uncertain but may be related to inhibition of presynaptic dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake transporters. The activity of vesicular monoamine transporter-2, the transporter pumping dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin from the cytosol into presynaptic vesicles, is increased by bupropion and may be a component of its mechanism of action. Bupropion is approved for use in major depression and seasonal affective disorder and has demonstrated comparable efficacy to other antidepressants in clinical trials. Bupropion is also useful in augmenting a partial response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, although bupropion should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. It may be less likely to provoke mania than antidepressants with prominent serotonergic effects. Bupropion is effective in helping people quit tobacco smoking. Anecdotal reports indicate bupropion may lower inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factorα, may lower fatigue in cancer and may help reduce concentration problems. Expert Rev. Neurotherapeutics 6(9), 1249–1265 (2006)
Natural history and pathogenesis of miliary and meningeal tuberculosis in children; analysis of 163 cases.

In preparation for a program of treatment of miliary and meningeal tuberculosis with streptomycin and other antituberculous drugs, 163 consecutive cases admitted to the Los Angeles Children9s Hospital in the 15 years between 1933 and 1948 were analyzed. Twenty-one infants and children had miliary tuberculosis, 58 had tuberculous meningitis and 84 had both diseases. Of 145 patients who received only symptomatic treatment, all died. The usual frequency of these diseases in the spring was not observed in this series. Anergy to tuberculin was uncommon; only 2% of the patients reacted negatively to 1.0 mg. O.T. Forty-eight per cent of the cases occurred before the age of 2 years, and two thirds before the age of 4 years. There was pathologic evidence that tuberculous meningitis occurs commonly within a few months of the primary infection; 82% of the autopsied cases showed evidence of fresh primary tuberculosis. Vague symptoms such as vomiting, fever and lethargy were most common in early tuberculous meningitis and rarely stimulated a prompt diagnosis. Headache was a frequent complaint in children over 4 years, but was uncommon in those under 4 years. The average duration of life of patients with tuberculous meningitis from onset of symptoms to death was 20 days; the duration of symptoms until a correct diagnosis was made averaged over 11 days. Caseous tuberculous foci antedating the meningitis were demonstrated in the central nervous system in 27 out of 70 cases in which careful pathologic examination was made. Thirty-five per cent of the autopsied cases of tuberculous meningitis had no acute hematogenous dissemination elsewhere in the body. Hydrocephalus was found in 25 out of 80 brains examined and tended to appear early in the course of the disease. Possible precipitating factors were found in the histories of 15% of the 163 patients. Suggestions are made as to possible means of preventing the development of miliary and meningeal tuberculosis in infants and children and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment is stressed.
Cultural stereotypes of disabled and non-disabled men and women: Consensus for global category representations and diagnostic domains

Despite the fact that disabled people comprise a heterogeneous social group, cross-impairment cultural stereotypes reflect a consistent set of beliefs used to characterize this population as dependent, incompetent, and asexual. Using a free-response methodology, stereotypical beliefs about disabled men (DM) and women (DW) were contrasted against the stereotypes of their non-disabled counterparts illustrating the dimensions considered most diagnostic of each group. Results revealed that both disabled and non-disabled participants expressed consensus about the contents of group stereotypes that exaggerate traditional gender role expectations of the non-disabled while minimizing perceived differences between DM and DW. Implications for the field of stereotyping and prejudice, and the individual and system justifying functions of cultural stereotypes are discussed.
Do We Know Emotional Intelligence When We See it? The Social Perception of Emotional Abilities

We examine the social perception of emotional intelligence (EI) through the use of observer ratings. Individuals often judge others’ emotional abilities in real-world settings, yet we know little about the properties of such ratings. This paper examines the social perception of EI and tests the hypothesis that close observers in the environment can recognize individual differences in emotional abilities. Three studies test this proposition using real-world colleagues as observers and drawing on data from 2,521 participants. Results indicate significant consensus across these observers about the EI of targets, moderate but significant self-observer agreement, modest but relatively consistent divergent validity across the components of EI, and significant predictive validity of observer ratings in work and task performance domains, even after controlling for cognitive intelligence, personality, trait affect, observer liking, and demographic characteristics. These data provide initial evidence suggesting the social perception of EI is possible. Limitations, future directions, and practical implications are discussed.
Seasonal Adaptations in Photosynthesis and Respiration in Four Desert Shrubs Growing in Situ

Field measurements of carbon dioxide exchange and carbohydrate resources show that physiological adaptations occur in the shrubs Larrea divaricata, Encelia farinosa, Hymenoclea salsola, and Acacia greggii growing in situ in the Colorado Desert of California. L. divaricata, the most widely distributed shrub of the North American deserts, exhibited the greatest seasonal adaptation in the field. This study supports the hypothesis that adaptive temperature acclimations occur in plants. See full-text article at JSTOR
Time in Weathering

The weathered surface of the lithosphere that we now see is the result of the long-continued interaction of Jenny’s five variables on the exposed surfaces of the rocks that make up the earth. However, this definition does not emphasize the importance of topography and erosion that modify the process of soil-profile development.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma

In 1857, von Graefe first advanced the concept of a disease process resembling glaucomatous optic neuropathy in the setting of a normal intraocular pressure (IOP). The ophthalmic community of the time was so strongly opposed to the notion that von Graefe was forced to retract his position. Today, nearly a century-and-a-half later, with many members of the glaucoma research community focused on the development of novel therapeutic approaches that sidestep IOP entirely, there is little disagreement about the existence of glaucoma in some patients with statistically normal IOP. In this article, the authors review the clinical findings of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), consider some of the theories of the pathogenesis of the disease, and describe the evidence supporting the use of treatment strategies that lower IOP. Finally, promising novel approaches to the treatment of this important, sight-threatening disease are described.
The Risk for Malignant Primary Adult-Onset Glioma in a Large, Multiethnic, Managed-Care Cohort: Cigarette Smoking and Other Lifestyle Behaviors

Purpose: To determine the risk for malignant primary adult-onset glioma (MPAG) associated with cigarette smoking and other lifestyle behaviors in a large, multiethnic, managed-care cohort.
An adaptive stop-and-wait ARQ strategy for mobile data communications

Automatic repeat request (ARQ) techniques are often used by a packet-switching data communication network to provide an error-free communications link between stations. In an effort to improve the throughput on a short-range, RF, packet-switching data communications network, an adaptive ARQ strategy applied to stop-and-wait (SW) protocols was developed. To provide a system designer with flexibility, different adaptive strategies for different systems and link conditions were developed. Examples of information transfer between two stations using the adaptive SW protocol are presented. A simulation to compute the throughput efficiency of several adaptive SW protocols was performed. A comparison of the throughput efficiencies of the simulated adaptive SW protocol with the nonadaptive SW protocol showed good gains could be achieved using the adaptive strategy when the networks are subject to high channel bit error rates. >
Effect of photomultiplier gain-drift and radiation exposure on 2D-map decoding of detector arrays used in positron emission tomography

Arrays of scintillation crystals optically coupled to four single-anode photomultipliers (PMT) are commonly used in PET cameras. The accuracy of the crystal-position decoding relies on the relative gain stability of all 4 PMT over time. The drift in the gain of one PMT relative to the other three distorts the two dimensional (2-D) crystal-decoding map and causes wrong crystal assignment of a gamma hit. We have studied gain stability and its effect on the 2-D decoding map using 4 Philips XP1911 PMT (19 mm diameter) coupled in the quadrant-sharing mode (PQS) to a position-sensitive BGO array (7/spl times/7) over 100-day period. The effect on PMT gain due to radiation exposure of the block was also studied. Using 662 keV gamma rays from a Cs-137 source and the collimated tight of a blue LED coupled to the block we measured the individual PMT gain drift, total composite-energy pulse heights and 2-D decoding maps. Some of the drifts were temperature dependent. The measurements were also corrected for temperature variations of the technique. It was found that throughout the duration of the experiment all four PMT presented similar and continuous gain shifts averaging an 11% drop after 100 days.
Factors Contributing to the Energy Expenditure of Youth during Cycling and Running

This study evaluated factors that contribute to the increased energy cost of locomotion in youth. The subjects were 321 8-18-year-old youth, similar dispersed by age and sex. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured during rest (REE), running at 8 km · h−1 and cycling at 16 km · h−1, using a COSMED K4b2 metabolic system. Developmental stage was obtained via questionnaire. Stature, body mass, and skinfolds (triceps & subscapular) were measured. Both sexes had similar absolute VO2 (mL · min−1) at rest (p = 0.065) and running (p = 0.084), but the males had a higher VO2 during cycling (p = 0.046). There were no sex differences in relative VO2 (mL · kg−1 · min−1) at rest (p = 0.083); however, the males had a higher VO2 than the females during cycling and running (p £ 0.002). Multiple regression, tested for collinearity, found that absolute VO2 during cycling and running was mostly related to fat-free mass (p = 0.0001). Similar analyses for relative VO2 (mL · kg−1 · min−1) during cycling found that fat-free mass, sex, ...
Natural task decomposition with intrinsic potential fields

Any given task can be solved in a number of ways, whether through path-planning, modeling, or control techniques. In this paper, we present a methodology for natural task decomposition through the use of intrinsically meaningful potential fields. Specifically, we demonstrate that using classical conditioning measures in a concurrent control framework provides a domain-general means for solving tasks. Among the conditioning measures we use are manipulability [T. Yoshikawam, 1985], localizability [J. Uppala et al., 2002], and range of motion. To illustrate the value of our approach we demonstrate its applicability to an industrially relevant inspection task.
Mean Time to Unsafe Failure

With the increased use of electronics and networks comes a concern about their failure modes. If they fail, we wish they did so in a benign manner. Hence, a reliability parameter of interest is the expected time to a disastrous failure, where there is a loss of money, information, or time. The models and methods for computing this expectation, however, are still in an early stage. This paper presents new material that permits examining more complex and realistic models.
The Buffett critique: volatility and long-dated options

In his 2008 letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, criticizes the ability of the Black-Scholes model to accurately price long-dated options. Buffet discusses how the model leads to over-pricing of put options with long maturities using examples of Berkshire’s investments in derivatives contracts. We confirm that traditional implied volatility estimates do indeed overstate long-term volatility. As an alternative, we propose a maturity-matching technique for estimating long-term volatility using historical holding period returns. We focus on three large asset classes, large cap stocks, long-term bonds, and treasury bills, to demonstrate how volatility evolves over different holding periods. We apply this rolling-period simulation method to estimate volatility for annual maturities ranging from 1 to 30-years within the Black-Scholes model. This method generates superior long-dated option values, and effectively answers Buffett’s critique. This is of particular importance for firms with significant investment holdings, as the issuance and valuation of these derivatives can have a substantial effect on firm capital.
A Saga of Renewal in a Maine City: Exploring the Fate of Portland’s Bayside District

Historically, Bayside, a neighborhood like Monjoy Hill on the fringe of Portland, Maine’s downtown, served as the city’s “Zone of Emergence.” In 1944, it was declared in “need of renewing”; by 1970...
Wavelengths and energy levels for Ge xxiv, Ge xxv, and Ge xxvi observed in plasmas produced by line-focus laser irradiation

Transitions in Ge xxiv, Ge xxv, and Ge xxiv were observed in the spectra emitted from linear plasmas that were produced by irradiating planar targets using eight line-focused beams of the Omega laser. A 3-m grazing-incidence spectrograph viewed the plasma in the axial direction. The spectral lines were quite narrow owing to the reduced ion motion along the line of sight. Transitions of the type 2s22pj–2s2pj+1 (where j = 3, 4, 5) and 2s2pk–2pk+1 (where k = 4, 5) were observed in the first through fifth spectral orders. The wavelengths were measured with an uncertainty of less than 0.010 A, and the energy levels were determined with an uncertainty smaller than 100 cm−1.
IEEE 802.11n: Performance evaluation of modified Viterbi metrics for TxBF, SDM and spatial spreading transceivers

In this paper, we complement the open literature by presenting a comparative performance evaluation between conventional and modified Viterbi metrics for soft-decision decoding of binary convolutional codes in the framework of IEEE 802.11n systems with transmit beamforming, space division multiplexing and spatial spreading transceiver architectures. Simulation results show that the inclusion of channel state information in the Viterbi metrics allows significant performance improvement in the packet error rate over spatially correlated frequency selective TGn channels.
Panic disorder and bipolar disorder: Anxiety sensitivity as a potential mediator of panic during manic states

Abstract Background Panic disorder (PD) occurs at high rates in bipolar disorder and more commonly than in unipolar depression. Reports of PD onset during hypomania and depressive mania (i.e., mixed states) raise questions about whether the affective disturbances of bipolar disorder play a specific role in the exacerbation or onset of PD. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), a risk factor for PD appears greater in bipolar disorder compared to unipolar depression, although the association of specific mood states with AS remains unknown. Methods We examined the association of current mood state (i.e., mixed state, mania or hypomania, bipolar depression, unipolar depression, and euthymia) with Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) scores in 202 individuals with bipolar disorder (n = 110) or major depressive disorder (n = 92). Results Current mood state was significantly associated with ASI score (Chi-square = 21.2, df = 4, p = 0.0003). In multiple regression analyses, including covariates for comorbid anxiety disorders, current mania or hypomania was a significant predictor of ASI scores (p Limitations Conclusions are limited by the study's cross-sectional nature and relatively small sample size. Conclusions These findings of elevated AS during manic states, independent of comorbid anxiety disorders, provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that manic states contribute to risk for the development or exacerbation of PD, and that AS may contribute to the high prevalence and severity of PD comorbid with bipolar disorder.
Realistic mobility pattern generator: design and application in path prediction algorithm evaluation

A platform for the simulation of mobility functions (e.g., protocols, and application architectures) is presented. This platform, named RMPG, is based on the assumption that real humans exhibit considerable spatial and temporal regularity in their moves. We base our simulation environment on the random way-point algorithm incorporated in the ns tool. Using the Java-based RMPG we performed a series of simulations by considering a path prediction algorithm as a mobility function. We present our results.
A fast lightweight approach to origin-destination IP traffic estimation using partial measurements

In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for estimating traffic matrices. Our method, called PamTram for PArtial Measurement of TRAffic Matrices, couples lightweight origin-destination (OD) flow measurements along with a computationally lightweight algorithm for producing OD estimates. The first key aspect of our method is to actively select a small number of informative OD flows to measure in each estimation interval. To avoid the heavy computation of optimal selection, we use intuition from game theory to develop randomized selection rules, with the goals of reducing errors and adapting to traffic changes. We show that it is sufficient to measure only one flow per measurement period to drastically reduce errors--thus rendering our method lightweight in terms of measurement overhead. The second key aspect is an explanation and proof that an Iterative Proportional Fitting algorithm approximates traffic matrix estimates when the goal is a minimum mean-squared error; this makes our method lightweight in terms of computation overhead. A one-step error bound is provided for PamTram that bounds the average error for the worst scenario. We validate our method using data from Sprint's European Tier-1 IP backbone network and demonstrate its consistent improvement over previous methods.
Staged excision for lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma: A retrospective analysis of 117 cases.

Background Complete surgical excision for lentigo maligna (LM) and LM melanoma (LMM) in the head and neck region may be challenging because of potential significant subclinical extension. Objective We sought to review clinical and histologic features of LM and LMM and determine surgical margin necessary for complete excision. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 117 LM and LMM cases treated with a staged margin-controlled excision technique with rush paraffin-embedded sections. Results The mean total surgical margin required for excision of LM was 7.1 mm and was 10.3 mm for LMM. Of the tumors diagnosed as LM on initial biopsy specimen, 16% were found to have unsuspected invasion. Total surgical margin was associated with initial clinical lesion diameter. Limitations Retrospective and single-institution experience are limitations. Conclusion This study corroborates that the standard excision margins for LM and LMM are often inadequate and occult invasive melanoma occurs in LM. An excision technique with permanent sections using a team of dermatopathology and surgery that carefully examines the central tumor and the surgical margins is reliable for the treatment of LM and LMM.
Fluorescence-Detection Size-Exclusion Chromatography for Precrystallization Screening of Integral Membrane Proteins

Formation of well-ordered crystals of membrane proteins is a bottleneck for structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Nevertheless, one can increase the probability of successful crystallization by precrystallization screening, a process by which one analyzes the monodispersity and stability of the protein-detergent complex. Traditionally, this has required microgram to milligram quantities of purified protein and a concomitant investment of time and resources. Here, we describe a rapid and efficient precrystallization screening strategy in which the target protein is covalently fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the resulting unpurified protein is analyzed by fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography (FSEC). This strategy requires only nanogram quantities of unpurified protein and allows one to evaluate localization and expression level, the degree of monodispersity, and the approximate molecular mass. We show the application of this precrystallization screening to four membrane proteins derived from prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms.
A distractive effect of peripheral attention on foveal trigram recognition.

The recognizability of tachistoscopically presented foveal trigrams was investigated as a function of paying attention, or not paying attention, to simultaneously exposed parafoveal trigrams. The same set of stimuli was presented in both conditions. All six observers made a significant number of errors at 50 ms stimulus duration in the attentive condition. This occurred even though they could not correctly report the parafoveal stimulus. Performance reached 95% correct at 200 ms stimulus duration, just when parafoveal trigrams were occasionally identified. At 50 ms stimulus duration in the attentive condition, errors were more marked for non-wordlike center trigrams. When the parafoveal trigram was non-wordlike, its distractive effect was greater than when it was wordlike. Neither distance nor position of the parafoveal trigrams were significant factors. The distractive effect of peripheral attention on recognition of letter stimuli suggests that information from parafoveal stimuli is available through at...
Making the Case for War: A Comparative Analysis of CNN and BBC Coverage of Colin Powell's Presentation to the United Nations Security Council

The normative role of journalism in democracy is well established: democracy depends on news media to facilitate self-government. But theories of the press point to structural limitations that inhibit the democratic ideal. To examine this contradiction, this article offers a comparative analysis of online news coverage by CNN and BBC of Colin Powell’s speech to the United Nations Security Council on 5 February 2003. Ethnographic content analysis is used to examine the coverage and to consider each outlet’s broad institutional context. The article concludes that structural limitations are less of a hindrance at the BBC, which is better situated to enhance rational–critical dialogue and democratic self-governance through inclusion of a greater diversity of sources and a wider array of opinion.
Approaches to Measuring Families

A variety of new measurement approaches have appeared in recent years, and the current chapter focuses on three of these: ecological momentary assessment, biomarkers, and mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) designs. After commenting on these approaches, I turn to a perennial issue in family studies: How researchers can assess the characteristics of families as distinct from the characteristics of the individuals who make up families. Most family researchers have relied on measurement approaches developed to study individuals. Adopting a family level of analysis presents a number of challenging problems—most of which have not yet been resolved. I argue that a social network approach may be the most promising approach to study family-level characteristics, especially if researchers view families as spanning multiple households.
Proceedings of the 2006 international symposium on Physical design

We welcome you to the 2006 International Symposium on Physical Design (ISPD). This is the 10th ISPD meeting; in the past decade, the symposium has evolved from a series of intermittent ACM/SIGDA Physical Design Workshops into the premier venue for this type of research. Paper selection for ISPD is always competitive, drawing in the best work from around the world. The scope of the symposium includes many aspects of physical layout design; the proceedings feature papers ranging from high-level exploration of solution spaces down to low level electrical analysis. Variability of device behavior, and the different ways in which circuits can fail, have become key concerns in physical design. Traditional topics such as placement and routing are also well represented.Over the years, ISPD has been home to a number of groundbreaking papers, and this year looks to be no exception. There were 72 papers submitted, of which only 25 were accepted. These excellent papers, and the talks by both the authors and the invited speakers, should make for an interesting and enjoyable program. In addition to the papers themselves, slides for most of the talks are also available through the symposium web site: http://www.ispd.cc.The symposium begins with a keynote talk by Ted Vucurevich, from Cadence. The talk presents a forward looking view of the challenges and opportunities in commercial computer-aided design. Monday also features invited talks on failure mechanisms for leading edge designs -- design tools must now account for these issues if we are to move forward with Moore's law. Tuesday features invited talks on how industry vendors are handling extremely large designs; additionally, we have the ISPD Placement Contest on this day, which is in some respects the academic response to large scale design. This is the second year for the placement contest; the first year was a rousing success, and we expect that this year will be even more interesting. The nine teams from last year are back for another round of competition; they are joined by two new teams. Wednesday features talks on modern clocking methods in industry designs, and concludes with talks on one of the fundamental areas of physical design -- placement.
Carbonic Anhydrase, Diuretics and Egg Shell Formation

Abstract SINCE the work of Benesch et al. (1944) and Gutowska and Mitchell (1945) it has been generally assumed that the enzyme carbonic anhydrase plays an important role in egg shell formation by supplying the carbonate anion of calcium carbonate through the reaction CO2 + H2O⇄ H2CO3. This assumption is based on (a) the significantly greater carbonic anhydrase activity of uterine epithelium as compared with other oviduct tissue (Common, 1941), and (b) the reduction of shell deposition after feeding sulfanilamide, described by Benesch et al. (1944) and Gutowska and Mitchell (1945). Sulfanilamide and other unsubstituted sulfonamides, such as acetazolamide, are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. As such they interfere with the reabsorption of bicarbonate in the kidney and, through the concomitant metabolic acidosis, often cause diuresis (Burger, 1960). It is therefor possible that sulfanilamide and other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors interfere with shell deposition by causing diuresis and not by limiting the supply of …
A.I.M. - Advanced Interactive Map

This paper discusses the ongoing development of a tool to produce through an authoring system an interactive map with advanced functions. A first map has been produced in collaboration with the Municipality of Cetinje (Montenegro); a map of the Municipality of Gioia del Colle is still under construction with students of a secondary school. These activities concern the Mu.S.A. (Must See Advisor) Project, a cultural heritage booster aiming at giving visibility to less known sites as potential tourism destinations by valuing knowledge from selected communities.
Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Charge Severity in Chicago Homicide Cases An Investigation of Prosecutorial Discretion

This research examines prosecutorial decision making at the initial charging stage in Chicago homicide cases during the late 1990s. The objectives of this investigation are to determine whether Afr...
A Computer-Based Simulator Simulator

Skills such as flying holding patterns are taught in planes or simulators. An alternative method is to use computer-assisted instruction (CAI) which emphasizes training requirements rather than phy...
When does human life begin? The final answer.

"It is quite clear that what was known more than 100 years ago, even intuitively before that, is that the fusion of sperm and oocyte begins the life of the new individual human being. In Human Embryology the terms understood to be integral in the common sense language are: human, being, person, individual, human being, life and human life. Unfortunately, every one of those terms has been parsed and corrupted to mean something it is not."
The Professional Nursing Role in Support of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The professional nurse is likely to encounter people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in any area of practice, as they become increasingly integrated within their communities. Whether the nurse is engaged in general practice, or specializes in health care to this population, the three primary functions of preventive health care, continual assessment and coordination of services and supports are essential to the provision of high quality care. Developmental disabilities nursing organizations around the world have identified scopes and standards of practice that serve as guides. Nursing services support people with IDD throughout their life and serve as educators, service providers and advocates.
Clemizole and modulators of serotonin signalling suppress seizures in Dravet syndrome

Dravet syndrome is a catastrophic childhood epilepsy with early-onset seizures, delayed language and motor development, sleep disturbances, anxiety-like behaviour, severe cognitive deficit and an increased risk of fatality. It is primarily caused by de novo mutations of the SCN1A gene encoding a neuronal voltage-activated sodium channel. Zebrafish with a mutation in the SCN1A homologue recapitulate spontaneous seizure activity and mimic the convulsive behavioural movements observed in Dravet syndrome. Here, we show that phenotypic screening of drug libraries in zebrafish scn1 mutants rapidly and successfully identifies new therapeutics. We demonstrate that clemizole binds to serotonin receptors and its antiepileptic activity can be mimicked by drugs acting on serotonin signalling pathways e.g. trazodone and lorcaserin. Coincident with these zebrafish findings, we treated five medically intractable Dravet syndrome patients with a clinically-approved serotonin receptor agonist (lorcaserin, Belviq®) and observed some promising results in terms of reductions in seizure frequency and/or severity. Our findings demonstrate a rapid path from preclinical discovery in zebrafish, through target identification, to potential clinical treatments for Dravet syndrome.
Safety and tolerability of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis EVC001 supplementation in healthy term breastfed infants: a phase I clinical trial

Historically, bifidobacteria were the dominant intestinal bacteria in breastfed infants. Still abundant in infants in developing nations, levels of intestinal bifidobacteria are low among infants in developed nations. Recent studies have described an intimate relationship between human milk and a specific subspecies of Bifidobacterium, B. longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis), yet supplementation of breastfed, healthy, term infants with this organism, has not been reported. The IMPRINT Study, a Phase I clinical trial, was initiated to determine the safety and tolerability of supplementing breastfed infants with B. infantis (EVC001). Eighty mother-infant dyads were enrolled in either lactation support plus B. infantis supplementation (BiLS) or lactation support alone (LS). Starting with Day 7 postnatal, BiLS infants were fed 1.8–2.8 × 1010 CFU B. infantis EVC001 daily in breast milk for 21 days. Mothers collected fecal samples, filled out health questionnaires, and kept daily logs about their infants’ feeding and gastrointestinal symptoms from birth until Day 61 postnatal. Safety and tolerability were determined from maternal reports. There were no differences in the mean gestational age at birth, weight 1 and 2 months postnatal, and breast milk intake between groups. The mean Log10 change in fecal Bifidobacterium from Day 6 to Day 28 was higher (p = 0.0002) for BiLS (6.6 ± 2.8 SD) than for LS infants (3.5 ± 3.5 SD). Daily stool number was higher (p < 0.005) for LS and lower (p < 0.05) for BiLS infants during supplementation than at Baseline. During supplementation, watery stools decreased and soft stools increased by 36% over baseline in BiLS infants (p < 0.05) with no significant changes in stool consistency for the LS infants. None of the safety and tolerability endpoints, including flatulence, bloody stool, body temperature, ratings of gastrointestinal symptoms, use of antibiotics or gas-relieving medications, infant colic, jaundice, number of illnesses, sick doctor visits, or diagnoses of eczema were different for the groups at any point. The B. infantis EVC001 supplement was safely consumed and well-tolerated. Stools were fewer and better formed in infants in the BiLS group compared with LS group. Adverse events were those expected in healthy infants and not different between groups. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02457338 . Registered May 27, 2015.
History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Relation to Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in US Women.

Background: Findings from previous studies examining the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been inconsistent and inconclusive. We aimed to examine the associations of a previous history of GDM with risk of CVD and status of cardiovascular risk factors in a nationwide population-based study in the United States. Methods: This study included 8,127 parous women aged 20 years and older in the 2007-2014 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States. The exposure was self-reported diagnostic history of GDM and the outcomes were self-reported diagnostic history of CVD and measurements of CVD risk factors, including blood pressure and blood lipids. Regression models with sample weights were used to examine the associations of GDM with CVD and CVD risk factors. Results: The prevalence of CVD was higher among women with a history of GDM than those without GDM. Among women with a history of both GDM and CVD, CVD was diagnosed on average 22.9 years after the diagnosis of GDM. After adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors, a history of GDM was associated with 63% higher odds of CVD (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02, 2.62, p-value=0.04). Further adjustment for body mass index (BMI) modestly attenuated the association (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 0.95, 2.44, p-value=0.08). A history of GDM was significantly associated with lower serum level of HDL-cholesterol (adjusted β-coefficient -3.33, 95% CI -5.17, -1.50, p-value≤0.001), but not associated with total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, or systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Similarly, the association between a history of GDM and HDL- cholesterol was attenuated after adjustment for BMI (adjusted β-coefficient -1.68, 95% CI -3.38, 0.03, p-value=0.54). Conclusions: Women with a previous history of GDM have significantly higher risk for developing CVD and lower serum level of HDL-cholesterol, compared to women without a history of GDM. The associations may be explained, at least partly, by BMI.