cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Challenges of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in COVID-19 Patients

By July 2021, the United States had over 34.4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases. Various cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 have been reported including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and there is concern that SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with a higher thrombus burden. We performed a retrospective chart review of 535 adult patients with COVID-19 admitted at Yale-New Haven Health Greenwich Hospital from February 1, 2020, to May 13, 2020. All admitted patients had undergone testing for serum troponin I and various inflammatory markers, and we identified three patients who were diagnosed with acute STEMI. Data was collected via manual chart review and included patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) results, echocardiography results, diagnoses during hospitalization, inpatient therapies, and outcomes including length of hospital stay, revascularization results, and mortality. Three of our patients had obstructive coronary artery disease confirmed via angiography. One subject was noted to display vasospasm in addition to coronary atherosclerotic obstruction and refractory thrombus formation. Among our patients with COVID-19 and STEMI, presentations were variable in terms of timing of onset of ECG changes, age, gender, race, comorbidities, symptomology, and outcomes.
Increased incidence of cavotricuspid isthmus atrial flutter following slow pathway ablation.

The incidence of atrial flutter following radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular tachycardias is poorly understood. Ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia may place patients at risk of flutter because ablation of the slow pathway is in close proximity to the cavotricuspid isthmus. This study aims to evaluate the risk of atrial flutter following ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia relative to ablation of other supraventricular tachycardias. A single-center retrospective analysis was completed for all supraventricular tachycardia ablations performed between July 2006 and July 2016. Patient and procedural details were collected for 544 patients who underwent atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia ablation (n = 342), atrioventricular reentry tachycardia ablation (n = 125), or atrial tachycardia ablation (n = 60). Follow-up for flutter after ablation of their incident arrhythmia was assessed. Patients who underwent atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia ablation were more likely to develop CTI-dependent flutter than patients who underwent ablation of other supraventricular tachycardias (4.97% vs. 0%; p = 0.002). Compared with patients who did not develop flutter, patients who developed flutter after atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia ablation were more likely to have undergone ablation of atypical atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (11.8% vs. 2.15%; p = 0.016). We identified an association between atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia ablation and development of CTI-dependent atrial flutter. This finding may have implications for the management and follow-up after atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia ablation.
Application of the Gas Laws in Meteorology

Many fluids, including the atmosphere, behave in general accordance with fundamental laws that express the relationships between fundamental entities such as temperature, pressure, and density. This chapter explores how the atmosphere—which is almost entirely gaseous—fulfills such gas laws. An understanding of this behavior is particularly important because it forms the basis for understanding the transfer of energy in the atmosphere, an essential component of modeling and predicting atmospheric motion and the precipitation-generating process.
Collective variable-based enhanced sampling and machine learning

Collective variable-based enhanced sampling methods have been widely used to study thermodynamic properties of complex systems. Efficiency and accuracy of these enhanced sampling methods are affected by two factors: constructing appropriate collective variables for enhanced sampling and generating accurate free energy surfaces. Recently, many machine learning techniques have been developed to improve the quality of collective variables and the accuracy of free energy surfaces. Although machine learning has achieved great successes in improving enhanced sampling methods, there are still many challenges and open questions. In this perspective, we shall review recent developments on integrating machine learning techniques and collective variable-based enhanced sampling approaches. We also discuss challenges and future research directions including generating kinetic information, exploring high-dimensional free energy surfaces, and efficiently sampling all-atom configurations.
Thermally activated magnetic noise and spectra in GMR heads

Summary form only given. Thermally activated ferromagnetic resonance in spin valve or CPP/GMR heads, referred to as mag-noise, results in significant additional noise in the read back voltage, further reducing already strained SNR at high area recording densities (N. Smith and P. Arnett, Appl. Phys. Lett., vol. 78, p. 1448, 2001). At 30 Gbits/in/sup 2/ density, i.e. a track width around W=200 nm, the mag-noise is at similar level as that of the head Johnson noise. In this paper, we present a combined micromagnetic modeling and experimental study of mag-noise magnitude and spectra for spin valve GMR heads. It is found that at W=200 nm and a nominal stripe height, the noise spectra exhibits multiple resonance frequencies, indicating a spatial non-uniformity of the magnetization precessions over the free layer. At a slightly narrower track width and a reduced stripe height, the multimode feature reduces to a virtually single mode resonance. Micromagnetic simulation shows that increasing sensor stripe height significantly yields a significant increase of mag-noise level in the low frequency region. Detailed micromagnetic modeling is presented in the paper on the multimode excitation conditions. Analysis on the head designs with multiple sense layers such as CPP/GMR head is also presented.
A comparison of two radiation therapy-treatment plans for carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract Patients receiving radiation therapy for invasive carcinoma of the cervix were put in a randomized study to evaluate two different modalities (on a stage-for-stage basis) in terms of survival data, early and late complications, and physician radiation exposure. The traditional treatment plan employed at this institution and utilization of a loaded radium applicator (Ernst) was compared in a random fashion with another treatment plan with the use of an after-loading radium system (Fletcher-Suit). Radiation exposure to the operator and assistant were measured by utilizing film badges in the operating room when the loaded system was employed and at the bedside when the after-loading was used. In this manner, it was possible to document the marked quantitative difference in physician radiation exposure with the two systems. In addition, qualitative benefits are discussed. Our institution has discontinued the use of the loaded system.
Bertha Harris's Lover : Lesbian and Postmodern

This article argues that the 1976 novel (reprinted in 1993) Lover by Bertha Harris, though receiving little critical attention in the past, can be considered an exemplary novel within discussions of both postmodern fiction and lesbian (or queer) theory. The article analyzes in particular the novel's self-consciousness as manifested by characters who cross-dress and who are artists (including the writer of the novel we are reading). The article calls for Harris to be added to the group of writers such as Wittig, Anzaldua, Lorde, and Winterson, who are discussed within the context of a postmodern lesbian narrative.
Soft Stones and Other Carvable Materials

Humans have been carving stone since the Paleolithic. Figure 6.1 shows a famous early example. Throughout the Mediterranean world, the carving of stone vessels dates from the Neolithic period and continued through the Greco-Roman era. However, the apex of carving was reached in the late Predynastic periods of Egypt and Mesopotamia and in the Early Bronze Age of Greece. Various soft stones were employed, the most popular being limestone, basalt, alabaster, serpentine, marble, slate, chlorite, selenite, steatite, and gypsum. The repertory of shapes and sizes was enormous. Professional carvers produced everything from huge amphorae to small, delicate alabaster and amulets. At times the selection of lithologies for the manufacture of a class of objects is puzzling. Heizer (1956) reports that the inhabitants of Kodiak Island, Alaska, from 500 to 1750 ACE, used local diorite and granite for lamps rather than the available softer soapstone, slate, and limestone.
Opioid Use Trajectories, Injection Drug Use, and Hepatitis C Virus Risk Among Young Adult Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union Living in New York City

Available evidence suggests that young former Soviet Union immigrants in New York City have high rates of non-medical prescription opioid and heroin use, drug injection and injection-related risk behavior, making them vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, overdose and associated harms. This group has been the focus of little research, however. This paper presents quantitative and qualitative data from 80 former Soviet immigrants (ages 18-29) to characterize their opioid use trajectories, injection risk behavior, HCV/HIV testing histories and self-reported HCV/HIV serostatus, and provides clinically meaningful data to inform tailored education, prevention and harm reduction interventions.
Impact of supergain in multi-antenna systems

Wireless systems using multiple antennas can theoretically use array supergain (Uzsoky, M. and Solymar, L., Acta Phys., vol.6, p.185-204, 1956) to exploit the propagation channel optimally. However, this effect has not been observed in traditional multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system analysis due to simplifications invoked during the problem formulation. The paper formulates MIMO system capacity when these simplifications are removed, and demonstrates how array supergain impacts the performance under this more complete representation. The framework also allows computation of the capacity when the supergain is constrained to lie below a desired level. Application of the framework to representative examples has quantified the impact of supergain on the achievable MIMO performance.
Surface modification of neural recording electrodes with conducting polymer/biomolecule blends

The interface between micromachined neural microelectrodes and neural tissue plays an important role in chronic in vivo recording. Electrochemical polymerization was used to optimize the surface of the metal electrode sites. Electrically conductive polymers (polypyrrole) combined with biomolecules having cell adhesion functionality were deposited with great precision onto microelectrode sites of neural probes. The biomolecules used were a silk-like polymer having fibronectin fragments (SLPF) and nonapeptide CDPGYIGSR. The existence of protein polymers and peptides in the coatings was confirmed by reflective microfocusing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of the coating was rough and fuzzy, providing a high density of bioactive sites for interaction with neural cells. This high interfacial area also helped to lower the impedance of the electrode site and, consequently, to improve the signal transport. Impedance spectroscopy showed a lowered magnitude and phase of impedance around the biologically relevant frequency of 1 kHz. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated the intrinsic redox reaction of the doped polypyrrole and the increased charge capacity of the coated electrodes. Rat glial cells and human neuroblastoma cells were seeded and cultured on neural probes with coated and uncoated electrodes. Glial cells appeared to attach better to polypyrrole/SLPF-coated electrodes than to uncoated gold electrodes. Neuroblastoma cells grew preferentially on and around the polypyrrole/CDPGYIGSR-coated electrode sites while the polypyrrole/CH(3)COO(-)-coated sites on the same probe did not show a preferential attraction to the cells. These results indicate that we can adjust the chemical composition, morphology, electronic transport, and bioactivity of polymer coatings on electrode surfaces on a multichannel micromachined neural probe by controlling electrochemical deposition conditions.
Surgery in children with gastroesophageal reflux and respiratory symptoms

We reviewed our seven-year experience in 63 children with an operation to control gastroesophageal reflux and respiratory symptoms. The age at operation, sex, major associated disorders, and control of vomiting in this group of children were compared with another group of 72 children without respiratory symptoms who also had an antireflux operation during the same period. Associated central nervous system, pharyngeal, or esophageal disorders were common in both groups. Vomiting was controlled in 96% of patients. Fifty-six of 61 (92%) children had at least partial relief of respiratory symptoms postoperatively. The complete relief of these symptoms was more likely in patients without major associated disorders (97% vs 59%, P =0.0009). Central nervous system disorders were present in most children with incomplete resolution of respiratory symptoms. It appears that a significant number of affected infants and children may have respiratory difficulties unrelated to the presence of GER.
Three-dimensional multiplanar transvaginal ultrasound of the cervix in pregnancy.

Objectives To develop a standard technique for using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) to study and evaluate the cervix in pregnant women at high risk for premature delivery, comparing the findings on 3D US with those on conventional two-dimensional ultrasound (2D US). Study Design Twenty-one pregnant women at high risk for premature delivery had a total of 37 transvaginal 2D and 3D US examinations of the cervix between 11 and 32 weeks' gestation. A 3D US vaginal probe (5.0–8.0 MHz, Voluson 530D, Medison, Pleasanton, CA, USA) was used. Measurements made from the 2D and 3D US were compared. Results Of the 37 cervical length measurements in 3D US sagittal plane, seven were shorter and three were longer than on 2D US (varying by 5–15 mm) indicating that the true mid-sagittal plane was not obtained in ten (27%) of the 37 2D US examinations. Of 21 examinations showing funneling, funneling was seen on both 2D and 3D US in 15, but was seen only on 3D US in six. There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference between funnel width as measured in the coronal 3D plane versus 2D US, as well as between funnel width in the coronal 3D US plane versus sagittal 3D US plane (P < 0.05). The cerclage was seen in its entirety in nine of 10 examinations; the 3D US axial plane was most valuable for imaging the cerclage. Conclusions 3D US appears to offer a more complete assessment of the cervix than 2D US. Multiplanar correlation shows that the standard 2D US sagittal view may under- or over-estimate cervical length. Our preliminary data suggest that 3D US has the potential to improve our understanding of cervical morphology. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Less Truth Than Error: Massachusetts Teacher Tests

Scores on the Massachusetts Teacher Tests of reading and writing are highly unreliable. The tests' margin of error is close to double to triple the range found on well-developed tests. A person retaking the MTT several times could have huge fluctuations in their scores even if their skill level did not change significantly. In fact, the 9 to 17 point margin of error calculated for the tests represents more than 10 percent of the grading scale (assumed to be 0 to 100). The large margin of error means there is both a high false-pass rate and a high false-failure rate. For example, a person who received a score of 72 on the writing test could have scored an 89 or a 55 simply because of the unreliability of the test. Since adults' reading and writing skills do not change a great deal over several months, this range of scores on the same test should not be possible. While this test is being touted as an accurate assessment of a person's fitness to be a teacher, one would expect the scores to accurately reflect a test-taker's verbal ability level. In addition to the large margin of error, the MTT contain questionable content that make them poor tools for measuring test-takers' reading and writing skills. The content and lack of correlation between the reading and writing scores reduces the meaningfulness, or validity, of the tests. The validity is affected not just by the content, but by a host of factors, such as the conditions under which tests were administered and how they were scored. Interviews with a small sample of test-takers confirmed published reports concerning problems with the content and administration.
A competitive protein binding method for the measurement of plasma androstenedione

Abstract A competitive protein binding (CPB) analytic method for the measurement of plasma androstenedione (Δ) has been developed. An ether extract of 5 ml plasma, containing the appropriate tritiated tracer, is initially purified by a single thin layer chromatogram (TLC), as previously described for testosterone (T). The area of the chromatogram containing Δ is successively acetylated, reduced with 17 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and rechromatographed once (TLC). CPB analysis of a batch of 12 specimens and T standards is then carried out. The method possesses high accuracy and sensitivity: 5.0 ng of Δ is recovered as 5.05 ± 0.53 ng (S.D.). The overall precision in plasma is 12.3%. The water blank is 0.08 ± 0.05 ng, and the value obtained in a castrated-adrenalectomized subject is negligible (2.2 ng/100 ml). Specificity is further indicated by failure of additional chromatography to lower the determined Δ concentration in normal subjects. The mean plasma concentrations observed in normal adults were: males 114 ± 42, females (follicular phase) 123 ± 17, females (luteal phase) 159 ± 25 ng/100 ml (S.D.). These values correspond with the ranges established by double isotope derivative dilution techniques.
Authentication controversies and impactite petrography of the New Quebec Crater

The literature reports that led to the current acceptance of New Quebec Crater (Chubb Crater) as an authentic impact crater are reviewed, and it is noted that, for reasons that are not entirely clear, a meteoritic origin for the New Quebec Crater achieved wider acceptance at an earlier data than for the Lake Bosumtwi Crater, for which petrographic and chemical evidence is more abundant and compelling. The petrography of two impact melt samples from the New Quebec Crater was investigated, and new evidence is obtained on the degrees of shock metamorphism affecting the accessory minerals such as apatite, sphene, magnetite, and zircon.
Is Rising Earnings Inequality Associated with Increased Exploitation? Evidence for U.S. Manufacturing Industries, 1971–1996

Is the trend towards rising earnings inequality associated with increased exploitation? The authors investigate exploitation among workers using data for manufacturing industries. Defined as the underpayment of earnings relative to productivity as evaluated in the market, exploitation is measured for various groups of employees. The results indicate significant levels of exploitation among women, Hispanics, African Americans, and blue-collar workers. By contrast, employees who are overpaid relative to their productivities include middle-aged workers, older workers, and managers. Additional findings suggest that the increase in inequality in recent years has been associated with heightened exploitation due to the underpayment of workers in the lowest two quintiles of the earnings distribution, while workers in the upper two quintiles have become increasingly overpaid. Rising earnings inequality in the manufacturing sector thus appears to be associated with increased exploitation when the latter is measured...
Deoxyribonucleic acid of neonatal rat cerebrum increased by operative restriction of litter size.

Abstract Unilateral ligation of one uterine horn of mature rats was performed to increase nutrient supply to the other horn. One week postoperative, the animals were mated. They gave birth to offspring half the normal number, which were at that time heavier, having higher cerebral weight, higher total cerebral protein and higher total amount of cerebral DNA (an index of number of cells) than the sham-operated controls. All increases were statistically significant. No such differences were observed when comparing newborn rats from litters naturally small in number with those from large litters. We suggest that the animals operated on had a potential for nourishing twice the number of fetuses that they actually produced so that each of the latter received more nutrient, with a concomitant increase in the cerebral DNA (brain cell number). Part of this increase may have been due to an increase in the number of neurons; such a neuron increment would persist throughout the life of the animal.
Transdisciplinary translational science and the case of preterm birth

Medical researchers have called for new forms of translational science that can solve complex medical problems. Mainstream science has made complementary calls for heterogeneous teams of collaborators who conduct transdisciplinary research so as to solve complex social problems. Is transdisciplinary translational science what the medical community needs? What challenges must the medical community overcome to successfully implement this new form of translational science? This article makes several contributions. First, it clarifies the concept of transdisciplinary research and distinguishes it from other forms of collaboration. Second, it presents an example of a complex medical problem and a concrete effort to solve it through transdisciplinary collaboration: for example, the problem of preterm birth and the March of Dimes effort to form a transdisciplinary research center that synthesizes knowledge on it. The presentation of this example grounds discussion on new medical research models and reveals potential means by which they can be judged and evaluated. Third, this article identifies the challenges to forming transdisciplines and the practices that overcome them. Departments, universities and disciplines tend to form intellectual silos and adopt reductionist approaches. Forming a more integrated (or 'constructionist'), problem-based science reflective of transdisciplinary research requires the adoption of novel practices to overcome these obstacles.
Deviation from optimal vascular caliber control at middle cerebral artery bifurcations harboring aneurysms

Cerebral aneurysms form preferentially at arterial bifurcations. The vascular optimality principle (VOP) decrees that minimal energy loss across bifurcations requires optimal caliber control between radii of parent (r0) and daughter branches (r1 and r2): r0n=r1n+r2n, with n approximating three. VOP entails constant wall shear stress (WSS), an endothelial phenotype regulator. We sought to determine if caliber control is maintained in aneurysmal intracranial bifurcations. Three-dimensional rotational angiographic volumes of 159 middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcations (62 aneurysmal) were processed using 3D gradient edge-detection filtering, enabling threshold-insensitive radius measurement. Radius ratio (RR)=r03/(r13+r23) and estimated junction exponent (n) were compared between aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal bifurcations using Student t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum analysis. The results show that non-aneurysmal bifurcations display optimal caliber control with mean RR of 1.05 and median n of 2.84. In contrast, aneurysmal bifurcations had significantly lower RR (0.76, p<.0001) and higher n (4.28, p<.0001). Unexpectedly, 37% of aneurysmal bifurcations revealed a daughter branch larger than its parent vessel, an absolute violation of optimality, not witnessed in non-aneurysmal bifurcations. The aneurysms originated more often off the smaller daughter (52%) vs. larger daughter branch (16%). Aneurysm size was not statistically correlated to RR or n. Aneurysmal males showed higher deviation from VOP. Non-aneurysmal MCA bifurcations contralateral to aneurysmal ones showed optimal caliber control. Aneurysmal bifurcations, in contrast to non-aneurysmal counterparts, disobey the VOP and may exhibit dysregulation in WSS-mediated caliber control. The mechanism of this focal divergence from optimality may underlie aneurysm pathogenesis and requires further study.
Age-related differences in excitation-contraction coupling in rat papillary muscle

To investigate the possible role of an alteration in excitation-contraction coupling during development, aging and senescence we compared simultaneously recorded mechanical and electrical activity of left ventricular papillary muscles from 3, 6, 12, and 24-month-old male rats. In addition, the effects of calcium and verapamil on excitation-contraction coupling were evaluated. We recorded transmembrane action potentials during both isometric and isotonic contractions. At an external bath calcium=2.4 mM, action potential duration at 75% complete repolarization (APD75) was significantly prolonged as a function of age (3 mo=28.2±2.7; 6 mo=29.5±2.6; 12 mo=49.5±5.6; 24 mo=121±8.5 msec) while peak developed tension (DT) was not significantly altered (3 mo=5.13±0.53; 6 mo=4.75±0.53; 12 mo=7.26±0.51; 24 mo=6.01±0.67 g/mm2). The correlation coefficient (r value) for APD75 and DT was strong for 3-month-old animals (r=0.99) but weakened as a function of age (6 mo=0.93; 12 mo=0.81; 24 mo=0.57). Similar results were observed when APD75 was correlated with time-to-peak tension (TPT) (3 mo=0.95; 6 mo=0.98; 12 mo=0.85; 24 mo=0.68), time-to-one-half relaxation (T1/2R) (3 mo=0.91; 6 mo=0.97; 12 mo=0.85; 24 mo=0.81) and time to peak shortening (TPS) (3 mo=0.89; 6 mo=0.81; 12 mo=0.82; 24 mo=0.51). Correlations between action potential duration and contractile parameters became weak in all age groups upon the addition of verapamil (V). The correlation between APD75 and DT for 3-month-old animals decreased by 34% upon the addition of V while a 70% decrease was seen in 24-month-old animals. Similar results were seen when APD75 was correlated with TPT, T1/2R and TPS when V was added to the perfusate. Our results indicate that excitation-contraction coupling, as evidence by alterations in not only the contractile apparatus but also in the surface membrane, may be altered in ventricular muscle as in function of age.
Multiple Scattering by a Random Stack of Dielectric Slabs

We have seen that the absolute values of successive terms in the Neumann series (14) and (15) for the mean square transmission coefficient and the mean square reflection coefficient may fall off rapidly with increasing n, even if the convergence parameter AN is close to unity. Indeed, an examination of the formula (30) for the Gaussian estimates of the binomial moments shows that the smallness of A√N (rather than of AN) is enough to ensure that the terms of the series (14) and (15) fall off rapidly in absolute value, at least until the order of the terms is comparable with the number of slabs N. In particular, if kd < π, then for sufficiently small A√N, the formulas $$\left\langle {\left| R \right|^2 } \right\rangle \sim R_2 , \left\langle {\left| T \right|^2 } \right\rangle \sim 1 + T_{2,}$$ corresponding to the neglect of terms of order higher than two in the Neumann series (14) and (15), will be good approximations, even if AN is close to unity. (Note that AN ∼1 and A√N≪ 1 imply that N ≪1.) One] might adduce this example in support of the general belief that in the problem of radio scattering beyond the horizon, the large number of « scattering blobs » within the common volume of the antenna beams helps to justify the conventional use of the single scattering approximation for the scattered field.
Time-frequency division network for high-bandwidth fiber optic communications

In this paper we will begin by presenting basic background material concerning the propagation of pulses through optical fibers, and current transmission schemes for optical fiber communication networks. We will then propose a time-frequency network design for high bandwidth fiber optic communications. We will discuss the crucial links in the system, which are: (1) an optical temporal Fourier transform which enables the optical computation of signal correlations, (2) the design of the input waveforms in order to avoid the harmful effects of Brillouin scattering and phase noise, and (3) the use of time frequency bases to lower the requirements on electronic modulators and detectors in high bandwidth communications.
Phosphatidylinositol Phospholipase C Is Activated Allosterically by the Aminoglycoside G418 2-DEOXY-2-FLUORO-SCYLLO-INOSITOL-1-O-DODECYLPHOSPHONATE AND ITS ANALOGS INHIBIT GLYCOSYLPHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL PHOSPHOLIPASE C

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus cereus is inhibited by myo-inositol-1-O-dodecylphosphonate (Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate) (Morris, J. C., Ping-Sheng, L., Shen, T. Y., and Mensa-Wilmot, K. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 2517-2524). A set of novel fluorinated 2-deoxy-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonates were tested against PI-PLC, with potent competitive inhibition by 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-scyllo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate (VP-616L) (Xi(50) = 0.09). 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate and 2-deoxy-2,2-difluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate were 8.3-fold and 4.8-fold less effective, respectively, than VP-616L. Methyl 2-deoxy-2,2-difluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate was inactive. Also, a hundredfold less PI-PLC is required to cleave a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) than is needed to cleave PI. Implied in these observations are the following: (i) in powerful inhibitors an active site residue probably interacts with the equatorially oriented fluoro substituent; (ii) substrate recognition requires a negative charge on the phosphoryl at the Ins-1 position, and (iii) a GPI is better substrate than PI, for PI-PLC. Aminoglycoside antibiotics kanamycin A, gentamycin, and G418 stimulated PI-PLC cleavage of the GPI anchor of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) from Trypanosoma brucei 2- to 4-fold. G418, which appears to act on the enzyme·;substrate complex, increased kcat and Km 6.4-fold and 9.9-fold, respectively. PI-PLC was activated by G418 even in the presence of the inhibitor VP-616L. In control experiments, the lectin concanavalin A (ConA), which probably acts by substrate sequestration, inhibited both PI-PLC (Xi(50) = 0.00025) and GPI-specific phospholipase D (Xi(50) = 0.00018). G418 failed to activate PI-PLC when ConA was present. These observations indicate that G418 is an allosteric activator of Bacillus cereus PI-PLC. Since G418 stimulates a purified enzyme that is not involved in aminoglycoside metabolism, we propose that binding of aminoglycosides to cellular proteins could contribute to the development of the nephrotoxicity associated with the use of these aminoglycoside antibiotics.
The Safety and Efficacy of Desloratadine for the Management of Allergic Disease

Allergic disease is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergic rhinitis, an inflammatory response to an allergen, affects an estimated 20–40 million people in the US, while chronic idiopathic urticaria is a dermatoallergic condition that affects 0.1–3% of people in the US and Europe. The primary goals of treatment for allergic rhinitis are to reduce symptoms, which include sneezing, rhinorrhoea and nasal congestion, improve quality of life and prevent the sequelae associated with this disease, while the goal for chronic idiopathic urticaria is the rapid and prolonged control of symptoms. Quantitatively, histamine is the most abundant mediator present during an allergic episode — thus, antihistamines (historically called histamine H1 receptor antagonists, now called H1 receptor inverse agonists) are a first-line defense against allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Although first-generation antihistamines can cause sedation and cognitive impairment, second-generation antihistamines are relatively nonsedating and free of such adverse events owing to their comparative inability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Desloratadine is one such second-generation antihistamine and is indicated for the treatment of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. It has proven efficacy against the symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, and chronic idiopathic urticaria. As a result, it has been shown to improve patients’ quality of life. The safety and efficacy profiles of desloratadine are well established, and published postmarketing analyses have assessed >54 000 patients. Although earlier second-generation antihistamines have been associated with cardiovascular adverse effects, desloratadine has been shown to be safe and well tolerated at nine times the recommended dose. In addition, it has been shown to not interact with concomitantly administered drugs and food. Overall, current data indicate that desloratadine is a safe and effective treatment for allergic diseases.
Terrorism from a Public Health Perspective

The use of biological and chemical weapons as agents of warfare and terrorism has occurred sporadically, but recent events demonstrate the increasing risk and possibility that terrorist groups with grievances against the government or groups may employ them. Historically, most evaluations of the potential risk for biological weaponry have focused on the military, but the recent release of anthrax in the United States demonstrates that civilian populations are also at risk. More likely than not, most bioterrorism events will be of a small scale; however, agents such as Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis could leave hundreds of thousands dead or incapacitated. The impact of the attack will depend on a number of variables, including the agent used, method of dispersal, and the responsiveness of the public health system. With any large-scale event, the public health infrastructure will be called upon to deal with mass casualties and the "worried well."
CpG-ODN-induced nitric oxide production is mediated through clathrin-dependent endocytosis, endosomal maturation, and activation of PKC, MEK1/2 and p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways in avian macrophage cells (HD11)

We have characterized the nitric oxide (NO) induction by CpG oligodeoxydinucleotide (CpG-ODN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in an avian macrophage cell line (HD11) and evaluated signal transduction pathways by using selective inhibitors. Our results indicate that while CpG-ODN and LPS both stimulate inducible NO synthase (iNOS) to produce NO through common signalling pathways involving activation of protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK and MEK1/2) and transcription factor NF-kappaB; CpG-ODN inducing NO production distinctively requires a clathrin-dependent endocytosis and subsequent endosomal maturation. Inhibitors of clathrin-dependent endocytosis such as monodansylcadaverine and hyperosmolar sucrose completely abolished CpG-ODN stimulated NO production by HD11 cells, but have no or less effect on LPS-induced NO production. The endosomal maturation is also critical for stimulation of NO induction by CpG-ODN, but not by LPS. Our findings are the first to demonstrate cellular signalling pathways that mediate CpG-ODN immunostimulatory activity in cells from non-mammalian species.
Families' Experiences of Long-Term Care Placement: Adaptation and Intervention

The objective of this review is to critically synthesise and evaluate prior research on families and the transition to residential long-term care (e.g., nursing homes). Descriptive studies that explain family adaptation to placement were identified and reviewed; in addition, intervention strategies designed to improve family involvement and resident outcomes following nursing home placement were critically appraised. Future efforts that provide more direct empirical links between family involvement and resident outcomes and offer rigorous evaluation of interventions will advance the literature. In this manner, more refined clinical strategies will be developed that assist families and their loved ones to adapt to the long-term care experience.
Flexible Railway Freight Rates

(1935). Flexible Railway Freight Rates. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 30, No. 191A, pp. 537-548.
Sequencing: the next generation. Moving beyond population‐based recessive disease carrier screening

Carrier testing for severe childhood recessive diseases by next-generation sequencing Bell et al. (2011) Science Translational Medicine 3:65ra4
Electronic structure and carrier transport at laminated polymer homojunctions

Abstract Soft contact lamination, whereby films prepared separately from solution are brought into contact to form a single device, was used here to form homojunctions comprising two identical layers of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) or two layers of poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(1,4-benzo-{2,1′-3}-thiadiazole)] (F8BT). Using ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), and current–voltage (I–V) measurements, the electronic structure of, and carrier transport across, these homojunctions were investigated. UPS and KPFM show that lamination does not introduce any significant offset in the molecular levels across the interface. The I–V characteristics confirm this result by showing that transport across the film is largely unaffected by the presence of the laminated interface. This important result means that lamination could become a versatile tool for constructing multi-layer polymer devices.
Serrated Flow and Surface Markings in Aluminum Alloys

Serrated flow and associated progressive surface markings severely restrict the application of some aluminum sheet alloys for automotive body exteriors. This paper attempts to approach the phenomenon from the localization theory of continuum mechanics as well as from the classical atomistic and dislocation considerations. Plane strain tension tests were conducted for a commercial Al-Mg alloy (5182-O) at different strain rates and temperatures, and the local temperature changes were measured by an infrared thermal imaging system. Continuum mechanics analysis provided the insight into the myth that band surface markings never appear under biaxial tension strain states. In addition, continuum mechanics analysis shed light on the observation that PLC bands were not seen on the surface of plane strain tension specimens even though the stress-strain curves exhibited serrations. Finally, it is emphasized that only by combining the efforts of continuum mechanics at the macroscale and materials science at the microscale, can a complete understanding of the phenomenon be reached.
Risk factors for abnormal binocular vision after successful alignment of accommodative esotropia.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify clinical factors associated with abnormal binocular vision outcomes among children with accommodative esotropia (ET) whose eyes were successfully realigned with spectacles only or with spectacles and surgery. Methods The participants were 69 children with accommodative ET who were followed up prospectively from the time of diagnosis. Clinical factors examined in this study included high accommodative convergence–to–accommodation (AC/A) relationship, high hyperopia, anisometropia, age of onset, and duration of eye misalignment. Binocular vision was assessed using measures of stereopsis, fusional vergence, sensory foveal fusion, and motion visual-evoked potential (mVEP). Results Children with a high AC/A relationship are 2.2 times more likely to have an absence of fusional vergence than are children with a normal AC/A relationship. Children having a duration of constant eye misalignment ≥ 4 months before being successfully treated are 4.6 times more likely to have abnormal stereopsis, 33 times more likely to have no stereopsis, 37 times more likely to have an absence of fusional vergence, 31 times more likely to have an absence of sensory foveal fusion, and 17 times more likely to have an asymmetric mVEP response than children with a duration of constant ET diagnosed at 0 to 3 months. Conclusions Following successful eye alignment, as many as 75% of patients with accommodative ET had anomalous binocular vision. A high AC/A relationship poses a significant risk for abnormal fusional vergence only. A constant eye misalignment lasting ≥ 4 months poses a significant risk for anomalous binocular vision on all measures studied.
Household Migration: Theoretical and Empirical Result

A consumption theory of migration is developed which supplements the traditional job search models. Migration, seen as an equilibrating reaction to an initially non-optimal location, is analyzed using standard demand theory. When one groups goods into those that are traded between areas and those that are not (weather, racial discrimination, crime rates, etc.) it is clear that only changing demands for the non-traded goods will result in changing optimal locations (assuming supplies are fixed). Illustrating an increase in family income might lead to an increased demand for non-traded good ‘personal safety.’ This might result, for example, in the substitution (through migration) of a lower crime suburban neighborhood for a higher crime central city neighborhood. An empirically testable implication of the model is that the probability of migration should be positively related to changes in the absolute value of those exogenous variables which lead to altered demands for non-traded goods. This and other hypotheses were examined using cross-sectional data in a nonlinear maximum likelihood (prohibit) regression analysis. The results strongly support the model and its implications.
Conformationally-restricted cyclic sulfones as potent and selective mTOR kinase inhibitors

Novel conformationally-restricted mTOR kinase inhibitors with cyclic sulfone scaffold were designed. Synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies are described with emphasis on optimization of the mTOR potency and selectivity against class I PI3Kα kinase. PF-05139962 was identified with excellent mTOR biochemical inhibition, cellular potency, kinase selectivity and in vitro ADME properties.
Slipped DNA structures within the enhancer region of the Moloney murine leukemia virus.

We have examined the Sl nuclease sensitivity of supercoiled plasmids harboring the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MoMuLV) long terminal repeat (LTR). S1 sensitivity was found within the LTR enhancer direct repeats. Transformation of E. coli DH5 cells with a construct containing most of the MoMuLV LTR yielded the precise deletion of one direct repeat and loss of S1 sensitivity. The dependence of S1 sensitivity on the presence of both direct repeats, together with the exact excision of one direct repeat by E. coli , suggests the presence of slipped DNA within the enhancer. Such structures may represent targets for effector proteins which mediate vital functions during viral propagation.
THE INTERNAL FINANCING OF CORPORATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1946–54*

s of Doctoral Dissertations 91 analysis supports the view that previous dividend payments and current income are the two factors most influential in determining the level of retained earnings and of the retained-earnings ratio. Evidence is inconclusive, however, concerning the effect of expansion programs upon decisions to distribute or retain income. The results of this analysis have a bearing upon several significant questions. One of these concerns the adequacy of outlets for the investment of personal savings. Inasmuch as the analysis points to the conclusion that, during periods of prosperity, United States corporations absorb only a relatively small part of personal savings, it is clear that such savings must find investment outlets elsewhere, for example, in the field of residential housing construction, if high levels of income and employment are to be maintained. Other relevant questions touched upon by the study are those pertaining to the alleged dearth of equity capital, the role of market forces in allocating capital resources, and the efficacy of interest-rate policy in influencing the level of investment. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.246 on Tue, 27 Sep 2016 05:43:31 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
The impact of fossil generation advances on the emissions of CO2 in the United States

Abstract Today, 72% of electric power in the United States is generated from fossil fuels. Additional capacity being brought online to satisfy increasing demand will be almost entirely fossil-based in the next 10–15 years, despite technological advances in renewables and nuclear generation. The U.S. National Energy Strategy of 1991 called for reductions in global warming potential, as measured in billions of tons of CO 2 equivalent, of 10% by the year 2010, and 20% by the year 2030. Achievement of such goals will require emphasis on both transportation and energy industries. The U.S. electric power industry has undertaken a voluntary program to return CO 2 emissions to 1990 levels. New generation in the U.S. will emphasize high efficiency options, based for the next 10–20 years largely on combined Rankine and Brayton cycles. Such combined cycles, whether fired by coal or gas, result in significantly higher efficiency. However, the complete solution to the control of CO 2 emissions in the U.S. will largely depend on improvements in the installed capacity base which will retain the predominant share of electric generation. Reduction of CO 2 emissions, as a consequence of burning less fossil fuel per kW generated, is a near-term option for both developed and developing nations. This paper reviews opportunities for efficiency improvement in existing fossil-fuel plants and the likely deployment of new generation options designed to improve plant efficiency and reduce emissions. It is concluded that the most likely future scenario points to CO 2 emissions from generating plants being 34% higher than 1990 by the year 2010.
System to Identify Turning Movements at Signalized Intersections

A system to identify all left turns, through movements, and right turns at a signalized intersection is described. The complete system requires detection of vehicle departures from the intersection, right turn detection, and information on present phasing from the signal controller. The system is demonstrated with videotape data for one departure leg of a signalized intersection. Actual vehicle movements are compared to both a manual application of the algorithm and an application using a wide area detection system (WADS). The manual application indicated that the algorithm should correctly reflect vehicle movements. The WADS application also supported the feasibility of the system. The information from such a system could be used to improve the information components of real-time traffic adaptive signal control systems, dynamic traffic assignment, and estimates of origin-destination matrices.
Viable spore count as an index of effective dose of Bacillus thuringiensis

Leaf samples from Cercis occidentalis trees, collected 5–75 hr after application of varying concentrations of a Bacillus thuringiensis formulation, Dipel, were used as dose sources for third instar Schizura concinna larvae. Dose, defined as logarithmically transformed, estimated viable spore counts, and duration of time the formulation was on the leaf prior to sampling were considered in combination as predictors of insect mortality. By use of the multiple logistic model both factors were found to be significant predictors of insect mortality (P < 0.0001). Available methods for assessing goodness of fit indicate that the multiple logistic model adequately fits these data.