cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of obesity on surgeon ratings and patient-reported outcome measures after degenerative cervical spine disease surgery.

Objective Obesity is a growing public health problem. A considerable number of patients undergoing cervical spine surgery are obese, but the correlation between obesity and surgical outcome is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on patients' and surgeons' perception of spine surgery outcomes. Methods We analyzed a prospectively collected spine surgery registry with patient-reported outcome measures and surgeon ratings. Mixed-effects linear models and linear regression models were applied to investigate the relationship between different World Health Organization obesity classifications and surgical outcome. Results A total of 88 patients had surgery for degenerative cervical spine disease, with 97.72% follow-up at 3 months and 94.31% at 6 months postoperatively. Mean BMI was 27.92 ± 7.9 kg/m2; 28.57% were overweight (BMI 25–29.9), and 31.57% were obese (Class I obesity, BMI 30–34.9). We found a positive correlation between BMI and VAS at 6 months (R = 0.298, P Conclusion Obese patients had worse postoperative patient-reported outcome scores and less overall patient-rated improvement compared with nonobese patients. Patients with BMI >25 reported less improvement after surgery both in the patients' and in the surgeons' perspectives.
The active eye: A phenomenology of cinematic vision

(1990). The active eye: A phenomenology of cinematic vision. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 12, Phenomenology in Film and Television, pp. 21-36.
A recent turbidity current event, Hueneme Fan, California: reconstruction of flow properties

A recent (100 yr old) turbidite is described from Hueneme Fan, California Continental Borderland. Dense sampling over the fan surface has allowed excellent delineation of the characteristics of this deposit. It exhibits Bouna DE sequences and has a distinctly bimodal, sandy silt grain size distribution. Through the use of generalized fluid dynamics equations, it is possible to reconstruct original flow properties of the current which deposited this material. The calculated velocities ranged from 10–90 cm s-1 and excess density (above ambient seawater) from 0·001–0·005 g cm-3 in the lower midfan and upper fan channel regions, respectively. Height of the current ranged from 5–15 m, on slopes from 1·5 to 0·15°. A total of 107 m3 of sediment was deposited during 10 days. The turbidity current is conjectured to have originated from direct river input during the floods of 1884. An older event is also described, which has distinctly different properties and origins. The grain sizes of this older deposit are much coarser, and sedimentary structures suggest higher flow regimes. This turbidite is conjectured to have been deposited from a higher density, faster current thought to have been generated by slumping. The need for a better understanding of the controls on the characteristics of turbidity currents and their effect on fan morphology is emphasized.
Electric field effects on current–voltage relationships in microfluidic channels presenting multiple working electrodes in the weak-coupling limit

While electrochemical methods are well suited for lab-on-a-chip applications, reliably coupling multiple, electrode-controlled processes in a single microfluidic channel remains a considerable challenge, because the electric fields driving electrokinetic flow make it difficult to establish a precisely known potential at the working electrode(s). The challenge of coupling electrochemical detection with microchip electrophoresis is well known; however, the problem is general, arising in other multielectrode arrangements with applications in enhanced detection and chemical processing. Here, we study the effects of induced electric fields on voltammetric behavior in a microchannel containing multiple in-channel electrodes, using a Fe(CN) 6 3/4− model system. When an electric field is induced by applying a cathodic potential at one in-channel electrode, the half-wave potential (E 1/2) for the oxidation of ferrocyanide at an adjacent electrode shifts to more negative potentials. The E 1/2 value depends linearly on the electric field current at a separate in-channel electrode. The observed shift in E 1/2 is quantitatively described by a model, which accounts for the change in solution potential caused by the iR drop along the length of the microchannel. The model, which reliably captures changes in electrode location and solution conductivity, apportions the electric field potential between iR drop and electrochemical potential components, enabling the study of microchannel electric field magnitudes at low applied potentials. In the system studied, the iR component of the electric field potential increases exponentially with applied current before reaching an asymptotic value near 80 % of the total applied potential. The methods described will aid in the development and interpretation of future microchip electrochemistry methods, particularly those that benefit from the coupling of electrokinetic and electrochemical phenomena at low voltages.
Human biomarkers of rapid antidepressant effects.

Mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder—and their consequent effects on the individual and society—are among the most disabling and costly of all medical illnesses. Although a number of antidepressant treatments are available in clinical practice, many patients still undergo multiple and lengthy medication trials before experiencing relief of symptoms. Therefore a tremendous need exists to improve current treatment options and to facilitate more rapid, successful treatment in patients suffering from the deleterious neurobiological effects of ongoing depression. Toward that end, ongoing research is exploring the identification of biomarkers that might be involved in prevention, diagnosis, treatment response, severity, or prognosis of depression. Biomarkers evaluating treatment response will be the focus of this review, given the importance of providing relief to patients in a more expedient and systematic manner. A novel approach to developing such biomarkers of response would incorporate interventions with a rapid onset of action—such as sleep deprivation or intravenous drugs (e.g., ketamine or scopolamine). This alternative translational model for new treatments in psychiatry would facilitate shorter studies, improve feasibility, and increase higher compound throughput testing for these devastating disorders.
Proteins on the move: dynamic protein localization in prokaryotes

Despite their small size and lack of obvious intracellular structures, bacteria have a complex and dynamic intracellular organization. Recent work has shown that many proteins, and even regions of the chromosome, are localized to specific subcellular regions that can change over time, sometimes extraordinarily fast. Protein function can depend on cellular position, so the analysis of the intracellular location of a protein can be crucial for understanding its activity. Because regulatory proteins are among those that reside at specific cellular sites, it is now necessary to consider three-dimensional organization when describing the genetic networks that control bacterial cells.
An Atomic Model of Cellulose Network in Wood Cell Wall

Wood is composed of parallel columns of long hollow cells which are made up of layered composite of semi-crystalline cellulose fibrils embedded in an amorphous matrix of hemicellulose and lignin. The extraordinary mechanical performance of wood is believed to result from a molecular mechanism operated through hydrogen bond connection. However, the molecular interactions, the assembly method of cell-wall components, as well as the molecular mechanisms responsible for the deformation of wood, are not well understood yet. Progress in studying the superior mechanical properties of wood cell is severely hindered because of this fact. To overcome this barrier, the foremost step is to build up an atomic model of the native cellulose fibril network, which is the dominant polysaccharide in wood cell walls. Then, in this work, we proposed the atomic models to study the cellulose network which includes a single cellulose microfibril (MF), and a thin film which is built up by first secondary layers (S1) and second secondary layers (S2) composed of cellulose MF with periodic boundary conditions. Additionally, we investigated the length effect of the microfibril and compared the effect of explicit water solvent environment with the vacuum environment. Moreover, the spatial arrangements of these atomic models have been determined by molecular mechanics simulation (energy minimization). The hydrogen bond length of the crystalline part of the inner cellulose was evaluated using first principle calculation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Tenure as a Moderator of the Absence-Intent to Leave Relationship

Inconsistencies in the absenteeism-turnover relationship have prompted researchers to seek a more informed understanding of how these two forms of organizational withdrawal relate. Recent work on socialization and on job-related experiences at work suggests that the absenteeism-turnover relationship may vary as a function of tenure. The present study examined this notion and found a significant moderating effect for tenure. Low-tenured employees who were absent more frequently tended to be less inclined to leave, whereas high-tenured employees who were absent more reflected a stronger inclination to leave.
Energy analysis of lateral move irrigation machines

Abstract The energy required to operate linear-move irrigation machines fed by flexible hoses is analyzed in this paper. The total energy requirement was divided into five components: three related to distributing the water, and two related to moving the machine and dragging the hose. The energy components are represented by mathematical equations and a numerical example is presented using available data for a typical short (72 m) and long (360 m) lateral move irrigation machine. The major findings are: (a) 60–70% of the energy is required to distribute the water; (b) the energy required to move the machine and to drag the flexible hose is less than 3%; and (c) the short machine consumes 30% less energy than the long machine, mainly due to the low-pressure control system for water distribution on the soil surface.
Quantitative Assessments from the Clinical Examination: How Should Clinicians Integrate the Numerous Results?

OBJECTIVE: To describe strategies for using multiple clinical examination items to estimate disease probabilities; and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of each strategy.
Influence of Volume of Nutrient Agar Medium on Development of Colonies of Marine Bacteria

Bei der Bestimmung der Anzahl Bakterien in frisch genommenen Seewasserproben mit dem Plattengusverfahren reduziert eine Agarmenge von uber 10 ml die Anzahl sich entwickelnder Kolonien. Die erhaltenen Zahlen sind im allgemeinen am hochsten und die Ergebnisse am besten reproduzierbar, wenn genau 10 ml des Nahragars benutzt wird im Gegensatz zu unbestimmten Mengen zwischen 5 und 30 ml. Obgleich auch andere Faktoren eine Rolle spielen, wird der ungunstige Einflus von Agarmengen, die merklich groser als 10 ml sind, in erster Linie den langsameren Abkuhlungsraten wahrend des ublichen Plattengusverfahrens zugeschrieben. Wenn Nahragar von 42° C bei Raumtemperatur (22–24° C) in Pyrex-Petrischalen gegossen wurde, kuhlten 10 ml in ca. 1 min. auf 30° C ab, wahrend 5 bis 24 min. gebraucht wurden, um Agarmengen von 20 bis 50 ml von 42° C auf 30° C abzukuhlen. Viele marine Bakterien werden geschadigt, wenn sie Temperaturen ausgesetzt werden, die uber 30° C liegen, wobei das Ausmas der Schadigung von der Einwirkungszeit abhangt. Deswegen ist es uberaus wichtig, das der Agar vor dem Giesen auf 42° C gekuhlt wird. Die Abkuhlungsrate des Agarmediums in den Platten wird von der Beschaffenheit und der Temperatur der Tischoberflache, auf der die Platten stchen, beeinflust.
The Commercial Fishery for Walleyes in New York Waters of Lake Erie, 1959-1978

Abstract A limited commercial gill-net fishery for walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) in New York waters of Lake Erie was established in the 1950's. Since then year class strengths have varied considerably; four have been outstanding—those of 1959, 1962, 1964, and 1971. A rapid rate of rise in water temperature during spawning and incubation was positively correlated with the strength of these year classes. Each time a strong year class appeared, small-mesh gill-net effort was markedly increased, and an average of 46% of the fish of each year class was harvested at age I before they were sexually mature. If the small-mesh gill-net fishery had not been operating, the total annual production by the large-mesh gill-net fishery could have been increased by an average of 35%.
The counting method for ameliorating traumatic memories

The Counting Method is a technique for modulating and mastering traumatic memories in which the therapist counts out loud to 100 while the client silently remembers a traumatic event. Immediately afterward, the recollection is reported, discussed and reframed. This method is briefly described and its use within the context of ongoing therapy is explained.
Actin-bundling proteins

Recent studies have greatly expanded our understanding of actin-bundling proteins. A new group of actin-bundling proteins, the fascins, has been recognized. An actin-bundling protein inhibits actin depolymerization even under conditions in which it cannot produce a gel, which suggests that bundling proteins may affect actin filament dynamics. A villin-like protein is present in Dictyostelium, shedding doubt on current ideas on the evolution of villin. Domain mapping continues to be a major thrust of research into most groups of bundling proteins.
Effect of Bcl-XL overexpression on reactive oxygen species, intracellular calcium, and mitochondrial membrane potential following injury in astrocytes

Abstract Many studies have demonstrated the protective effects of Bcl-xL against both apoptotic and necrotic cell death, but the mode of action of Bcl-xL remains unclear. This work analyzed effects of Bcl-xL overexpression on cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in cultured mouse primary astrocytes after exposure to glucose deprivation (GD) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Upon exposure to GD or H2O2, uninfected and Lac-Z-expressing astrocytes showed an immediate, rapid increase in ROS accumulation that was slowed and or reduced by Bcl-xL. Changes in ΔΨm in response to the two insults differed. H2O2 induced a decrease in ΔΨm that was initially greater in Bcl-xL cells, but then held stable. ΔΨm in control and Lac-Z-expressing cells initially declined more slowly, but after about 20 min showed rapid deterioration. Five hours of GD caused mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization followed by a decrease in ΔΨm, which was not observed with Bcl-xL overexpression. Bcl-xL failed to inhibit the calcium dysregulation seen in control cells exposed to 400 μM H2O2, but still improved cell survival. There was no increase in [Ca2+]i with 5 h of GD. These data thus dissociate the effect of Bcl-xL on calcium homeostasis from effects on ROS, ΔΨm, and for H2O2 exposure, cell survival.
Disentangling prototypicality and social desirability: the case of the KNOWI task.

The prototype of indicators of a relationship partner who can be trusted to be responsive at times of stress is one kind of social knowledge structure. The Knowledge of Indicators (KNOWI) Task assesses individual differences in knowledge about these prototypic indicators. In constructing the KNOWI, an iterative procedure was used in an attempt to identify those indicators for which ratings of prototypicality are not influenced by social desirability. Study 1 demonstrated that the correlation between ratings of prototypicality and social desirability is indeed eliminated for the final set of indicators retained in the KNOWI. Study 2 tested the prototype matching hypothesis: Comparing an actual partner to the prototype might shape global judgments about that partner's responsiveness. Because in Study 2 only those indicators that are uncorrelated with social desirability were used, this result cannot be explained by social desirability. These results support the construct validity of the indicators used in t...
Effectiveness of the Parent Connectors Program: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Parent education and support has been identified as a potential resource to help improve outcomes for youth who have emotional disturbances (ED). The current study builds on promising results from Parent Connectors (PCs) (Kutash et al. in Adm Policy Ment Health Ment Health Serv Res 38:412–427, 2011), a peer-to-peer program aimed at increasing the engagement of families in the education and treatment of their children who have ED. A total of 128 parents of students identified as having ED and enrolled in special education programs in 23 middle schools or special centers were randomly assigned to a treatment (had a PC) or comparison group. For parents who had a PC, results indicated positive program effects including increased perceived benefit of engagement, more engagement in their child’s services, and a more positive response to social norms. Students received more mental health services, were enrolled more days in school, and were suspended fewer times and for fewer days. The moderating effects of parent strain and child emotional functioning were examined, and implications for practice are discussed.
Non-linear response of laminated composite plates under thermomechanical loading

Abstract The non-linear response of laminated composite plates under thermomechanical loading is studied using the third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) that includes classical and first-order shear deformation theories (CLPT and FSDT) as special cases. Geometric non-linearity in the von Karman sense is considered. The temperature field is assumed to be uniform in the plate. Layers of magnetostrictive material, Terfenol-D, are used to actively control the center deflection. The negative velocity feedback control is used with the constant gain value. The effects of lamination scheme, magnitude of loading, layer material properties, and boundary conditions are studied under thermomechanical loading.
Point spread function deconvolution in 3D micro-CT angiography for multiscale vascular tree separation

Micro-CT angiography of small laboratory mammal organs visualizes vascular branches on a large range of scales, ranging from root-level branches (~ 1 mm) to endarteriolar vessels (10-40 μm). Multiscale vascular tree segmentation is facilitated by the ability to set a single grayscale threshold value for vessels of all generation levels. Due to the non-ideal modulation transfer function (MTF) of the imaging system, object contrast varies significantly with scale, and the definition of a grayscale threshold for vessel segmentation becomes a problem. We found that performing a point spread function (PSF) deconvolution on the micro-CT projection images significantly reduces the thresholding problem in terms of restoring the smallest vessels' grayscale and delineation. The increased noise from performing a PSF deconvolution will not have a significant effect on the overall signal-to-noise ratio of the images. The PSF deconvolution was successful only when it accommodated the spatial variation of the PSF.
Differences in neutralization of simian lentivirus (SIVMAC) in lymphocyte and macrophage cultures.

Comparison of neutralization of SIVmac251 in primary macrophage cultures with neutralization in lymphocytes (CEM174 cells) showed that neutralizing antibodies induced by SIV251 in infected rhesus macaques protected both macrophages and T lymphocytes against infection when the virus was preincubated with the antibodies. In macrophages, the neutralizing antibodies also protected against infection when added 1 hour after the virus. Addition of antisera to macrophages between 24 and 48 hours after virus inoculation resulted in infection with continuous release of small amounts of p24 into the supernatant fluids but these antibody-treated cultures failed to exhibit cytopathic virus replication. In contrast, the same neutralizing antisera did not protect lymphocytes against infection and subsequent cytopathic replication of the virus when added only 1 hour after virus inoculation. This distinction in the effect that neutralizing antibodies had on the development of cytopathic infection in lymphocytes and macrop...
15 GHz compact structure in galactic nuclei

Les observations VLA de 10 galaxies ayant un forte activite nucleaire IR et radio sont presentees. Les cartes de l'emission du continuum a 15 GHz sont analysees. Trois groupes, le premier associe aux noyaux galactiques actifs (NGAs), le second pouvant etre produit par la formation stellaire (FS) et le dernier pouvant etre associe aux NGAs et a la FS, sont determines pour ces galaxies a partir des tailles, des flux, des temperatures de brillance et des localisations spatiales des sources a 2 cm.
On the question of fine tuning in the gauged Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model

Abstract This paper deals with the question of fine tuning the strength of the four Fermi interaction g in the gauged Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model in order to produce a dynamical mass scale Σ0 which is much smaller than the cut-off Λ. We show that in the presence of gauge interaction the fine tuning of g is softened from Σ 0 2 Λ 2 to ( Σ 0 2 Λ 2 ) a where a= 1− α α c and αc is the critical value for the gauge coupling that is needed for it to break the chiral symmetry spontaneously by itself. This result is obtained by an analysis of the ladder Schwinger-Dyson equation in the linearized approximation.
Humanising medical education through faculty development: linking self-awareness and teaching skills.

BACKGROUND We conducted a longitudinal faculty development programme for medical school faculty, focused on enhancing learner-centred teaching skills, by integrating traditional elements of education, focusing on knowledge, skills and attitudes, with the non-traditional process elements of community building, self-awareness and relationship formation. METHODS This year-long programme enrolled faculty from a range of clinical departments at a single institution. The participants gathered for day-long sessions in each of 9 months and also met at lunchtime once a month for booster meetings. Sessions were organised according to content areas identified as relevant to enhancing teaching skills. In addition to each content area, a variety of experiential and process learning methods were incorporated and modelled in each session. The impact of the programme was assessed using self-report data after each session, and together with paired interviews at the completion of the programme. EVALUATION Programme attendance was 97%. Qualitative thematic and content analysis showed that faculty reportedrenewedenergyandenthusiasmforteaching,as well as skills mastery. Faculty also reported significant improvements in self-awareness and habits of lifelong learning. Many faculty members felt that a singular benefit of the programme was developing and nurturing personal as opposed to instrumental relationships. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to successfully convene clinical faculty from different departments in the same faculty development programme with little or no concern for competition and conflict. The key to success is integrating content and process dimensions into a framework of community building and collective engagement. From the participants’ perspective, skills and confidence, which by self-report increased for all participants, was less consequential than the opportunity to learn about themselves and their relationships to others in a safe environment. We have conducted this programme for 5 successive years.
Plasma immune analytes in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objectives Inflammation is a common feature of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and measurement of plasma markers of inflammation might identify candidate markers for use in screening or presurgical evaluation of patients with adnexal masses.
Recapturing and decomposing methyl bromide in fumigation effluents

Methyl bromide (CH3Br) is an important fumigant for treating agricultural produce and structures, but emissions during fumigation may contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion and impose hazardous effects on human health. A method is described that uses activated carbon to recover CH3Br from air streams, and sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) to degrade the recovered CH3Br to relatively nontoxic Br−. Degradation of carbon-adsorbed CH3Br in Na2S2O3 solution was completed in less than 9 h at room temperature (20°C). In simulated pilot experiments, two coconut-based activated carbons trapped CH3Br up to 15% of the weight of carbon, while an excessive molar amount of Na2S2O3 in solution completely converted the CH3Br to Brovernight. The reaction products, Br− and sodium methylthiosulfate (NaCH3S2O3), are freely soluble in water, non-corrosive, non-volatile and low in toxicity. Solutions containing 1% of these products may be disposed of directly into the drain according to current environmental regulations, which allows the spent carbon to be regenerated simply by rinsing in water and drying at a moderate temperature. Carbons recycled in this manner showed similar capacities in adsorbing CH3Br as the unused carbons. The reported approach is environmentally-compatible and low in cost, and is especially suitable for on-site application.
TH-C-BRB-07: Development of a Wall-Less Fricke Dosimetry System for Megavoltage Photon and Electron Beams

Purpose: To develop a dosimetry system based on the Fricke (ferrous sulphate) dosimeter that can be used to determine absolute dose in regions of large dose gradients in megavoltage photon and electron beams.Method and Materials: Building on the techniques first used at the Swiss national standards laboratory METAS we have developed a system where Fricke solution can be irradiated in polyethylene bags rather than the usual glass vials. This approach means that there is no wall correction and the dosimeter size and shape can be tailored to each application. As a first test the Fricke system was used to determine the absorbed dose absolutely in low energy electron beams. The Fricke response was compared with the NRC primary standard water calorimeter and calibrated ionization chambers using the TG‐51 protocol. Measurements were made in 4 8 12 18 and 22 MeV beams and the delivered dose was in the range of 7 Gy to 50 Gy. Results: The accuracy and precision of the Fricke dosimetry is very dependent on solution preparation and contaminants which affect the readout. It was found that the contaminating effect of the polyethylene bag on the readout signal was small and could be accurately corrected by using unirradiated controls. The standard uncertainty in the sensitivity coefficient of the Fricke system was found to be 0.2% and the standard uncertainty in the determination of absorbed dose to water was estimated to be 0.6 %. Conclusion: The Fricke dosimeter system remains relevant to megavoltage dosimetry offering accuracy comparable with or better than other integrating systems. The dosimeter is insensitive to dose homogeneities and can be used to determine mean dose to arbitrary volumes. It therefore has applications in reference dosimetry for (TG‐51) non‐compliant beams as well as dose verification in IMRT.
Subtyping women with bulimia nervosa along dietary and negative affect dimensions: further evidence of reliability and validity.

Studies have found that individuals with bulimia nervosa can be classified into dietary and dietary-negative affect subtypes and that the latter exhibit greater eating pathology, psychiatric comorbidity, functional impairment, a more protracted clinical course, and a worse treatment response. This report describes two prospective studies which found that young women with threshold (n = 48) and subthreshold (n = 83) bulimic pathology can be classified into dietary and dietary-negative affect subtypes, that two subtyping approaches produced similar results (M κ = .94), that the subtyping distinction showed 4-week test-retest reliability (κ = .61), and that the dietary-negative affect subtype showed greater eating pathology, emotional distress, functional impairment, treatment seeking, and lower likelihood of recovery over 6-month and 3-year follow-ups than the dietary subtype. The dieting-negative affect subtyping distinction evidenced greater test-retest reliability and concurrent and predictive validity than did the purging-nonpurging subtyping distinction. The additional evidence for the reliability and validity of this subytping scheme, particularly the prognostic utility, suggests it is worth additional inquiry.
A generalized Vlasov theory for composite beams

A generalized Vlasov theory for composite beams with arbitrary geometric and material sectional properties is developed based on the variational asymptotic beam sectional analysis. Instead of invoking ad hoc kinematic assumptions, the variational-asymptotic method is used to rigorously split the geometrically-nonlinear, three-dimensional elasticity problem into a linear, two-dimensional, cross-sectional analysis and a nonlinear, one-dimensional, beam analysis. The developed theory is implemented into VABS, a general-purpose, finite-element based beam cross-sectional analysis code. Several problems are studied to compare the present theory with published results and a commercial three-dimensional finite element code. The present work focuses on the issues concerning the use of the Vlasov correction in the context of the accuracy of the resulting beam theory. The systematic comparison with three-dimensional finite element analysis results helps to quantitatively demonstrate both the advantages and limitations of the Vlasov theory.
The nonunique realization of the vacuum-correlation projection operator in Balescu's projection-operator formulation

Abstract The nonlinear realization of the vacuum correlation projection operator in Balescu's recent statistical mechanics formulation is shown nonunique. Brief discussion is given.
De novo use of sirolimus in immunosuppression regimens in kidney and kidney-pancreas transplantation at the University of California, San Francisco.

Abstract At UCSF, we have used sirolimus in several immunosuppression regimens and protocols, and this article will summarize our experience in four areas. The purpose of the first study was to assess the efficacy of a sirolimus-based, calcineurin inhibitor-free regimen for the first 3 months after transplantation. Patients were treated with a calcineurin inhibitor-free regimen that consisted of daclizumab, sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and conventional corticosteroids. Of nine patients, one (case #7) had an acute rejection episode (type IA) at 2 months after transplantation, which was fully reversed with corticosteroids. The second study was a prospective trial of calcineurin inhibitor-free regimen in patients with severe delayed graft function (DGF) (requiring dialysis). The immunosuppression regimen consisted of daclizumab, sirolimus, MMF, and corticosteroids. This immunosuppressive regimen was effective in patients with DGF; however, it was effective only in non-African American (non-AA) patients (AA had a significantly higher acute rejection rate at 1 year than non-AA, 63% vs 23%, P = .025). In some patients sirolimus was associated with a prolonged recovery from DGF. The addition of sirolimus to immunosuppressive agents provide the opportunity for safe steroid withdrawal (at day 5). We participated in a sirolimus-based, multicenter open-label trial of very early corticosteroid withdrawal. Primary renal transplant patients were enrolled in an immunosuppression regimen that consisted of basiliximab, sirolimus (target levels 8 to 15 ng/mL, 0 to 5 months, and 6 to 12 ng/mL, 6 to 12 months) and tacrolimus in a dose of 0.05 mg/kg BID (target levels 6 to 9 ng/mL). Two of 14 enrolled patients had an episode of acute rejection before steroids were withdrawn. No acute rejection episodes have occurred after steroids were withdrawn (6-month follow-up). The regimen of sirolimus and tacrolimus was well tolerated. Wound complications were not noted. Another important use of sirolimus has been its incorporation in the immunosuppressive regimens in kidney-pancreas transplantation. Our current protocol consists of thymoglobulin induction, combined with MMF, sirolimus, and low-dose tacrolimus, for maintenance therapy. Steroids are only utilized during the first 5 to 6 days following the transplant. This steroid-free maintenance regimen has been used in the last 30 enteric-drained, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants. Using this immunosuppressive approach, rejection rates are less than 10% for either the kidney or the pancreas.
Inflorescence and floral ontogeny in asteraceae: A synthesis of historical and current concepts

The interpretation that all floral events on the capitulum take place in an acropetal or centripetal sequence is widely accepted, but many contradictory examples have been found. A non-acropetal sequence has long been recognized for species with secondarily or tertiarily condensed heads, but species with uncondensed heterogamous heads also display some degree of departure from the strictly acropetal plan. Ray, or peripheral, flowers occasionally are initiated after and below/outside of the first series of actinomorphic (disk) flowers. In addition, ray flowers almost always lag behind in both size and developmental stage, only catching up much later, prior to anthesis. Flower primordia occasionally arise as common primordia together with the subtending receptacular or involucral bract. The pappus is quite plastic with regard to the timing of its initiation and to the number and type of primordia produced, although it is seldom the first organ to be initiated.
High latitude electric fields and the modulations related to interplanetary magnetic field parameters

The meaning and characteristics of basic and average convection (i.e., electric field) patterns are described. The continuous existence of the basic convection pattern argues against treating magnetic field merging mechanisms as the fundamental cause of magnetospheric convection. However, whether related to merging or to some other mechanism, interplanetary magnetic field conditions significantly modulate the distribution, magnitudes, and boundaries of the convection pattern. A previous correlation between azimuthal angles of the interplanetary magnetic field and asymmetries in polar cap electric field distributions as seen by OGO-6 is reviewed. A new approach is taken to reveal correlations with the north-south angle and magnitude of the interplanetary field as well as additional features which correlate with the azimuthal angle. Both significant correlations and conditions which show a lack of correlation are found. Several aspects of the correlations appear to be particularly important.
Electrostatic interactions to modulate the reflective assembly of nanoparticles at the oil–water interface

The driving force for the adsorption of nanoparticles (5–10 nm) at the oil–water interface can be small and is particularly sensitive to the surface chemistry of the particles. Here we show that the interfacial assembly of 5 and 10 nm diameter gold nanoparticles functionalized with stoichiometric ion-pairs is reversible and can be tuned with the solution pH. We also show that at the interface the nanoparticles form a reflective layer with a mirror-like reflectance. Using titration we demonstrate that the mechanism for particle desorption from the interface is the electrostatic repulsion between the nanoparticles, likely due to pH-dependent adsorption of hydroxide ions. By controlling electrostatic repulsion we can control both the extent of adsorption at the interface and the separation between particles within the interfacial film. As such, we demonstrate two avenues to reversibly control the optical properties of the fluid interface: (1) increase the pH of the aqueous solution to desorb particles from the interface, and (2) decrease the ionic strength in the aqueous phase to increase the spacing of the nanoparticles at the oil–water interface.
Sydenham's chorea: clinical findings and comparison of the efficacies of sodium valproate and carbamazepine regimens.

Abstract Background : Sydenham's chorea is still the most frequently seen form of acquired chorea in childhood in developing world despite the use of antibiotics. It is a debilitating illness lasting for weeks or months and requires drug therapy. Objective : To evaluate and compare the efficacies of sodium valproate and carbamazepine in the treatment of the choreiform movements in Sydenham's chorea. Design : A prospective trial carried out with 24 children with Sydenham's chorea. Patients: Twenty-four patients were divided into two groups having similar demographic and clinical properties. One group ( n =17) was given carbamazepine (15 mg/kg per day) and the other ( n =7) was given sodium valproate (20–25 mg/kg per day). As soon as the symptoms were taken under control, doses of the drugs were tapered slowly. The duration of the drug use was recorded. The time of response to therapy was compared between the groups and the patients were monitored for the adverse effects. Results : There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the time of clinical improvement and time of complete remission, duration of the therapy and the recurrence rates. Clinical improvement began by 8.0±4.0 days in sodium valproate and 7.4±8.2 days in carbamazepine group ( P =0.88). In the whole group no adverse effect was seen due to the drugs. Conclusion : Carbamazepine and valproic acid are equally effective and safe drugs in the treatment of choreiform movements in Sydenham chorea.
Wavelet hybrid direct standardization of near‐infrared multivariate calibrations

A novel standardization method called wavelet hybrid direct standardization (WHDS) is proposed. It is based on a new wavelet reconstruction algorithm in which approximation and detail spectra are reconstructed separately. Piecewise direct standardization (PDS) and direct standardization (DS) are used to correct the differences of original spectra by transforming the reconstructed approximation and detail spectra respectively. The proposed method is applied to near-infrared data and its performance is compared with current methods. Result shows that, using the wavelet multi-resolution technique and combining PDS and DS, the WHDS algorithm allows a more robust and reliable means for standardization when transfer standards are available. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Ser143 as the Site of Modification in the Active Site of Histidine Ammonia-Lyase

Abstract Histidine ammonia-lyase (histidase) from Pseudomonas putida was irreversibly inactivated by L-cysteine at pH 10.5 in the presence of oxygen. Inactivation was accompanied by the formation of a new uv-absorbing species centered around 340 nm. L-[ 35 S]cysteine labeling experiments revealed that 4 mol of L-cysteine was bound per mole of enzyme tetramer upon complete modification. However, the radiolabel was dissociated from the protein under denaturing conditions without loss of the 340-nm absorbance. Prior inactivation of histidase by cyanide, borohydride, or bisulfite precluded the formation of the 340-nm species in subsequent L-cysteine modification experiments. This suggests a common target site for modification of histidase by all of these reagents. Based on its strong absorbance at 340 nm an octapeptide was isolated from L-cysteine-inactivated histidase following trypsin and staphylococcal V8 protease digestion. Electrospray MS/MS revealed that this peptide (Gly 138 SerValGlyAlaSerGlyAsp 145 ) contained an unidentified modification of mass 184 Da located on Ser 143 . This peptide and the serine residue are conserved in all histidases and phenylalanine ammonia-lyases for which the amino acid sequence is available. Ser 143 represents the binding site for an electrophilic cofactor required for histidase activity.
Producing a carbon fiber precursor by supercritical fluid extraction

Abstract Supercritical fluid extraction is being investigated for the production of mesophase pitch, a liquid crystalline precursor for the manufacture of high-performance carbon fibers. A continuous-flow apparatus is being used to fractionate an isotropic petroleum pitch feedstock with supercritical toluene at temperatures to 400 °C and pressures to 200 bar. This pitch was separated into isotropic and liquid crystalline, or mesophase, portions in a region of liquid-liquid equilibrium. Since the phases are opaque, an electrical impedance technique was used to monitor the location of the liquid-liquid interface. A 100% mesophase pitch was produced at 340 °C and 70 bar using a solvent-to-feed ratio of 3:1. This material was spun into 10 μm-diameter fibers which were oxidized, carbonized and tested for physical properties. The final fibers exhibit tensile strengths and moduli comparable to the best pitch-based fibers currently available. With these fiber properties and the continuous nature of this process, supercritical extraction is an attractive alternative to existing pitch treatment processes.
Identification of 11β,17α-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxo-4-pregnene-21-al-1,2-3H (21-dehydrocortisol-1,2-3H) and 11β-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione-1,2-3H as contaminants in preparations of cortisol-1,2-3H

Abstract Cortisol-1,2- 3 H purchased from several sources contained two contaminants. One of these was identified as 21-dehydrocortisol-1,2- 3 H (11β,17α-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxo-4-pregnene-21-al-1,2- 3 H) by chromatographic mobility, ΔR M , enzymatic conversion to cortisol with 21-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and crystallization of derivatives to constant specific activity. The second was shown to be 11β-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione-1,2- 3 H on the basis of its chromatographic mobility and crystallization to constant specific activity.
Noisy input/output system identification using integrated polyspectrum

Two new parametric, frequency domain approaches are proposed for estimation of the parameters of linear errors-in-variables models, i.e., linear systems where measurements of both input and output of the system are noise contaminated. Existing approaches based upon second-order statistics will yield biased estimates if noise statistics are unknown. The proposed approaches exploit an integrated bispectrum and cross-bispectrum of the input-output data where the integrated bispectrum of a signal is defined as a cross-spectrum between the signal and its square. The parameter estimators are shown to be statistically consistent and numerically globally convergent. One of the approaches is linear and the other is nonlinear. Computer simulation results are presented. >
An Assessment of the 1988 Japanese Beef Market Access Agreement on Beef and Feed-grain Markets

The impact of the 1988 Beef Market Access Agreement (BMAA) on beef and feed-grain markets in the United States, Australia, and Japan is analyzed. The method used is a nonspatial, three-commodity, three-country equilibrium model. The results indicate that the BMAA will increase U.S. beef exports, but will not significantly alter U.S. feed-grain prices. The U.S. market shares will increase as higher export demand causes Australian beef prices to rise. Australian beef exports to the United States should fall as Australia builds its breeding herd.
Global existence of smooth solutions to the vlasov poisson system in three dimensions

Recently Plaffelmoser has shown that solutions of the Vlasov–Poisson system in three dimensions remain smooth for all time. This paper establish the same existence theorem by a simpler method
Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Updated Guidelines From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

In May 2013, a revised and updated version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institutes of Health/HIV Medicine Association Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents was released online. These guidelines, since their inception in 1989, have been widely accessed in the United States and abroad. These guidelines have focused on the management of HIV/AIDS-related opportunistic infections that occur in the United States. In other parts of the world, the spectrum of complications may be different and the resources available for diagnosis and management may not be identical to those in the United States. The sections that have been most extensively updated are those on immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human papillomavirus, and immunizations. The guidelines will not be published in hard copy form. This document will be revised as needed throughout each year as new data become available.
Newborn screening for adrenoleukodystrophy: Implications for therapy

X-Linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a progressive metabolic condition affecting the adrenal glands and nervous system of males. Although variable in the age of onset and presentation in families, X-ALD does present in characteristic phenotypes including a devastating childhood form that affects 35% of boys with this genetic condition. The majority of males with X-ALD will also develop adrenal insufficiency, which may result in crisis. Early detection is desirable in order to prevent morbidity from this condition. We have recently developed a tandem mass spectroscopy method that allows this to be done during newborn screening for other genetic disorder. In this review, we discuss the rationale for early detection, its effect on treatment, and some of the uncertainties.
End user impacts of automated electrochromic windows in a pilot retrofit application

Abstract Automated electrochromic (EC) windows, advanced thermally improved window frames, and a dimmable lighting system were installed in a single, west-facing conference room in Washington DC. The EC windows were commercially available, tungsten-oxide switchable devices, modulated automatically between either fully clear or fully tinted transparent states to control solar gains, daylight, and discomfort glare. Occupants were permitted to manually override the automated EC controls. The system was monitored over a 15-month period under normal occupied conditions. The last six months were used in the analysis. Manual override data were analyzed to assess the EC control system design and user satisfaction with EC operations. Energy and comfort were evaluated using both monitored data and simulations. Of the 328 meetings that occurred over the six-month period, the automatic system was manually overridden on 14 or 4% of the meetings for reasons other than demonstration purposes. When overridden, occupants appeared to have switched the individual zones with deliberation, using a combination of clear and tinted zones and the interior Venetian blinds to produce the desired interior environment. Monitored weekday lighting energy savings were 91% compared to the existing lighting system, which was less efficient, had a higher illuminance setpoint, and no controls. Annual performance was estimated using EnergyPlus, where the existing condition met the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 prescriptive requirements except for a higher window U-value. Annual energy savings were 48% while peak demand savings were 35%.