cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cigarette Smoking and Tuberculin Skin Test Conversion Among Incarcerated Adults

Introduction The purpose of this case-control study was to determine whether smoking plays a role in tuberculin skin test conversion among the inmate population of South Carolina. Results The major findings of this study indicate that smokers were more likely to have become tuberculin skin test converters during incarceration than nonsmokers (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78, 95% confidence intervals [CI = 0.98, 3.21). Inmates who smoked 1 to 20 cigarettes per day prior to incarceration (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.76, 2.31), and those who smoked >20 cigarettes per day prior to incarceration (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 0.83. 3.71) were more likely to have become converters during incarceration than nonsmokers, suggesting a dose-response effect. Converters were found to have reduced their number of cigarettes smoked per day since incarceration. Those inmates smoking 1 to 10 cigarettes per day (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 0.96. 3.69), and those who smoked >10 cigarettes per day since incarceration (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 0.92. 3.78) were more likely to have become converters than nonsmokers. Interestingly, inmates who smoked for 15 years or less were more likely to have become tuberculin skin test converters than nonsmokers (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 0.81, 3.16), while those smoking for more than 15 years were more likely to have become converters than nonsmokers while incarcerated (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.03, 4.36). Conclusions This suggests that the cumulative effects related to the duration of smoking may be more important than the number of cigarettes smoked with regard to tuberculin skin test conversion. This is consistent with the understanding that long-term exposure to cigarette smoking has an adverse effect on the lung's defense mechanisms, namely mucociliary clearance of potential pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Preoperative radiation therapy combined with radical surgical resection is associated with a lower rate of local recurrence when treating unifocal, primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma

Background and Objectives Local recurrence (LR) is the primary cause of death in patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RP-LPS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the addition of preoperative radiation therapy (XRT) to radical resection for RP-LPS at a single institution was associated with improved LR. Methods This retrospective analysis included patients with unifocal, primary RP-LPS who underwent complete R0/R1 resection at a single institution between 1991 and 2013. Multiple patient, tumor, and surgeon characteristics were tested to evaluate their association to LR (recurrence in the retroperitoneal space). We used competing risk hazards regression to evaluate the effect of preoperative XRT on the probability of LR. Results There were 41 patients with liposarcoma histology whose tumors included entirely well-differentiated (N = 13), de-differentiated components (n = 26), myxoid (n = 1), and NOS (n = 1). Preoperative XRT was significantly associated with a lower probability of LR (HR 0.11, 95%CI 0.01–0.91, P = 0.04) and a higher 5-year local recurrence-free survival (95.6%, 95%CI 72.4–99.4%, vs. 75.0%, 95%CI 40.8–91.2%; P = 0.0213), but not with 5-year distant recurrence-free survival or disease-specific survival. Conclusions Preoperative XRT combined with complete R0/R1 resection for unifocal, primary RP-LPS was associated with improved LR and it should be considered in the multimodality treatment of RP-LPS. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:814–820. © 2016 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Inquiry of Labor

In what Allan Bloom calls a “permanent book” (Plato’s Republic), Socrates rationalizes social division in some very provocative ways by using hierarchies that have the appeal of universality. Gods mixed gold in the souls of rulers so that gold is somewhat literally the substance of their command. Farmers and other laborers, we are told, are subject to an admixture of bronze and iron and live that reality according to appropriate subjection.
Efficient Heritable Gene Expression Readily Evolves in RNA Pools.

Heritable gene expression arises readily in a simple non-genetic system employing known small-RNA biochemistry. Pooled cross-templating ribonucleotides show varied chemical competence on which selection acts, even calculating only minimal effects. Evolution can be quick—computed progress toward encoded gene expression can require only days or weeks for two millimolar, partly activated complementary 5′ ribonucleotides. After only one product selection cycle, early templating can become prevailing pool behavior. Subsequently, a selected templated product is efficiently amplified as a pool ages, frequently accumulated in the same order of concentration as incoming nucleotides. Pools spontaneously favor templating because sporadic nucleotide accumulations increase it—and selection increases templating in pools of all ages. Nonetheless, templated chemical competence appears most easily in young pools. Pool history is critical—pools can perish from periodic hazards (like tides), or alternatively, from hazards roughly constant in time (like rainfall). Selection is greatly enhanced in constant hazard pools—more effective if pools have varied ages. Stronger selection is disproportionately more effective. Selected evolutionary change has an uncomplicated molecular basis—progress from chemical product synthesis to templated, proto-genetic inheritance exploits identity between templating and entropic catalysis. Though discovered by computation, selection of an elevated product of template catalysis is plausible, independent of any chemical or mathematical assumption. Selected chemical variation before genetics (chance utility) therefore inaugurates inheritance, even when hindered by unstable, dilute nucleotides, erratically supplied in undependable quantities. Remarkably, such uncontrolled conditions are not necessarily hostile, but can instead accelerate appearance of primordial gene-like behavior.
An assessment of reduced crew and single pilot operations in commercial transport aircraft operations

Future reduced crew operations or even single pilot operations for commercial airline and on-demand mobility applications are an active area of research. These changes would reduce the human element and thus, threaten the precept that “a well-trained and well-qualified pilot is the critical center point of aircraft systems safety and an integral safety component of the entire commercial aviation system.” NASA recently completed a pilot-in-the-loop high fidelity motion simulation study in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) attempting to quantify the pilot's contribution to flight safety during normal flight and in response to aircraft system failures. Crew complement was used as the experiment independent variable in a between-subjects design. These data show significant increases in workload for single pilot operations, compared to two-crew, with subjective assessments of safety and performance being significantly degraded as well. Nonetheless, in all cases, the pilots were able to overcome the failure mode effects in all crew configurations. These data reflect current-day flight deck equipage and help identify the technologies that may improve two-crew operations and/or possibly enable future reduced crew and/or single pilot operations.
Is there a requirement for adjuvant therapy for choroid plexus carcinoma that has been completely resected

Choroid plexus carcinomas (CPC) are rare central nervous system malignancies. While attempted surgical resection is imperative, the benefit of adjuvant therapy, particularly in the setting of a gross total resection (GTR), is unclear. We reviewed all pediatric cases of CPC reported in the literature between 1985 and 2000. Seventy-five cases of CPC were identified. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 26 months. Thirty-seven patients had a GTR and 38 patients had a subtotal resection (STR). Thirty-eight cases (51%) were alive and 37 cases (49%) were deceased at time of publication. For cases with a GTR, survival was 84% compared to an 18% survival for patients with a STR. For patients with a GTR, all forms of adjuvant therapy were statistically equivalent. Our retrospective literature review confirms the importance of GTR in the therapy of CPC, with GTR alone being the single most important predictor of survival. The prognosis is poor for any patient with a STR, with the exception of those patients for whom adjuvant therapy allowed for an eventual GTR. The small number of patients receiving a GTR and no further therapy precluded a statistical comparison of no therapy in the setting of a GTR versus any form of adjuvant therapy. However, all four of these patients are alive, raising the possibility that adjuvant therapy in the setting of a GTR may not be required.
Na+/H+ exchange in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus 6311.

The cyanobacterium Synechococcus 6311 adapts to grow in 0.6 M NaCl by developing an efficient system for sodium extrusion. In the present investigation cells loaded with NaCl were subjected to a large dilution. Changes in fluorescence quenching of acridine orange as a function of transmembrane Na+ gradients provide evidence that Na+H+ exchange activity greatly enhanced in salt-adapted cells.
Verifying Rust Programs with SMACK

Rust is an emerging systems programming language with guaranteed memory safety and modern language features that has been extensively adopted to build safety-critical software. However, there is currently a lack of automated software verifiers for Rust. In this work, we present our experience extending the SMACK verifier to enable its usage on Rust programs. We evaluate SMACK on a set of Rust programs to demonstrate a wide spectrum of language features it supports.
Effect of Supplemental Hysteretic and Viscous Damping on Rocking Response of Free-Standing Columns

AbstractThis paper investigated the nonlinear, rocking seismic response of slender, free-standing columns when equipped along their sides (or at their pivoting points) with vertical energy dissipat...
Total hip arthroplasty in the setting of tuberculosis infection of the hip: a systematic analysis of the current evidence

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a viable option to restore mobility and relieve pain in patients with severe post-tuberculous arthritis, but has been controversial due to concerns of ...
Clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with increased animal triage trauma score in cats with bite wound injuries: 43 cases (1998–2009)

OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical and clinicopathologic changes in cats presenting with trauma from bite wounds, identify common abnormalities associated with bite wounds, and to determine whether the calculated animal trauma triage (ATT) score is related to any clinicopathologic abnormalities. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Forty‐three client‐owned cats that presented for bite wounds to a large, urban, veterinary hospital between 1998 and 2009. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pertinent history, physical examination findings, results of biochemical testing, and outcome were extracted from medical records. Animal triage trauma score was calculated based on the physical examination at presentation in cats with adequate available information. Patients were classified as having either a low (<5) ATT (n = 20) or a high (≥5) ATT (n = 23) score. Male cats were overrepresented (65.1%), and a majority of cats had outdoor access (53.4%). Low venous blood pH (P = 0.047), high plasma lactate concentration (P = 0.018), and low ionized calcium concentration (P = 0.004) were associated with higher ATT scores. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between low venous blood pH, high plasma lactate concentration, and low ionized calcium concentration and higher ATT scores at presentation in cats suffering from bite wounds. Early recognition of these abnormalities may help to identify more severely injured patients.
A DRAMATIC RESPONSE TO DENOSUMAB: PROTRACTED HYPOCALCEMIA RELATED TO HUMAN T-CELL LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUS TYPE 1-ASSOCIATED ADULT T-CELL LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA.

Introduction: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is known for its aggressive behavior, frequently presenting with hypercalcemia. ATL tumor cells uniquely secrete PTH-rP, viral peptides and inflammatory cytokines, inducing a state of high bone turnover and activation of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway resulting in hypercalcemia. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old woman diagnosed with ATL presented with severe hypercalcemia refractory to bisphosphonate therapy. Treatment with denosumab was followed by protracted hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia lasting approximately 5 months. Conclusion: Hypercalcemia due to acute ATL was responsive in this case to denosumab therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of protracted hypocalcemia in patients with ATL exposed to denosumab therapy.
Commonly Used Drugs and Medication Guidelines

A wide range of topical and systemic medications are used in the management of dermatological disorders. Within the United States, these therapies are not always FDA approved for dermatological conditions and are therefore considered “off-label” indications. This chapter provides prescribing guidelines and considerations for the appropriate and safe use of common medications in the management of cutaneous diseases. Meaningful, relevant and timely information for health-care professionals and treatment providers on the context for medication use and strategies to monitor and screen patients on oral medications is provided.
Rotavirus Vaccination and Type 1 Diabetes Risk Among US Children With Commercial Insurance

This cohort study uses commercial insurance data to examine the association between rotavirus vaccination and type 1 diabetes incidence.
How curricular changes influence medical students' perceptions of basic science: A pilot study.

Theory The perceived value of study material may have implications on learning and long-term retention. This study compares the perceived value of basic science of medical students from schools with a traditional "2+2" curriculum and the USMLE Step 1 placed before core clerkships to those from medical schools that have undergone curricular revisions, resulting in shortened pre-clerkship curricula and administration of the USMLE Step 1 after core clerkships. Hypothesis We hypothesize that differences in curricula, particularly duration of pre-clerkship curriculum and timing of the USMLE Step 1, affect medical students' perceived value of basic science. Methods A twenty item anonymous questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was developed to assess medical students' perceptions of basic science. The questionnaire was distributed to third-year medical students across four medical schools. Generalized linear models and p-values were calculated comparing the perceived value and use of basic science between medical schools with the USMLE Step 1 before clerkships and 2-years of basic science (BC) and medical schools with the USMLE Step 1 after core clerkships and 1.5-years of basic science (AC). Results The questionnaire was distributed to 695 eligible students and completed by 287 students. Students at BC schools tended to view basic science as more essential for clinical practice than students at AC schools across both outcomes (rating independence of basic science and clinical practice, AC school mean = 2.97, BC school mean = 2.73, p = 0.0017; rating importance of basic science to clinical practice, AC school mean = 3.30, BC schools mean = 3.50, p = 0.0135). Conclusions Our study suggests that students who have a longer basic science curriculum tend to value basic science greater than students with a shorter basic science curriculum. The timing of the USMLE Step 1 may also influence this relationship. Curricular decisions, such as reductions in pre-clerkship curricula and administration of the USMLE Step 1 after clerkships, may impact medical students' perceptions of the value of basic science to clinical practice. This can have implications on their future engagement with basic science and should be considered when modifying curriculum.
Nanomaterials arising amid antibiotic resistance

The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance is recognized as a major public health threat. Nanomaterials have risen to tackle this problem through either improving the potency of existing antibiotics or generating entirely new antibacterial mechanisms.
Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Severson 7-Item Smokeless Tobacco Dependence Scale (SSTDS).

Introduction The objective of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Severson 7-item Smokeless Tobacco Dependence Scale (SSTDS). Methods Data from 95 male exclusive smokeless tobacco (ST) users were obtained through a self-administered mail survey to evaluate the reliability and validity of the SSTDS. Reliability of the scale was assessed by measures of internal consistency including Cronbach's coefficient alpha and item-total correlation. Other ST dependence scales and salivary cotinine concentration were used to evaluate concurrent validity. Structure model of the scale was ascertained by exploratory factor analysis. Overall accuracy and optimal cutoff score were obtained to evaluate SSTDS as a screening tool for ST dependence. Results The SSTDS had high reliability as assessed by the internal consistency coefficient (ordinal α = 0.83). SSTDS total score was significantly correlated with Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence for ST users-FTND-ST (r = 0.42) and modified Tobacco Dependence Screener-TDS (r = 0.58). Exploratory factor analysis of the SSTDS identified two underlying factors measuring distinct dimensions of dependence. With reference to TDS based dependence diagnosis, SSTDS demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve: 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.74-0.90). Salivary cotinine concentration was not associated with the total score of the SSTDS; however, at an optimal cutoff score of SSTDS >9, everyday ST users classified as dependent had significantly higher cotinine concentration. Conclusions SSTDS is a reliable measure of dependence that has higher concurrent validity and reliability as compared with other commonly used ST dependence scales. Further research is needed using a larger and more diverse sample of ST users to unequivocally establish the validity of the scale. Implications ST dependence has multiple aspects that can be best studied by multidimensional dependence scales. The study findings validate that the SSTDS measures not only the physical dependence but also the behavioral and psychological dimensions of dependence. Good psychometric properties, diagnostic accuracy, and multidimensional structure of SSTDS indicate that it may serve as an effective tool in assessing ST dependence in clinical and research settings.
Commentary on 'Generalizing About Univariate Forecasting Methods: Further Empirical Evidence'

Fildes, Hibon, Makridakis and Meade (1998), which will be referred to as FHMM, extends two important published papers. The idea of taking findings from each study and testing them against the data used in the other study is a good one. Such replications and extensions are important in the effort to develop useful generalizations and publication of this paper reflects the commitment of International Journal of Forecasting to replication research. In addition the study examines procedures for estimating smoothing parameters, and it evaluates the need for using multiple starting points when evaluating forecasting methods.On the negative side, FHMM does not fully describe the conditions under which one might expect a given extrapolation method to provide more accurate forecasts than competing methods. This limits the generalizability of its findings. In addition, I believe that the FHMM generalizations are even more limited than they might appear at first glance.
A Hybrid Approach for Reinforcement Learning Using Virtual Policy Gradient for Balancing an Inverted Pendulum.

Using the policy gradient algorithm, we train a single-hidden-layer neural network to balance a physically accurate simulation of a single inverted pendulum. The trained weights and biases can then be transferred to a physical agent, where they are robust enough to to balance a real inverted pendulum. This hybrid approach of training a simulation allows thousands of trial runs to be completed orders of magnitude faster than would be possible in the real world, resulting in greatly reduced training time and more iterations, producing a more robust model. When compared with existing reinforcement learning methods, the resulting control is smoother, learned faster, and able to withstand forced disturbances.
Nrf2 Activator PB125® as a Carnosic Acid-Based Therapeutic Agent against Respiratory Viral Diseases, including COVID-19.

PB125® is a phytochemical composition providing potent Nrf2 activation as well as a number of direct actions that do not involve Nrf2. Nrf2 is a transcription actor that helps maintain metabolic balance by providing redox-sensitive expression of numerous genes controlling normal day-to-day metabolic pathways. When ordinary metabolism is upset by extraordinary events such as injury, pathogenic infection, air or water pollution, ingestion of toxins, or simply by the slow but incessant changes brought about by aging and genetic variations, Nrf2 may also be called into action by the redox changes resulting from these events, whether acute or chronic. A complicating factor in all of this is that Nrf2 levels decline with aging, leaving the elderly less able to maintain proper redox balance. The dysregulated gene expression that results can cause or exacerbate a wide variety of pathological conditions, including susceptibility to viral infections. This review examines the characteristics desirable in Nrf2 activators that have therapeutic potential, as well as some of the patterns of dysregulated gene expression commonly observed during pulmonary infections and the normalizing effects possible by judicious use of phytochemicals to increase the activation level of available Nrf2.
Introduction to Child Welfare Practice

This chapter provides an introduction to child welfare practice, including the history of systems’ response to child maltreatment, the child welfare system, and key policies that have shaped the child welfare system in the United States today. The chapter describes the current child welfare system along with its goals: safety, permanency, and well-being, which provide a foundation for child welfare practice. It focuses on child welfare practice as a profession, exploring the characteristics shared by child welfare professionals, as well as the professional responsibilities, mandates, and ethics. It describes current research and what is known historically about the child welfare workforce. The chapter also discusses how child welfare professionals can use empathy in their work, while managing bias as they navigate their professional identity as professionals working in child welfare settings.
Die Arthroplastik desMetakarpophalangealgelenkes mitPyrocarbonimplantaten

Auf der Suche nach alternativen Materialien fur die Endoprothetik an den Handen ist man in den 1970er Jahren auf Pyrocarbon gestosen. Pyrocarbon hat im Einsatz bei der Herzklappenprothetik eine hohe Biokompatibilitat und sehr gute Abriebeigenschaften gezeigt. Daneben entspricht der Elastizitatsmodulus in etwa demjenigen von kortikalem Knochen. Erste Versuche von Fingerimplantaten an Primaten erbrachten interessante Resultate mit guter Gewebevertraglichkeit und guten Funktionsergebnissen. Als Oberflachenersatzprothese wurde dann eine erste Patientenserie fur den arthroplastischen Ersatz der Grundgelenke durchgefuhrt. Die klinischen und radiologischen Resultate waren auch im Langzeitverhalten sehr gunstig. Inzwischen hat sich dieser Prothesentyp, als Alternative zu den Silikonimplantaten etabliert. Weitere Indikationen und Prothesentypen sind in der Entwicklung.
The Impact of Introducing a Minimum Wage on Business Cycle Volatility: A Structural Analysis for Hong Kong SAR

We study the impact of a minimum wage on business cycle volatility, depending upon its coverage and adjustment mechanism. As with other small open economies, Hong Kong SAR is vulnerable to external shocks, with its exchange rate regime precluding active monetary policy. Adjustment to past shocks has relied on flexible domestic prices. We find that a minimum wage affecting 20 percent of employees would amplify output volatility by 0.2 percent to 9.2 percent, and employment volatility by -1.2 percent to 7.8 percent. A fixed wage or indexation to consumption price inflation increases volatility most. Indexation to wage inflation or unit labor cost growth is preferable, largely preserving labor market flexibility.
Dynamic model for a small-capacity ammonia–water absorption chiller

Optimization of the performance of absorption systems during such transient operations as start-up and shut-down to minimize lifetime costs is particularly important for small-capacity chillers and heat pumps. Dynamic models in the literature have been used to study responses to step changes in single parameters, but more complex transient processes, such as system start-up, have not been studied in detail. A robust system-level model for simulating the transient behavior of an absorption chiller was developed here. Individual heat and mass exchangers were modeled using detailed segmental models. System parameters used in the model were representative of a 1-RT (3.5-kW cooling) absorption chiller currently under development. Representative simulations were performed for the full “cold start-up” process and for system responses to step changes in the desorber coupling-fluid temperature and valve settings. Results from this analysis can be used to optimize start-up and steady-state performances.
Recombinant Cognition Synthesis - An introduction

Recombinant cognition synthesis (RCS) provides an architectural framework and methodology for combining multi-source metadata with predictive and analytic algorithms to synthesize actionable knowledge. RCS bridges an implementation gap in the current Joint Directors of Laboratories (JDL) data fusion model by specifically addressing the integration of fusion levels 2 to 4. The situation awareness (SA) envelope is predicated on a three-dimensional vector space, which comprises spatial, temporal, and semantic attributes of multi-source object metadata. The threat assessment (TA) envelope is defined by the vector space, which comprises means, motive, and opportunity weighted coefficients. Machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, and predictive data mining techniques are applied to recombined metadata fused across its trans-dimensional attributes. An extension to the ISO 19115 model captures the necessary metadata for this fusion framework, and additionally provides the qualitative and probabilistic attributes to enable process refinement (PR).
Along‐dip seismic radiation segmentation during the 2007 Mw 8.0 Pisco, Peru earthquake

[1] The short-period (0.5–2 s) seismic radiation properties of the August 15 (23:40:57 UTC) 2007 Mw 8.0 Pisco, Peru earthquake are imaged by back-projecting P waves recorded at 374 elements of USArray deployed in western North America at distances of 54–74 from the source region. The coherent short-period seismic energy release has two main intervals similar to moment-rate functions determined by inversion of longer-period teleseismic body waves; however, the spatial locations of the coherent bursts of short-period energyrelease are located northanddown-dip of the region of major slip. The contrast between short- and long-period seismic radiation properties of the Pisco earthquake is more subtle than for the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake, but provides further support for the idea of depth-dependent changes in sliding behavior during megathrust ruptures. Citation: Sufri, O., K. D. Koper, and T. Lay (2012), Along-dip seismic radiation segmentation during the 2007 Mw 8.0 Pisco, Peru earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L08311, doi:10.1029/2012GL051316.
A Customized Multidatabase Transaction Management Strategy

Many algorithms have been proposed for multidatabase transaction management. However, very few provide mechanisms for multidatabase administrators and application programmers to customize their own transaction management strategies to suit the conditions found in different application environments. This paper describes a customized multidatabase transaction management strategy implemented in the Inter Base System [8]. The strategy is based on a fully decentralized multidatabase architecture. It consists of a semantic-based commit method and a customized concurrency control algorithm that allow multidatabase administrators to change global concurrency control approaches and application programmers to individually customize their commit decisions, as guided by the semantics of global transactions and the transaction management strategies of underlying systems.
Primary structural determinants essential for potent inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase by inhibitory peptides corresponding to the active portion of the heat-stable inhibitor protein.

Abstract PKI-(5-24)-amide is a 20-residue peptide with the sequence, Thr5-Thr-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Phe-Ile-Ala-Ser-Gly-Arg-Thr-Gly-Arg-Arg-Asn-A la-Ile-His- Asp24-NH2, that corresponds to the active portion of the heat-stable inhibitor protein of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (Cheng, H.-C., Kemp, B. E., Pearson, R. B., Smith, A. J., Misconi, L., Van Patten, S. M., and Walsh, D. A. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 989-992). Amino acid residues in PKI-(5-24)-amide responsible for the potent inhibition (Ki = 2.3 nM) of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase were further investigated using deletion and substitution analogs of the synthetic peptide. Residues 5, 23, and 24 were not required for activity since the 17-residue PKI-(6-22)-amide retained full potency. Sequential removal of the first seven amino acids from the NH2 terminus of PKI-(5-24)-amide caused a progressive 50-fold loss of inhibitory potency. In contrast, substitution of either Thr6, Asp9, or Ile11 with alanine, or Ala8 by leucine, in PKI-(5-22)-amide produced less than 3-fold decreases in potency. Of the 2 aromatic residues in PKI-(5-22)-amide, the individual substitution of Phe10 and Tyr7 by alanine caused, respectively, 90- and 5-fold decreases in inhibitory potency, demonstrating important roles for each. This NH2-terminal portion of the peptide is believed to contain a significant portion of alpha-helix. Many recognition or structural determinants are also essential in the COOH-terminal portion of PKI-(5-22)-amide. In addition to the basic subsite provided by the three arginines, several other of the residues are critical for full inhibitory potency. Substitution of Ile22 by glycine in either PKI-(5-22)-amide or PKI-(14-22)-amide lowered the inhibitory potency by 150- and 50-fold, respectively. Separate replacement of Gly17 or Asn20, in either PKI-(5-22)-amide or PKI-(14-22)-amide, caused 7-15-fold decreases in potency. Substitution of both Gly17 and Asn20 together (in PKI-(14-22)-amide) produced a synergistic loss of inhibitory activity. [Leu13,Ile14]PKI-(5-22)-amide, a doubly substituted analog exhibited a 42-fold increase in Ki value. We conclude that Ser13 and/or Gly14, Gly17, Asn20, and Ile22 each contribute important features to the binding of these inhibitory peptides to the protein kinase, either by providing recognition determinants, inducing structure, and/or allowing essential peptide backbone flexibility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
1,2-Ethanediyl bis[(1,2,3,3a,7a-η)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-inden-1-ylidene] difluorotitanium

[178177-04-3] C20H24F2Ti (MW 350.27) InChI = 1S/C20H24.2FH.Ti/c1-3-7-19-15(5-1)9-11-17(19)13-14-18-12-10-16-6-2-4-8-20(16)18;;;/h9-12H,1-8,13-14H2;2*1H;/q;;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = VGPFGDXZVLJUHC-UHFFFAOYSA-L (precatalyst for the hydrosilation of carbon–heteroatom double bonds) Alternate Name: [(EBTHI)TiF2]1. Physical Data: yellow solid, mp 226–229 °C. Solubility: THF, dichloromethane. Preparative Methods: (EBTHI)TiF2 can be synthesized in one step from [1,2-ethanediyl bis[(1,2,3,3a,7a–η)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-inden-1-ylidene] titanium dichloride (EBTHITiCl2) and sodium fluoride2 or by treatment of EBTHITi(binaphth-1,1′-diol) with methyl lithium and HF·pyridine adduct.3 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: no special handling is required. (EBTHI)TiF2 can be crystallized from toluene/hexane or from methylene chloride/heptane.
Uniqueness for an ill-posed problem

On demontre que si P(x,Dx) est un operateur elliptique d'ordre 2 a coefficients C ∞ et a symbole principal positif dans R x n alors le probleme D t 2 u−P(x,D x )=0,u| xD 1 0 =0 a seulement la solution triviale
Treatment of Clostridium Difficile Colitis in the Critical Care Setting

Clostridium difficile colitis is a debilitating infection with a remarkably high associated mortality. Infection is contagious and spreads especially rapidly in an intensive care setting because patients who are there have all the associated risk factors, including major underlying illnesses, prior antibiotic therapy, and use of agents that suppress gastric acidity. Prevention of disease is the responsibility of every health care provider in the critical care setting. This article emphasizes treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis, considers diagnostic techniques, and describes means for preventing the spread of this infection in the intensive care setting.
Differential effects of a tetrahydrocannabinol and pentobarbital on cerebral cortical neurones.

Stimulation of somatosensory cortex in the unanaesthetized pontine or encephale isole squirrel monkey evoked early (5–20 msec) and late (150–200 msec) surface responses and corresponding unit firing, sometimes followed by later repetitive surface waves and unit bursts, in ipsi- and contralateral postarcuate cortex. Pentobarbital (4 mg/kg or more) abolished the late surface responses, the corresponding late unit firing, the later surface waves, and the corresponding unit bursts, whereas Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (0·5–2·5 mg/kg) had opposite effects. It augmented the late surface responses, the late unit firing, the later surface waves, and it accentuated the later unit bursts.
Tobramycin as a pharmacologic tracer to compare airway deposition from nebulizers.

Study Objective. To assess the utility of inhaled tobramycin as a pharmacologic tracer for comparing lung deposition from a prototypic breath-actuated jet nebulizer connected to an electronic pressure sensor designed to coordinate nebulization with inspiration with that from a continuously operating standard jet nebulizer. Design. Prospective open-label study. Setting. University-affiliated research center. Subjects. Six healthy adult volunteers. Intervention. All subjects received inhaled tobramycin 80, 160, and 320 mg from each nebulizer during six visits, as well as oral tobramycin 32 mg at a seventh visit to confirm the absence of significant gastrointestinal absorption. During each visit, urine was collected before drug administration and in 12-hour segments throughout the first 48 hours after administration. Measurements and Main Results. Lung deposition of tracer after each of the seven treatments was quantified by measuring urinary tobramycin excretion over 48 hours with use of an enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique. The ratio of tobramycin excreted after breath-actuated nebulization to that after standard nebulization, normalized for dose, was used to compare lung deposition by the two devices. Urinary excretion of tobramycin was linear and proportional to dose for both nebulizers. For every 1 mg of tobramycin that the standard nebulizer deposited into the lungs, the breath-actuated nebulizer deposited 1.22 mg (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.43). Conclusions. Tobramycin can be used as a pharmacologic tracer for comparison of relative airway deposition by nebulizers.
Mechanical Communication Between Cardiac Cell Leads to Synchrony in Beating

It is generally understood that cardiac cells synchronize their beating through electro-chemical signalling. Here we show, theoretically and experimentally, that isolated cardiac cells can communicate with each other through an intervening deformable media. Such communication leads to coupled dynamics and emergence of synchronous beating. The interaction between the cells depends inversely with the elastic modulus of the media, and the distance between them. This finding may explain asynchronous beating of the atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation where the stiffness of the atrial wall becomes significantly harder due to fibrosis [1].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Partial cloning and characterization of an arginine decarboxylase in the kidney.

Partial cloning and characterization of an arginine decarboxylase in the kidney. Using homology-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, we demonstrate the presence of arginine decarboxylase mRNA in tissues involved in arginine metabolism (brain, kidney, gut, adrenal gland, and liver of the rat) but not in organs (lung, heart, and spleen) in which arginine metabolism is low or absent. The polymerase chain reaction product from the kidney had a nucleotide sequence 61% identical to that of the E. coli biosynthetic arginine decarboxylase. On a whole tissue basis, kidney homogenates were three times more active than brain homogenates at decarboxylating [1- 14 C]arginine. Subcellular fractionation localized the arginine decarboxylase activity of the kidney to the mitochondria fraction. Agmatine, one of the products of arginine decarboxylation, was found to inhibit nitric oxide formation by post-mitochon-drial supernatants of the brain or kidney. We propose that arginine is metabolized to two structurally different signaling molecules, nitric oxide and agmatine. Furthermore, agmatine can influence the nitric oxide synthase pathway.
Sensor development for in situ detection of concentration polarization and fouling of reverse osmosis membranes

The purpose of this research is to evaluate three polymer electroding techniques in developing a novel in situ sensor for an RO system using the electrical response of a thin film composite sensor. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to measure the sensor response when exposed to sodium chloride solutions with concentrations from 0.1 M to 0.8 M in both single and double bath configurations. An insulated carbon grease sensor was mechanically stable while a composite Direct Assembly Process (DAP) sensor was fragile upon hydration. Scanning electron microscopy results from an impregnation-reduction technique showed gold nanoparticles were deposited most effectively when presoaked in a potassium hydroxide solution and on an uncoated membrane; surface resistances remained too high for sensor implementation. Through thickness carbon grease sensors showed a transient response to changes in concentration, and no meaningful concentration sensitivity was noted for the time scales over which EIS measurements were taken. Surface carbon grease electrodes attached to the polyamide thin film were not sensitive to concentration. The impedance spectra indicated the carbon grease sensor was unable to detect changes in concentration in double bath experiments when implemented with the polyamide surface exposed to salt solutions. DAP sensors lacked a consistent response to changes in concentration too. A reverse double bath experiment with the polysulfone layer exposed to a constant concentration exhibited a transient impedance response similar to through thickness carbon grease sensors in a single bath at constant concentration. These results suggest that the microporous polysulfone layer is responsible for sensor response to concentration.
Interfirm wage differentials in a local labor market: The case of the fast-food industry

We examine interfirm wage differentials among fast-food restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia to determine the degree to which these differentials correspond to the predictions of competitive theory. While no definitive test is possible, given our inability to control all sources of wage variation, the evidence nevertheless suggests that the wage structure is largely shaped by competitive forces, albeit in a relatively complex manner due to differences in a host of factors that the simple version of the theory holds constant. Evidence is also found, on the other hand, that the supply curve of labor to the individual firm slopes upward for experienced workers and that a small noncompensating wage differential may exist that is related to variation in each restaurant's ability to pay.
Digital, remote control system for a 2-MW research reactor

A fault-tolerant programmable logic controller (PLC) and operator workstations have been programmed to replace the hard-wired relay control systems in the 2-MW bulk shielding reactor (BSR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In addition to the PLC and remote and local operator workstations, auxiliary systems for remote operation include a video system, an intercom system and a fiber-optic communication system. The remote control station, located at the high flux isotope reactor 2.5 km from the BSR, has the capability of reactor startup and power control. The system was designed with reliability and fail-safe features as important considerations. >
Influence of external magnetic field geometry on flux and current distribution in superconducting thin films

Abstract Flux density distributions in superconducting thin films exposed to external magnetic fields can be studied very suitable by magneto-optics. In conventionally applied homogeneous magnetic fields, which are oriented perpendicular to the film surface, the influence of the macroscopic sample geometry dominates the flux Bz(x,y) as well as the induced current distribution j(x,y) in the superconductor. We have studied flux and current distribution in different kinds of inhomogeneous field geometries (radial or axial symmetric). In this case flux and current distribution depend on the symmetry of the magnetic field and the ratio of field gradients bzy/bzx, with bzx=(∂B/∂z)x and bzy=(∂B/∂z)y. In radial symmetric fields (bzy/bzx≈1) the domination of sample geometry can be observed in analogy to the homogeneous case. The magneto-optically observed current discontinuity lines can be understood within the Bean model and indicate an isotropic critical current distribution jc(x,y). This could be confirmed by calculating the current distribution from the magneto-optically detected flux distribution. A strong difference occurs by changing to an axial symmetric field geometry (bzy/bzx≠1). In this case, the field induced current distribution is strongly anisotropic, even in the fully penetrated state. This could not be explained by the Bean model. As a result the jc(x,y)-distribution in an intrinsic in-plane-isotropic superconductor can be anisotropically affected by the magnetic surroundings. This should be considered in the conception of high-current HTS-devices.
Program of the 54th Statistical Mechanics Meeting

Here are the titles of talks presented at the last semiannual Statistical Mechanics Meeting. As usual these titles are informal and, in many cases, there is only one speaker listed, although the work may have been done with collaborators. Also, the addresses are incomplete. Anyone who is interested in communicating with a speaker and requires a more complete address may obtain it by writing to me. The next meeting is scheduled for May 15th and 16th, 1986. In addition to the talks, the program for these meetings also has a "positions wanted" and "positions available" section. If you are interested in receiving the full program of the May meeting please send me a self-addressed envelope.
Morphology of a small-field bistratified ganglion cell type in the macaque and human retina

In in-vitro preparations of both macaque and human retina, intracellular injections of Neurobiotin and horseradish peroxidase were used to characterize the morphology, depth of stratification, and mosaic organization of a type of bistratified ganglion cell. This cell type, here called the small bistratified cell, has been shown to project to the parvocellular layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (Rodieck, 1991) and is therefore likely to show color-opponent response properties. In both human and macaque, the two dendritic tiers of the bistratified cell are narrowly stratified close to the inner and outer borders of the inner plexiform layer. The inner tier is larger in diameter and more densely branched than the outer tier and gives rise to distinct spine-like branchlets bearing large, often lobulated heads. By contrast the smaller, outer tier is sparsely branched and relatively spine-free. In human retina, the small bistratified cells range in dendritic field diameter from approximately 50 microns in central retina to approximately 400 microns in the far periphery. The human small bistratified cells are about 20% larger in dendritic-field diameter than their counterparts in the macaque. However, when the difference in retinal magnification between human and macaque is taken into account, the small bistratified cells are similar in size in both species. In macaque, the small bistratified cell has a dendritic-field size that is approximately 10% larger than that of the magnocellular-projecting parasol ganglion cell. Human small bistratified ganglion cells tend to have smaller dendritic-field diameters than parasol cells. This is because parasol ganglion cells are larger in human than in macaque retina (Dacey & Petersen, 1992). In macaque retina, intracellular injections of Neurobiotin revealed heterotypic tracer coupling to a distinct mosaic of amacrine cells and probable homotypic coupling to an array of neighboring ganglion cells around the perimeter of the injected cell's dendritic tree. The amacrine cell mosaic had a density of 1700 cells/mm2 in peripheral retina. Individual amacrines had small, densely branched and bistratified dendritic fields. From the homotypic coupling, it was possible to estimate for the small bistratified cell a coverage factor of approximately 1.8, and a density of approximately 1% of the total ganglion cells in central retina, increasing to approximately 6-10% in the retinal periphery. The estimated density, dendritic-field size, and depth of stratification all suggest that the small bistratified ganglion cell type is the morphological counterpart of the common short-wavelength sensitive or 'blue-ON' physiological type.
Effects of experience on radio language performance

Beginning broadcasting students, university broadcasters, and professional broadcasters read a radio newscast and editorial under simulated broadcast conditions. Levels of broadcast experience and speech tasks were distinguished by the frequency, duration, and location of silent pauses (SPs), and by speech rate and fluency measures. The distinctive performance of professionals versus nonprofessionals was discussed with respect to broadcasting prescriptions, psycholinguistic theories of “ideal delivery” and “cognitive rhythm,” and the functional implications of their broadcast performance. Greater broadcast experience was reflected by smaller newscast SP duration and SP frequency, and by slower editorial speech rate. Professionals altered more often and with greater fluency the newscast text, but refrained from changing the editorial text. Also, the professionals were distinguished on both speech tasks by more syntactic SPs, more fluent syllables, and fewer speech errors. Finally, performance differences b...
Racial conflict in global society

John Stone and Polly Rizova’s Racial Conflict in Global Society effectively employs a neo-Weberian approach to survey various forms of contemporary ethnic, racial, national and religious social con...