cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of stratospheric sudden warmings with a primitive equation spectral model

A 26-level primitive equation spherical harmonic spectral model allowing for wave-wave and wave-zonal flow interactions is presented for the study of stratospheric sudden warmings. The warmings are simulated by the forcing of a single planetary wave at the tropopause. Four numerical experiments were performed. Nonlinear wave-wave interactions appear to play an important role in the evolution of the flow and temperature fields in the middle to upper stratosphere. In the case involving both wave-wave and wave-zonal flow interactions, this was manifested by the split in the initial polar vortex into a quasi-wave number 2 pattern. In the cases at 60 deg N, easterlies develop first in the upper mesosphere and descend gradually. About the same time or a little later, easterlies also develop in the mid-stratosphere. The linear cases exhibit warmings which are more shallow and more intense at 30 km than the nonlinear cases.
Mortality of bullous pemphigoid: An evaluation of 223 patients and comparison with the mortality in the general population in the United States

Background There are large discrepancies in reported mortality for bullous pemphigoid (BP). Objective We sought to determine the mortality of a large cohort of patients with BP and compare this with age-matched control subjects. Methods Data were collected on 223 patients with a new diagnosis of BP between 1998 and 2003 through our cutaneous immunofluorescence laboratory databases. The mortality of patients with BP was compared with that of age-matched control subjects in the general US population. Results The 1-, 2-, and 5-year mortality was 0.23 (95% confidence interval=0.18, 0.29), 0.37 (95% confidence interval=0.31, 0.44), and 0.50 (95% confidence interval=0.42, 0.57), respectively. However, relative to age-matched control subjects, no difference in expected mortality was detected. Limitations This was a retrospective cohort analysis. Conclusions Mortality of patients with BP is more likely related to advanced age and associated medical conditions than to disease-specific factors.
Electrophoretic and Structural Studies of DNA-Directed Au Nanoparticle Groupings

Discrete Au nanoparticle/DNA conjugates have been isolated by electrophoresis and used to form small groupings of particles, such as dimers and trimers. The use of purified conjugates leads to a higher yield of the target structure, and it has allowed us better control and understanding of the system. Newly accessible questions, such as the electrophoretic mobility of nanoparticle/DNA hybrids and the critical role of particle surface charge on mobility, have been studied. Detailed characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has now been done because of the higher quality of the samples. A computer program to generate pair distribution functions from TEM images was developed, pointing out the dependence of interparticle distance with DNA length on dimers of particles.
ON DERIVING INSTITUTIONAL NORMS FROM DATA COLLECTED THROUGH COMPLEX SAMPLE SURVEYS

In this paper we examine several methods for reweighting survey data so that they are appropriate to a purpose unforeseen in the original design. Specifically, data from a survey of students is reanalyzed to reflect characteristics of colleges
Structural Studies of the Manganese Stabilizing Subunit in Photosystem II

Photosystem II (PSII) is the plant photosynthetic reaction center that carries out the light driven oxidation of water. The water splitting reactions are catalyzed at a tetranuclear manganese cluster. The manganese stabilizing protein (MSP) of PSII stabilizes the manganese cluster and accelerates the rate of oxygen evolution. MSP can be removed from PSII, with an accompanying decrease in activity. Either an Escherichia coli expressed version of MSP or native, plant MSP can be rebound to the PSII reaction center; MSP reconstitution reverses the deleterious effects associated with MSP removal. We have employed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and solution small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques to investigate the structure of MSP in solution and to define the structural changes that occur before and after reconstitution to PSII. FTIR and SAXS are complementary, because FTIR spectroscopy detects changes in MSP secondary structure and SAXS detects changes in MSP size/shape. From the SAXS data, we conclude that the size/shape and domain structure of MSP do not change when MSP binds to PSII. From FTIR data acquired before and after reconstitution, we conclude that the reconstitution-induced increase in β-sheet content, which was previously reported, persists after MSP is removed from the PSII reaction center. However, the secondary structural change in MSP is metastable after removal from PSII, which indicates that this form of MSP is not the lowest energy conformation in solution.
Circle Maps and Inverse Limits

Abstract The results of this paper relate the dynamics of a continuous map ƒ of the circle and the topology of the inverse limit space with bonding map ƒ. When the dynamics of ƒ are “chaotic” the inverse limit space contains indecomposable subcontinua. The converse is also true if ƒ has finitely many turning points.
The structure of LepA, the ribosomal back translocase

LepA is a highly conserved elongation factor that promotes the back translocation of tRNAs on the ribosome during the elongation cycle. We have determined the crystal structure of LepA from Escherichia coli at 2.8-A resolution. The high degree of sequence identity between LepA and EF-G is reflected in the structural similarity between the individual homologous domains of LepA and EF-G. However, the orientation of domains III and V in LepA differs from their orientations in EF-G. LepA also contains a C-terminal domain (CTD) not found in EF-G that has a previously unobserved protein fold. The high structural similarity between LepA and EF-G enabled us to derive a homology model for LepA bound to the ribosome using a 7.3-A cryo-EM structure of a complex between EF-G and the 70S ribosome. In this model, the very electrostatically positive CTD of LepA is placed in the direct vicinity of the A site of the large ribosomal subunit, suggesting a possible interaction between the CTD and the back translocated tRNA or 23S rRNA.
Influence of Resin Molecular Weight on the Moisture Permeability of HDPE Blown Films

A set of high density polyethylene (HDPE) blown films was produced from five resins of varying molecular weight under identical processing conditions. Film morphology was characterized in terms of crystalline content using refractometry as well as quantification of crystalline phase orientation through the application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) linear dichroism. Additional insight into film structure was gained through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) was observed to increase with resin molecular weight. The enhanced permeability of the higher molecular weight films was associated with slightly lower crystalline content and greater crystalline orientation relative to the lower molecular weight films. Due to the small differences in morphology and permeation behavior noted, the effect of orientation on WVTR performance between the films studied was only significant for the most highly oriented film.
Preliminary evaluation of junior medical students' exposure and comfort with performing the basic head and neck examination.

OBJECTIVE: To assess junior medical students' comfort levels in performing the head and neck physical examination (H&NPE) and perception of the importance of otolaryngology--head and neck surgery (OTO-HNS) in medical training before and after undergoing a department-led teaching session. DESIGN: Anonymous cross-sectional survey study, before and after educational intervention. METHODS: One hundred one second-year medical students participated in an H&NPE teaching session as part of their preclinical curriculum. Students first watched a 25-minute H&NPE instructional video. Students then participated in lectures (90 minutes) on OTO-HNS subspecialties and faculty- and resident-led group H&NPE instruction (five to six students each, 90 minutes) with practice on student partners. Students rated their comfort levels (0-5 point Likert scale) in performing the H&NPE and the importance of OTO-HNS rotations throughout medical training before and after the session. RESULTS: Ninety-five and 77 medical students completed presurveys and postsurveys, respectively. Before the teaching session, students reported an average comfort level of 2.1 in performing the complete H&NPE, which increased to 3.4 (P < .0001) after the session. Similar changes were observed for the individual ear, nose, mouth, and neck exams. CONCLUSIONS: A specialized teaching session significantly improved medical students' comfort levels in performing the H&NPE and increased their awareness of the importance of OTO-HNS in medical training immediately after the session.
Expression of maternal and paternal histone genes during early cleavage stages of the echinoderm hybrid Strongylocentrotus purpuratus × Lytechinus pictus☆

Abstract Interspecific hybrids of the sea urchins Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (♀) and Lytechinus pictus (♂) were used to estimate the contributions of the maternal and paternal genomes to histone mRNA synthesis during early development. Radiolabeled histone mRNAs from the two sea urchin species were identified by hybridization to cloned histone genes from both S. purpuratus and L. pictus and shown to be electrophoretically distinguishable. The synthesis of maternal and paternal histone mRNA in these hybrid embryos is evident as early as the two-cell stage. By at least the 16-cell stage, both maternal and paternal histone mRNAs are associated with polysomes. The relative amounts of the maternal and paternal histone mRNAs synthesized by the zygote appear to be similar.
Matters of Fact, and the Fact of Matter

My remarks in this brief commentary focus on Chris Calvert-Minor’s (2014) article on Karen Barad’s philosophical writings, and are only indirectly relevant to an assessment of Barad’s work. I have limited acquaintance with Barad’s writings, and even less with Nils Bohr’s. Barad explicitly borrows from Bohr’s theoretical writings when developing her version of feminist epistemology. Barad’s recruitment of Bohr to support her philosophy creates a dilemma for me and other readers who are not conversant with Bohr’s physics/philosophy. To my understanding, the general lessons that Barad draws from Bohr about physical phenomena seem roughly in line with Husserl’s conception of phenomena or Merleau-Ponty’s account of ‘‘the intertwining,’’ but it seems clear that neither Bohr nor Barad explicitly draws from transcendental or existential phenomenology. Barad also has developed her own vocabulary (as expressed with key terms such as ‘‘agential realism’’ and ‘‘intra-action’’), and she provides a feminist reading of Bohr, and so it seems necessary to pass through Bohr, quantum physics, and feminist epistemology before engaging directly with Barad’s philosophy. I have no particular problem with Barad’s Bohrian conception of phenomena as being the primordial ontological condition for any epistemic ‘‘cut’’ imposed between objective and subjective conditions, but I do not understand what is original about it or how it expresses a feminist standpoint. Consequently, it would be easy enough for Barad or one of her many admirers to dismiss what I say as a superficial misunderstanding that misses the subtlety and profundity of both Bohr’s and Barad’s epistemologies and is
Strength of mineral absorption features in the transmitted component of near‐infrared reflected light: First results from RELAB

Bidirectional reflectance measurements are the only type of reflectance data available to the remote observer. For compositional interpretations, data are desired not only for identification of possible mineral components but also for modal abundance. The latter requires detailed information about the strength of absorption features. Using a new laboratory facility, the RELAB, laboratory data in the near infrared are presented that document effects of particle size, mineral mixtures, and viewing geometry for selected materials with well-developed absorption bands. The commonly observed increase in reflectance with decrease in particle size is also observed for absorption bands as well as a related decrease in absorption strength. For small particles in parts of the spectrum of maximum reflectance, however, a minor decrease in reflectance with a decrese in particle size is sometimes observed. Small particles dominate the observed characteristics of particulate surfaces, which contain a range of particle sizes. The mean optical path length (transmission through particles) of reflected radiation measured for a variety of particle sizes has an apparent upper limit of about 2 mm for particles of less than 250 microns. The typical number of particles involved in the optical path is less than 50.
The characterization of germanium p—n junction detectors for use in nanosecond time-resolved near-IR-spectroscopic studies: the photosensitized formation of singlet molecular oxygen (1Δg) in solution

Abstract A nanosecond time-resolved near-IR spectrometer has been constructed for the purpose of resolving events that result in the solution-phase, photosensitized formation of singlet molecular oxygen (O 2 ( 1 Δ g )). A germanium p—n junction detector is used to monitor the 1270 nm phosphorescence of O 2 ( 1 Δ g ). The response of several commercially available germanium detectors to pulsed radiation has been studied. The time dependence of the observed photocurrent is discussed in terms of semiconductor charge carrier dynamics. The detector response is represented in a general functional form which can subsequently be used in a deconvolution routine to extract information on the rate of O 2 ( 1 Δ g ) formation.
Competition or Collaboration: Survival Strategies for Continuing Higher Education

(1999). Competition or Collaboration: Survival Strategies for Continuing Higher Education. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education: Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 2-14.
A Spatial Translational Cable Robot

In this paper, a novel design has been presented for a spatial translational cable-driven robot. The original design of this robot was introduced by Bosscher et al. (2005, “A concept for rapidly-deployable cable robot search and rescue systems,” DETC2005: ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Long Beach, CA). In this paper, a structure has been proposed to enhance the workspace of the robot. This has been done by using more cables in the mechanism. However, no extra actuator has been added to the robot. Additionally, a method has been proposed to obtain the workspace of the presented robot by calculating the available moment (AM) set in each point of space. The results imply that the workspace of the robot has been enhanced significantly by using the new design.
PERIOPERATIVE HYPERTENSION AND OUTCOME

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic illnesses encountered in the perioperative period. Affecting approximately 20% of the U.S. population, hypertension is a causative factor in the development of many other diseases that ultimately require surgical intervention. The incidence of perioperative hypertension varies from 3% to 75% and depends on both the precise criteria used to define it and the surgical population studied.32 Using a blood pressure greater than 160/90 mm Hg to define hypertension, Goldman and Caldera7 reported that 57%, 29%, and 8% of patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery, peripheral vascular surgery, or intraperitoneal or intrathoracic surgery, respectively, were hypertensive. Hypertension was seen in 4% of all other procedures. Goldman's definition of hypertension has since been used in many investigations of perioperative hypertension and has become one of many accepted definitions. Because of the variability that exists in defining perioperative hypertension, consistent parameters cannot always be cited when comparing studies. To clarify what encompasses perioperative hypertension, the authors have defined perioperative hypertension as that manifesting as chronic hypertension (controlled or uncontrolled) or as similar elevations in blood pressure occurring in the preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative period, whether or not they occur in patients with preexisting hypertension.
Hybrid Multi-Dimensional Modulation for Gaussian and Fading Channels

This paper proposes a novel multi-dimensional modulation (MDM) scheme that achieves better performance than conventional modulation without any diversity or coding gain. We exploit the additional degrees of freedom offered by higher dimensional Euclidean space to construct the proposed constellation design. Analytical results are obtained for the exact symbol and bit error performance of the MDM design over Gaussian and Rayleigh fading channels. Through simulation, we compare the error performance of the MDM scheme with conventional orthogonal modulation
Using experimental economics to evaluate alternative subjective elicitation procedures

Managing uncertainty is an unavoidable challenge in a variety of decision contexts. If empirical data are available, statistics can be used to assist decision-making. If objective data are absent, experts are commonly used as a source of subjective probability estimates about the variable of interest. In our controlled economic experiment, a web-based software was developed and incentive-compatible rewards were applied to participants in order to induce rational decision-making. Participants assessed data drawn from known distributions and then responded to a subjective probability elicitation. The empirical results provide experimentally based guidance on elicitation and aggregation techniques that yield the most accurate subjective estimates of unknown probabilities. The results can be applied to a wide array of decision-making processes involving subjective probability analysis.
Transposition of the oncogene ets-1 in t(11;19) translocation in acute leukemia

Gary R. Skuse was supported by a research grant from the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation.
Spine loading during trunk lateral bending motions

Increases in lateral trunk velocities have been identified as a mechanism for increasing the risk of low-back disorder. Previous studies have identified an increase in coactivation of the trunk musculature during lateral bends, but no studies have evaluated how spine loading changes as lateral trunk velocity increases. Twelve subjects were asked to lift loads laterally at one static and three dynamic velocities. Ten trunk muscle activities and trunk kinematics were documented and used as input parameters to an EMG-assisted model to evaluate spine loading. Muscle coactivation was observed in all lateral bends. Coactivation significantly increased during dynamic trials compared to the static trials. Coactivity increased spinal loads by as much as 25% compared to values predicted by models that did not consider coactivity. Movements to the right significantly increased spine loadings (252 N increase in compression) compared to movements to the left. Spine compression, A-P shear, and lateral shear all increased in the dynamic trials compared to the static conditions. Peak compression increased by an average of 525 N at 45 degrees s-1 compared to static loading. Compression and lateral shear increased monotonically as trunk velocity increased. It is expected that this combined (compression and lateral shear) loading is the mechanism for increased risk observed in industry.
On adaptive control processes

One of the most challenging areas in the field of automatic control is the design of automatic control devices that 'learn' to improve their performamce based upon experience, i.e., that can adapt themselves to circumstances as they find them. The military and commercial implications of such devices are impressive, and interest in the two main areas of research in the field of control, the USA and the USSR, runs high. Unfortunately, though, both theory and construction of adaptive controllers are in their infancy, and some time may pass before they are commonplace. Nonetheless, development at this time of adequate theories of processes of this nature is essential. The purpose of our paper is to show how the functional equation technique of a new mathematical discipline, dynamic programming, can be used in the formulation and solution of a variety of optimization problems concerning the design of adaptive devices. Although, occasionally, a solution in closed form can be obtained, in general, numerical solution via the use of high-speed digital computers is contemplated. We discuss here the closely allied problems of formulating adaptive control processes in precise mathematical terms and of presenting feasible computational algoritbms for determining numerical solutioms. To illustrate the general concepts, consider a system which is governed by the inhomogeneous Van der Pol equation \ddot{x} + \mu(x^{2} - 1) \dot{x} + x = r(t), 0 \leq t \leq T , where r(t) is a random function whose statistical properties are only partially known to a feedback control device which seeks to keep the system near the unstable equilibrium state x = 0, \dot{x} = 0 . It proposes to do this by selecting the value of μ as a function of the state of the system at time t , and the time t itself. By observing the random process r(t) , the controller may, with the passage of time, infer more and more concerning the statistical properties of the function r(t) and thus may be expected to improve the quality of its control decisions. In this way the controller adapts itself to circumstances as it finds them. The process is thus an interesting example of adaptive control, and, conceivably, with some immediate applications. Lastly, some areas of this general domain requiring additional research are indicated.
Diffusion-Based Placement Migration With Application on Legalization

Placement migration is the movement of cells within an existing placement to address a variety of postplacement design-closure issues, such as timing, routing congestion, signal integrity, and heat distribution. To fix a design problem, one would like to perturb the design as little as possible while preserving the integrity of the original placement. This paper presents a new diffusion-based placement method based on a discrete approximation to the closed-form solution of the continuous diffusion equation. It has the advantage of smooth spreading, which helps preserve neighborhood characteristics of the original placement. Applying this technique to placement legalization demonstrates significant improvements in wire length and timing compared with other commonly used techniques.
An Unapologetic Defense of Kant's Ethics

Etude de la defense de l'ethique kantienne developpee par M. W. Baron dans son ouvrage intitule «Kantian ethics almost without apolgy» (1995), repondant aux critiques adressees a Kant concernant l'importance de la notion de devoir et l'absence d'interet pour la notion de surerogation dans sa reflexion morale. Rejetant les objections fondees sur le droit, l'absence de contraintes morales, l'amitie, les actions surdeterminees et les inclinations affectives, l'A. montre que l'analyse de la conception kantienne de l'action par devoir developpee par Baron est sensible aux defauts lies a la sympathie et autres vertus, d'une part, mais qu'elle offre une interpretation non-kantienne de l'action par inclination, d'autre part
The long-term metabolic outcomes of dysglycemia during critical illness.

Gornik and colleagues should be commended for providing the first report on the long-term glucose metabolism sequelae in survivors of critical illness with no apparent dysglycemia shortly after hospital discharge [1]. The authors hypothesized that hyperglycemia in the intensive care unit unmasks predisposition for future development of diabetes. The interpretation of their findings, however, is limited by several aspects of their methodology. No systematic control for covariates and confounders was performed. Their cohort was divided, as acknowledged by the authors, by an arbitrary (for the purpose of long-term prediction) glycemic cutoff value. While intuitively appealing, the latter is not necessarily the optimal predictor of future risk of impaired glucose metabolism. When considering the whole cohort of patients with a normal first postdischarge oral glucose tolerance test (the eligible cohort), what was the predictive role for traditional predictors of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes mellitus (DM/pre-DM) (for example, age, family history, body mass index) and for inhospital variables (for example, severity of illness)? It would also be instructive to explore the role of previously studied glycemic indices - such as admission, maximal and mean glucose values - to determine the best predictive cutoff value for future development of DM/pre-DM. In addition, almost 40% of the eligible cohort was excluded from analysis due to death or discontinuation of follow-up. How many of these patients who had at least the first 12-month follow-up were diagnosed with DM/pre-DM? Because DM/pre-DM are commonly under-recognized [2], these analyses can provide initial predictive modeling, which may inform future development of public health policy for earlier detection and intervention in survivors of critical illness.
Media effects: The influence of local newspaper coverage on municipal police size

This paper explores the influence that local newspaper coverage exerts on the relative size of municipal police agencies. It is hypothesized that the volume of law enforcement news stories affects sworn personnel allocations. Regression results based on 63 large U.S. cities show that media coverage does affect police employment levels. A content analysis of selected newspapers suggests that crime-related stories are prominently featured and tend to portray the police as effective in responding to criminal incidents. Implications for future research concerning media influence and criminal justice policy-making are offered.
CIMSS - a case study in Web-based distributed project management

An emerging problem for organizations today is not so much the collection of information and data as it is finding ways to distribute it effectively. The consortium for integrated municipal sanitation systems (CEVISS) exists for the purpose of assuring the capacity for and access to safe, reliable municipal sanitation services to low income and at risk communities worldwide. The success of this endeavor depends on the joint participation of many groups, requiring a central location through which the project can be facilitated. Unfortunately, the technological infrastructure to support advanced information sharing systems is not available to members in remote and third world locations. This project provides the group with a Web-based solution that solves their information sharing and project facilitation needs while maintaining a focus on usability and scalability across international regions with vastly disparate financial and technological resources.
Combined treatment with cyclosporin A and cortisone acetate minimizes the adverse bone effects of either agent alone.

Although cyclosporin A (CsA) and cortisone acetate (CRT) adversely affect bone, their combined effect on bone is unknown. Sprague Dawley rats were therefore administered either vehicle or CsA (7.5 mg/kg/day) by gavage and saline or CRT (2 mg/100 mg/day) by s.c. injection for 28 days. Group A received vehicle plus saline, group B CsA plus saline, group C vehicle plus CRT, and group D CsA/CRT. Serial bloods were sampled over a 28-day period for ionized calcium (Ca), PTH, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and bone gla protein (BGP osteocalcin) and tibia were examined on day 28 for histomorphometry. Results were compared with group A. Ca and PTH levels in groups B, C, and D were similar to those in group A during the study period. Group B had lower body weights, elevated levels of BGP, and an increase in 1,25(OH)2D. Group C developed weight loss and a decrease in BGP and 1,25(OH)2D. Group D had weight loss, BGP levels between those of group A and group C, and 1,25(OH)2D values similar to group A. Bone histomorphometry revealed high turnover osteopenia in group B and hyperostosis in group C with a decrease in bone formation and osteoclastlike cells. Combination therapy returned these to control values. In conclusion, the adverse effects of either CsA or CRT on bone in rats are minimized by combined therapy.
Aerosolized Vancomycin Therapy Facilitating Nursing Home Placement

OBJECTIVE:To demonstrate a novel method of eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a debilitated, hospitalized patient.DESIGN:Single-patient, nonblind, nonplacebo, case study.SETTING:Community hospital, Brooklyn, NY.PATIENT:Hospitalized patient with recalcitrant nasopharyngeal MRSA colonization that could not be eliminated by conventional therapeutic interventions.INTERVENTIONS:Aerosolized vancomycin hydrochloride 120 mg q6h administered in room air via face mask together with vancomycin nasal drops, 2 drops to each nostril q6h.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:Elimination of MRSA from the nasopharynx of the patient.RESULTS:Successful elimination of MRSA colonization after four days of therapy.CONCLUSIONS:Aerosolized vancomycin in combination with vancomycin nasal drops is beneficial in eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by MRSA. Clinical trials are warranted to confirm this clinical observation.
On the asymptotic performance of CDMA with transmit diversity

We consider the asymptotic spectral efficiency of a general linear space-time code for randomly spread CDMA with various receivers, in the limit of large user populations. The resulting parametric formulas for spectral efficiency provide a design criterion for space-time coded CDMA.
Impermanent politics: the Hillsborough County health care plan and community innovation for the uninsured.

Most communities support their safety-net facilities, but few supply health coverage for uninsured residents. In 1991 Hillsborough County, Florida, created a health care plan that raised the sales tax by a half-cent, used the proceeds to cover about 30,000 uninsured county residents, and assured the public that this would save money. In time, however, various conflicts combined to call into question the plan’s ends and means. These challenges reinvigorated advocacy by the plan’s supporters, who steered the adoption of changes that seemed to have “institutionalized” it. Community-based reformers might find this local innovation instructive as they ponder how to build enduring programs.
Utility of magnetic resonance imaging in small bowel Crohn's disease.

Small bowel involvement in Crohn’s disease (CD) occurs in 70% of patients with CD, and exclusive small bowel involvement is seen in approximately 30% of CD patients. Although endoscopy and histologic examination have served as the gold standard for the diagnosis of CD, diagnosing lesions in the small bowel from the distal duodenum to the terminal ileum has been a challenge. Critically important pathologic observations in CD are that (1) submucosal and serosal-mesenteric involvement is common and commonly involves the processes of fibrosis and/or inflammation and (2) mucosa has a high capacity for repair and evaluation of the mucosa alone may under represent the extent and activity of disease. Because disease management depends on appreciating the degree of active inflammatory disease, and the presence or absence of fistulae, the role of diagnostic tests should primarily be to provide an accurate assessment of these pathologic features. Herein we present the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a powerful diagnostic modality for assessing the severity of the submucosa and serosa of small bowel in CD. We present the technical basis of a standard MRI study, and describe the range of MRI features of mild to severe and active in
Biclustering scatter plots using data depth measures

Biclustering is desirable over traditional one-dimensional clustering, and has been broadly applied to many domains such as bioinformatics and text mining. However, the existing biclustering methods can only deal with a data matrix of scalars. In this paper, we introduce a biclustering procedure that can handle a data matrix of scatter plots. To more accurately reflect the nature of data, we introduce a dissimilarity statistic based on ‘data depth’ to measure the discrepancy between two bivariate distributions without oversimplifying the nature of the underlying pattern. We then combine hypothesis testing with a searching algorithm to simultaneously cluster the rows and columns of the data matrix of scatter plots. We also propose novel painting metrics and construct heat maps to allow visualization of the biclusters. We demonstrate the utility and power of our proposed biclustering method through simulation studies and application to a microbe–host interaction study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 6: 102–115, 2013
Modeling of soot particle inception in aromatic and aliphatic premixed flames

The growth of hydrocarbon molecules up to sizes of incipient soot is computed in premixed laminar flames using kinetic Monte Carlo and molecular dynamic methodologies (AMPI code). This approach is designed to preserve atomistic scale structure (bonds, bond angles, dihedral angles) as soot precursors evolve into three-dimensional structures. Application of this code to aliphatic (acetylene) and aromatic (benzene) flame environments is able to explain results in the literature on the differences in properties of soot precursors from these two classes of flames, particularly relating to H/C ratio, particle sphericity, and depolarization ratio.
A battle on two fronts: competitive urges 'inside' Atlanta

This paper argues that intra–regional competition is as important as intra–regional in the shaping of an urban region. Recent concentration on urban promotion within the discipline places an emphasis on competition between cities that should be counterbalanced by stressing the degree of competition between cities and their suburban peripheries. Using the case of Atlanta, Georgia, and in particular its Vision 2020 initiative, the paper explores how regionalist approaches can easily unravel due to continued rivalries from individual constituents. Placing its theoretical grounding within David Harvey’s notion of ‘structural coherence’, the paper argues that regional policies within a capitalist environment of uneven development tend towards only temporary solutions.
Heidegger, Reification and Formal Indication

The paper seeks to show how Heidegger recasts the problem of reification in Being and Time, so as to address the methodological procedure of formal indication, outlined in his early writings, in order to carry out a deconstruction of ancient ontology. By revisiting Marx's and Lukacs' critique of objectification in social relations, especially the former's critique of alienation, in light of Honneth's critical theory of recognition, it is shown how a Heideggerian-inspired phenomenology of sociality could be reconstructed out of the semantic correlation between reification and formal indication.
Preliminary survey of office-based opioid treatment practices and attitudes among psychiatrists never receiving buprenorphine training to those who received training during residency.

Objective To compare the characteristics, attitudes, and current prescribing practices of recently graduating psychiatrists who completed buprenorphine training during residency to those who never completed any training. Methods A total of 359 psychiatrists completing residency training between 2008 and 2011 were recruited to complete an on-line survey. Results Responses from 93 psychiatrists were included for a response rate of 25.9%. Psychiatrists completing any buprenorphine training during residency were more likely to be male and report more favorable views of OBOT with buprenorphine than compared to those who never completed any training. Twenty (38.5%) of those psychiatrists who completed training during residency reported the current prescribing of buprenorphine. Conclusions Completion of buprenorphine training during residency may be a factor in shaping future attitudes towards OBOT and buprenorphine prescribing practices. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of buprenorphine training during residency. Scientific Significance Buprenorphine training during residency training may be a contributing factor in shaping future physician attitudes towards office-based opioid treatment and buprenorphine prescribing practices. (Am J Addict 2014;23:618–622)
A Membrane Setting for the Sorting Motifs Present in the Adenovirus E3-13.7 Protein Which Down-regulates the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

The adenovirus E3-13.7 protein interferes with endosomal protein sorting to down-regulate the epidermal growth factor receptor and related tyrosine kinase receptors. The cytoplasmic C terminus of this protein contains three protein sorting motifs which are related to the function of E3-13.7. In this study, the structure of a 23-residue polypeptide corresponding to this domain was examined using solution NMR and CD spectroscopic methods. The peptide was observed to exist in a mostly random structural state in aqueous solution but underwent high affinity association with dodecylphosphocholine micelles, where it adopted an ordered structure. The affinity of this peptide for the micellar surface and the structure of the bound peptide were independent of pH variation, surface charge, or attachment of a myristoyl anchor to the N-terminal. Studies with phospholipid vesicles suggested that the micellar structural results can be extrapolated to a true lipid bilayer. On the micellar surface all three sorting motifs are closely associated with the water/apolar interface: 72-YLRH and 87-LL lie within interfacial amphipathic helices, while 76-HPQY is non-helical and dimples just above the surface. These results contribute to the development of an understanding of the basis for specificity in recognition of sorting motifs by components of the cellular protein trafficking machinery.
Late ischemic preconditioning is mediated in myocytes by enhanced endogenous antioxidant activity stimulated by oxygen-derived free radicals.

The primary objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that oxygen radical during initial anoxia stimulate endogenous antioxidant activity in late preconditioning in myocytes. Isolated rat myocytes were preconditioned in one group with two cycles of 5 minutes of anoxia and 5 minutes of reoxygenation and in another group with exogenous superoxide anion (.O2-) generated by reaction of xanthine oxidase with xanthine. Myocytes were kept for 24 hours, after which they were exposed to 60 minutes of anoxia and 60 minutes of reoxygenation. Preconditioned myocytes exhibited decreased LDH release, reduced malondialdehyde formation, increased cell viability, and well-preserved cell structure. .O2- production was increased in myocytes immediately after treatment with repetitive anoxia (1.65 +/- 0.08 nmol/mg protein) or exogenous .O2- (1.42 +/- 0.11 nmol/mg protein). Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, abolished .O2- production during the initial preconditioning period. Twenty-four hours later, Mn SOD activity declined in anoxic control myocytes (0.38 +/- 0.06 U/mg protein), whereas it increased significantly in myocytes preconditioned with repetitive anoxia (3.25 +/- 0.15 nmol/mg protein) or with exogenous .O2- (2.27 +/- 0.10 nmol/mg protein). The increase in Mn SOD activity and myocardial protective effects observed in preconditioned myocytes were totally blocked by allopurinol. These results indicate that oxygen radicals generated during the initial preconditioning period activate endogenous antioxidant defense (increased Mn SOD activity) 24 hours later, which contributes to the late cardioprotection of preconditioning.
A Phase I Clinical Trial of Ad5.SSTR/TK.RGD, a Novel Infectivity-Enhanced Bicistronic Adenovirus, in Patients with Recurrent Gynecologic Cancer

Purpose: Ad5.SSTR/TK.RGD is an infectivity-enhanced adenovirus expressing a therapeutic thymidine kinase suicide gene and a somatostatin receptor (SSTR) that allows for noninvasive gene transfer imaging. The purpose of this study was to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicities, clinical efficacy, and biologic effects of Ad5.SSTR/TK.RGD in patients with recurrent gynecologic cancer. Experimental Design: Eligible patients were treated intraperitoneally for 3 days with 1 × 10 9 to 1 × 10 12 vp/dose of Ad5.SSTR/TK.RGD followed by intravenous ganciclovir for 14 days. Toxicity and clinical efficacy were assessed using Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) Adverse Events grading and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Imaging using In-111 pentetreotide was obtained before and after treatment. Tissue samples were obtained to evaluate for gene transfer, generation of wild-type virus, viral shedding, and antibody response. Results: Twelve patients were treated in three cohorts. The most common vector-related clinical toxicities were grade I/II constitutional or pain symptoms, experienced most often in patients treated at the highest dose. MTD was not identified. Five patients showed stable disease; all others experienced progressive disease. One patient with stable disease experienced complete resolution of disease and normalization of CA125 on further follow-up. Imaging detected increased In-111 pentetreotide retention in patients treated at the highest dose. Ancillary studies showed presence of Ad5.SSTR/TK.RGD virus and HSV1-tk expression in ascites samples collected at various time points in most patients treated within the higher dose cohorts. Conclusions: This study shows the safety, potential efficacy, and possible gene transfer imaging capacity of Ad5.SSTR/TK.RGD in patients with recurrent gynecologic cancer. Further development of this novel gene therapeutic appears to be warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3440–51. ©2012 AACR .
Antecedents and consequences of effective human resource practice implementation

In most firms, the Human Resources (HR) department is responsible for the development of effective human resource practices that help the organization meet or exceed its business objectives. Howeve...
Studies of Silane Adhesion Promoters on Silica Filler Particles for use in Microelectronic Packaging

To avoid delamination which often occurs in microelectronic packaging as a result of widely varying thermal expansion coefficients, epoxy underfill is often loaded with particulate silica filler. This filler typically complicates the fracture behavior of the epoxy and surrounding layers. However, delamination of interfaces within the composite may contribute to toughening if the fracture path is adhesive between the epoxy and surrounding layers or otherwise removed from filler-epoxy delamination regions. In this work, the interface between silica filler and epoxy is altered with the use of silane coupling agents to elucidate the fracture and toughening mechanisms of filled epoxies. Two model epoxies are investigated, and coupling agents were chosen to encourage chemical reaction with each system. For the aliphatic epoxy system, coupling agents were identified which both augment and degrade the interface between filler and epoxy. In composite structures, it was observed that those coupling agents which degrade the filler-epoxy interface act as toughening agents. SEM indicates that most deformation is not at the filler-epoxy interface, but rather through the epoxy, very close to the filler particle surfaces. In contrast, no coupling agents were identified which act as toughening agents in the bisphenol-f system. Further, no variation in fracture toughness of composite structures was observed with the use of coupling agents, indicating that filler-epoxy delamination does not occur in this system. With few exceptions, SEM supports this interpretation.
Economic Experimentation in a Newly Independent Nation: Colombia Under Francisco de Paula Santander, 1821-1840

Francisco de Paula Santander was Simon Bolivar's right arm in the formation of the state of Gran Colombia by the Liberator's own acknowledgement. While Bolivar, the President, was directing the winning of the last battles of the war Santander, the Vice President, was directing the government from Bogota from 1821 until Bolivar returned from the wars in 1827. Although the control of the government was out of Santander's hands during Bolivar's dictatorship (1827-1830) and the turbulency following Bolivar's death in 1830, Santander took the helm again in October, 1832, as President. If one considers his three-year activity in Congress after his term as President ended in 1837, then, in a sense, Santander's influence in Colombia lasted for almost two decades when he died in 1840. Although much of his public life was concerned with other aspects of the nation, Santander gave considerable attention to the fiscal matters of the country. It was his guidance which helped Colombia through two decades of difficult economic experimentation.
Parameterizing Complex Reactive Force Fields Using Multiple Objective Evolutionary Strategies (MOES). Part 1: ReaxFF Models for Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine (RDX) and 1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7)

ReaxFF (van Duin, A.C.T.; Dasgupta, S.; Lorant, F.; Goddard, W.A. J. Phys. Chem. A, 2001, 105, 9396-9409) reactive potentials are parametrized for cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) and 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7) in a novel application combining data envelopment analysis and a modern self-adaptive evolutionary algorithm to optimize multiple objectives simultaneously and map the entire family of solutions. In order to correct the poor crystallographic parameters predicted by ReaxFF using its base parametrization (Strachan, A.; van Duin, A. C. T.; Chakraborty, D.; Dasgupta S.; Goddard, W. A. Phys. Rev. Lett., 2003, 91, 098301), we augmented the existing training set data used for parametrization with additional (SAPT)DFT calculations of RDX and FOX-7 dimer interactions. By adjusting a small subset of the ReaxFF parameters that govern long-range interactions, the evolutionary algorithm approach converges on a family of solutions that best describe crystallographic parameters through simultaneous optimization of the objective functions. Molecular dynamics calculations of RDX and FOX-7 are conducted to assess the quality of the force fields, resulting in parametrizations that improve the overall prediction of the crystal structures.
Subjective Well-Being of Gifted American College Students An Examination of Psychometric Properties of the PWI-A

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Personal Well-being Index for Adults (PWI-A), a measure of subjective well-being. The study used data from 533 high-ability American college s...
Grazing activity and ruminal bacterial population associated with frothy bloat in steers grazing winter wheat

ABSTRACT Two grazing experiments were designed to elucidate the shifts in rumen bacterial populations (Exp. 1) and grazing activities (Exp. 2) in wheat forage diet between bloated and nonbloated steers. In Exp. 1, the bacterial DNA density was greatest for Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Streptococcus bovis, and Eubacterium ruminantium among tested strains when steers were fed bermudagrass hay (d 0). Steers that grazed wheat forage, however, increased the bacterial density of 6 major rumen bacterial populations in bloated steers, indicating that frothy bloat may be associated with a species-specific bacterial population. In Exp. 2, overall time, total grazing, and ruminating time did not differ between bloated and nonbloated steers. In contrast, idling time was greater for bloated (P