cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of methods for predicting vegetation type

Predictive modeling of vegetation patterns has wide application in vegetation science. In this paper I discuss three methods of predictive modeling using data from the alpine treeline ecotone as a case study. The study area is a portion of Glacier National Park, Montana. Parametric general linear models (GLM), artificial neural networks (ANN) and classification tree (CT) methods of predicting vegetation type are compared to determine the relative strength of each predictive approach and how they may be used in concert to increase understanding of important vegetation – environment relations. For each predictive method, vegetation type within the alpine treeline ecotone is predicted using a suite of environmental indicator variables including elevation, moisture potential, solar radiation potential, snow potential index, and disturbance history. Results from each of the predictive methods are compared against the real vegetation types to determine the relative accuracy of the methods. When the entire data field is examined (i.e., not evaluated by smaller spatial aggregates of data) the ANN procedure produces the most accurate predictions (κ=0.571); the CT predictions are the least accurate (κ=0.351). The predicted patterns of vegetation on the landscape are considerably different using the three methods. The GLM and CT methods produce large contiguous swaths of vegetation types throughout the study area, whereas the ANN method produces patterns with much more heterogeneity and smaller patches. When predictions are compared to reality at catchment scale, it becomes evident that the accuracy of each method varies depending upon the specific situation. The ANN procedure remains the most accurate method in the majority of the catchments, but both the GLM and PCT produce the most accurate classifications in at least one basin each. The variability in predictive ability of the three methods tested here indicates that there may not be a single best predictive method. Rather it may be important to use a suite of predictive models to help understand the environment – vegetation relationships. The ability to use multiple predictive methods to determine which spatial subunits of a landscape are outliers is important when identifying locations useful for climate change monitoring studies.
Finite Graphs and the Number of Sums and Products

Let G be a graph with k vertices (1, 2, …, k) and e edges. Let A = (α1,α2,..,α k ) be a set of k integers, and let G(A) be the set of all integers of the form α i + α j and α i α j , where (i,j) is an edge of G. Erdos and Szemeredi conjectured that |G(α)| ≫ e e /k e for every e > 0 and every set A. This conjecture will be proved in the case that the diameter of the set A is polynomial in k.
Birational Relation Among Mori Fiber Spaces

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the birational relation among Mori fiber spaces. Here we focus our attention on the most important subject, the Sarkisov program, due to Sarkisov [3], Reid [6], Corti [1], which gives an algorithm for factoring a given birational map between Mori fiber spaces into a sequence of certain elementary transformations called “links.” While it is a higher-dimensional analogue of the Castelnuovo—Noether theorem (cf. Theorem 1-8-8), its true meaning becomes clearer in the framework of the logarithmic category, with the main machinery of the program working under the log MMP discussed in Chapter 11. Our presentation is mostly in dimension 3, where all the necessary ingredients are established (with the most subtle part of showing “termination of Sarkisov program” ingeniously settled by Corti [1], as discussed in Section 13–2), leaving the details of the higher-dimensional case to the reader, where the general mechanism goes almost verbatim but some key ingredients still remain conjectural. (See Section 14–5 for the toric Sarkisov program, where we have all the necessary ingredients established in all dimensions.)
Free Speech and Discrimination in the Cake Wars

In 2012, baker Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, citing religious beliefs. Colorado Public Accommodations law prohibits business owners from denying the “full and equal enjoyment” of their services on the basis of sexual orientation, and Phillips refused to sell the couple the very same items he would sell to a heterosexual couple. But Phillips, who fashions himself as a “cake artist,” argues that applying the law here would interfere with his free-speech rights. Moreover, he argues that he is not actually discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation but on the basis of a particular understanding of marriage; he is happy to sell Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people a wide range of other items. In this chapter, I evaluate both arguments. In the postscript, I briefly explain the US Supreme Court's June 2018 ruling on the case.
Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and all-cause mortality in general population: insights from national health and nutrition education survey.

Platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a novel marker of inflammation that has gained popularity, especially in prognostication of cardiac diseases and malignant conditions. Several studies have examin...
Memory Based LT Encoders over BIAWGN Channels

In this paper, we investigate memory based Luby transform (LT) encoders (MBLTEs) over binary input additive white Gaussian noise (BIAWGN) channels. We analyze the performance of MBLTEs by characterizing the expected probability at each decoding round that a variable node has not yet received any nonzero message. Simulation results verify our analysis and show that MBLTEs outperform the regular LT encoder over BIAWGN channels in terms of bit error rate (BER)&#x002F;frame error rate (FER) and error floor.
Identification of temporal network changes in short-course gene expression from C. elegans reveals structural volatility

Many bioinformatics algorithms attempt to extract relevant biological information from datasets obtained at specific data points. However, it is critical to identify changing genes in temporal data so that studies can focus on the dynamics of gene expression. While networks continue to play a significant role in characterising biological relationships, most biomedical network modelling studies focus on 'static' network-based analysis. In this study, we use a temporal, network-based approach to identify and rank genes that exhibit variation in short-course gene expression. We use a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) gene correlation network obtained from mRNA expression to illustrate the value of the proposed approach, and compare the results of this method to results obtained from traditional differential gene expression analysis. We show that temporal network analysis identifies genes that are inherently different from differentially expressed genes, raising new questions about structural meaning in expression networks and how changes in expression are observed.
Hormonal Control of Protein Synthesis

There are many instances in which a change in tissue concentration of a hormone or the exogenous addition of a hormone specifically changes the level of activity of one or more enzymes. In no case is it known how the tissue controls the level of enzyme activity in response to the changed hormone concentration. It is instructive to review the best known of these responses as we try to develop concepts that will allow us to understand them.
p53 modifications: exquisite decorations of the powerful guardian.

The last 40 years have witnessed how p53 rose from a viral binding protein to a central factor in both stress responses and tumor suppression. The exquisite regulation of p53 functions is of vital importance for cell fate decisions. Among the multiple layers of mechanisms controlling p53 function, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) represent an efficient and precise way. Major p53 PTMs include phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, and methylation. Meanwhile, other PTMs like sumoylation, neddylation, O-GlcNAcylation, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation, hydroxylation, and β-hydroxybutyrylation are also shown to play various roles in p53 regulation. By independent action or interaction, PTMs affect p53 stability, conformation, localization, and binding partners. Deregulation of the PTM-related pathway is among the major causes of p53-associated developmental disorders or diseases, especially in cancers. This review focuses on the roles of different p53 modification types and shows how these modifications are orchestrated to produce various outcomes by modulating p53 activities or targeted to treat different diseases caused by p53 dysregulation.
Effect of the Resistance Exercise on Elementary School Students’ Physical Fitness

Physical activity programs using components of resistance have the potential to improve health in school children. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a school-based resistance exercise program on physical fitness in elementary school students. The sample was 256 children (mean age = 8.3 ± 2.5 years; 119 girls) from kindergarten to 5th grade. Participants performed a 10-min resistance exercise 2–3 times in each school day. Physical fitness outcomes were assessed using President’s Physical Fitness Challenge test. Measures were collected at baseline and at a 6-month post-test time point. A 2 × 2 doubly MANOVA was employed to examine the effect of sex and time. The multivariate model was statistically significant with a main time effect (Wilks’ λ = 0.19, F = 290.9, P < 0.001). Follow-univariate tests found significant differences between time-points on flex arm hang (P = 0.033), shuttle run (P < 0.001), and 1-mile run/walk times (P < 0.001). A 6-month resistance exercise program improved upper body strength and cardiorespiratory endurance in elementary school aged children. The use of resistance exercise intervention during school day can be effectively used to promote physical fitness and ultimately improve the health of children.
2 – Normal Gait

Publisher Summary Normal gait provides the standard against which the gait of a patient can be judged. However, there are two pitfalls that need to be borne in mind when using this approach. Firstly, the term ‘normal’ covers both sexes, a wide range of ages, and an even wider range of extremes of body geometry, so that an appropriate standard needs to be chosen for the individual who is being studied. If results from an elderly female patient are compared with normal data obtained from physically fit young men, there would be large differences, whereas comparison with normal data from other elderly women might show the patient's gait to be within normal limits appropriate to her sex and age. The second pitfall is that even though a patient's gait differs in some way from normal, it does not follow that this is in some way undesirable, or that the efforts should be made to turn it into a normal gait. Many gait abnormalities are a compensation for some problem experienced by the patient, and although abnormal, they are nonetheless useful.
Prediction of Photochemically Produced Reactive Intermediates in Surface Waters via Satellite Remote Sensing

Absorption of solar radiation by colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in surface waters results in the formation of photochemically produced reactive intermediates (PPRIs) that react with pollut...
Environmental & Social Voting at Index Funds

How should index funds vote? This difficult, fact-dependent question is more important than ever due to index funds’ growing dominance. By voting one-quarter of shares at large public companies, just three index funds increasingly control American corporate governance. Nowhere is this control more acute than in the case of environmental and social (“E&S”) voting. The “Big Three” funds—Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street—have the power to determine the fate of the bulk of E&S proposals. This Article demonstrates that, despite a considerable marketing focus on their E&S efforts, overall support for E&S proposals is low at the Big Three. In the 2018-2019 proxy season, the Big Three supported between 7.1% and 22.7% of such proposals. Other funds supported E&S proposals at far higher rates (e.g., Deutsche Bank at 77.9%) and far lower rates (e.g., Dimensional at 0%). Given that funds have a fiduciary duty to vote in the “best interests” of their investors, which fund got it right? The surprising answer is that no one knows—not even the funds themselves. Only by blind luck could these funds, which make no serious attempts to discern investors’ preferences, be accurately reflecting investors’ interests with their voting behaviors. Ultimately, this Article concludes that it is a convenient myth that index fund stewardship teams are even marginally constrained by the “best interests” standard when voting on E&S proposals, and likely other proposals as well. The truth is that these index funds, possessing the power to decide the fate of most E&S proposals, can do as they wish with that power. The status quo urgently needs change to ensure that index funds, the new arbiters of global corporate governance, are truly acting in investors’ best interests. This Article proposes that such change should come in the form of greater input from index fund investors.
Eponymous Terms and Selected Historical Figures in Endocrinology

Readers will be introduced to a collection of eponymous terms in clinical endocrinology. The clinical features of more common eponyms like Cushing’s disease, Paget’s disease, and Addison’s disease and even less known eponyms such as Refetoff and Montgomery’s syndromes are reviewed. Interesting facts about selected historical figures in endocrinology are highlighted as well.
Effects of timing on in-hospital and one-year outcomes after transcarotid artery revascularization.

Abstract Objective The current recommendations are to perform carotid endarterectomy within 2 weeks of symptoms for maximum long-term stroke prevention, although urgent carotid endarterectomy within 48 hours has been associated with increased perioperative stroke. With the development and rapid adoption of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), we decided to study the effect of timing on the outcomes after TCAR. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative database was searched for symptomatic patients who had undergone TCAR from September 2016 to November 2019. These patients were stratified by the interval to TCAR after symptom onset: urgent, within 48 hours; early, 3 to 14 days; and late, >14 days. The primary outcome was the in-hospital rate of combined stroke and death (stroke/death), evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The secondary outcome was the 1-year rate of recurrent ipsilateral stroke and mortality, evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results A total of 2608 symptomatic patients who had undergone TCAR were included. The timing was urgent for 144 patients (5.52%), early for 928 patients (35.58%), and late for 1536 patients (58.90%). Patients undergoing urgent intervention had an increased risk of in-hospital stroke/death, which was driven primarily by an increased risk of stroke. No differences were seen for in-hospital death. On adjusted analysis, urgent intervention resulted in a threefold increased risk of stroke (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-6.2; P = .01) and a threefold increased risk of stroke/death (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.4; P = .01) compared with late intervention. Patients undergoing early intervention had comparable risks of stroke (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.7-2.3; P = .40) and stroke/death (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.7-2.1; P = .48) compared with late intervention. On subset analysis, the type of presenting symptoms was an effect modifier. Patients presenting with stroke and those presenting with transient ischemic attack or amaurosis fugax both had an increased risk of stroke/death when undergoing urgent compared with late TCAR (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-6.6; P = .04; and OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.1-15.0; P = .03, respectively). However only patients presenting with transient ischemic attack or amaurosis fugax had experienced an increased risk of stroke with urgent compared with late TCAR (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.4-17.5; P Conclusions We found that TCAR had a reduced incidence of stroke when performed 48 hours after symptom onset. Urgent TCAR within 48 hours of the onset of stroke was associated with a threefold increased risk of in-hospital stroke/death, with no added benefit for ≤1 year after intervention. Further studies are needed on long-term outcomes of TCAR stratified by the timing of the procedure.
Nanomanufacturing of Non-Noble Amorphous Alloys for Electrocatalysis

There is a strong surge in interest for hydrogen and direct alcohol fuel cells as zero-emission energy conversion and storage devices due to their high energy density compared to that for batteries...
Orientation-Dependent Mechanical Response of Graphene/BN heterostructures.

Graphene-based hybrid van der Waals structures have emerged as a new class of materials for novel multifunctional applications. Ind such a vertically-stacked heterostructure, it is expected that its mechanical strength can be tailored by the orientation of the constituent monolayers relative to each other. In this paper, we explore this hypothesis by investigating the orientation dependence of the mechanical properties of graphene/h-BN heterostructures together with that of graphene and h-BN bilayers. The calculated results simulating the pull-out experiment show a noticeable dependence of the (out-of-plane) transverse mechanical response, which is primarily governed by the interlayer strength, on the stacking configurations. The degree of the dependence is directly related to the nature of the interlayer interactions, which change from covalent to covalent polar in going from graphene bilayer to graphene/BN to BN bilayer. In contrast, molecular dynamics simulations mimicking nanoindentation experiments predict that the in-plane mechanical response, which mainly depends on the intra-layer interactions, shows little or no dependence on the stacking-order. The BN monolayer is predicted to fracture before graphene regardless of the stacking pattern or configuration in the graphene/BN heterostructure, affirming the mechanical robustness of graphene. Thus, the graphene-based hybrid structures retain both stiffness and toughness required for a wide range of optoelectromechanical applications.
The effect of patient factors on opioid use after anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Background Prolonged opioid use can lead to suboptimal outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and thus, reduced consumption is desirable. Our primary aims were to determine if differences in total morphine equivalent doses existed owing to (1) age less than or greater than 65 years, (2) sex, and (3) TSA type – reverse or anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. We also characterized potential risk factors for (1) visiting another provider for pain, (2) pain control 6 weeks postoperatively, and (3) needing an opioid refill. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 100 patients who underwent TSA (reverse total shoulder arthroplasty N1 = 50; anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty N2 = 50) between 1 July 2018 and 31 December 2018 was performed. Demographics, perioperative treatments, and postoperative opioid prescriptions were recorded. Primary hypotheses were evaluated with Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney testing. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed potential risk factors for the 3 outcomes of interest. Results were given in adjusted odds ratios (aORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and P values. Results There was a difference (P = .009) in total morphine equivalent doses used (in 5-milligram oxycodone tablets) between patients who were younger than 65 years of age (median: 83 tablets, interquartile range: 62-140) and those who were older than 65 years of age (median: 65 tablets, interquartile range: 52-90). Unemployment (aOR = 4.68, CI: 1.5-14.2, P = .006) and age less than 65 years (aOR = 4.18, CI: 1.6-11.2, P = .004) were independent risk factors for inadequate pain control 6 weeks postoperatively. Two independent risk factors for needing an opiate prescription refill after discharge were unemployment (aOR = 4.56, CI: 1.5-13.8, P = .007) and preoperative opiate use (aOR = 3.95, CI: 1.4-11.0, P = .009). Conclusion After TSA, morphine equivalent dose usage is higher for patients younger than 65 years of age, and several risk factors exist for requiring a refill and having inadequate pain control 6 weeks postoperatively. Prospective studies using these data to guide interventions may be beneficial.
Switchable PCM Optical Filter for Automotive Color-IR Imaging

We demonstrate a tunable optical filter using Ge 2 Sb 2 Se 4 Te 1 (GSST) phase change material to enable new capabilities in driver assistive technologies. The design principle of the optical filter is based on the metal-insulator-metal (MIM) coupled cavity theory. This filter selectively passes 850nm wavelength to enable daytime color and nighttime NIR imaging.
HIGH STIFFNESS SURFACE COATING OPTIMIZATION THROUGH STARCH ENCAPSULATION OF PLATY KAOLIN

Modified fillers consisting of kaolin particles encapsulated by starch have recently been demonstrated in mill trials to achieve significant filler loading levels without accompanying strength losses. In this work, laboratory experiments were conducted to explore the potential advantages of using starch-treated pigment for strength increases by application of surface coating. It is found that a platy clay coating will produce a higher increase in strength per unit weight of application compared to a fine clay, and more-so if the clay is encapsulated in starch. Starch encapsulation of clay produces a greater increase in strength than an equivalent weight proportion addition of starch to a kaolin formulation blend. The observations and measurements of changes in various physical properties of the coated samples are explained by a proportionate loss of void volume in the coating from the encapsulation process and the increase of stress transfer through introduction of higher platelet aspect ratio.
Steady-State Algorithmic Analysis M/M/c Two-Priority Queues with Heterogeneous Rates.

An algorithm for steady-state analysis of M/M/c nonpreemptive two-priority queues with heterogeneous rates is presented. It is based on a computational analysis a la Neuts which exploits a partition of the full state space into blocks. Both M/G/1 and GI/M/1 paradigm block structures arise and are exploited in the analysis. The mean number of waiting customers and the mean delay for each priority class are calculated. This gives a partial solution to the “Probabilistic puzzler” posed by D. P. Heyman in the fall 1977 issue of Applied Probability Newsletter, and extends a result of A. Cobham [Operations Research 2 (2954), 70–76] to two-priority queues with unequal service rates. In addition, the probabilities of individual states are computed. The algorithm has been programmed and some examples computed for nonpreemptive systems with five servers.
Jefferson Lab CEBAF energy upgrade plans

This paper presents interim conceptual plans for upgrading the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility to extend Jefferson Lab's world leadership in nuclear physics research. The CEBAF accelerator was designed in the mid-1980's to provide beams of electrons at an energy of 4 GeV (billion electron volts) for use as probes of the atom's nucleus in CEBAF's three experiment halls. As of early 1999, the accelerator exceeds its design energy by routinely operating above 5.5 GeV. When upgraded, it will provide 11 GeV electron beams for studies in existing experimental halls and 12 GeV electrons to generate photon beams for related but qualitatively different nuclear studies in a new Hall D.
Cloning and characterization of RECQL, a potential human homologue of the Escherichia coli DNA helicase RecQ.

A potential human DNA helicase, RECQL, was partially purified from HeLa cells, and a cDNA encoding this protein was subsequently cloned from a HeLa library. The RECQL cDNA contains a protein coding region of 1977 base pairs, and encodes a 659-amino-acid polypeptide with a predicted M(r) 72,000. This predicted protein sequence contains several domains that have extensive sequence identity with similar domains of the RecQ protein from Escherichia coli that has been shown to be an ATP-dependent DNA helicase. Overall amino acid sequence identity between the two proteins is 32% overall sequence similarity is 57%. The similarities between the two sequences are particularly high in the seven consecutive domains characteristic of DNA and RNA helicases. Expression of the RECQL cDNA in reticulocyte lysates and in transiently transfected cells confirms the M(r) 72,000 of the protein; this protein reacted with antibodies raised against synthetic peptides comprising both the predicted amino- and carboxyl-terminal sequences. These antibodies demonstrated that RECQL is located predominantly in the nucleus of human fibroblasts. Based on its sequence similarity to the E. coli RecQ protein, it is possible that the putative human helicase RECQL may play a role in the repair of DNA that is damaged by ultraviolet light or other mutagens.
Gaskets and Sealing

The performance, reliability, and environmentally friendly issues are some of the major considerations when designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of gaskets and seals. The requirements of today's engine and transmission are higher temperature, higher cylinder and coolant pressures, higher fuel line pressure to improve emissions, lighter joints, synthetic fluids, and much longer service life. Each of those requirements needs to be addressed for a successful product. In many applications, the load on the surface of the joint (such as a cylinder head and cylinder block) is not uniformly distributed. Careful evaluation of the load distribution must be considered. To complicate things, most materials used today for gaskets and seals are time-dependent materials. That is, they change properties during service life. It is very important during the design to address these considerations. Typically, the design of gaskets and seals are an afterthought. The joint manufacturer developed the joint already and then tries to design the seal. This may create unnecessary design iterations and may lengthen the development process rather than reduce it. Ideally, the joint manufacturer should invite the gasket and seal designer and address seal concerns early in the joint design process. Some companies do not spent enough time upfront during the development of new technology. This disturbs the smooth production start ups, creating painful project overruns in time and money, and potentially high warranty claims. Successful and timely “design to market strategy” would be accomplished, if the right set of skills and knowledge is incorporated into the design team: design analysis, materials, and manufacturing processes. In addition, bolted joint and assembly analysis, surface texture, and modern analytical tools such as finite element analysis (FEA) and computer simulation are employed. Keywords: gaskets; seals; design; materials; processes; testing
Optimal Limit-versus-Market Order Slicing under a VWAP Benchmark - Discrete Case

Algorithmic brokers benchmarked to TWAP or VWAP face a limit-order market-order tradeoff when slicing orders. Executing market orders keeps them on schedule but is costly. Executing limit orders saves spread but can lead to schedule slippage. This paper presents an optimal solution for execution in light of this tradeoff in the discrete shares case. We prove the optimal solution can be described in terms of a forward and backward boundary which define how many limit orders should be placed on the order book and when to execute market orders. We also give a simple numerical scheme to obtain these two boundaries.
Abstract P4-15-21: Skin infections associated with the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab-containing chemotherapy

Objectives: The addition of pertuzumab, to trastuzumab-based chemotherapy is currently considered first-line therapy for locally advanced and metastatic disease HER2 positive breast cancer and has also been suggested for use in the adjuvant setting. Over the past 12 months, we have observed an increase in the incidence of severe skin infections in patients receiving chemotherapy with pertuzumab and trastuzumab. We report the natural history of what we believe is a previously unrecognized toxicity of these regimens. Methods: Shortly after the FDA approval of pertuzumab, our clinical team appreciated an increase in invasive skin infections. We discussed this concern and identified new cases at our weekly research meeting, keeping a log of cases as they were identified. Infection control reviewed the individual patient and hospital data during this time period. Results: Eleven women were identified to have severe skin and/or nail infections; 6 after cycle 1; 2 after cycle 2, 1 after cycle 3 and 2 after cycle 6. The median age was 51 (Range 46-64); 9 received pertuzumab, trastuzumab, carboplatin, and docetaxel (PTCH) and 2 pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel. Folliculitis of the scalp, abdomen, and/or buttocks were observed in 4 patients. Abscesses were observed in 5 patients, 4 of whom required incision and drainage. Severe paronychial infections involving one to 16 digits were observed in 3 (including one who also had folliculitis). 1 pt required surgical removal of 2 nails. Quantitative immunoglobulins were found to be low in 2 of 8 women tested; 1 patient had a total protein of 4.7 but did not have an assessment of quantitative immunoglobulins. All patients were initially treated with oral antibiotics, but 3 required hospitalization. Cultures were obtained on 6 patients, Staph aureus was identified in 2 and methicillin resistant Staph (MRSA) in 4. All patients resolved their infections and 9 of 10 were able to complete six cycles of chemotherapy. Infection control could identify no increase in Staph infections at our institution. Patients were treated at different locations and received different lot numbers of drug. Conclusions: We believe this is the first report of a substantial incidence of invasive skin and nail infections with the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab-based regimens not reported in the product label. Low levels of quantitative immunoglobulin in select patients suggest a possible mechanism. Citation Format: Joanne E Mortimer, Yuan Yuan, Daphne Stewart, Samuel Chung, Laura Kruper, Louise C Wong, Mary Mendelsohn, Carolyn Behrendt, Sanjeet Dadwal, Bernard Tegtmeier. Skin infections associated with the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab-containing chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-15-21.
Conditions Affecting Transformation of a Group H Streptococcus

Schlissel, Harvey J. (The University of Kansas, Lawrence), and C. P. Sword. Conditions affecting transformation of a group H streptococcus. J. Bacteriol. 92:1357–1363. 1966.—A defined transforming medium (DTM) containing buffer and 5 to 10 μg per ml of deoxyribonucleic acid was developed to study the physical and chemical requirements for optimal transformation in streptococcal strain SBE. Optimal transformation in DTM occurred at pH 7.5 and 7.0 in 0.07 m sodium phosphate buffer and 0.05 m tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer, respectively. In the presence of either a monovalent or a divalent cation, transformation was stimulated maximally by Mn+2 (10−3m) and K+ (0.05 m). Other cations tested (Na+, Mg+2, Ca+2) were less stimulatory. A mixture of K+ and Mn+2 stimulated transformation to a level higher than either cation alone. Kinetic studies showed that the stimulating effect of cations was greatest during the early part of the transformation reaction and decreased with time. Transformation was inhibited by Cu+2 (10−5m) and Mn+2 (10−2m). Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) inhibited transformation at 10−5m. The inhibition by EDTA could be overcome by Mn+2 during the early part of the transformation reaction.
Optical Bistability: Introduction to Nonlinear Etalons; GaAs Etalons and Waveguides; Regenerative Pulsations

The properties of a nonlinear optical system depend upon the strength or intensity of the light incident upon it. Under special conditions a nonlinear system can exhibit a threshold characteristic, so that an optical transistor can be made to perform logic operations analogous to those of an electronic transistor.
The configural approach to organisational commitment: An application in Ghana

Orientation: An emerging stream of research employs a configural or profile approach to the study of organisational commitment, by focusing on and placing individuals at the centre of data analysis. This approach signals the importance of taking a holistic view of individuals’commitment mind-set, unlike the variable-centred approach. Research purpose: To test the theory on profiles of commitment in an African context (Ghana). Motivation for the study: Although the three-component model of organisational commitment has been extended to several regions of Africa, there is a paucity of research on profiles of commitment on the continent. Research approach, design and method: Cross-sectional data from two studies, with samples of 187 and 218, were analysed using k-means clusters. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was then used to test the differences amongst profiles in their association with contextual variables, such as pay satisfaction, job security, strike propensity and two demographic factors. Main findings: In the k-means cluster analysis, a six-cluster solution emerged in both studies;the profiles include the highly committed and the uncommitted groups, as well as the profiles based on normative commitment and continuance commitment. Overall, the MANOVA post hoc outcome shows that the highly committed group reports higher mean scores on the positive outcome variables (e.g. job security) than the uncommitted group. Conversely, the uncommitted group scored relatively higher on the negative organisational outcome (propensity to strike). Other mean differences were found in the respective studies on pay satisfaction, collectivism and the demographic factors. Practical/managerial implications: Employing the configural approach to the study of commitment in this region should increase our understanding of the patterns of attachment and their influence on behaviour. Different patterns of attachment exist within the organisation that may be beneficial or detrimental to behaviour on the job. It is, therefore, important for managers to identify these patterns and target organisational policy and resources appropriately. Contribution/value-add: This study applies the concept of commitment profiles to an untested region: an African context. It, therefore, adds to the literature on the generalisability of the typology of commitment profiles.
Feasibility of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for breast cancer survivors: a randomized, wait list controlled pilot study

This study assessed the feasibility of a meditation-based program called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) with breast cancer survivors. Enrollment and participant satisfaction with a novel intervention, adherence to program requirements, and differences between the intervention group and wait list controls on self-report measures were also assessed. Additionally, cortisol, a stress-related endocrine biomarker, was assessed. Participants (n = 33) were randomly assigned to CBCT or the wait list. CBCT provided eight weekly, 2-h classes and a “booster” CBCT session 4 weeks later. CBCT participants were expected to attend classes and meditate between classes at least three times per week. Pre-/post-intervention and follow-up questionnaires measured symptom change (depression, intrusive thoughts, perceived stress, fear of cancer recurrence, fatigue/vitality, loneliness, and quality of life). Saliva samples were collected at the same periods to assess the slope of diurnal cortisol activity. Enrollment, class attendance, home practice time, and patient satisfaction exceeded expectations. Compared to controls, post-intervention, the CBCT group showed suggestions of significant improvements in depression, avoidance of intrusive thoughts, functional impairment associated with fear of recurrence, mindfulness, and vitality/fatigue. At follow-up, less perceived stress and higher mindfulness were also significant in the CBCT group. No significant changes were observed on any other measure including diurnal cortisol activity. Within the limits of a pilot feasibility study, results suggest that CBCT is a feasible and highly satisfactory intervention potentially beneficial for the psychological well-being of breast cancer survivors. However, more comprehensive trials are needed to provide systematic evidence. CBCT may be very beneficial for improving depression and enhancing well-being during breast cancer survivorship.
A Simple Process‐Based Snowmelt Routine to Model Spatially Distributed Snow Depth and Snowmelt in the SWAT Model1

: We present a method to integrate a process-based (PB) snowmelt model that requires only daily temperature and elevation information into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The model predicts the spatiotemporal snowpack distribution without adding additional complexity, and in fact reduces the number of calibrated parameters. To demonstrate the utility of the PB model, we calibrate the PB and temperature-index (TI) SWAT models to optimize agreement with stream discharge on a 46-km2 watershed in northwestern Idaho, United States, for 10 individual years and use the calibrated parameters for the year with the best agreement to run the model for 15 remaining years. Stream discharge predictions by the PB and TI model were similar, although the PB model simulated snowmelt more accurately than the TI model for the remaining 15-year period. Spatial snow distributions predicted by the PB model better matched observations from LandSat imagery and a SNOTEL station. Results for this watershed show that including PB snowmelt in watershed models is feasible, and calibration of TI-based watershed models against discharge can incorrectly predict snow cover.
Identification of transglutaminase substrates in inside-out vesicles from human erythrocytes: Immunoblotting with anti-dansyl antibody

An immunoblotting procedure, using anti-dansyl antibody, was employed to demonstrate that band 3 protein was the predominant substrate in inside-out vesicles from human erythrocytes reacting with transglutaminase.
Application of the Premack Principle of reinforcement to the quality performance of service employees

This study applied Premack's (1959, 1965) model of reinforcement to improving quality performance of service employees. Premack stated that for any pair of activities, the more probable or valued one will reinforce the less probable or less valued one. Quality performance was operationally defined and measured in the study by an observational instrument developed from a large-scale employee survey. Employees of a fast food restaurant chain in a medium-sized, midwest metropolitan area identified the most important quality performance dimensions for each workstation in the restaurant, and observers were trained to record those categories of performance with 90 percent interrater reliability. Performance of eight randomly selected employees at one of the restaurant locations was directly observed during a 7-week period. Five of the employees experienced an intervention derived from the Premack reinforcement model; if the quality of their performance exceeded baseline at a targeted workstation, they earned access to work time on their favorite station. A multiple baseline design across the five individuals was employed to assess the impact of this intervention; three employees who did not experience the intervention served as a control for maturation. The results provide beginning support for the use of reinforcement procedures derived from Premack's model in improving quality performance of service employees.
Circulating Levels of Immunoreactive Cytokines in Women with Preeclampsia

PROBLEM Circulating inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. To test this hypothesis, we measured plasma levels of immunoreactive tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and -beta, interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and -beta, and IL-6 and -10 in women with preeclampsia, in women with transient gestational hypertension, and throughout normal pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used and subjected to extensive validation studies. RESULTS The median concentration of plasma TNF-alpha was increased by twofold in women with preeclampsia compared with that in normal third-trimester pregnancy (P < 0.001) and in women with gestational hypertension (P < 0.04). The median concentration of plasma IL-6 was increased by threefold in women with preeclampsia compared with that in normal third-trimester pregnancy (P < 0.001) and increased twofold compared with that in women with gestational hypertension (P < 0.1). There were no significant differences observed in the levels of plasma IL-1 beta and IL-10 between the preeclamptic and other subject groups. The level of IL-1 beta, but not the levels of IL-10, TNF-alpha, or IL-6, was significantly changed during normal pregnancy compared with the nonpregnant condition manifesting an overall decline (P < 0.04). TNF-beta and IL-1 alpha were not detected in any samples, possibly because of the low sensitivity of these particular immunoassays. CONCLUSION Elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 may contribute to the putative endothelial dysfunction of preeclampsia.
Long-term Risks and Benefits of Bariatric Surgery: A Research Challenge

Bariatric surgery results in lastingweight loss and is recognized as improving metabolic aspects of obesity, for which long-term outcomes remain poorly defined. Many important research questions remain unanswered, contributing to limited use of bariatric surgery for both weight loss andmetabolic conditions. A workshop was recently convened by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Division of CardiovascularSciencesattheNationalHeart,Lung,andBloodInstitute toaddressthecurrentstatusandneedsofresearchaboutlong-termbariatric surgical outcomes.Detailed findings fromthisworkshopare reportedbyCourcoulasetal1 inJAMASurgery.Thebestavailableevidence regardingbariatric surgicaloutcomescomesfromlargeobservational studiesandfromrecentlyperformedrandomizedclinical trials (RCTs).1 Comparedwith the RCTs, the observational studies were larger with longer follow-up.Although thebest availableevidence is that “bariatric surgical procedures result in greater weight loss than nonsurgical treatment,”2 there isstill aneedformore informationabout long-term outcomes (at least 10years’worth) after surgical procedures. Ideally,RCTswouldbestcharacterize long-termoutcomesforbariatric surgery.However, thecostsof this typeof studyareprohibitive. AnRCTrequiresscreeningnumerouscandidatestoenrolloneandmust pay for clinical care. For anRCT tobegeneralizable, there should be a multicenterconsortium.Giventheheterogeneityofpatientsacrosscentersandtherelativehomogeneityofsurgicalprocedureswithincenters, the trialwouldneedvery largenumbersofpatients andcenters tobe adequatelypoweredandgeneralizable.Patientretentioninweight loss trials is particularlyproblematic, resulting inhighcosts attributable to maintainingpatients inthestudy.Thus,theworkshopparticipantsconcludedthatthemostpracticalapproachforobtaininginformationabout long-termrisksandbenefitsofbariatric surgerywouldbe tocombine informationfromseveralRCTsortoimplementwell-designedandwellexecutedobservationalstudies.However,combiningresults fromdissimilar RCTsmaynotbe feasible nor scientifically acceptable. For somequestions, suchas those aboutweight loss sustainability,comorbidityresponses,andmid-and long-termcomplications,existingresourcesmayanswer importantquestions.TheSwedishObese JAMASURGERY
Effect of 6-mercaptopurine on mineral and metallothionein metabolism in the mouse.

The effect of the anticancer drug 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) on mineral metabolism was investigated in mice. C57Bl/6J female mice were injected intraperitoneally with 6-MP at 100 mg/kg body wt for one, two, four, or five consecutive days. On d 6 of the study, liver, kidney, and intestine were removed, and concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and calcium were measured. Hepatic concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, and calcium became higher as the number of drug injections increased. To determine if the altered mineral metabolism was a function of a drug-induced, acute-phase response, liver metallothionein and plasma ceruloplasmin were measured. Metallothionein concentrations in the liver became higher with increased number of injections, correlating with the stepwise increase in hepatic zinc. Gel filtration chromatography showed that most of the increase in liver zinc concentration was associated with a protein of mol wt of 6000–8000, the approximate weight of metallothionein. Ceruloplasmin concentrations were not affected by 6-MP injection. These results suggested that 6-MP alters zinc metabolism by sequestering zinc into the liver via induction of metallothionein synthesis and that the drug may induce an acute-phase response with an atypical acute-phase protein profile.
Geometry of self-propulsion at low Reynolds number

The problem of swimming at low Reynolds number is formulated in terms of a gauge field on the space of shapes. Effective methods for computing this field, by solving a linear boundary-value problem, are described. We employ conformal-mapping techniques to calculate swimming motions for cylinders with a variety of crosssections. We also determine the net translationl motion due to arbitrary infinitesimal deformations of a sphere.
Is pediatric trauma still a surgical disease? Patterns of emergent operative intervention in the injured child

Background: Nonoperative management of many pediatric injuries has generated debate as to whether surgeons must be routinely involved in the early assessment and management of pediatric trauma. This study examines the frequency of operative intervention among injured children and evaluates potential predictors of emergent intervention. Methods: Pediatric (age < 18 years) patients were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank. Primary outcome measures were surgical intervention by specialty, time to intervention, and mortality. Prehospital factors were evaluated as predictors of emergent surgical intervention. Results: Thirty percent of trauma admissions underwent operative intervention, with 57% of these requiring emergent surgery. Patients needing emergent general or neurosurgical intervention were at increased risk of death. Requiring one type of emergent surgical intervention was predictive of needing a second type of emergent procedure. Predictors of emergent general surgical intervention were penetrating mechanism, increasing age, and the presence of shock or coma. Conclusion: These data support the continued routine involvement of surgeons in the initial assessment and management of the injured child.