cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Dose Busulfan and Fludarabine with Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) Followed by Unmodified Marrow Grafts from HLA-Matched Siblings for the Treatment of High Risk Hemoglobinopathies (HGBpathies).

The standard cytoreduction for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) of pts with HGBpathies has been the combination of Busulfan (BU) and Cyclophosphamide However, for pts with advanced disease, high rates of graft rejection and toxicity were reported. For such high risk pts, a BU and Fludarabine (FLU) cytoreductive combination was used at low dose in the context of non-myeloablative BMT and was associated with a poor outcome with high rates of graft rejection. In view of the low toxicity associated with the BU-FLU combination, we used both agents at higher, potentially myeloablative doses for the cytoreduction of six pts with high risk HGBpathies. Between 12/00 and 04/05, 4 pts with thalassemia (Thal) and 2 pts with sickle cell disease (SCD), including 2 males and 4 females aged 4.6–15.3 years were transplanted using this regimen. All 4 pts with Thal had advanced Lucarelli Class 2 disease, while the 2 pts with SCD had stroke, recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), sickle lung disease and alloimmunization (n=1) and recurrent VOC, acute chest syndrome and osteomyelitis (n=1). Cytoreduction included intravenous BU (0.8–1 mg/Kg/dose x 14), FLU (30 mg/m2/day x 5) and Rabbit ATG (2.5 mg/Kg x 2). GvHD prophylaxis consisted of Tacrolimus (n=3) or cyclosporine (n=3) and methotrexate (n=5) or Steroids (n=1). Pts received an unmodified BMT from their HLA-identical sibling with total nucleated cell doses of 0.7–5.7 x 10 8 cells/Kg. The regimen was well tolerated with minimal toxicity. With a median follow-up of 21.5 mo (range 3–55 mo), all 6 pts are disease- and transfusion- free. There was no graft rejection and no GvHD. Chimerism status for pts with Thal was 98–100% donor, 5 mo to 2 years post BMT, while for the 2 pts with SCD, it was mixed with 50 and 80% donor cells at 3 mo and 2 years post BMT. The pt with 50% donor cells received a low graft cell dose (0.7 x 10 8 nucleated cells/Kg). One additional pt with SCD and a history of 2 strokes and moya-moya disease received BU FLU + melphalan (70 mg/m2 x 2). This pt had minimal post BMT toxicity, and is engrafted with 100% donor cells at 1 year post BMT. In summary, the combination of high dose BU and FLU for pts with high risk HGBpathies was well tolerated and induced full engraftment for pts with Thal, but mixed chimerism for pts with SCD. Nevertheless, all pts so treated survive with normal hematologic function. The addition of melphalan to BU FLU was also well tolerated and could be beneficial in attaining complete myeloablation and full chimerism in pts with SCD.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Natural History, Diagnosis, and Current Treatment Options

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise and has become a major etiology for chronic liver disease. It is frequently associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia and is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. In this review, we present a summary of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD, and discuss the clinical evaluation and stratification of NAFLD patients into low, intermediate, and high risk with respect to liver-related outcomes. While diet and exercise are the cornerstone of treatment in all patients, the low rate of adherence and inadequacy of these recommendations necessitate pharmacologic intervention, especially in intermediate- and high-risk patients. We discuss vitamin E and pioglitazone which are often used as first-line therapy by many practitioners, with pentoxifylline and liraglutide as backup agents. Several drugs are in advanced-phase clinical trials and will likely change the landscape for management of NAFLD in the very near future.
Effects of Concrete Composition on Resistance to Microbially Induced Corrosion

AbstractMicrobially induced corrosion (MIC) is a process that can take place in concrete sewers, septic tanks, and transfer stations and can result in concrete deterioration. MIC is attributable to...
Towards a Concept Inventory for Algorithm Analysis Topics

We present initial results from our work towards developing a concept inventory for algorithm analysis (AACI) at the post-CS2 level. We used a Delphi process to identify a list of algorithm analysis topics that were considered both important and hard by surveying a panel of experienced instructors. Through a similar survey process, we identified a list of student misconceptions related to the identified topics. Based on this, a set of pilot AACI items were developed. We validated the misconceptions list by analyzing student responses to four administrations of the pilot AACI in two different universities during Fall 2015 and Spring 2016. Results revealed that a sufficient number of students held most of the misconceptions identified in the list.
Design and kinematics of serial/parallel hybrid robot

Nowadays contemporary economic growth and increasing industrial needs demand robots to have a multifunctional properties such as a wide applicability, precision, wide workspace and simple robot-human interface. Modern, robot industry presents two types of robot architecture: serial and parallel, serial robots have a wide workspace, easy forward kinematics and have a wide applicability in industry, while parallel manipulators are not applies widely in industry. However, parallel manipulator has some beneficial properties as well, such as rigidity, high payload capacity and high precision. Although majority robots in industry are serial manipulators, but some areas of industry where requires high precision and rigidity utilizes parallel manipulators such as medicine, pharmacy and microchip assembling industry. The novelty of this project is creating of new type of robot combination: common serial manipulator with Delta robot. Furthermore, to investigate capabilities of this Hybrid robot in terms kinematics, dynamics, payload capacity and accuracy. Moreover, this research will explain serial/parallel hybrid manipulator design structure, workspace control system and kinematics of both manipulators as well
Voice Improvement in Patients with Functional Dysphonia Treated with the Proprioceptive-Elastic (PROEL) Method.

Summary The objective of the study was to analyze the outcome of the proprioceptive-elastic (PROEL) voice therapy method in patients with functional dysphonia (FD). Fifty-two patients with FD were involved in the study; they were composed of three subgroups of patients with (1) FD without glottal insufficiency (n = 28), (2) FD and glottal insufficiency (n = 9), and (3) FD, glottal insufficiency, and vocal nodules (n = 15). A multidimensional assessment protocol including videolaryngostroboscopy; maximum phonation time; perceptual evaluation of dysphonia with the Grade, Instability, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain (GIRBAS) scale; and 10-item version of the Voice Handicap Index was conducted before and after 15 sessions of voice therapy. All voice therapy sessions were conducted by the same speech-language pathologist. The comparison between voice assessment before and after voice therapy with the PROEL method in patients with FD, in all the three subgroups, revealed a statistically significant improvement in periodicity and the mucosal wave in the laryngostroboscopy, maximum phonation time, GIRBAS scale scores, and VHI-10. Voice of patients with FD improved after treatment with the PROEL method. Further studies are needed to analyze the efficacy of the PROEL method with randomized double-blind clinical trials using different methods for voice therapy. At present, the PROEL method represents an alternative tool for the speech pathologist to improve voice in patients with FD.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of a Parallel Planar Manipulator with Linear Electric Actuators Using Power Flow Approach

This work presents the analytical form determination of the dynamic model of a parallel planar mechanism with three degrees of freedom through the characterization of the power flow between its components. From the geometrical relations associated to the displacement of their degrees of freedom, the kinematic relations associated to their speeds are determined. Considering the power flow between the degrees of freedom, and also between these and the actuating elements (linear electric actuators) the equilibrium relations of the forces and torques are obtained. Accounting for inertial effects of system components, the stiffness and damping effects, the equations of motion or the state equations are analytically determined. Besides, the relation between the inverse kinematics and the direct dynamics is presented. The proposed methodology is generalized and applicable in any type of mechanism (open or closed, planar or spatial). Thus, this methodology (power flow) is more efficient to achieve the dynamic analytical (closed) models of parallel mechanisms. Simulations are performed to validate this approach, using the real data (geometry, inertia, damping, actuators forces, etc.) from a planar mechanism designed and built especially for the purpose to compare the simulated and experimental results. The analytical equations lead to a more efficient simulation process and real-time control of these systems.
A Colposcopy Trainer to Simulate Visualization and Biopsy of the Cervix.

BACKGROUND Colposcopy is a common office procedure providing a magnified view of the cervix for the evaluation of an abnormal cytology result. Traditionally the procedure has been replicated in simulation training by using a sausage or hotdog to represent the cervix and allow for target biopsy. This is neither reusable nor sustainable. METHOD We developed a cervix model comprised of food coloring and ballistics gel. After cooling, the surface was dotted with gel that can be activated by a black light to mimic acetowhite changes. The cervix was placed into an existing pelvic trainer and then piloted by attending physicians and resident trainees in obstetrics and gynecology and family practice. EXPERIENCE Sixteen physicians and residents were surveyed after a simulated colposcopy. Twelve had performed colposcopies and of those, eight stated that the model was very comparable with the real procedure; four stated the model was somewhat comparable. Three had never performed a colposcopy but stated that model was very or somewhat comparable with textbook or journal photographs. CONCLUSION Our colposcopy trainer represents continued innovation in the field of simulation while being sustainable and economic. We continue to work on enhancing our model to be even more sophisticated and offering additional training options.
Unsupervised discovery of motifs under amplitude scaling and shifting in time series databases

We introduce an algorithm, MD-RP, for unsupervised discovery of frequently occurring patterns, or motifs, in time series databases. Unlike prior approaches that can handle pattern distortion in the time dimension only, MD-RP is robust at finding pattern instances with amplitude shifting and with amplitude scaling. Using an established discretization method, SAX, we augment the existing real-valued time series representation with additional features to capture shifting and scaling. We evaluate our representation change on the modified randomized projection algorithm on synthetic data with planted, known motifs and on real-world data with known motifs (e.g., GPS). The empirical results demonstrate the effectiveness of MD-RP at discovering motifs that are undiscoverable by prior approaches. Finally, we show that MD-RP can be used to find subsequences of time series that are the least similar to all other subsequences.
Beyond Dyadic Interactions: Considering Chatbots as Community Members

Chatbots have grown as a space for research and development in recent years due both to the realization of their commercial potential and to advancements in language processing that have facilitated more natural conversations. However, nearly all chatbots to date have been designed for dyadic, one-on-one communication with users. In this paper we present a comprehensive review of research on chatbots supplemented by a review of commercial and independent chatbots. We argue that chatbots' social roles and conversational capabilities beyond dyadic interactions have been underexplored, and that expansion into this design space could support richer social interactions in online communities and help address the longstanding challenges of maintaining, moderating, and growing these communities. In order to identify opportunities beyond dyadic interactions, we used research-through-design methods to generate more than 400 concepts for new social chatbots, and we present seven categories that emerged from analysis of these ideas.
Translocation of Boreal Toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) into Two Springs in the Grouse Creek Mountains, Utah, Including Demographic Observations

The Boreal Toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) is widely distributed in western North America and has declined throughout portions of the Rocky Mountains. One mechanism to expand populations is to translocate toads into unoccupied habitats. Wild-captured juvenile (n = 229) and subadult/adult (n = 42) Boreal Toads were translocated into 2 unoccupied spring-fed ponds located near 10 known breeding populations in the Grouse Creek Mountains, northwestern Utah. Boreal Toad egg strands were observed at one pond in 8 of 9 years following the last translocation of toads (n = 1–5 egg strands deposited per year) and in 3 of 5 years in the second pond (n = 1–4 egg strands deposited per year). Both translocations were considered short-term successes. Between 1999 and 2017, 1964 Boreal Toads >55 mm SVL were PIT-tagged in the Grouse Creek Mountains, and recaptures were used to develop a growth curve that explained 79% of the size-age variability in this population. The growth curve will allow managers to reasonably identify age-1 and age-2 toads based on SVL and better evaluate Boreal Toad recruitment during population monitoring. Eight Boreal Toads were documented to have lived 11–16 years, and movements up to 7.6 km were documented across a relatively arid sagebrush/juniper landscape.
Voice Interactive Information Systems

Society depends upon people being able to acquire, assimilate and react to information. As the complexities of society increase, so likewise have the technologies for providing information for decision making. Frequently these technologies are not well matched to human sensory capacities, and the user of such systems either is in danger of being inundated by vast quantities of information that are difficult to sift and digest, or of being burdened by complicated operating procedures for accessing the information. There is great incentive to make information systems easier and more natural to use and to provide systems with the intelligence for anticipating needs of a user.
Row-crop planter performance to support variable-rate seeding of maize

Current planting technology possesses the ability to increase crop productivity and improve field efficiency by precisely metering and placing crop seeds. Planter performance depends on determining and utilizing optimal settings for different planting variables such as seed depth, down pressure, and seed metering unit. The evolution of “Big Data” in agriculture today brings focus on the need for quality as-planted and yield mapping data. Therefore, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of current planting technology for accurate placement of seeds while understanding the accuracy of as-planted data. Two studies consisting of two different setups on a 6-row, John Deere planter for seeding of maize (Zea mays L.) were conducted. The first study aimed at assessing planter performance at 2 depth settings (25 and 51 mm) and four different down pressure settings (varying from none to high), while the second study focused on evaluating planter performance during variable-rate seeding with treatments consisting of two seed metering units (John Deere Standard and Precision Planting’s eSet setups) with five different seeding rates and four ground speed treatments which provided a combination of 20 different meter speeds. Field data collection consisted of measuring plant emergence, plant population and seed depth whereas plant spacing, plant population after emergence along with distance and location for rate changes within the field were also recorded for the variable-rate seeding study. Results indicated that both depth setting and downforce affected final seeding depth. Measured seed depth was significantly different from the target depth even though time was spent adjusting the units to achieve the desired prior to planting. Crop emergence did not vary significantly for the different depth and downforce settings except for target depth in Field 1. Results from the variable-rate study indicated that seeding rate changes were accomplished within a quick response time (< 1 s) at all ground speeds regardless of magnitude of rate change. Data showed that planter performance in terms of emergence and plant spacing CV was comparable for most of the meter speeds (17.4–33.5 rpm) among the two seed meters utilized in the study. Plant spacing CV increased with an increase in meter speed, however no significant differences existed among meter speeds in the range of 17.4–33.5 rpm. Results implied that correct seed metering unit setup is very critical to obtain expected performance of today’s planting technology. A concerning find was that the quality of as-applied maps from the commercial variable-rate display was not reflective of the actual planter performance in the field. The study recommended that operators need to ensure the correct planter and display setups in order to achieve needed seed placement performance to support variable-rate seeding.
Adolescent stress: A predictor of dieting behaviors in youth with overweight/obesity.

Abstract Objective To examine associations between psychological stress and dieting behavior along with the heterogeneity of this association by gender and race in a diverse sample of adolescents with overweight/obesity. Methods One hundred and sixty-one adolescents between the ages of 13–19 years of age with overweight/obesity (65% female; 53% non-Hispanic black/47% non-Hispanic white; age: 16.7 ± 1.7 years) were recruited from Southeast MI and included in this analysis. Psychological stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, and dieting behavior was assessed using the dieting subscale from the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to examine the association between psychological stress and dieting behavior by gender and race. Results Psychological stress was significantly associated with dieting (β = 0.18 ± 0.06; p 0.05). Conclusions Increased psychological stress is associated with increased dieting behavior among adolescents with overweight/obesity. These findings suggest that psychological stress equally affects dieting behavior among adolescents with overweight/obesity, regardless of gender and race. Future studies should seek to identify the unique sources of psychological stress that contribute to increased dieting behavior among adolescents with overweight/obesity.
Not just substance use: the critical gap in nutritional interventions for pregnant women with opioid use disorders

Abstract Objectives Pregnancy is a time when optimization of nutrition is critically important, yet pregnant women with substance use disorders face unique nutritional challenges. The aim of this short communication is to summarize existing knowledge about nutritional interventions used in substance use disorders for pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use disorders and to inform program development by maternity care and treatment providers. Study design We conducted a narrative review of nutritional interventions for pregnant women with OUD and performed environmental scanning to explore current practice. Methods To gain knowledge about the unique nutritional needs of pregnant women with OUD, we searched the medical literature using Medical Subject Headings terms and key words combining the concepts of nutrition, pregnancy, and substance use. To explore current practice, we interviewed staff of a geographically diverse sample of 35 programs treating women with substance use disorders across the United Stated and Canada on their approach to prenatal nutrition for clients. Results Literature review identified two studies evaluating the nutritional status of pregnant women with substance use disorders, but neither described nutritional interventions. Lower body mass index and folate, B12, and iron deficiencies were found in women with OUD compared with women without OUD. Two additional studies integrated nutritional interventions in substance use treatment for non-pregnant populations, resulting in significant improvements in dietary habits and psychological well-being for participants. Of 15 substance use treatment programs that responded to our query, only two incorporated longitudinal nutrition curricula for pregnant women. Conclusions Pregnancy is a time when a healthy diet is critically important for maternal, fetal, and neonatal health; however, pregnant women with OUD are at significant risk of malnutrition. There is an urgent need to address food insecurity and develop targeted nutrition education programs for pregnant women in early recovery.
The biogeography of colonization resistance.

Antibiotic overuse has led to a rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens and increased morbidity. A new study shows that the microbiome can prime two different host response pathways in the intestine and lungs that protect against an antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
“Go Hard, Go Early”: Preliminary Lessons From New Zealand’s Response to COVID-19

Although the full impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is yet to be realized, New Zealand has suffered comparatively less than other countries, and there were no active cases in the country by June 8, 2020. Building from best practices in emergency management research, several preliminary lessons emerge from the country’s response to the crisis that could be adapted for other settings. In particular, the government acted early and decisively, developed national unity to combat the virus, communicated effectively with the public, and adapted to changing circumstances, especially to address shortcomings in the response. These preliminary lessons provide some guidance in how to effectively respond to the virus through proactive, evidence-based, well-communicated policies.
Interest Received by Banks During the Financial Crisis: LIBOR vs Hypothetical SOFR Loans

The cumulative additional interest from LIBOR during the crisis is estimated to be between 1% to 2% of the notional amount of outstanding loans, depending on the tenor and type of SOFR rate used. The amount of LIBOR business loans owned by banks could have been as high as about 2trn, and the overall additional interest income banks received thanks to LIBOR could have been as high as 30bn dollars. The analysis also shows that a compounded SOFR reduces insurance relative to a term SOFR.
X-ray Flaring Activity of Mrk 421

We report results from a systematic search for X-ray flares from Mrk 421, using archival data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite. The flares are clearly seen over a wide range of timescales. The quasi-continuous coverage of the source with the All-Sky Monitor (ASM) reveals frequent occurrence of major flares that last for months. On a few occasions, the source was intensively monitored with the more sensitive pointing instruments aboard RXTE. The data from these observations shows the presence of X-ray flares of much shorter durations, ranging from weeks down to less than an hour. For the first time, we clearly resolved the sub-hour flares from Mrk 421. Moreover, Fourier analyses reveal variability on even shorter timescales, up to about 0.01 Hz. The source appears to behave differently in its spectral properties during different flares, large or small, which is intriguing. While significant hysteresis is observed to be associated with spectral evolution in some cases, little is seen in other cases. Sometimes, the shape of the X-ray spectrum hardly varies across a flare. Therefore, the phenomenology is complex. The observed hierarchical structure of the X-ray flares seems to imply the scale-invariant nature of the phenomenon, perhaps similar to solar flares or rapid X-ray flares observed of stellar-mass black holes in this regard. Combined with other results, the observed flaring timescales seriously constrain the physical properties of X-ray emitting regions in the jets of Mrk 421.
Machine learning from a continuous viewpoint, I

We present a continuous formulation of machine learning, as a problem in the calculus of variations and differential-integral equations, in the spirit of classical numerical analysis. We demonstrate that conventional machine learning models and algorithms, such as the random feature model, the two-layer neural network model and the residual neural network model, can all be recovered (in a scaled form) as particular discretizations of different continuous formulations. We also present examples of new models, such as the flow-based random feature model, and new algorithms, such as the smoothed particle method and spectral method, that arise naturally from this continuous formulation. We discuss how the issues of generalization error and implicit regularization can be studied under this framework.
Multiply robust estimation of causal effects under principal ignorability

Causal inference concerns not only the average effect of the treatment on the outcome but also the underlying mechanism through an intermediate variable of interest. Principal stratification characterizes such mechanism by targeting subgroup causal effects within principal strata, which are defined by the joint potential values of an intermediate variable. Due to the fundamental problem of causal inference, principal strata are inherently latent, rendering it challenging to identify and estimate subgroup effects within them. A line of research leverages the principal ignorability assumption that the latent principal strata are mean independent of the potential outcomes conditioning on the observed covariates. Under principal ignorability, we derive various nonparametric identification formulas for causal effects within principal strata in observational studies, which motivate estimators relying on the correct specifications of different parts of the observed-data distribution. Appropriately combining these estimators further yields new triply robust estimators for the causal effects within principal strata. These new estimators are consistent if two of the treatment, intermediate variable, and outcome models are correctly specified, and they are locally efficient if all three models are correctly specified. We show that these estimators arise naturally from either the efficient influence functions in the semiparametric theory or the model-assisted estimators in the survey sampling theory. We evaluate different estimators based on their finite-sample performance through simulation, apply them to two observational studies, and implement them in an open-source software package.
Can D-Dimer in Low-Risk Patients Exclude Aortic Dissection in the Emergency Department?

Abstract Background: Aortic dissection (AD) is a challenging diagnosis associated with severe mortality. However, acute AD is a rare clinical entity and can be overevaluated in the emergency department. D-dimer, both alone and in combination with the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS), has been studied as a tool to evaluate for AD. Clinical Question: Can a negative D-dimer in low-risk patients exclude AD in the emergency department? Evidence Review: Retrieved studies included three systematic review and meta-analyses and two prospective cohort studies. D-dimer was found to be highly sensitive for acute AD, with a sensitivity of 98.0%. The ADD-RS was also highly sensitive (95.7%) for AD. Two meta-analyses reported a combination of a negative D-dimer and ADD-RS
Building a Women in Microwaves Network That Attracts, Scales, and Connects [Women in Microwaves]

The in-person restrictions of the pandemic have affected people in many ways, not the least of which is our natural need for in-person interaction. This has certainly been a challenge for the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Women in Microwaves (WIM) subcommittee, the 2020 goals and objectives ( Figure 1 ) of which were to build a network that attracts women, scales to meet ever-changing needs, and connects women with each other and the IEEE MTT-S. We’ve been focusing on promoting science, technology, engineering, and math women in the microwave community and increasing their visibility as well as furthering awareness and attracting women graduate students and professionals to join WIM. As such, we’ve had to come up with creative ways to further these goals virtually.
Representation of Complex Concepts for Semantic Routed Network

Semantic Routed Network (SRN) can provide a scalable distributed solution for searching data in a large grid. In SRN, messages are routed in a overlay network based on the meaning of the message key. If the message key describes the desired data, then SRN nodes can be addressed and accessed by the description of their data content. The key challenges of materializing a SRN are: (1) designing a data structure which will represent complex descriptions of data objects; (2) computing similarity of descriptors; and (3) constructing a small world network topology that minimize the routing response time and maximize routing success, which depends on solving the first two problems. We present a design of a descriptor data structure and a technique to compare their similarity to address the first two problems.
Corporate Real Estate Unit Formation: Rationale, Industry and Type of Unit

This research investigates relationships between a corporation's rationale for forming a Corporate Real Estate Unit (CREU), its industry, and the type of CREU formed. Four conclusions are offered. ...
Analytical techniques for cell fractions: XIV. Use of drainage syphons in a fast-analyzer cuvet-rotor

Abstract A cuvet-rotor, designated G-IIB, has been developed that contains small-bore syphons attached to each of the fifteen cuvets. Drainage of reactants from the transfer disc was found to be approximately 90% complete in 1 second and 99% complete after 2.5 seconds during acceleration to 1000 rpm. Mixing of protein-biuret reagent solution and 30% sucrose occurred in 1 second when a vacuum was used to pull air back through the syphons and cuvets. Drainage of the cuvets through the syphons was almost quantitative (>99%) when air pressure and one cycle from 400 rpm to 1000 rpm and back to 400 rpm was used. The interval between successive sets of analyses may therefore be 1 minute or less. A method of heat cycling to make the Telflon cuvet-spacer conform to the glass windows is presented.
Bacillus sp. ATCC 27380: a spore with extreme resistance to dry heat.

Abstract An unusual mesophilic Bacillus sp. was isolated from heated soil, and a cleaned spore preparation showed extraordinary resistance to dry heat (D125C = 139 h) and relative sensitivity to moist heat (D80C = 61 min). Biochemical tests and morphology fit no described species.
Chemistry and Biochemistry of Apiose

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chemistry and biochemistry of apiose. The chemical synthesis of D-apiose and some of its derivatives is defined in the chapter. Apiose is usually isolated as glycosides in which it is linked to compounds of low molecular weight. These include only derivatives of flavone, isoflavone, phenol, and anthraquinone. The large number of branched-chain sugars that have been isolated and the widespread occurrence of apiose led to speculation regarding the natural role of apiose-containing polysaccharides. The elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway of apiose was found on extensive, isotope-incorporation experiments in L.minor , L.gibba, and P.crispum. Biosynthetic reactions forming apiose can be divided into decarboxylative reactions, resulting in the biosynthesis of UDP-apiose, and transglycosylation reactions, resulting in the transfer of apiose from one compound to another.
rel Gene control of lipid synthesis in Escherichia coli. Evidence for eliminating fatty acid synthesis as the sole regulatory site.

Abstract Phospholipid synthesis in amino acid-starved stringent (rel+) bacteria which require exogenous fatty acids for phospholipid synthesis (and growth) was examined. Under these conditions phospholipid synthesis remained under stringent control. These results indicate that control of lipid synthesis by the rel gene is not solely due to inhibition of fatty acid synthesis.
Integrated Textbook of Geriatric Mental Health By Donna Cohen & Carl Eisdorfer

Drs. Donna Cohen and Carl Eisdorfer are two internationally recognized experts in geriatric mental health care that are committed to training health care professionals, and they have created a comp...
Optimal and Near-Optimal Incentive Strategies in the Hierarchical Control of Markov Chains

This paper considers Markovian Stackelberg problems with one leader and N followers. Firstly, an algorithm is proposed to compute optimal affine incentive strategy for the leader and Nash reactions of the followers, for general finite state Markov cahins, under the average-cost-per-stage criteria. Next, this algorithm is analyzed in the context of weakly-coupled Markov chains to compute near-optimal strategies from a reduced-order aggregate model. The robustness of the near-optimal solution is established, and the multimodel feature of the computational algorithm is highlighted.
ITR/IM+SII: a distributed information management framework (REGNET) for environmental laws and regulations

The complexity, diversity, and volume of Federal and State regulations (as well as supplementary and supportive documents) are detrimental to businesses and hinder public understanding of government. The objective of REGNET project is to develop information infrastructure and tools for regulatory information management and to facilitate compliance assistance. As a pilot research application, the REGNET project focuses on environmental regulations. The basic research tasks include: (1) textual parsing and storage, (2) semi-structured, indexed storage, (3) means to resolve semantic ambiguities, (4) cross-referencing appropriate for automated retrieval and analysis of relevant documents, and (5) on-line compliance checking of governmental regulations. The experimental scope of this project focuses on Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40: Protection of the Environment and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22: Social Security. Implementation examples include regulations and selected supplementary documents, covering hazardous waste, drinking water and the management of used oil.
Spectroscopic and Mechanical Evaluation of Thin Film Commonly Used for Banding Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs

Objectives To (1) determine whether different types of thin film used to occlude congenital portosystemic shunts are cellophane, and (2) evaluate the influence of saline immersion and sterilization on the tensile properties of cellophane. Study Design Ex vivo spectroscopic evaluation and mechanical testing. Sample Population Rectangular strips of thin film from 4 sources. Methods Samples were evaluated with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and microscopy with a polarizing lens. Samples consistent with cellophane were divided into 5 sterilization groups: non-sterile, autoclave, gamma irradiation, hydrogen peroxide and ethylene oxide. Samples were tested while dry or after saline solution immersion. Tensile properties were compared using ANOVA, unpaired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests and Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results One thin film was consistent with cellophane and it could be differentiated from the other thin films by visible striations. Cellophane was strongest when strips were oriented parallel with its fiber direction and saline immersion reduced its strength by 48% (P < .001). All sterilization methods except autoclave significantly weakened wet cellophane (ethylene oxide [P < .001], gamma irradiation [P < .001], and hydrogen peroxide [P < .001]). Conclusions Thin film from most sources was not consistent with cellophane. Autoclave sterilization is the best way to preserve the strength of wet cellophane.
Etiologic factors in 1294 consecutive cases of male infertility.

Between January 1965 and December 1970 1294 cases of male subfertility were analyzed. Varicoele which is probably secondary to retrograde flow of blood down the incomopetent internal spermatic vein and to premature sloughing of immature cells in the testes comprised 39% of the cases. Surgical correction where indicated resulted in a 48% pregnancy rate. Subfertility was associated with too low semen volume in 1.8% of the cases and with too high semen volume and poor semen quality in 10% of cases. Ejaculatory disturbances including retrograde ejaculation no ejaculation and congenital anatomic abnormality led to infertility in 2% of cases. Artificial homologous insemination was often sucessful in each of these classes. In this series 7.1% cases were secondary to low levels of pituitary gonadotropin. Treatment with gonadotropins as about 30% successful. Adrenogenital syndrome was diagnosed in .9% of the cases. Treatment with corticosteroids is effective. Thyroid problems were diagnosed in .6% of cases. Sexual problems with normal semen quality occurred in 5.1% of the cases. Epididymal obstruction with an infectious etiology often corrected by epididymovasostomy occurred in 4.4% of cases. Absent vasa deferentia due to an embryological growth were noted in 1.8% of cases. Men requesting repair of vasectomies comprised 1.2%. Success was near 40%. Testicular failure including germinal cell aplasia Klinefelters syndrome infantile testes mumps orchitis maturation arrest testis tumor and surgical injury occurred in 14% of cases. Azoospermia due to untreated nondescent of bilateral crytorchidism surgery after puberty or postsurgical atrophy was observed in 4.4% of cases. Early treatment is advocated. Other causes of subfertility were irreversible necrospermia (1.3%) high sperm density (.2%) sperm autoagglutination (.8%) high seminal viscosity (.1%) and unknown (5.4%).
La hostilidad: Sus efectos en la salud y medición psicométrica en Latinoamérica

The article describes the importance of research on hostility and its consequences on health and the connections between emotions and immune system. We present a view of the conceptual and theoretical framework of hostility. One of the main goals of this study was to report the construct validity of the Multicultural Latin American Hostility Inventory. Responses to the items, were factored in separate principal factor analysis with promax rotations to determine the level of correspondence of factor structure in the instrument. This inventory presents with empirical evidence that demonstrates a high degree of construct validity and internal consistency as shown by its factorial structure and alpha correlations.
TWO SPECIAL CASES OF GANEA'S CONJECTURE

Ganea conjectured that for any finite CW complex X and any k > 0, cat(X X Sk) Cat(X) + 1. In this paper we prove two special cases of this conjecture. The main result is the folloNving. Let X be a (p - 1)- connected n-dimensional CW complex (not necessarily finite). We show that if cat(X) K J +1 and n $-l modp (which implies p > 1), then cat(X Sk) cat(X) + 1. This is proved by showing that wcat(X x Sk) = wcat(X) + I in a much larger range, and then showing that under the conditions imposed, cat(X) = wcat(X). The second special case is an extension of Singhof's earlier result for manifolds.
The pushy ways of a parasite

Commentaires d'un article qui presente des micrographies electroniques de macrophages infectes par la bacterie Listeria monocytogenes. Ces micrographies permettent de comprendre les etapes de l'entree, de la multiplication, du mouvement intracellulaire de L. monocytogenes dans le macrophage et de son transfert d'un macrophage a un autre
Experimental search and characterization of icosahedral clusters: Al 12 X − ( X = C , G e , S n , Pb )

Photoelectron spectra of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{12}{X}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ $(X=\mathrm{C},$ Ge, Sn, Pb) were measured to probe the electronic structure of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{12}X.$ These clusters, all possessing 40 valence electrons, were expected to be magic numbers with ${I}_{h}\ensuremath{-}X@{\mathrm{Al}}_{12}$ structures, closed electron shells, and large energy gaps. We showed that for $X=\mathrm{Ge},$ Sn, and Pb that was indeed the case, although non-${I}_{h}$ isomers were also observed. The energy gaps of the three ${I}_{h}\ensuremath{-}X@{\mathrm{Al}}_{12}$ species range from 1.1 to 1.3 eV. The spectra of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{12}{\mathrm{C}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ were distinctly different from the other species, confirming that it does not possess an icosahedral structure.
Pharmacy Participation in Non-Prescription Syringe Sales in Los Angeles and San Francisco Counties, 2007

Increasing sterile syringe access for injection drug users (IDUs) is one way to prevent HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in this population. In 2005, California Senate Bill 1159 allowed counties to adopt the Disease Prevention Demonstration Project (DPDP). Where enacted, the DPDP allows pharmacies that register with the county to sell up to ten syringes to adults without a prescription. In the current study, we describe pharmacy participation in nonprescription syringe sales (NPSS) in two counties in California and examine factors associated with NPSS. Telephone and in-person interviews were conducted in Los Angeles (LA) and San Francisco (SF) with 238 pharmacies in 2007 (n = 67 in SF; n = 171 in LA). Quantitative survey items captured pharmacy registration with the county, pharmacy policies/practices, episodes and conditions of NPSS and refusals to sell, potential negative consequences of NPSS, and staff attitudes regarding HIV and HCV prevention for IDUs. Overall, 42% of pharmacies reported NPSS (28% in LA and 81% in SF), although only 34% had registered with the county (17% in LA and 76% in SF). Many pharmacies required proof of a medical condition (80% in LA and 30% in SF) and refused NPSS if the customer was a suspected IDU (74% in LA, 33% in SF). Few negative consequences of NPSS were reported. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that the odds of NPSS were significantly higher among pharmacists who thought syringe access was important for preventing HIV among IDUs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–7.92], were chain pharmacies (AOR = 12.5; 95% CI = 4.55–33.33), and were located in SF (AOR = 4.88; 95% CI = 1.94–12.28). These results suggest that NPSS were influenced by pharmacists’ perception. NPSS might be increased through greater educational efforts directed at pharmacists, particularly those in non-chain pharmacies.
Low-energy electron scattering by atomic carbon

Matrix variational calculations of electron scattering by atomic C have been carried out, including target atom configurations $2{s}^{2}2{p}^{2}$, $2s2{p}^{3}$, and $2{p}^{4}$ and all possible single virtual excitations of the $2p$ orbital. Total and differential elastic and inelastic cross sections are reported for energies below the first $n=3$ excitation threshold. In the lowest energy range, scattering is dominated by a $^{2}P^{o}$ shape resonance. The position of this resonance, which is sensitive to small differences of electronic correlation energy, is parametrized by a net correlation energy parameter whose value is chosen to place the $^{2}D^{o}$ state of ${\mathrm{C}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ at its experimental position, just below the neutral ground state. Estimates are given of the rate constants for deactivation of the $^{1}D$, $^{1}S$, and $^{5}S^{o}$ states by thermal electrons.
Demonstration of Muscle Sphincters as a Capillary Component in the Human Heart

The capillary network in the ventricular myocardium in man consists of 2 sphincter-type capillaries (the metarteriole and the precapillary) and a nonmuscular capillary, the classic or true capillary. The muscular components of the metarterioles and of the precapillaries are innervated by nerve fibers of which the terminal structure ends as a knotted fibrillar process near the muscle nucleus. The sphincter capillary and its nerve constitute a functional unit. These structures are encountered in the myocardium of man more frequently than elsewhere. In man these functional units conceivably may play a much more prominent role than heretofore realized in the dynamics of cardiac vascularization.
Two types of 4‐aminopyridine‐sensitive potassium current in rabbit Schwann cells.

1. Delayed rectifier K+ currents were studied in Schwann cells cultured from neonatal rabbit sciatic nerves with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. 2. Depolarizing voltage steps (40 ms duration) activated two types of K+ current: type I, whose apparent activation threshold was about -60 mV (half-maximal conductance at -40 +/- 1 mV, n = 10); and type II, whose apparent activation threshold was about -25 mV (half-maximal conductance at + 11 +/- 1 mV, n = 9). 3. Type I current was blocked by alpha-dendrotoxin (alpha-DTX) with an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 1.3 nM, whereas the type II current was unaffected by exposure to 500 nM toxin. The action of alpha-DTX on the type I current was reversible. 4. Most cells exhibited both types of current, but occasionally some cells displayed just type I or just type II. 5. Type I current activated rapidly and then showed a much slower fade, which became more noticeable with larger depolarizations. Activation of type II current was slower than that of type I and depended less steeply on voltage. The time constants of activation for type I and type II currents were derived with a Hodgkin-Huxley formalism (based on second-power activation and deactivation kinetics). The longest activation time constant for type II gating was more than twice the corresponding time constant for type I; however, the time constants determined from tail current decays at potentials more negative than -60 mV were shorter for the type II currents than for the type I currents. 6. Both type I and type II currents were sensitive to micromolar concentrations of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). The KD for 4-AP blockade of type II current was 630 microM (pH 7.2, membrane potential (Em) = -10 mV), which is about 6 times higher than the corresponding value for 4-AP blockade of type I current at negative membrane potentials. The differential sensitivity of the type I and type II currents to 4-AP may account for the apparent voltage dependence of 4-AP block of delayed rectifier K+ currents. 7. In addition to types I and II, a third type of outward K+ current (type III) was generated in most cells at positive membrane potentials. This latter current was insensitive to millimolar concentrations of 4-AP. 8. Similarities between Schwann cell and neuronal potassium channels are discussed.