cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Error resilient wavelet image coding with fast resynchronization

An improved self-synchronizing Huffman code is proposed to decrease the error propagation length in the compressed bit stream caused by errors during transmission. After regaining synchronization, the decoder may still not be able to align each symbol with its correct location due to the wrong number of previously decoded symbols in the error propagation region. A scheme to identify the probable error location and then move symbols towards their correct positions is also proposed by exploiting the correlation between coefficients of the current subband and their parent subband. Experiments under different error conditions are performed, and it is demonstrated that the proposed error resilient techniques provide more a robust codec with very little sacrifice in the coding efficiency.
Phobic and anxiety disorders in Hispanic and Caucasian youth

Abstract Knowledge about phobic and anxiety disorders in Hispanic youth is sparse. This study compared 99 Hispanic and 143 Caucasian youth, aged 6–17, on various sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results indicated that Hispanics and Caucasians were remarkably similar on the majority of indices examined, including age at intake, gender, patterns of primary diagnoses, clinician interference rating, percentage with school refusal, and percentage with more than one diagnosis. Hispanic children were more likely to present with a primary diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder and were more likely to come from families with lower incomes compared to Caucasians. Hispanic parents also rated their children as more fearful than did Caucasian parents. The study's findings are viewed as an initial step in extending the existing literature on childhood anxiety disorders and Hispanic mental health.
Chemotaxis mediated by NarX–FrzCD chimeras and nonadapting repellent responses in Myxococcus xanthus

Summary Myxococcus xanthus requires gliding motility for swarming and fruiting body formation. It uses the Frz chemosensory pathway to regulate cell reversals. FrzCD is a cytoplasmic chemoreceptor required for sensing effectors for this pathway. NarX is a trans- membrane sensor for nitrate from Escherichia coli. In this study, two NarX-FrzCD chimeras were con- structed to investigate M. xanthus chemotaxis: NazDF contains the N-terminal sensory module of NarX fused to the C-terminal signalling domain of FrzCD; NazDR is similar except that it contains a G51R mutation in the NarX domain known to reverse the signalling output of a NarX-Tar chimera to nitrate. We report that while nitrate had no effect on the wild type, it decreased the reversal frequency of M. xanthus expressing NazDF and increased that of M. xanthus expressing NazDR. These results show that directional motility in M. xan- thus can be regulated independently of cellular metabolism and physiology. Surprisingly, the NazDR strain failed to adapt to nitrate in temporal assays as did the wild type to known repellents. The lack of temporal adaptation to negative stimuli appears to be a general feature in M. xanthus chemotaxis. Thus, the appearance of biased movements by M. xanthus in repellent gradients is likely due to the inhibition of net translocation by repellents.
Utilization of CT-PA in an emergency department with readily available V/Q scintigraphy

Purpose: To describe the role of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CT-PA) in the emergency department of an institution which utilizes ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy as its primary imaging modality for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Methods and materials: We retrospectively identified and reviewed the records of 24 consecutive patients evaluated in the emergency department from October 1998 to September 2000 who were suspected of having pulmonary embolism. The inclusion criterion was that the images from the emergency department and work-up included CT-PA, which was the initial imaging test after chest radiograph. There were 10 men and 14 women with a mean age of 63. Results of CT-PA were categorized as positive, negative, limited negative (no main or lobar pulmonary emboli but not all segmental arteries visualized), or nondiagnostic. Each chart was reviewed with reference to clinical presentation, relevant history, results of Doppler ultrasonography of the legs, V/Q scan and pulmonary angiography, and discharge diagnosis. During the same study period, approximately 400 V/Q scans were performed from the emergency department. Results: Each patient had a clinical presentation consistent with pulmonary embolism. CT-PA diagnosed pulmonary emboli in 21% (5/24), was negative in 33% (8/24), was limited negative in 38% (9/24), and was nondiagnostic in 8% (2/24). Chest radiographs were abnormal in 71% (17/24). V/Q scans were performed in 17% (4/24; 1 near normal, 2 low probability, 1 intermediate probability). None of these four patients was discharged with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Doppler ultrasound leg exam was performed in 38% (9/24). Among the 5 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, 1/3 examined had Doppler evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Among the 19 patients not diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, 3/6 examined had Doppler evidence of DVT. No patient with a negative or limited negative CT-PA was discharged with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. CT-PA provided alternative diagnoses explaining the patient's symptoms in 68% (13/19) of those not diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. During the most recent 12 months of the study period, 210 V/Q scans were performed from the emergency department, with results available in 194 cases as follows: normal/near normal 32% (n=62), low probability 47% (n=92), intermediate probability 14% (n=28), high probability 6% (n=12). Conclusion: V/Q scintigraphy is the primary imaging modality for suspected pulmonary embolism in our emergency department. However, when utilized, CT-PA played an important role in patient management by confirming or excluding pulmonary embolism or providing an alternative diagnosis in the majority of patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism.
Homicide risk across race and class: a small-area analysis in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Areas with higher absolute poverty and higher income inequality have been associated with higher risk of homicide victimization. In addition, studies of differential homicide rates have indicated that black persons are at a higher risk of homicide compared to white persons. However, few studies directly compared risk of homicide offending or victimization between Hispanic persons and non-Hispanic white persons, and few studies have attempted to examine the interaction between race and residential neighborhood socioeconomic measures on homicide risk. This population-based retrospective study comprised all white, black, and Hispanic 15-to 44-year-old men included in the 1990 US Census as Rhode Island or Massachusetts residents. Vital statistics registries were linked to 1990 US Census data to provide information on small-area characteristics. Overall, we observed a trend of increasing homicide risk as block-group socioeconomic position descended. The data indicated that block-group poverty, female-headed households, home ownership, and higher education were all strongly associated with homicide risk after stratifying by race and age of victim and adjusting for other block-group socioeconomic characteristics. Race was a strong modifier for absolute risk difference for the relation between risk of homicide and socioeconomic surroundings. Our analyses suggested that area-based interventions that would improve neighborhood social and economic conditions would be effective in decreasing risk of homicide for men.
A study of the circadian rhythm and pre- and postpuberty concentrations of serum prolactin in male prairie deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii).

Abstract The serum prolactin concentrations in 60-day-old male deer mice were measured at selected times during the day. Serum prolactin concentration, body weight, testis weight, seminal vesicle weight, and adrenal weight were also measured in males at 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 90 days of age. There was a single peak in prolactin concentration at 2100 hr, 1 hr before the onset of the light period. There were two significant peaks in serum prolactin concentration between 10 and 90 days of age: the first at 15 days and the second at 50 days of age. There was a significant positive correlation of these prolactin concentration changes with the weight increases in the body and reproductive organs over the entire 90-day period which is suggestive of a role for the hormone in the sexual maturation of males.
Heat transfer coefficient on external mold surface at high pressure and application to metal-matrix composite casting

A relationship is established between the heat transfer coefficient on the external surface of a mold and the ambient temperature and pressure within the operating range typical of pressure-infiltration casting of metal-matrix composites. This relationship is based on existing data and correlation for the thermo-physical properties of the ambient nitrogen. The predicted temperature profiles are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained for a metal-matrix composite casting process. The application of the established relationship is carried beyond the experimental evidence to predict the solidification pattern in the pressure-casting system.
Reliability Analysis of Rotorcraft Composite Structures

This paper develops a probabilistic analysis framework to predict the fatigue reliability of laminated composites and applies it to tapered composites used in rotorcraft structures. The method combines finite-element analysis, composite laminate analysis, fatigue failure modeling, and first-order reliability analysis to achieve this objective. This methodology is demonstrated on a composite helicopter rotor hub test specimen with thick, thin, and tapered regions. The specimen is subjected to centrifugal and oscillatory bending loads. The failure mechanism observed for this type of fatigue loading is an initial tension crack followed by internal delamination at the thick-to-taper transition, where internal ply drop-offs occur. The proposed method predicts the probability of delamination initiation for such rotor hubs. The method is validated using full-scale test results.
Induced liquid phase mixing due to bubble motion at low gas velocity

Liquid phase mixing induced by gas bubbles at low gas velocities was studied experimentally. An experimental technique based on the principle of spectrophotometry was developed and applied in the experimental work. Experimental evidence suggests that the mixing phenomenon can be described as a diffusive process characterized by an effective diffusivity which is found to be a linear function of superficial gas velocity. On a etudie experimentalement un melange en phase liquide qu'ont provoque des bulles de gaz a de faibles vitesses de celuici. On a mis au point une methode experimentale qui etait basee sur le principe de la spectrophotometrie et l'a appliquee experimentalement. Il y a lieu de croire, d'apres les resultats obtenus, qu'on puisse decrire le phenomene du melange comme un procede de diffusion caracterise par une diffusivite effective; on a trouve que celle-ci etait une fonction lineaire de la vitesse superficielle du gaz.
Bacterial 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is homologous to a fusion of bacterial ribosomal L10 and genes

3alpha-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase catalyzes the reversible oxidation of 3alpha-hydroxyl groups of the steroid nucleus. Sequence analysis reveals that this enzyme is homologous to ribosomal proteins L10 and L7/12. The alignment suggests that 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is formed by a fusion of the two ribosomal proteins.
Prediction of frequency-specific hearing threshold using chirp auditory brainstem response in infants with hearing losses.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the clinical usefulness of the LS-chirp auditory brainstem response for estimation of behavioral thresholds in young children with mild to severe hearing losses. Methods 68 infants (136 ears) aged 6–12 months (mean age = 9.2 months) with bilateral mild to severe hearing losses were studied at Children's Hospital of Fudan University. In all cases, the children were referred for LS-chirp ABR and visual reinforcement audiometric (VRA) measurements. The low-frequency band chirp (LF-chirp) thresholds (frequency band = 0.1–0.85 kHz) were compared to the average VRA thresholds (frequency band = 0.25–0.5 kHz), whereas the high-frequency band chirp (HF-chirp) thresholds (frequency band = 1–10 kHz) were compared to the average VRA thresholds (frequency band = 1–4 kHz) using statistical correlation coefficient values. Results The LS-chirp ABR thresholds are very close to behavioral hearing levels. The mean differences between chirp-ABR and VRA thresholds were within 5 dB HL for all measurements. The smallest mean threshold difference ( r ) were 0.97 at low-frequency and high-frequency bands. For each carrier frequency, the best correlations between chirp-ABR thresholds and VRA thresholds were obtained at VRA frequency of 0.25 kHz/LF-chirp ( r = 0.98) and VRA frequency of 1 kHz/HF-chirp ( r = 0.98). Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness using chirp-ABR predicted frequency-specific thresholds, especially of low and middle frequencies. LS-chirp ABR thresholds determined behavioral thresholds in patients with severe hearing losses were better than for mild hearing losses. The use of a chirp-ABR testing ensures higher sensitivity and accuracy than that of auditory stead-state evoked response (ASSR) for measuring frequency-specific thresholds in young children.
An intermediate dose of LCMV clone 13 causes prolonged morbidity that is maintained by CD4+ T cells

Wasting is a sign of various underlying disorders and is a common feature of cancer, sepsis, and AIDS. We have developed an in vivo model to study the various stages of wasting following infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus cl-13. Using this model we have identified four distinct stages of wasting and have discovered that all stages occur in the different groups of mice regardless of whether the virus is cleared or persists. However, the degree and extent of wasting vary between groups of mice, depending upon the dose of virus administered. Blocking IFNγ or TNFα, which are believed to take part in the wasting process, did not affect the wasting state. Finally, we found that CD4+ T cells control the maintenance stage of wasting. We believe this model will be useful in studying the regulation of wasting during a persistent viral infection, hopefully leading to improved therapies to ameliorate the disorder.
More about mast cells and fibrosis in porphyria cutanea tarda.

We quantitated numbers of mast cells in the sclerotic skin noted on the dorsa of the hands of 10 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), and compared them with those of diffuse scleroderma and healthy controls. Mast cell counts in scleroderma and healthy controls. Mast cell counts in sclerodermoid skin of PCT patients were significantly greater than those in involved skin of 9 patients with diffuse scleroderma in its late stage and also greater than those in normal skin of 8 controls. When mast cell density was analyzed according to the depth of the dermis, an 84% increase was noted in the uppermost layer (0–0.2 mm in depth) and a 150% increase in the second uppermost layer (0.2–0.4 mm in depth) in the patients with PCT when compared with those in the corresponding sites of the controls. These results suggest a possible role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of sclerodermoid skin of PCT.
A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins: From protein complexes to physiology and disease

Protein scaffold complexes are a key mechanism by which a common signaling pathway can serve many different functions. Sequestering a signaling enzyme to a specific subcellular environment not only ensures that the enzyme is near its relevant targets, but also segregates this activity to prevent indiscriminate phosphorylation of other substrates. One family of diverse, well-studied scaffolding proteins are the A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). These anchoring proteins form multi-protein complexes that integrate cAMP signaling with other pathways and signaling events. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the elucidation of AKAP function.
Recognizing Low-Altitude Wind Shear Hazards from Doppler Weather Radar: An Artificial Intelligence Approach

Abstract This paper describes an artificial intelligence-based approach for automated recognition of wind shear hazards. The design of a prototype system for recognizing low-attitude wind shear events from Doppler radar displays is presented. This system, called WX1, consists of a conventional expert system augmented by a specialized capability for processing radar images. The radar image processing component of the system employs numerical and computer vision techniques to extract features from radar data. The expert system carries out symbolic reasoning on these features using a set of heuristic rules expressing meteorological knowledge about wind shear recognition. Results are provided demonstrating the ability of the system to recognize microburst and gust front wind shear events.
Experimental investigation of an adaptive feedback algorithm for hot spot reduction in radio-frequency phased-array hyperthermia

A computer-controlled adaptive phased array radiofrequency hyperthermia system for improved therapeutic tumor heating is experimentally investigated. Adaptive array feedback techniques are used to modify the electric-field in hyperthermia experiments with a homogeneous saline phantom target. A hyperthermia phased-array antenna system has been modified to implement adaptive nulling and adaptive focusing algorithms. The hyperthermia system is a ring phased-array antenna applicator with four independently controlled RF transmitter channels operating at a CW frequency of 100 MHz. The hyperthermia phased array is made adaptive by software modifications which invoke a gradient-search feedback algorithm that controls the amplitude and phase of each transmitter channel. The gradient-search algorithm implements the method of steepest descent for adaptive nulling (power minimization) and the method of steepest ascent for adaptive focusing (power maximization). The feedback signals are measured by electric-field short-dipole probe antennas. The measured data indicate that with an adaptive hyperthermia array it may be possible to maximize the applied electric field at a tumor position in a complex scattering target body and simultaneously minimize or reduce the electric field at target positions where undesired high-temperature regions (hot spots) occur.
Generalized plane strain thermoelastic deformation of laminated anisotropic thick plates

The generalized plane strain quasi-static thermoelastic deformations of laminated anisotropic thick plates are analyzed by using the Eshelby‐Stroh formalism. The laminated plate consists of homogeneous laminae of arbitrary thicknesses. The three-dimensional equations of linear anisotropic thermoelasticity simplified to the case of generalized plane strain deformations are exactly satisfied at every point in the body. The analytical solution is in terms of an infinite series; the continuity conditions at the interfaces and boundary conditions at the bounding surfaces are used to determine the coeAcients. The formulation admits diAerent mechanical and thermal boundary conditions at the edges of each lamina, and is applicable to thick and thin laminated plates. Results are computed for thick laminated plates with edges either rigidly clamped, simply supported or traction-free and compared with the predictions of the classical laminated plate theory and the first-order shear deformation theory. The boundary layer eAect near clamped and traction-free edges is investigated. ” 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
C9orf72 promoter hypermethylation is neuroprotective Neuroimaging and neuropathologic evidence

Objective: To use in vivo neuroimaging and postmortem neuropathologic analysis in C9orf72 repeat expansion patients to investigate the hypothesis that C9orf72 promoter hypermethylation is neuroprotective and regionally selective. Methods: Twenty patients with a C9orf72 repeat expansion participating in a high-resolution MRI scan and a clinical examination and a subset of patients (n = 11) were followed longitudinally with these measures. Gray matter (GM) density was related to C9orf72 promoter hypermethylation using permutation-based testing. Regional neuronal loss was measured in an independent autopsy series (n = 35) of C9orf72 repeat expansion patients. Results: GM analysis revealed that hippocampus, frontal cortex, and thalamus are associated with hypermethylation and thus appear to be relatively protected from mutant C9orf72 . Neuropathologic analysis demonstrated an association between reduced neuronal loss and hypermethylation in hippocampus and frontal cortex. Longitudinal neuroimaging revealed that hypermethylation is associated with reduced longitudinal decline in GM regions protected by hypermethylation and longitudinal neuropsychological assessment demonstrated that longitudinal decline in verbal recall is protected by hypermethylation. Conclusions: These cross-sectional and longitudinal neuroimaging studies, along with neuropathologic validation studies, provide converging evidence for neuroprotective properties of C9orf72 promoter hypermethylation. These findings converge with prior postmortem studies suggesting that C9orf72 promoter hypermethylation may be a neuroprotective target for drug discovery.
Association of p16INK4a overexpression with improved outcomes in young patients with squamous cell cancers of the oral tongue

Background. The aim of this study was to exam- ine biomolecular profiles in a cohort of young adults with squa- mous cell cancers (SCCs) of the oral tongue. Methods. We identified all patients aged 18 to 39 years diagnosed with SCC of the oral tongue at our institution. Immu- nohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed for p16 INK4a , epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylated- EGFR (pEGFR), p53, and ERCC1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing was performed using in situ hybridization (ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Biomarker expression and HPV status were correlated with outcomes. Results. We identified 25 patients with sufficient tumor sam- ples. Median age at diagnosis was 30 years (range, 20-39 years). p16 INK4a overexpression was observed in 11 of 25 patients,
Assessment for Chronic Kidney Disease Service in High-Risk Patients at Community Health Clinics

BACKGROUND:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses significant public health concerns. Early identification and interventions can help prevent or slow progression to end-stage renal disease.OBJECTIVE:To characterize CKD in high-risk indigent patients in a primary care setting and evaluate opportunities for pharmacists to work collaboratively with physicians to improve medication use and CKD patient outcomes.METHODS:Medical records of 200 patients with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension were reviewed by the clinical pharmacist. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (creatinine clearance [Clcr]) and urinalysis were used to identify and stage CKD according to published guidelines. Glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations and blood pressures were recorded. The pharmacist evaluated medications for possible drug-related problems (DRPs), made therapeutic recommendations, and evaluated the acceptance rate by physicians.RESULTS:One hundred nineteen patients met inclusion criteria, and a total of 68.9% met CKD criteria:...
Prospective identification of functionally distinct stem cells and neurosphere-initiating cells in adult mouse forebrain

Neurosphere formation is commonly used as a surrogate for neural stem cell (NSC) function but the relationship between neurosphere-initiating cells (NICs) and NSCs remains unclear. We prospectively identified, and isolated by flow cytometry, adult mouse lateral ventricle subventricular zone (SVZ) NICs as GlastmidEGFRhighPlexinB2highCD24−/lowO4/PSA-NCAM−/lowTer119/CD45− (GEPCOT) cells. They were highly mitotic and short-lived in vivo based on fate-mapping with Ascl1CreERT2 and Dlx1CreERT2. In contrast, pre-GEPCOT cells were quiescent, expressed higher Glast, and lower EGFR and PlexinB2. Pre-GEPCOT cells could not form neurospheres but expressed the stem cell markers Slc1a3-CreERT, GFAP-CreERT2, Sox2CreERT2, and Gli1CreERT2 and were long-lived in vivo. While GEPCOT NICs were ablated by temozolomide, pre-GEPCOT cells survived and repopulated the SVZ. Conditional deletion of the Bmi-1 polycomb protein depleted pre-GEPCOT and GEPCOT cells, though pre-GEPCOT cells were more dependent upon Bmi-1 for Cdkn2a (p16Ink4a) repression. Our data distinguish quiescent NSCs from NICs and make it possible to study their properties in vivo. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02669.001
A comparison of corn-based ethanol with cellulosic ethanol as replacements for petroleum-based fuels: a review

This study reviewed the literature on corn and cellulosic ethanol for their potential to replace petroleum fuels. Metrics include: energy yield, cropland requirements, and pollution reduction. The key findings are that an agreement exists among the literature that corn production yields are insufficient to warrant large-scale production. The required cropland is far in excess of the available corn cropland. Furthermore, the use of corn for ethanol fuel will lead to continued increases in food prices worldwide. When these findings are considered along with the marginal improvement in CO2 emissions and other pollutants, it is apparent that corn ethanol is not viable for replacing petroleum fuels. In contrast, this study found that cellulosic ethanol, which can be grown on marginal cropland, provides a much greater energy yield and a significantly greater pollution reduction. In summary, cellulosic ethanol could provide one alternative to petroleum fuels and is deserving of large-scale test experimentation t...
Stress Management as an Adjunct to Physical Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain

Background and Purpose Chronic neck pain is prevalent in the workplace. Research suggests that psychosocial stress may contribute to the development of neck pain by causing excessive or prolonged muscle activity in some individuals. The purpose of this case report is to describe the rationale, development, and implementation of stress management as an adjunct to standard physical therapist management of chronic neck pain in a female office worker who responded to psychosocial stress with elevated muscle activity prior to treatment. Case Description A 44-year-old female office employee with an 8-year history of chronic neck pain participated in this case report. The patient was selected from a group of research participants who demonstrated elevated electromyographic (EMG) activity of the trapezius muscle in response to simulated occupational stressors. The multidisciplinary intervention consisted of 8 physical therapy sessions, supplemented by 8 stress management sessions that included EMG biofeedback and psychotherapy to facilitate muscle relaxation. Outcomes Neck disability decreased by 50%, trait anxiety decreased by 21%, and the duration of trapezius muscle rest in the workplace increased by 56% immediately after the 8-week intervention. These improvements were maintained 6 months after treatment, and the patient reported a complete absence of neck disability at the 2-year follow-up assessment. Discussion A sustained reduction in neck disability was observed for a patient with chronic neck pain after participating in a multidisciplinary intervention that combined physical therapy and stress management approaches to facilitate muscle relaxation in the workplace. Future clinical trials are needed to assess whether stress management is a useful adjunct therapy for patients with chronic neck pain who show elevated muscle activity in response to psychosocial stress.
Implementing dynamic language features in Java using dynamic code generation

Compared to dynamic object-oriented languages like CommonLisp or Smalltalk, Java has a fairly simple and restrictive object and type system. Some of the key differences between Java and these other languages are that they offer structural conformance, automatic delegation and dynamic mix-ins. When such constructs are needed in a language like Java, they are usually expressed in terms of standard object-oriented design patterns, requiring the manual implementation of "glue" or "helper" classes. This paper describes ways in which such features can be provided efficiently and automatically in terms of Java's platform-independent binary format and dynamic loading mechanisms. The implementation does not require any changes to the Java runtime environment, byte-codes or class loader, and it yields a performance that is comparable to manually implemented design patterns. The approach should prove useful both as a programming tool for Java and as a strategy for building efficient implementations of dynamic languages on top of the Java Virtual Machine.
Diffusion tensor imaging in schizophrenia.

Background Alignment of white matter axons as inferred from diffusion tensor imaging has indicated changes in schizophrenia in frontal and frontotemporal white matter. Methods Diffusion tensor anisotropy and anatomical magnetic resonance images were acquired in 64 patients with schizophrenia and 55 normal volunteers. Anatomical images were acquired with a magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo sequence, and diffusion tensor images used a pulsed gradient spin-echo acquisition. Images were aligned and warped to a standard brain, and anisotropy in normal volunteers and patients was compared using significance probability mapping. Results Patients showed widespread areas of reduced anisotropy, including the frontal white matter, the corpus callosum, and the frontal longitudinal fasciculus. Conclusions These findings, which are consistent with earlier reports of frontal decreases in anisotropy, demonstrate that the effects are most prominent in frontal and callosal areas and are particularly widespread in frontal white matter regions.
MONETARY POLICY AND THE FORWARD EXCHANGE MARKET

THIS PAPER examines the extent to which our monetary authorities might operate to good advantage in the forward exchange market. The central thesis is that appropriate official forward intervention assists in the reconciliation of conflicts between internal and external balance. Within limits, the monetary authorities, through their influence on the forward exchange rate, can establish two short-term rates of interest. One rate applies to foreign lenders, the other to domestic lenders. As a consequence, monetary ease at home can proceed without encouraging the withdrawal of short-term money sensitive to international yield differentials. On the other hand, monetary restraint can be practiced without attracting short-term money from abroad and possibly enforcing an unwarranted restriction there. Whether it is desirable that the amount and frequency of short-term capital movements between countries be diminished in this fashion is debatable; it will be argued here that the resulting independence for monetary policy is worthwhile. No novelty is claimed for the suggestion that forward operations be added to the more conventional tools of monetary policy. Keynes discussed the matter in his Treatise on Money' and the merits of forward intervention were further analyzed in the literature prior to World War IJJ2 However, the theory and practice of forward exchange have, until just recently, been neglected topics. Forward exchange rates were not even mentioned explicitly in the International
Ruxolitinib for treatment of polycythemia vera

Introduction: The myeloproliferative neoplasm, polycythemia vera (PV) significantly impacts the quality of life of afflicted patients. The traditional therapies of phlebotomy, aspirin and cytoreductive medicines center on decreasing the risk of vascular events, but can be inadequate to improve symptom burden. Over time, these therapies may become ineffective or patients may develop intolerances providing a need for more therapeutic options.Areas covered: Recently, the randomized Phase III RESPONSE trial has demonstrated the ability to improve hematocrit control, reduce splenomegaly and improve symptoms in patients with PV. This has led to the US FDA and the European Commission approval of ruxolitinib for patients with PV who have an inadequate response or intolerance to hydroxyurea (HU). The RELIEF trial recently showed a trend for improved symptom control when ruxolitinib replaced HU in patients attaining good disease control, but inadequate symptom control on HU.Expert opinion: Ruxolitinib offers anothe...
Electromagnetic geophysics: Notes from the past and the road ahead

During the last century, electrical geophysics has been transformed from a simple resistivity method to a modern technology that uses complex data-acquisition systems and high-performance computers for enhanced data modeling and interpretation. Not only the methods and equipment have changed but also our ideas about the geoelectrical models used for interpretation have been modified tremendously. This paper describes the evolution of the conceptual and technical foundations of EM methods. It outlines a framework for further development, which should focus on multitransmitter and multireceiver surveys, analogous to seismic data-acquisition systems. Important potential topics of future research efforts are in the areas of multidimensional modeling and inversion, including a new approach to the formulation and understanding of EM fields based on flux and voltage representation, which corresponds well to geophysical experiments involving the measurement of voltage and flux of electric and magnetic fields.
Daptomycin-Induced Acute Renal and Hepatic Toxicity Without Rhabdomyolysis

Objective:To report a case of a patient who experienced acute renal and hepatic toxicity following administration of daptomycin and review previously published case reports of renal and hepatic dysfunction with daptomycin.Case Summary:A 35-year-old man receiving daptomycin 4 mg/kg (275 mg) intravenously once daily (started 5 wk prior to presentation for presumed osteomyelitis) presented to the emergency department with elevations in serum creatinine and hepatic transaminase levels. He did not experience creatine kinase (CK) elevation or rhabdomyolysis. Following discontinuation of daptomycin, his renal and hepatic function improved.Discussion:To our knowledge, this is the first case of daptomycin-induced hepatotoxicity with acute renal failure in the absence of rhabdomyolysis and CK abnormalities. Previously published case reports described patients with a variety of elevations in liver function tests, serum creatinine, and CK with daptomycin. In our patient, the acute renal and hepatic toxicity was proba...
Optimal Bandpass Filters for Time-Domain Analysis of the Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram

The optimal bandpass filter for signal averaging of the surface QRS complex to detect late potentials is undefined. A study was conducted in 87 patients; 25 (mean age 34 +/- 10 years) were normal (group I), 29 (60 +/- 20 years) had organic heart disease without ventricular tachycardia (group II) and 33 (62 +/- 15 years) had sustained ventricular tachycardia (group III). In all patients signal-averaged electrocardiography (200 beats) was performed using a sharp, bidirectional filter and data analyzed using the following 7 high-pass filter settings: 10, 15, 20, 25, 40, 80 and 100 Hz. For each filter the duration of the signal-averaged QRS complex, the low-amplitude signals of less than 40 microV and the root-mean-square voltage of the terminal 40 ms (RMS-40) were determined. Normal values for each filter were determined from group I patients. In all 3 groups, quantitative signal-averaged variables were filter dependent. There was a progressive and marked decrease in RMS-40 and a progressive and marked increase in low-amplitude signal duration as the high-pass filtering was increased from 10 to 100 Hz. In contrast, high-pass, filter-dependent changes in signal-averaged QRS duration were less marked. The sensitivity and specificity for each filter using RMS-40 as the index of late potentials in separating group III patients from group II patients were: 10 Hz-64% and 52%; 15 Hz-57% and 72%; 20 Hz-57% and 76%; 25 Hz-42% and 90%; 40 Hz-61% and 83%; 80 Hz-88% and 69%; and 100 Hz-79% and 62%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Active mode locking with whispering-gallery modes

We theoretically propose an architecture of a whispering-gallery mode-locked laser with an integrated intracavity microphotonic electro-optic modulator based on an Er:LiNbO3 disk resonator. The laser promises to be small in size, to have a high pulse repetition rate, and to use a small amount of microwave power.
Modeling for Suppression of Moisture/Temperature Induced Dimensional Changes in Unbalanced Fibrous Composite Structures with Perfect Bonding

Suppression of dimensional change induced by moisture and temperature change is studied for unbalanced structures composed of at least one hygroscopic component. An unbalanced parallel structure with periodic bonding is modeled, taking into account various parameters such as moisture content and temperature at the time of assembly, molecular orientation, and bonding length. The results show that two factors play a major role in moisture/temperature induced dimensional change: longitudinal swelling/shorten ing and material softening/stiffening. Whether the two factors add their effects to each other or compete against each other depends on the moisture content and temperature at the time of structural assembly. There is a range of critical aspect ratios over which the structure is dimensionally stable. This range increases with increasing width and thickness ratios, and decreases with increasing initial moisture regain, initial temperature, and orientation factor.
Acquisition of the lac operon by Salmonella enterica

Classical bacteriological characteristics of Salmonella enterica indicate that the members of this species are unable to utilize lactose as a carbon source. However, lactose-fermenting (Lac+) strains of several Salmonella serovars have been isolated from different foodborne outbreaks as well as different geographical regions worldwide. In the present study, we sequenced the genomes of 13 Lac + S. enterica isolates and characterized the lac region, comparing it to the lac region in other enteric bacterial species. Genetic analysis of the lac operons in the S. enterica genomes revealed that they all contain intact lacI, lacZ, and lacY genes. However, lacA was truncated in all of the S. enterica subsp. enterica isolates, encoding a 56 amino acid peptide rather than the full length 220 amino acid LacA protein. Molecular analyses of the 13 isolates revealed that the lac operon resided on a plasmid in some strains and in others was integrated into the bacterial chromosome. In most cases, an insertion sequence flanked at least one end of the operon. Interestingly, the S. enterica Montevideo and S. enterica Senftenberg isolates were found to harbor a plasmid with a high degree of sequence similarity to a plasmid from Klebsiella pneumoniae strain NK29 that also harbors the lac operon. In addition, two S. enterica Tennessee isolates carried two copies of the lac operon. Phylogenetic analysis based on lacIZY gene sequences determines distinct clusters, and reveals a greater correlation between lacIZY sequence and flanking organization than with either bacterial species or genomic location. Our results indicate that the lac region is highly mobile among Enterobacteriaceae and demonstrate that the Lac + S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars acquired the lac region through parallel events. The acquisition of the lac operon by several S. enterica serovars may be indicative of environmental adaptation by these bacteria.
OXIDATIVE STRESS 3 is a chromatin‐associated factor involved in tolerance to heavy metals and oxidative stress

A cDNA expression library from Brassica juncea was introduced into the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe to select for transformants tolerant to cadmium. Transformants expressing OXIDATIVE STRESS 3 (OXS3) or OXS3-Like cDNA exhibited enhanced tolerance to a range of metals and oxidizing chemicals. OXS3 belongs to a family of proteins that share a highly conserved domain corresponding to a putative N-acetyltransferase or thioltransferase catalytic site. Mutations within this conserved domain abolished the ability of Arabidopsis thaliana OXS3 to enhance stress tolerance in S. pombe, indicating a role in stress tolerance for the presumptive catalytic domain. A stress-sensitive mutant of AtOXS3 and enhanced tolerance of overexpression lines support the role of OXS3 in stress tolerance. The expression of tagged B. juncea and A. thaliana OXS3 proteins in plant cells revealed a subnuclear speckling pattern related to the nucleosome in discrete parts of the chromatin. It is possible that OXS3 might act as a chromatin remodeling factor for the stress response.
Web Spam Taxonomy

Web spamming refers to actions intended to mislead search engines and give some pages higher ranking than they deserve. Recently, the amount of web spam has increased dramatically, leading to a degradation of search results. This paper presents a comprehensive taxonomy of current spamming techniques, which we believe can help in developing appropriate countermeasures.
Multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams.

A 67-year-old man with no previous medical history presented to the emergency department with 5 days of insidious, progressive dyspnea and chest congestion. On physical examination, he was found to be tachycardic to 126 beats/min, borderline hypotensive with blood pressure of 95/50 mm Hg, and hypoxemic to 87% on 4 L of oxygen by nasal cannula. He underwent contrast-enhanced chest computed tomogram that demonstrated a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE) (Figure 1). Urgent bedside echocardiography demonstrated a severely dilated and hypokinetic right ventricle, interventricular septal flattening, and a serpiginous mobile mass (clot-in-transit) in the right atrium, prolapsing across the tricuspid valve with each cardiac cycle (Figure 2 and online-only Data Supplement Movie). The emergency department team discussed administering systemic fibrinolytic therapy, but also considered consulting Cardiothoracic Surgery for possible surgical pulmonary embolectomy and Interventional Cardiology for catheter-directed therapy. The emergency department attending physician decided to activate the hospital’s newly instituted multidisciplinary PE response team through the page operator. Within 30 minutes, a team consisting of representatives from Vascular Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Echocardiography, and Radiology convened to evaluate the patient’s case and review the imaging studies. Figure 1. Axial image from a contrast-enhanced chest computed tomogram showing significant right and left main pulmonary artery filling defects (arrows). Figure 2. The transthoracic echocardiogram, apical 4-chamber view, at end diastole shows dilatation of the right ventricle and a serpiginous intracardiac mass (arrow) in the right atrium, prolapsing across the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. Please also see the online-only Data Supplement Movie. PE is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening cardiovascular condition that may be difficult to diagnose. It has protean and often nonspecific manifestations. It is the third most common cardiovascular cause of death in the United States, and yet, in comparison with ischemic heart disease, does not enjoy a similar robust clinical trial …
International Bargaining Behavior

James Rosenau (1967) has suggested that international relations scholars should devote more of their time to playing their respective "games" in their respective ballparks than to taking potshots at others playing other games in other parks. This is a well timed criticism. The last decade has witnessed much intramural squabbling, and this article should not be viewed as simply another international relations scholar once again falling into this easy trap. The focus here is not the question of how to study international relations (which was Rosenau's focus), but what it is that we are studying. It will be argued that we are not focusing on a crucial aspect of international phenomena, that perhaps the nature of the beast prevents us from doing this, and some possible reasons for this deficiency will be suggested. Finally, we will suggest that the practitioners of international relations, the diplomats involved in the day-to-day international bargaining, are in some ways more concerned about this aspect than are international relations scholars.
Disparities among blacks, hispanics, and whites in time from starting dialysis to kidney transplant waitlisting

BACKGROUND Although a longer time on dialysis before kidney transplant waitlisting has been shown for Blacks versus non-Blacks, relatively few studies have compared this outcome between Hispanics and Whites. METHODS A multivariable analysis of 1910 (684 Black, 452 Hispanic, and 774 White) consecutive patients waitlisted at our center for a primary kidney transplant between 2005 and mid-2010 was performed for time from starting dialysis to waitlisting (months), the percentage who were preemptively waitlisted (waitlisted before starting dialysis), and time from starting dialysis to waitlisting after excluding the preemptively waitlisted patients. RESULTS The variables associated with significantly longer median times from starting dialysis to waitlisting and less preemptive waitlisting included Medicare insurance for patients ages <65 years (by far, the most significant variable in each analysis), Black race, higher percentage of households in the patient's zip code living in poverty, being a non-U.S. citizen (for preemptive waitlisting), Medicaid insurance, waitlisted for kidney-alone (vs. kidney-pancreas) transplant, and higher body mass index (longer median times for the latter three variables). Although the effect of Black race was mostly explained by significant associations with lower socioeconomic status (Medicare insurance for patients ages <65 years and greater poverty in the patient's zip code), an unexplained component still remained. The univariable differences showing poorer outcomes for Hispanics versus Whites were smaller and completely explained in multivariable analysis by significant associations with lower socioeconomic status and non-U.S. citizenship. CONCLUSION Black and Hispanic patients had significantly longer times from starting dialysis to waitlisting, in large part related to their lower socioeconomic status and less preemptive waitlisting. A greater focus on earlier nephrology care may help to erase much of these disparities.
High-Fidelity Dispatch Model of Storage Technologies for Production Costing Studies

This paper presents a high-fidelity storage dispatch model for production costing studies. The model captures the relationship between storage reservoir status and storage's participation in energy as well as ancillary markets in order to effectively dispatch such energy-limited technologies. The paper also delineates features of the proposed model that enable capturing unique characteristics of different classes of storage technologies. Production cost studies are used to ascertain the abilities of the proposed storage model to represent bulk as well as short-term storage technologies in the IEEE 24-bus reliability test system and to analyze the various avenues where each technology typically contributes to grid operation. The significance of the modeling features that attribute high fidelity to the dispatch decisions is discussed in the context of simple economic evaluation of these technologies.