cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ruxolitinib in Combination with Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Vs-Host Disease: Results from the Phase 2 REACH1 Trial

Introduction Acute graft-vs-host disease (aGVHD) is a serious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Less than 50% of patients (pts) achieve sustained responses with first-line corticosteroid (CS) treatment. Retrospective studies demonstrated clinical benefit with the Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib (RUX) in pts with steroid-refractory (SR) aGVHD. Objectives To present updated results from REACH1 (NCT02953678), a phase 2 trial evaluating RUX plus CS in SR aGVHD. Methods REACH1 was a single-arm, open-label, multicenter study. Eligible pts were aged ≥12 years and developed grade II–IV SR aGVHD following allo-HSCT from any donor source for hematologic malignancies. SR aGVHD was defined as GVHD that progressed after 3 days or had not improved after 7 days of primary treatment with methylprednisolone ≥2 mg/kg/d (or equivalent), development of GVHD in another organ after receiving ≥1 mg/kg/d methylprednisolone for skin or skin plus upper gastrointestinal GVHD, or inability to tolerate CS taper. Pts received RUX 5 mg twice daily (BID), with optional increase to 10 mg BID in the absence of cytopenias. The primary endpoint was Day 28 overall response rate (ORR), and the key secondary endpoint was 6-month duration of response (DOR). ORR was defined as the proportion of patients demonstrating a complete response (CR), very good partial response, or partial response. Results The study enrolled 71 pts. Median age was 58 years, and 49.3% were male. Treatment was ongoing in 11 pts (15.5%) at data cutoff (2 Jul 2018). At Day 28, ORR was 54.9% (CR, 26.8%). Responses were observed irrespective of aGVHD grade and SR criteria (Figure 1). Best ORR at any time during treatment was 73.2% (CR, 56.3%). Median (range) time to response was 7 (6–49) days. Median DOR with minimum 6 months follow-up was 345 days for both Day 28 responders (Figure 2) and for pts who had a best overall response at any time during treatment . Four pts (5.6%) had malignancy relapse. Nonrelapse mortality at 6 months was 44.4%. Median overall survival had not been reached for Day 28 responders (Figure 3). The most frequently reported hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were anemia (64.8%), thrombocytopenia (62.0%), and neutropenia (47.9%). Cytomegalovirus infection (12.7%), sepsis (12.7%), and bacteremia (9.9%) were the most frequently reported infections. Fatal RUX-related TEAEs were sepsis and pulmonary hemorrhage (1 pt each) and were attributed to both RUX and CS. Conclusion In this first prospective trial of RUX in SR aGVHD, ORR was 54.9% by Day 28 and 73.2% at any time during treatment. Responses were rapid and durable. The AE profile was consistent with expectations for RUX and pts with SR aGVHD. RUX represents a promising therapeutic strategy.
Immobilized citrate synthase

Kinetic properties of pig heart citrate synthase immobilized on Sepharose were determined. Compared to the free enzyme the Km values for both acetyl-CoA and oxalacetate were increased. The kinetic pattern of the Lineweaver-Burk plots of both substrates for the immobilized enzyme was that of lines intersecting on thex axis. This is the same as that obtained for the free enzyme and indicates that there is no change in the kinetic mechanism of the reaction. The pH response and the Arrhenius plot of both the immobilized and free enzyme were the same. The enzymes show a break in their Arrhenius plots. The immobilized enzyme exhibits greater heat stability than does the free enzyme.
The Utility of Episodic Memory Cut-Off Scores for Inclusion in Clinical Trials for Early Symptomatic Alzheimer Disease

Correctly diagnosing early symptomatic Alzheimer disease in the context of multinational clinical trials poses a significant challenge. Subjective complaints of memory are fairly ubiquitous in an older population, and establishing the presence of definitive cognitive decline from clinical assessments is difficult. Most such trials have adopted the use of standardized episodic memory measures as an inclusion criterion, typically setting the cutoff at one standard deviation below age normal means. This is useful in terms of establishing the presence of an objective impairment of memory, thereby excluding subjects with purely subjective complaints and increasing the probability that clinical outcome measures will be sensitive to disease progression. Further demographic adjustments are unnecessary as other demographic variables are not strongly associated with memory performance, are difficult to equate across cultures, and will not eventuate in reduced screen fail rates and would be challenging to implement. Not all episodic memory measures are equivalent for this purpose, however, and existing data suggest significant variability in terms of specificity for identifying true (i.e., amyloid positive) early symptomatic AD.
Barebones of auxin signalling.

Genetic redundancy is a problem when studying auxin in flowering plants. The minimal auxin response system in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha allows a detailed and thorough probing of the specificity of auxin response factors in planta.
An infrastructure for faithful execution of remote attestation protocols

Experience shows that even with a well-intentioned user at the keyboard, a motivated attacker can compromise a computer system at a layer below or adjacent to the shallow forms of authentication that are now accepted as commonplace[3]. Therefore, rather than asking "Can we trust the person behind the keyboard", a still better question might be: "Can we trust the computer system underneath?". An emerging technology for gaining trust in a remote computing system is remote attestation. Remote attestation is the activity of making a claim about properties of a target by supplying evidence to an appraiser over a network[2]. Although many existing approaches to remote attestation wisely adopt a layered architecture-where the bottom layers measure layers above-the dependencies between components remain static and measurement orderings fixed. For modern computing environments with diverse topologies, we can no longer fix a target architecture any more than we can fix a protocol to measure that architecture. Copland [1] is a domain-specific language and formal framework that provides a vocabulary for specifying the goals of layered attestation protocols. It also provides a reference semantics that characterizes system measurement events and evidence handling; a foundation for comparing protocol alternatives. The aim of this work is to refine the Copland semantics to a more fine-grained notion of attestation manager execution-a high-privilege thread of control responsible for invoking attestation services and bundling evidence results. This refinement consists of two cooperating components called the Copland Compiler and the Attestation Virtual Machine (AVM). The Copland Compiler translates a Copland protocol description into a sequence of primitive attestation instructions to be executed in the AVM. When considered in combination with advances in virtualization, trusted hardware, and high-assurance system software components-like compilers, file-systems, and OS kernels-a formally verified remote attestation infrastructure creates exciting opportunities for building system-level security arguments.
Therapeutic prognosis of prostate cancer using surface-enhanced Raman scattering of patient urine and multivariate statistical analysis

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is highly sensitive and label-free analytical technique based on Raman spectroscopy aided by field-multiplying plasmonic nanostructures. We report the use of SERS measurements of patient urine in conjunction with biostatistical algorithms to assess the treatment response of prostate cancer (PCa) in 12 recurrent (Re) and 63 nonrecurrent (NRe) patient cohorts. Multiple Raman spectra are collected from each urine sample using monodisperse silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for Raman signal enhancement. Genetic algorithms-partial least squares-linear discriminant analysis (GA-PLS-LDA) was employed to analyze the Raman spectra. Comprehensive GA-PLS-LDA analyses of these Raman spectral features (p = 3.50 × 10-16 ) yield an accuracy of 86.6%, sensitivity of 86.0%, and specificity 87.1% in differentiating the Re and NRe cohorts. Our study suggests that SERS combined with multivariate GA-PLS-LDA algorithm can potentially be used to detect and monitor the risk of PCa relapse and to aid with decision-making for optimal intermediate secondary therapy to recurred patients.
Investigating the hot isostatic pressing of an additively manufactured continuous carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composite

Abstract Additive manufacturing has recently begun to explore its role in the composites industry, utilizing the capability of complex fiber placement and part geometry to further reduce the weight of composite structures. Additively manufactured (AM) thermoplastic composites suffer weak interlayer bonding and high void contents. This study investigates the use of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to post-process AM continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites to improve their flexural, interlaminar shear, tensile, and compressive properties. Isostatic pressure (200 psi) and elevated temperatures were used in combination to compress internal voids, promote PEEK crystallization, and enhance inter-filament polymer diffusion.Three different HIP temperatures of 200 °C, 250 °C, and 300 °C, between the glass transition and heat deflection temperatures of the composites, were considered. The post-processing was found to improve properties, with flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength improvements of up to 46% and 30%, respectively, and tensile strength and modulus reaching values as high as 1312 MPa and 92 GPa. The accompanying changes in void content and polymer structure for various HIP processing parameters were investigated to account for the changes in mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. Specifically, increasing the treatment temperature was found to monotonically reduce the void content. The polymer degree of crystallinity (DOC), however, was found to change appreciably only for the highest treatment temperature (300 °C), which negatively impacted the flexural and interlaminar composite properties. Treatment at 300 °C is understood to embrittle the polymer matrix, thereby increasing the stress concentration factors of the internal porosity. HIP demonstrates a fast and robust method to post-process AM composite parts, resulting in a significant improvement in their mechanical performance whereas a high crystallinity with void presence could degrade the performance of AM composites. The outcome of this study can be utilized to improve both the additive manufacturing process and post-HIP treatment to enhance the performance of AM composites.
Nonlinear torsional wave propagation in a thin circular rod

Coupled nonlinear wave equations are obtained for the special case of wave motion in a thin rod with circular cross-section resulting from a large-amplitude torsional source. Lagrangian mechanics are employed to obtain the wave equations from expressions for the kinetic and potential energy densities in the rod due to an assumed displacement field. Longitudinal waves are generated at quadratic order in strain by the torsional wave through inertial (centrifugal) and elastic forces. Nonlinear effects on the torsional wave occur at cubic order in strain, due to both interaction with the longitudinal wave and strain-hardening shear nonlinearity. While the torsional wave propagates without dispersion, the longitudinal wave is subject to leading-order effects of geometrical dispersion when its wavelength is comparable to the rod radius. The case of weak nonlinearity is analyzed, for which the torsional wave propagates without nonlinear distortion while finite-amplitude effects generate a longitudinal wave. An analytical solution reveals that inertial and elastic forces resulting from a harmonic travelling torsional wave work against each other in the generation of the longitudinal second harmonic. Numerical solutions for transient source motion highlight interaction between the torsional and longitudinal modes near the source, and effects of geometrical dispersion on the longitudinal wave.
Investigational Devices for Epilepsy

Approximately one-third of people with epilepsy (PWE) continue to have seizures despite antiseizure medication (ASM). Epilepsy surgery is the most effective option when drug-resistant seizures are generated by a focal brain region that can be safely resected. Unfortunately, many patients are not good resective surgery candidates. Recent trials using therapeutic brain stimulation show reductions in seizures, but long-term seizure-free outcomes are not common. Although seizures occupy a small fraction of their life, as little as 0.01%, PWE take ASD daily, suffer ASM-related side effects, and spend their lives dreading when the next seizure will strike. Current clinical gaps targeted by next-generation epilepsy device investigations include accurate seizure diaries, real-time seizure forecasting, and adaptive stimulation to prevent seizures.
Local Government Sustainable Development: A Theoretical Paradigm or a Plan for Action?

Local governments are a vital component in the national effort to promote sensible methods for community development, growth and social justice. The benefits and challenges of sustainable development have become apparent as more local governments initiate programs to address economic, environmental and social equity issues. This research investigates county and municipal government efforts toward sustainable development using survey information for local governments in the southern United States. Survey responses were analyzed to examine whether local governments “practice what they preach” in terms of actually implementing the sustainable policies proclaimed to be important to their operations. Overall, results suggest local governments do place these policies into action for environmental and social justice issues. In addition, the analysis explores the impact of population size, geographic area and form of government on sustainable development. Measuring the implementation of sustainable policies in terms of dollars, however, proves difficult because there is no consistency among municipalities with regard to reporting the amount of dollars (federal or local) spent in support of sustainability efforts.
The Role of Behavioral and Neurocognitive Functioning in Substance Use Among Youth with Perinatally Acquired HIV Infection and Perinatal HIV Exposure Without Infection.

This study examined associations of self-regulatory behavior and cognitive functioning with substance use (SU) to inform interventions for youth with perinatal HIV infection (YPHIV) or exposure but uninfected (YPHEU). Youth aged 7–15 years (YPHIV, n = 390; YPHEU, n = 211) were followed longitudinally with cognitive testing and behavioral questionnaires including self-report of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other SU. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to examine correlates of initiating each substance for those without prior use at baseline and generalized estimating equation analyses were used to address associations of cognitive/behavioral measurements with SU prevalence for the entire sample. Lower self-reported self-regulation skills, but higher cognitive functioning abilities, were associated with initiation and prevalent use of alcohol and marijuana regardless of HIV status. Our findings suggest SU screening tools and self-regulation interventions developed for general adolescent populations should be implemented for those with PHIV, who may be at heightened risk for SU-related health consequences.
Reduced neural differentiation of rewards and punishment during passive avoidance learning in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder

Background It has been proposed that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) show dysfunctional computations related to approach-avoidance decision-making. However, few studies have examined the neural basis of this impairment, particularly in adolescents with GAD. The goal of the current study was to address this gap in the literature. Method The study involved 51 adolescents with GAD and 51 typically developing (TD) comparison individuals matched on age (16.10 and 15.75 respective means), gender (30 F/21 M and 24 F/27 M), and IQ (103.20 and 103.18 respective means). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a passive avoidance task. Results We found a significant Group-by-Reinforcement interaction within reward-related brain regions including the caudate, putamen, mid cingulate/paracentral lobule, and superior and middle frontal gyrus. TD adolescents showed a greater differential response to reward versus punishment feedback within these regions relative to adolescents with GAD. In particular, this reflected reduced responses to rewards in the adolescents with GAD. There were no group differences in neural responses when making approach/avoidance responses. Conclusion The results of this study suggest reduced differential responsiveness to reinforcement as a component of the pathophysiology seen in adolescents with GAD. This dysfunction likely underpins decision-making impairments that may exacerbate the participants' worry.
Radiographic evaluation of humeral head reconstruction with stemmed and stemless spherical implants compared with stemless elliptical head implants

Background The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of anatomic reconstruction of three different humeral head designs after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods Postoperative radiographs of 117 patients who underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with three different implant designs (stemmed spherical, stemless spherical, and stemless elliptical) were analyzed for landmarks that represented the prearthritic state and final implant position. We assessed the change in center of rotati7on and humeral head height on the anteroposterior view and the percentage of prosthesis overhang on the axillary lateral view. A modified anatomic reconstruction index, a compound score that rated each of the 3 parameters from 0 to 2, was created to determine the overall accuracy of the reconstruction. Results Excellent modified anatomic reconstruction index scores (5 or 6 points) were achieved by 68.1% of the cases in the stemless elliptical group compared with 33.3% of the cases in the stemless spherical group and by 28.3% of the cases in the stemmed spherical group (P = .001).The mean difference in restoration of humeral head height (P < .001) and percentage of prosthesis overhang (P < .001) was superior for the stemless elliptical group compared with the two other spherical head groups. There was no difference between groups for the shift in center of rotation (P = .060). Conclusions In this radiographic investigation comparing three different humeral head designs with respect to anatomic restoration parameters, the stemless elliptical implant more closely restored the geometry of the prearthritic humeral head as assessed by humeral head height, prosthesis overhang, and a compound reconstruction score.
Patterns of leukocyte recovery predict infectious complications after CD19 CAR-T cell therapy in a real-world setting.

Background Adoptive immunotherapy using CD19-targeted Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) has revolutionized the treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Data is limited on the propensity of infections and lymphohematopoietic reconstitution after Day 30 (D30) following CAR-T cell therapy. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and nature of infectious complications in an expanded cohort of DLBCL patients treated with CD19 CAR-T therapy and its association with the dynamics of leukocyte subpopulation reconstitution post-CAR-T cell therapy. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including 19 patients who received axicabtagene ciloleucel and investigated associations between cytopenia and infectious complications after D30. Results Nineteen patients were included, consisting of 42% Hispanic, 32% Caucasian, 21% African-American, and 5% Asian subjects. Post-D30 of CAR-T infusion, 47% patients (n=9) developed an infection and 53% (n=10) remained infection-free. The most common infection type observed was viral (7 patients) followed by bacterial (5 patients) and fungal (3 patients). Of 25 total infectious events, 56% were grade 1 or 2 and 44% were grade 3 with 10 being viral in etiology. To determine the kinetics of lymphohematopoietic reconstitution and its association with infection risk, we evaluated the relationship between cytopenias and rates of infection after D30. Notably, compared to non-infection group, infection group had a higher median absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) (1,000/µL vs. 600/µL, P 1,500/µL in the infection group as opposed to 70% in the non-infection group at D90 (P<0.05). Fifty-eight percent of the patients (11/19) with relapsed refractory DLBCL achieved a complete response with a median follow-up of 233 days (7.7 months). Conclusions Although CAR-T cell therapy is highly effective, infectious complications remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Low ANC/ALC and AMC/ALC ratios at D30 are potential novel predictors of infection and can be considered in future prophylactic strategies.
The Intimacy Paradox: Personal Authority in the Family System

Part I: Personal Authority Theory. Personal Authority in the Family System: An Overview. Background Theoretical Assumptions. Personal Authority: The Construct in Theoretical Context. Part II: Personal Authority Method: The Play's the Thing. Setting the Scene: Playful Interventions as a Method of Therapy. Auditioning and Casting: Background Preparations for the Conversations with Parents. Black Out Sketches: The Group at Play. The Rehearsal: Preparing the Client for Political Renegotiations with Parents. Scheduling the Performance and Contract Negotiating with the Players. Writing the Script: The In-Office Agenda for the Primary Triangle. Personal Authority Contextual Issues. Personal Authority: The Personal Story. Personal and Professional Authority in Professional Life. Personal Authority, Professional Authority, and Physical Health. Walsh, Personal Authority and Gender Differences: Typecasting. Beyond Personal Authority. Part IV: Personal Authority Research. Bray, The Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire: Assessment of Intergenerational Family Relationships.
Guided Note Taking and Student Achievement in a Media Law Course

In a quasi-experimental setting, a group of U.S. college students in an introductory media law course had higher test scores when the instructor provided access to guided worksheets than a group of students without access to guided worksheets. It also allows educators in journalism and mass communication to cover more materials during courses and/or spend more time elaborating on complex issues to accomplish all learning outcome objectives. The results are comparable with studies that collected evidence in support of the effectiveness of guided note taking on student performance in other academic fields.
Recurrent Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage After 12 Years: Missed Diagnosis, Vulnerable Anatomy, or Random Events?

Background Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (PMSAH) is a well-defined subtype of angiogram-negative SAH, characterized by a benign natural history and a virtually nonexistent risk of recurrence. Few case reports of recurrent PMSAH exist in the literature, all occurring after relatively short time intervals ranging from 5 days to 31 months, mostly in patients on antithrombotic therapy. We present a unique case of ultra-late PMSAH recurrence after 12 years, in a patient not receiving antithrombotic medications. Case Description A woman presented with 2 similar episodes of sudden-onset severe headache and neck pain, without associated neurologic deficits: a first episode at the age of 48 years and a second at 60 years. In each instance, the pattern of hemorrhage was consistent with PMSAH, platelet count and coagulation tests were normal, and a full etiologic work-up, including CTA, catheter angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging, failed to reveal an underlying vascular or tumoral etiology. The patient had a favorable clinical course each time. Conclusions Although exceptional, recurrence of PMSAH is not impossible. If the 2 events are assumed to be random and independent of each other, binomial statistics yield approximately a 79 per billion chance of 2 or more episodes occurring over an 80-year lifetime. However, other possibilities should be kept in mind, including tiny and radiographically occult vascular lesions or particular venous anatomy predisposing patients to recurrent bouts of PMSAH. Patients should not be told that the risk of recurrence is zero, but that it is close to zero.
CHAPTER 30 – Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Publisher Summary The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the association of autoantibodies having an apparent specificity for anionic phospholipids with one or more clinical manifestations that include venous and arterial thrombosis and pregnancy loss and morbidity. APS is an under-recognized autoimmune disease that accounts for a significant proportion of thromboembolic disease and recurrent pregnancy loss. Animal models of APS are important tools for investigating the cellular basis of the autoimmune response, the contribution of genetic factors, and mechanisms by which antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) contribute to thrombosis and pregnancy loss Anticoagulation rather than immunosuppression is the current mainstay of therapy. Although effective in most cases, full anticoagulation carries a significant risk of adverse side effects. Future research characterizing the underlying autoimmune response, the spectrum of APS autoantibodies, and the relevant mechanisms of hypercoagulability will lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and approaches. These new approaches raise hope for safer and more effective treatment of APS.
New Approaches to the Preparation of PαMS Beads as Mandrels for NIF-Scale Target Capsules

The authors report on a new method using heated density gradient columns for preparing spherical poly({alpha}methylstyrene) (P{alpha}MS) bead mandrels for inertial confinement fusion spherical shell targets. Using 1,2 propane diol/glycerol mixtures, stable density gradient columns for supporting P{alpha}MS beads can be prepared at temperatures as high as 150 C. At these temperatures plasticized commercial beads become fluid and spherical, however loss of the plasticizer and very low molecular weight components of the bead due to limited solubility in the column fluid leads to surface finish problems. The authors also present results on P{alpha}MS beads prepared in an aqueous bath batch mode. Using these techniques beads with maximum out-of-rounds less than 5 {micro}m have been produced.
Granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) bodies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) resemble late-stage autophagic organelles.

K. E. Funk, R. E. Mrak and J. Kuret (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 295–306 Granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) bodies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) resemble late-stage autophagic organelles Aims: Granulovacuolar degeneration involves the accumulation of large, double membrane-bound bodies within certain neurones during the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other adult-onset dementias. Because of the two-layer membrane morphology, it has been proposed that the bodies are related to autophagic organelles. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis, and determine the approximate stage at which the pathway stalls in AD. Methods: Spatial colocalization of autophagic and endocytic markers with casein kinase 1 delta, a marker for granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) bodies, was evaluated in hippocampal sections prepared from post mortem Braak stage IV and V AD cases using double-label confocal fluorescence microscopy. Results: GVD bodies colocalized weakly with early-stage autophagy markers LC3 and p62, but strongly with late-stage marker lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), which decorated their surrounding membranes. GVD bodies also colocalized strongly with charged multivesicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B), which colocalized with the core granule, but less strongly with lysosomal marker cathepsin D. Conclusions: The resultant immunohistochemical signature suggests that granulovacuolar degeneration bodies (GVBs) do contain late-stage autophagic markers, and accumulate at the nexus of autophagic and endocytic pathways. The data further suggest that failure to complete autolysosome formation may be an important correlate of GVB accumulation.
MUSHI: a multi-device framework for collaborative inquiry learning

We present the MUSHI (Multi-User Simulation with Handheld Integration) framework, which was designed to support middle and high school students in the acquisition of scientific concepts rooted in complex, multi-scalar phenomena. In designing a learning environment that is conducive to collaborative inquiry learning, we have combined a dynamic simulation with wirelessly-connected handheld devices. This is a novel use of technology, so we first had to ensure that this new multi-device paradigm would not, via extraneous cognitive load, interfere with inquiry learning tasks. In this pilot study, we confirmed that the multi-device interface can be used by the lower age range of our target demographic, and that its use does not impair the execution of inquiry learning tasks of the sort we have designed for the learning environment. We also observed the collaborative behaviors that naturally emerged from the use of MUSHI, to develop recommendations for scaffolding collaborative inquiry tasks.
Direct broadcasting by satellite in the USA: Interim regulations and implications

Abstract Technological advances in satellite communications and changes in regulatory philosophy in the USA came together at the end of the 1970s to foster a new medium — direct broadcasting by satellite (DBS). DBS, similar to other new television distribution systems, holds the promise not only of serving the people who cannot be reached by conventional television systems, but also of offering diverse programming to existing television audiences. However, the potential problems raised by the FCC's interim DBS regulations might jeopardize the economic viability and the development of future DBS systems in the USA, and might affect the interests of DBS audiences.
Fatty Acid Composition of Neisseria Species as Determined by Gas Chromatography

Duplicate cultures of 53 strains representing 9 species of Neisseria were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography for cellular fatty acids. N. sicca, N. mucosa, N. flava, N. flavescens, N. perflava, N. subflava, and the several serotypes of N. meningitidis examined were found to comprise a fairly homogeneous group on the basis of the percentages of individual fatty acids present. Lactose-fermenting Neisseria also were in this group. N. catarrhalis, however, contained decanoic acid in addition to the acids occurring in the other species. Moreover, the 18 C-saturated and monoenoic acids together constituted 36% of the total fatty acid composition for N. catarrhalis, while the comparable mean value for the other species was less than 13%.
Research Spotlight: Narwhals document continued warming of Baffin Bay

[1] Baffin Bay, situated between northern Greenland and Canada, is a major gateway between waters from the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Dynamics within the bay help govern how much water from the Arctic flows south and sinks to form North Atlantic Deep Water, a deep current that drives ocean circulation on a global scale. Unfortunately, monitoring the deep reaches of Baffin Bay throughout the year is difficult—most oceanographic data are collected in the summer when the area is ice free. To overcome this inability to collect data in harsh winter conditions, Laidre et al. hit upon a novel solution: mounting instruments on narwhals to collect temperature and depth data. Narwhals, a top predator in this frigid ecosystem, make annual migrations from summering grounds in the Canadian High Arctic and western Greenland to wintering grounds in the dense offshore pack ice of Baffin Bay. Moreover, narwhals, which rank among the deepest-diving whales in the world, dive extensively and repeatedly to depths exceeding 1800 meters under pack ice to reach their major food source, the flatfish that swarm on the seafloor of Baffin Bay. Narwhal dives are nearly vertical, making this whale an ideal platform on which to mount surveying instruments. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans, doi:10.1029/2009JC005820, 2010)
Mapping Proteome-Wide Targets of Environmental Chemicals Using Reactivity-Based Chemoproteomic Platforms

We are exposed to a growing number of chemicals in our environment, most of which have not been characterized in terms of their toxicological potential or mechanisms. Here, we employ a chemoproteomic platform to map the cysteine reactivity of environmental chemicals using reactivity-based probes to mine for hyper-reactive hotspots across the proteome. We show that environmental contaminants such as monomethylarsonous acid and widely used pesticides such as chlorothalonil and chloropicrin possess common reactivity with a distinct set of proteins. Many of these proteins are involved in key metabolic processes, suggesting that these targets may be particularly sensitive to environmental electrophiles. We show that the widely used fungicide chlorothalonil specifically inhibits several metabolic enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism and energetics, leading to dysregulated lipid metabolism in mice. Our results underscore the utility of using reactivity-based chemoproteomic platforms to uncover novel mechanistic insights into the toxicity of environmental chemicals.
The US Trade Deficit and the Rate of Interest

It is well known that nations with high trade deficits normally have higher interest rates than those with surplus or balanced trade. However, such has not been the case with the USA, which has seen a relentless trade deficit since 1982. Its interest rates have been lower than those prevailing in many trade-surplus nations. Furthermore, these rates fell even as the trade shortfall shot up, generating an interest-rate paradox. This paper demonstrates that, unlike for other nations, the rising trade deficit itself became the cause of lower US interest rates, and this happened because of the world's strong interest in maintaining a high value of the dollar.
Microbiologically documented infections in patients undergoing high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation for the treatment of light chain amyloidosis.

Background Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis can be treated with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT). Risk factors for infections may include hyposplenism, hypogammaglobulinemia, treatment-related neutropenia, melphalan-induced mucositis, and nosocomial exposures. Methods and design A review of 493 patients with AL amyloidosis undergoing treatment with HDM/SCT from August 1994 to August 2009 was performed. The objectives were to determine the rate and types of infections following HDM/SCT, to identify factors associated with microbiologically documented infections, and to assess the contribution of infections to all-cause treatment-related mortality (TRM; defined as deaths within 100 days of SCT). Results Microbiologically documented infections after HDM/SCT occurred in 24% (n = 119) of patients. TRM was 10% (n = 48) overall, and 21% (n = 25) in patients who had a documented infection. Thus, the relative risk of TRM in a patient with a documented infection was 3.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02–5.79). Infections were caused by gram-positive bacteria in 51%, anaerobic bacteria in 16%, gram-negative bacteria in 13%, and fungi in 9% of cases. Serum creatinine >2 mg/dL was associated with increased risk of post-SCT infection (38% vs. 21%, P = 0.0007) with an odds ratio of 2.27 (95% CI 1.40–3.68). No significant association for infection was found for age, gender, cardiac involvement, prior steroid therapy, dose of melphalan, multiorgan involvement, days to neutrophil engraftment, or dose of CD34 + cells infused. Conclusion Serum creatinine >2 mg/dL is a risk factor for infections in patients with AL amyloidosis undergoing HDM/SCT. The relative risk of TRM in a patient with a documented infection was increased >3-fold. A broad spectrum of infections, similar to that in other SCT patients, is seen in this population in the early post-SCT period.
A revised automated proximity and conformity analysis method to compare predicted and observed spatial boundaries of geologic phenomena

Quantitative assessment of the level of agreement between model-predicted and field-observed geologic data is crucial to calibrate and validate numerical landscape models. Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides an opportunity to integrate model and field data and quantify their levels of correspondence. Napieralski et al. [Comparing predicted and observed spatial boundaries of geologic phenomena: Automated Proximity and Conformity Analysis (APCA) applied to ice sheet reconstructions. Computers and Geosciences 32, 124-134] introduced an Automated Proximity and Conformity Analysis (APCA) method to compare model-predicted and field-observed spatial boundaries and used it to quantify the level of correspondence between predicted ice margins from ice sheet models and field observations from end moraines. However, as originally formulated, APCA involves a relatively large amount of user intervention during the analysis and results in an index to quantify the level of correspondence that lacks direct statistical meaning. Here, we propose a revised APCA approach and a more automated and statistically robust way to quantify the level of correspondence between model predictions and field observations. Specifically, the mean and standard deviation of distances between model and field boundaries are used to quantify proximity and conformity, respectively. An illustration of the revised method comparing modeled ice margins of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet with observed end moraines of the Last Glacial Maximum shows that this approach provides a more automated and statistically robust means to quantify correspondence than the original APCA. The revised approach can be adopted for a wide range of geoscience issues where comparisons of model-predicted and field-observed spatial boundaries are useful, including mass movement and flood extents.
Influence of Carbon on the Diffusion of Interstitials and Boron in Silicon

Carbon is a native impurity in Si which is known to trap self-interstitials and decrease their diffusivity. Carbon has also been observed to decrease B transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in Si through these interstitial interactions. Recently it has been proposed that vacancies must also be considered when accounting for the reduction of B TED. We have incorporated both the kick-out mechanism and the Frank-Turnbull (F-T) mechanism in simulations of interstitial diffusion and carbon diffusion, as well as experiments involving B diffusion in B doped superlattices (DSLs) with varying C concentration regions. We have used the binding energy between a carbon atom and a self-interstitial as a basis for the reaction rates for both mechanisms, and have found that an single energy of 2.25 eV best reproduces the results from several experiments, assuming equilibrium initial conditions for both mechanisms and ab-initio equilibrium values for all point defects.
Role of basic residues of the autolysis loop in the catalytic function of factor Xa.

The autolysis loop of factor Xa (fXa) has four basic residues (Arg143, Lys147, Arg150, and Arg154) whose contribution to protease specificity of fXa has not been examined. Here, we substituted these basic residues individually with Ala in the fX cDNA and expressed them in mammalian cells using a novel expression/purification vector system. Following purification to homogeneity and activation by the factor X activator from Russell viper venom, the mutants were characterized with respect to their ability to assemble into the prothrombinase complex to activate prothrombin and interact with target plasma fXa inhibitors, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and antithrombin. We show that all mutants interacted with factor Va with normal affinities and exhibited wild-type-like prothrombinase activities toward prothrombin. Lys147 and Arg154 mutants were inhibited by TFPI ∼2-fold slower than wild type; however, both Arg143 and Arg150 mutants were inhibited normally by the inhibitor. The reactivities of Arg143 a...
Spin precession and weak localization

Spin effects play an important role in weak-localization theory. In addition to the well-studied influence of spin-orbit and spin-flip scattering, electron-spin precession can be important when a magnetic field is present. A simple derivation of the spin-precession effect is given, which reproduces the results of impurity-diagram calculations by Maekawa and Fukuyama. Spin precession becomes important when the precession rate ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{p}}$ satisfies ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{p}}$g\ensuremath{\Vert}1/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathrm{so}}$-1/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathrm{sf}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}, where 1/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathrm{so}}$ and 1/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathrm{sf}}$ are the spin-orbit and spin-flip scattering rates. In this case, the ac conductivity will show a resonance at \ensuremath{\omega}=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{p}}$. The resonant line shapes are examined for the ac magnetoconductivity in quasi-one- and quasi-two-dimensions, and the feasibility of experiments is considered.
Harmonics on posets

Abstract Given a finite ranked poset P, for each rank of P a space of complex valued functions on P called harmonics is defined. If the automorphism group G of P is sufficiently rich, these harmonic spaces yield irreducible representations of G. A decomposition theorem, which is analogous to the decomposition theorem for spherical harmonics, is stated. It is also shown that P can always be decomposed into posets whose principal harmonics are orthogonal polynomials. Classical examples are given.
Multiple myocardial crypts on cardiac CT angiography in a symptomatic patient with troponin elevation

A 57-year-old Middle Eastern woman presented to the emergencydepartment(ED)withleftarmandchestdiscomfortwhichdevelopedwhile driving her car. The discomfort lasted for a few minutes andresolved spontaneously. Past medical history was remarkable forknown LVH by ECG, severe concentric LVH by echocardiography andno coronary heart disease risk factors. ECG in the ED showed LVH andST segment depression in leads V4 through V6 and was unchangedfrom prior ECG done 1 year before. Serum troponin I was elevated at0.16 ng/ml (normal b0.05 ng/ml). Based on the clinical history,abnormal ECG and elevated troponin levels, the ED physicianconsidered the diagnosis of an acute coronary syndrome, adminis-teredaspirinandclopidogrelandrecommendedadmissionforfurtherobservation and management. Cardiology consultation was thensought in the ED, and in view of previously known diagnosis ofhypertrophic cardiomyopathy, immediate coronary CT angiography(CCTA) was recommended to rule out obstructive coronary arterydisease.Low dose CCTA (4.9 mSv) was performed using a 64 slice dual-source CT scanner (Somatom, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim,Germany).CCTArevealednoevidenceforcoronaryplaqueorstenosis.Despite the positive troponin and the abnormal ECG, a diagnosis ofacute coronary syndrome was excluded, and the patient wasdischarged from the ED.Non-coronary assessment of the CCTA conﬁrmed severe asym-metric septal hypertrophy and demonstrated an unusual ﬁnding ofthree thin crypts in the left ventricle. The largest crypt was 12 mm inlength in the superior mid septum at the junction of the left and rightventricles with a 2 mm separation from the right ventricle (Fig. 1 a
Racial mistrust and disposition to deviance among African American, Haitian, and other Caribbean Island adolescent boys

Using survey data from Miami, Florida, this study empirically tests whether racial mistrust is related to a willingness to engage in delinquent behaviors among a sample of African Americans, Haitians, and other Caribbean Island Black adolescent boys residing in Miami, Florida. No significant differences were found among the three groups with respect to their disposition scores. However, when compared to non-Blacks, African Americans and Haitians reported a greater willingness to violate the law. Bivariate analyses suggest a strong relationship between racial mistrust and disposition to deviance for all three ethnic groups. Three findings also held in multivariate analyses controlling for socioeconomic status.
PERFORMANCE-BASED FRACTURE CRITERION FOR EVALUATION OF MOISTURE SUSCEPTIBILITY IN HOT-MIX ASPHALT

The laboratory testing procedures currently available for testing hot-mix asphalt moisture susceptibility all evaluate the effects of moisture damage in the laboratory by measuring the relative change of a single parameter before and after conditioning (i.e., tensile strength ratio, resilient modulus ratio). The use of a single parameter to evaluate moisture damage must be questioned. Instead, a single unified framework that accounts for changes in key mixture properties is needed to evaluate the effects of moisture damage in mixtures effectively. The use of a new performance-based fracture parameter, the energy ratio (ER), for quantifying the effects of moisture damage on the fracture resistance of mixtures is evaluated here. ER is used to determine the effects of moisture damage on changes in the fracture resistance of six granite mixtures prepared with and without the use of an antistripping additive. The granite aggregate used is a known stripping aggregate. In addition, one limestone mixture with a known high resistance to stripping was used. The results indicate that not only is the ER capable of detecting the effects of moisture damage on the fracture resistance of mixtures, it is also shown to detect the presence of antistripping agents in mixtures. Results indicate that the ER may form the basis of a promising combined performance-based fracture criterion for evaluating the effects of moisture damage in mixtures as well as the overall resistance to fracture.
The effect of electrostatic interactions on hot electron transport in n-GaAs

Abstract Hot electron transport in bulk n-GaAs is investigated in a three dimensional numerical simulation. An emphasis is placed on understanding the effect of the electrostatic interaction and, in particular, that of the ionized impurity scattering on drift velocity vs electric field characteristics. In order to account for the spatial correlations between electrons and scattering centers, the numerical model combines molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo techniques. A major result is that the impurities enhance the drift velocity of hot electrons. This emphasizes the inappropriateness of the concept of a phenomenological mean free flight time when the interaction potential is long range. An explanation of the effect is proposed which applies to a general multi-valley semiconductor; and the model is compared to the traditional Brooks-Herring treatment of electron-ionized impurity scattering.