cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Endovascular Revascularization Some Proof in the Pudding

The diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) provides an opportunity for significant medical intervention. All patients with PAD are at high risk of cardiovascular events, with mortality ranging from 15% to 50% in 5 years, depending on the severity of presenting symptoms.1 Beyond this atherosclerotic risk, ≈50% of patients have leg pains and limitations in their ability to walk. Article p 569 There are 2 major symptomatic manifestations of PAD: intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia. Derived from the Latin word claudicatio , signifying a limp, intermittent claudication is an exertion-mediated leg muscle discomfort caused by arterial blood flow that is inadequate to meet the demands of exercising skeletal muscle. Patients may get relief from pain with exercise cessation, which restores the blood supply-demand equilibrium as the skeletal muscle oxygen requirements abate. Claudication is the most common symptom in PAD and the most common reason for which patients with PAD seek medical attention. The rarer and more serious complication of PAD is critical limb ischemia, which causes pain in the foot, a nonhealing ulceration, or frank gangrene, each signifying inadequate arterial blood supply to meet basal metabolic requirements. Without revascularization, patients with critical limb ischemia have a high risk of amputation. In contrast to the severe consequences of critical limb ischemia, the leg prognosis in intermittent claudication is benign. Nondiabetic patients with intermittent claudication have a <1% per year rate of developing critical limb ischemia.2 However, the reduction in function remains stable for years, leaving patients with a chronic severe reduction in their quality of life. With the advent of catheter-based interventional therapies for PAD, endovascular physicians have become able to improve arterial perfusion in the lower extremity through the use of balloon angioplasty and stenting. Low procedural morbidity and high procedural success have led to an enormous …
The difference that difference makes in the mobilization of workers

Drawing conceptually from feminist, post–development, cultural politics and radical political science literatures, this essay integrally relates differences among contexts (relationally defined) and people. I suggest that prospects for the mobilization of workers across space requires critical thinking about difference, entailing recognition of different work experiences associated with different industrial processes and avenues of exploitation, as well as possible friction among different groups of people across axes of difference. Although frictions of difference related both to economic and non–economic logics may pose complex problems for connecting workers within and across space, I argue that inclusive organizing strategies are critical to achieving pervasive and long–run social change. Tirant ces concepts de documents sur le post–feminisme et le post–developpement, et de textes de politique culturelle et de science politique fondamentale, cet essai associe toutes les differences de contextes (definis en termes de relation) et d’individus. Il suggere que mobiliser des salaries a travers l’espace necessite une reflexion critique sur la difference, ce qui implique la reconnaissance d’experiences professionnelles diverses combinees a des approches et processus industriels d’exploitation differents, ainsi que d’eventuels points de friction entre divers groupes de personnes d’un bout a l’autre des axes de difference. Meme si ces points de friction, lies a une logique tant economique que non–economique, sont susceptibles de creer d’importantes difficultes pour relier des salaries dans l’espace, il faut appliquer des strategies d’organisation globales si l’on veut obtenir un changement social capable de s’impregner durablement.
Elongation of alternating α2,8/2,9 polysialic acid by the Escherichia coli K92 polysialyltransferase

We have chosen E. coli K92, which produces the alternating structure alpha(2-8)neuNAc alpha(2-9)neuNAc as a model system for studying bacterial polysaccharide biosynthesis. We have shown that the polysialyltransferase encoded by the K92 neuS gene can synthesize both alpha(2-8) and alpha(2-9) neuNAc linkages in vivo by 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of polysaccharide isolated from a heterologous strain containing the K92 neuS gene. The K92 polysialyltransferase is associated with the membrane in lysates of cells harboring the neuS gene in expression vectors. Although the enzyme can transfer sialic acid to the nonreducing end of oligosaccharides with either linkage, it is unable to initiate chain synthesis without exogenously added polysialic acid. Thus, the polysialyltransferase encoded by neuS is not sufficient for de novo synthesis of polysaccharide but requires another membrane component for initiation. The acceptor specificity of this polysialyltransferase was studied using sialic acid oligosaccharides of various structures as exogenous acceptors. The enzyme can transfer to the nonreducing end of all bacteria polysialic acids, but has a definite preference for alpha(2-8) acceptors. Gangliosides containing neuNAc alpha(2-8)neuNAc are elongated, whereas monsialylated gangliosides are not. Disialylgangliosides are better acceptors than short oligosaccharides, suggesting a lipid-linked oligosaccharide may be preferred in the elongation reaction. These studies show that the K92 polysialyltransferase catalyzes an elongation reaction that involves transfer of sialic acid from CMP-sialic acid to the nonreducing end of two different acceptor substrates.
Smoothing parameter selection for a class of semiparametric linear models

Summary. Spline-based approaches to non-parametric and semiparametric regression, as well as to regression of scalar outcomes on functional predictors, entail choosing a parameter controlling the extent to which roughness of the fitted function is penalized. We demonstrate that the equations determining two popular methods for smoothing parameter selection, generalized cross-validation and restricted maximum likelihood, share a similar form that allows us to prove several results which are common to both, and to derive a condition under which they yield identical values. These ideas are illustrated by application of functional principal component regression, a method for regressing scalars on functions, to two chemometric data sets.
The middle temporal visual area in the macaque: Myeloarchitecture, connections, functional properties and topographic organization

The location, topographic organization, and function of the middle temporal visual area (MT) in the macaque monkey was studied using anatomical and physiological techniques. MT is a small, elliptically shaped area on the posterior bank of the superior temporal sulcus which can be identified by its direct inputs from striate cortex and by its distinctive pattern of heavy myelination. Its average surface area is 33 mm2, which is less than 3% of the size of striate cortex. It contains a complete, topographically organized representation of the contralateral visual hemifield. There are substantial irregularities in the detailed pattern of topographic organization, however, and the representation is significantly more complex than that found for MT in other primates. Much of MT is devoted to the representation of central visual fields, with the emphasis on central vision being similar to that found in striate cortex. Electrophysiological recordings have confirmed previous reports of a high incidence of direction selective cells in MT. The transition in functional properties, from cells lacking direction selectivity outside MT to direction selective cells within, occurs over a distance of 0.1–0.2 mm or less along the lateral border of MT. Such a transition does not occur along the medial border, however, as the cortex medial to MT contains many cells with strong direction selectivity. Nevertheless, this region differs from MT in its myeloarchitecture, its lack of inputs from striate cortex, and the large size of its receptive fields. These results demonstrate the existence of three distinct visual areas on the posterior bank of the superior temporal sulcus which can be distinguished on the basis of both physiological and anatomical criteria.
Absolute optical frequency measurement of saturated absorption lines in Rb near 422 nm

We present absolute optical frequency measurements of the 5s2 S 1/2–6p2 P 1/2 hyperfine resolved transitions in both 85Rb and 87Rb near 422 nm. The frequency of each transition was measured by stabilizing a narrow-linewidth extended cavity diode laser to the transition under study and by measuring that frequency with a femtosecond laser frequency comb. A frequency-doubled 844 nm laser was used as a frequency link to connect the 422 nm probe laser to the near infrared part of the comb. The resulting uncertainties of <70 kHz in the Rb transition frequencies represent a four-order of magnitude improvement over previously published results. The frequencies reported in this paper are one of the most accurate series of measurements made in the violet region of the spectrum.
Design of an efficient power delivery network in an soc to enable dynamic power management

Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) is known to be one of the most efficient techniques for power reduction of integrated circuits. Efficient low voltage DC-DC conversion is a key enabler for the design of any DVS technique. In this paper we show how to design an efficient power delivery network for a complex system-on-a-chip (SoC) so as to enable dynamic power management through assignment of appropriate voltage level (and the corresponding clock frequency) to each function block in the SoC. We show that the proposed technique reduces the power loss of the power delivery network by an average of 34% while reducing its cost by an average of 8%.
Design installation and commissioning of the Los Alamos National Laboratory pulsed power generator

A 1430 MVA synchronous generator from a canceled nuclear power plant has been installed and commissioned at Los Alamos National Laboratory to provide pulsed power and energy for large physics experiments. The authors describe special studies, tests, and design modifications to enable a high-power, steady-state machine to operate as a pulsed, variable-speed generator. The generator rotor and stator core cooling have been changed from hydrogen to air to facilitate the operation. An all-solid-state drive system accelerates the generator rotor from standstill to the maximum operating speed of 2800 rpm and from 1260 rpm to 1800 rpm between load pulses. The excitation system has been modified to provide both the motor and generator mode of operation. The generator is mounted on a spring foundation to minimize the transmission of shaft vibrations into the subsoil. The springs also dampen shocks stemming from the pulsed loads. >
Reconstructing the Impedance Profiles of Nonuniform Transmission Lines

This article compares the methods used in microwave and acoustic studies of reconstructing the impedance profiles of nonuniform transmission lines. A simple and a more accurate brute force recursive method combining the two disciplines is presented to reconstruct nonuniform impedance profiles.
The use of topographical constraints in receptor mapping: Investigation of the topographical requirements of the tryptophan 30 residue for receptor binding of Asp-Tyr-D-Phe-Gly-Trp-(N-Me)Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (SNF 9007), a cholecystokinin (26-33) analogue that binds to both CCK-B and δ-opioid receptors

The cholecystokinin (26-33) [CCK (26-33)] octapeptide analog Asp-Tyr-D-Phe-Gly-Trp(N-Me)-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (SNF 9007) is a potent and selective ligand for both the CCK-B and delta-opioid receptors. Pharmacological studies of SNF 9007 suggest a relationship between the ligand requirements of CCK-B and delta-opioid receptors, which further implies a possible structural relationship between these receptors. We have utilized topographical constrainment of the important Trp30 residue to investigate structural features of SNF 9007 that would distinguish between binding requirements in this region for the CCK-B and delta-opioid receptors. Thus, the four optically pure isomers of beta-MeTrp were substituted for L-Trp30 of SNF 9007. Receptor binding results suggest that the preferred topography of the Trp30 residue for CCK-B receptor binding may be the 2S,3S (erythro-L) configuration whereas for the delta-opioid receptor it may be the 2S,3R (threo-L) configuration. Molecular modeling studies of these ligands further support the recently revised receptor-bound model for CCK-B octapeptide ligands (Kolodziej et al. J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 137-149) and are in good agreement with the DPDPE-delta opioid receptor "template" model (Nikiforovich et al. Biopolymers 1991, 31, 941-955).
Fluorometric High-Throughput Assay for Measuring Chlamydial Neutralizing Antibody

ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular mucosotropic pathogen that causes human infections of global importance. C. trachomatis causes trachoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, and is the most common cause of bacterial sexually transmitted disease. Although oculogenital infections are treatable with antibiotics, a vaccine is needed to control C. trachomatis infection. Ideally, a vaccine would provide coverage against most, if not all, naturally occurring antigenically distinct serovariants. The development of a subunit vaccine to prevent oculogenital disease could be advanced by identifying chlamydial antigens that elicit pan-neutralizing antibodies, particularly among infected human populations of known risk factors. There is currently no objective high-throughput in vitro assay to screen human sera for neutralization to aid in identification of these antigens. This report describes an objective, high-throughput in vitro assay that measures C. trachomatis-neutralizing antibodies. Antibody-mediated neutralization of chlamydial infection was performed in a 96-well microtiter format, and neutralization was quantified by immunostaining fixed cells followed by automated fluorometric analysis. This report shows that fluorometric analysis of C. trachomatis infection directly correlates to labor-intensive manual inclusion counts. Furthermore, this report shows that fluorometry can be used to identify C. trachomatis serovar- and serocomplex-specific neutralization. This objective, high-throughput analysis of serum neutralization is amenable to epidemiological studies of human chlamydial infection, human clinical vaccine trials, and preclinical animal model experiments of Chlamydia infection.
Therapy of pulmonary nocardiosis in immunocompromised mice.

We compared the bactericidal efficacies of various antimicrobial agents and combinations thereof in experimentally induced Nocardia asteroides pneumonia in immunocompromised mice. Cortisone acetate treatment, which produced impaired cell-mediated immune function, was followed by nasal inoculation of 5 x 10(4) CFU of N. asteroides into each mouse. Therapy was begun 24 h after inoculation and continued for the next 96 h. Dosages of antimicrobial agents resulted in concentrations approximating levels in human serum. Animals from each of nine treatment groups were sacrificed every 24 h. The pulmonary tissue obtained was homogenized and quantitatively cultured. Results were calculated to indicate the number of CFU per gram of lung tissue. Amikacin and imipenem were the two most effective single agents studied. Sulfadiazine and ciprofloxacin were ineffective, and ceftriaxone reduced bacterial counts modestly. Combination therapy did not enhance the bactericidal activities of the agents tested. We conclude that amikacin and imipenem, as well as select broad-spectrum cephalosporins, represent therapy superior to the sulfonamides in this experimental model and may represent alternative treatment for patients who cannot tolerate sulfa agents (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients) or who fail primary treatment.
The reliability of composites of referee assessments of manuscripts

Abstract Hargens and Herting (1990) note that studies evaluating the reliability of referee assessments of manuscripts have underestimated the reliability of the review process for two reasons. First, past studies have assumed equal intervals between the categories used in assessing manuscripts (e.g., accept, accept after minor revision, revise and resubmit, and reject). Second, the procedures used have measured the reliability based on a single referee's evaluation for each manuscript rather than on a composite of two or more referees. This paper shows how to estimate the reliability based on one, two, or any number of referees, and we apply these procedures to estimate the reliability of journal reviews based on one, two, or three referees for each of the journals examined by Hargens and Herting.
Host-centric proteomics of stool: A novel strategy focused on intestinal responses to the gut microbiota

The diverse community of microbes that inhabits the human bowel is vitally important to human health. Host-expressed proteins are essential for maintaining this mutualistic relationship and serve as reporters on the status of host-microbiota interaction. Therefore, unbiased and sensitive methods focused on host proteome characterization are needed. Herein we describe a novel method for applying shotgun proteomics to the analysis of feces, focusing on the secreted host proteome. We have conducted the most complete analysis of the extracellular mouse gut proteome to date by employing a gnotobiotic mouse model. Using mice colonized with defined microbial communities of increasing complexity or a complete human microbiota (‘humanized’), we show that the complexity of the host stool proteome mirrors the complexity of microbiota composition. We further show that host responses exhibit signatures specific to the different colonization states. We demonstrate feasibility of this approach in human stool samples and provide evidence for a “core” stool proteome as well as personalized host response features. Our method provides a new avenue for noninvasive monitoring of host-microbiota interaction dynamics via host-produced proteins in stool.
Age Related Changes in Serum Levels of Gonadotropins and Testosterone in Infantile Male Rhesus Monkeys

The developmental patterns of gonadotropin and testosterone levels in serum were studied in 6 male monkeys bled at frequent intervals for the first several months after birth. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured using an in vitro bioassay (the rat interstitial cell-testosterone assay; RICT) and, in some instances, a radioimmunoassay. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were measured by immunoassay alone. Serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and biologically active LH were elevated during the first 3-4 months of life in all 6 animals studied. Thereafter, circulating concentrations of these hormones declined to relatively low or undetectable levels. Thus, the results of this study demonstrate that the hypophyseal-testicular axis of the male monkey is quite active during the early neonatal period.
Role of integrin α1β1 in the regulation of renal medullary osmolyte concentration

The mechanism by which cells sense extracellular tonicity and trigger the accumulation of protective organic osmolytes is poorly understood. It has been proposed that changes in cell volume followi...
Developing alcohol SBI policy and procedures with Alaska Public Health Nursing

Background The Institute of Medicine recommends changing organizational policy as a key element of evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation; however, policy change alone may be insufficient to change provider practice behavior [1,2]. Engaging key organizational stakeholders in the policy change process may foster buy-in, particularly if the policy is piloted and refined alongside the new practice. As part of a two-year initiative funded by CDC to implement routine alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) into primary care settings, the Alaska Section of Public Health Nursing (PHN) collaborated with the University of Alaska Anchorage to pilot alcohol SBI policy and procedures in three clinics prior to systemwide dissemination.
Dynamics of Vector-Host Interactions in Avian Communities in Four Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Foci in the Northeastern U.S.

Background Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus (Togaviridae, Alphavirus) is a highly pathogenic mosquito-borne zoonosis that is responsible for occasional outbreaks of severe disease in humans and equines, resulting in high mortality and neurological impairment in most survivors. In the past, human disease outbreaks in the northeastern U.S. have occurred intermittently with no apparent pattern; however, during the last decade we have witnessed recurring annual emergence where EEE virus activity had been historically rare, and expansion into northern New England where the virus had been previously unknown. In the northeastern U.S., EEE virus is maintained in an enzootic cycle involving the ornithophagic mosquito, Culiseta melanura, and wild passerine (perching) birds in freshwater hardwood swamps. However, the identity of key avian species that serve as principal virus reservoir and amplification hosts has not been established. The efficiency with which pathogen transmission occurs within an avian community is largely determined by the relative reservoir competence of each species and by ecological factors that influence contact rates between these avian hosts and mosquito vectors.
Thick and Thin Market Nonatomic Exchange Economies

Perfect competition — that situation in which no individual has the ability to influence prices — has traditionally been regarded as requiring large number of traders. Aumann [4] gave mathematical precision to a model with large numbers by regarding the set of traders as a nonatomic measure space. He showed that such a model passed a test of competitiveness whose origins go back to Edgeworth [16]: the game-theoretic solution concept of the core coincides with the market-demand-equals-supply notion of Walrasian, price-taking equilibrium. Related results are contained in [12] and [22].
White Matter Injuries in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Migraines: Diffusion Entropy Analysis

Purpose To determine the performance of Shannon entropy (SE) as a diagnostic tool in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) with posttraumatic migraines (PTMs) and those without PTMs on the basis of analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) maps. Materials and Methods The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, with waiver of informed consent. FA maps were obtained and neurocognitive testing was performed in 74 patients with mTBI (57 with PTM, 17 without PTM). FA maps were obtained in 22 healthy control subjects and in 20 control patients with migraine headaches. Mean FA and SE were extracted from total brain FA histograms and were compared between patients with mTBI and control subjects and between patients with and those without PTM. Mean FA and SE were correlated with clinical variables and were used to determine the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) and likelihood ratios for mTBI and development of PTM. Results Patients with mTBI had significantly lower SE (P < .001) and trended toward lower mean FA (P = .07) compared with control subjects. SE inversely correlated with time to recovery (TTR) (r = -0.272, P = .02). Patients with mTBI with PTM had significantly lower SE (P < .001) but not mean FA (P = .15) than did other patients with mTBI. SE provided better discrimination between patients with mTBI and control subjects than mean FA (AUC = 0.92; P = .01), as well as better discrimination between patients with mTBI with PTM and those without PTM (AUC = 0.85; P < .001). SE of less than 0.751 resulted in a 16.1 increased likelihood of having experienced mTBI and a 3.2 increased likelihood of developing PTM. Conclusion SE more accurately reveals mTBI than mean FA, more accurately reveals those patients with mTBI who develop PTM, and inversely correlates with TTR. (©) RSNA, 2016.
Discussion: Canadian and U.S. Agricultural Price Policies

Recent U.S. farm price support policies have resulted in expanded supplies for domestic markets at rather stable consumer prices and have made food exports more competitive in commercial markets and more readily available to those who need food aid. The role of government in control of production and marketing has been reduced. These things have been done without testing the full production capacity of the nation's agriculture. The widespread fear of more serious food shortages in several countries that was so prevalent a year ago has been tempered by realization that this year U.S. stocks of feed grains will increase, the first significant carry-over of soybeans will occur, and the domestic wheat supply will be such that wheat allotments for 1968 can be reduced by about 13 percent. The estimate by Wilcox that the United States could have increased its feed grain production by another 10 percent in 1967, had conditions
Optimising the combination dosing strategy of abemaciclib and vemurafenib in BRAF-mutated melanoma xenograft tumours

Resistance to BRAF inhibition is a major cause of treatment failure for BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma patients. Abemaciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitor, overcomes this resistance in xenograft tumours and offers a promising drug combination. The present work aims to characterise the quantitative pharmacology of the abemaciclib/vemurafenib combination using a semimechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling approach and to identify an optimum dosing regimen for potential clinical evaluation. A PK/biomarker model was developed to connect abemaciclib/vemurafenib concentrations to changes in MAPK and cell cycle pathway biomarkers in A375 BRAF-mutated melanoma xenografts. Resultant tumour growth inhibition was described by relating (i) MAPK pathway inhibition to apoptosis, (ii) mitotic cell density to tumour growth and, under resistant conditions, (iii) retinoblastoma protein inhibition to cell survival. The model successfully described vemurafenib/abemaciclib-mediated changes in MAPK pathway and cell cycle biomarkers. Initial tumour shrinkage by vemurafenib, acquisition of resistance and subsequent abemaciclib-mediated efficacy were successfully captured and externally validated. Model simulations illustrate the benefit of intermittent vemurafenib therapy over continuous treatment, and indicate that continuous abemaciclib in combination with intermittent vemurafenib offers the potential for considerable tumour regression. The quantitative pharmacology of the abemaciclib/vemurafenib combination was successfully characterised and an optimised, clinically-relevant dosing strategy was identified.
The conformation of P450cam in complex with putidaredoxin is dependent on oxidation state.

Double electron–electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy was used to determine the conformational state in solution for the heme monooxygenase P450cam when bound to its natural redox partner, putidaredoxin (Pdx). When oxidized Pdx was titrated into substrate-bound ferric P450cam, the enzyme shifted from the closed to the open conformation. In sharp contrast, however, the enzyme remained in the closed conformation when ferrous-CO P450cam was titrated with reduced Pdx. This result fully supports the proposal that binding of oxidized Pdx to P450cam opposes the open-to-closed transition induced by substrate binding. However, the data strongly suggest that in solution, binding of reduced Pdx to P450cam does not favor the open conformation. This supports a model in which substrate recognition is associated with the open-to-closed transition and electron transfer from Pdx occurs in the closed conformation. The opening of the enzyme in the ferric-hydroperoxo state following electron transfer from Pdx would provide ...
CARDIAC-CYCLE RELATED CHANGES IN TRABECULATED LEFT VENTRICULAR VOLUME IN CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Most measures of LV noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) are acquired from 2-D assessments. This study describes the changes in trabeculated volume during the cardiac cycle and its relationship to events related to LVNC. We retrospectively identified 122 cases of cardiac magnetic resonance with
Coordination versus solvation in Al(+)(benzene)(n) complexes studied with infrared spectroscopy.

Singly charged aluminum–benzene cation complexes are produced by laser vaporization in a pulsed supersonic expansion. The Al+(benzene)n (n = 1–4) ions are mass selected and investigated with infrared laser photodissociation spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) is employed to investigate the structures, energetics and vibrational spectra of these complexes. Spectra in the C–H stretching region exhibit sharp multiplet bands similar to the pattern known for the Fermi triad of the isolated benzene molecule. In the fingerprint region, strong bands are seen corresponding to the ν19 C–C ring motion and the ν11 out-of-plane hydrogen bend. The hydrogen bend is strongly blue-shifted compared to this vibration in benzene, whereas the ν19 carbon ring distortion is only slightly shifted to the red. Computed structures and energetics, together with experimental fragmentation and vibrational patterns, indicate a primary coordination of three benzene molecules around the central Al+ cation. The n = 4 complex con...
X-linked Hyper IgM Syndrome Presenting as Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

X-linked hyper IgM syndrome (XHIGM) is a combined immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the CD40 ligand (CD40L) gene that typically results in decreased or absent CD40L expression on activated T cells, leading to defective class switching and somatic hypermutation. We describe an infant who presented with respiratory failure due to pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) with a novel damaging missense mutation in the CD40L gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify a mutation in the CD40L gene. CD40L expression and function were determined by flow cytometry. A 5-month-old previously-healthy male presented with respiratory failure and diffuse pulmonary ground glass opacities on CT scan of the chest. Laboratory evaluation revealed an undetectable IgG, normal IgA, and elevated IgM. A bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. WES demonstrated a c.608G > C mutation in the CD40L gene resulting in p.R203T. Flow cytometry demonstrated normal CD40L expression on activated T cells but absent binding of CD40-Ig to CD40L on activated patient T cells. The clinical manifestations of XHIGM in our patient had several unique features, including the presentation with PAP, normal serum IgA, and expression of non-functional CD40L on activated T cells. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of PAP in a patient with XHIGM.
Bernard Lonergan’s “Law of the Cross”: Transforming the Sources and Effects of Violence

In Insight: A Study of Human Understanding (1957) Bernard Lonergan described the dynamic of human history as “a compound of progress and decline [in which] the flight from understanding” results in...
Collaborative Learning Activity Utilizing Evidence-Based Medicine to Improve Medical Student Learning of the Lifestyle Management of Obesity.

Abstract Introduction Innovative and effective curricula for medical students and physicians are needed to increase knowledge and confidence for instructing patients on lifestyle management of dise...
The role of parental marital discord in the etiology of externalizing problems during childhood and adolescence.

Previous research has established that parental marital discord is associated with higher levels of offspring externalizing behaviors, but it is unclear how parental relationship functioning is associated with the genetic and environmental variance on a factor of externalizing problems. Thus, the current study assessed how parental marital discord moderates genetic and environmental variance on offspring externalizing problems at two different ages—childhood and late adolescence. That is, the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on offspring externalizing at ages 11 and 17 was examined as a function of parental marital discord. Consistent with a diathesis-stress model of psychopathology, it was hypothesized that with increasing marital discord, genetic influences on externalizing would be more pronounced. Rather, results indicated that for the 11-year old sample, nonshared environmental influences were greater when parental marital discord was low, and, comparatively, shared environmental influences contributed more to the variance in externalizing problems when parental marital discord was high. No moderation was found for the 17-year old cohort. In contrast to studies that do not find an effect of the shared environment, these results provide evidence that the common rearing environment has an impact on externalizing problems in pre-adolescent children.
Pseudoaneurysm of the Profunda Femoris Artery following Blunt Trauma Treated by Endovascular Coil Embolization: Review of Two Cases and Relevant Literature

Profunda femoris artery (PFA) pseudoaneurysm after blunt trauma without associated femur fracture is a rare occurrence. Most of the reported cases of PFA pseudoaneurysm in the English literature developed after penetrating trauma, surgical procedures, and femur fractures. We present two such cases following blunt trauma and without any associated long bone injury. After initial imaging failed to show any long bone fracture, CT angiography confirmed pseudoaneurysm of the branch of the PFA. Both patients were then treated with emergent coil embolization of the bleeding vessel. Pseudoaneurysms typically present late and signs of persistent hip pain, thigh swelling, presence of a pulsatile mass, and even unexplained anemia all may suggest the diagnosis. Recognition of PFA pseudoaneurysm requires high index of suspicion and is often difficult to diagnose clinically because of its location.
Obtaining manufacturers’ perspectives in making regional transportation decisions

The University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs worked with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Minnesota Department of Administration, and University of Minnesota E...
Technological Crossroads: Silicon or III–V for Future Generation Nanotransistors

We present the results of a three-dimensional, self-consistent ballistic quantum mechanical simulation of an indium arsenide (InAs) quantum wire metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) with channel lengths of approximately 10 nm. We find that these devices exhibit exceptional Ion/Ioff ratio, reasonable subthreshold swing and reduced threshold voltage variation. Finally, we compare the performance of the 10 nm InAs tri-gate device to a similar silicon device. We find that, when a suitable gate material is chosen, the InAs devices perform comparably to silicon devices in the ballistic limit.
Full-Field Deformation Measurements in Liquid-like-Solid Granular Microgel Using Digital Image Correlation

This paper presents the experimental characterization of the in-plane deformation field at any depth within a granular support medium (GSM) called Carbomer 940 using digital image correlation (DIC) and particle image velocimetry (PIV). A method was developed to produce a 2D plane of randomly shaped speckles within the GSM for DIC. Four different needle diameters and four different speeds were used as test specimens representative of those utilized for 3D printing of soft matter in the GSM. The results can be used to determine dimensional tolerances and assessing interactions between multiple injection needles and acceptable spacing. The displacements in the direction of needle motion (u) and transverse (v) were obtained. Subsequently, the magnitudes were determined as a function of distance from the needle path and time history. Results show that near the needle there is a region of yielded/fluidized material and away from the needle path the material acts like a viscoelastic solid. Permanent deformation decreases with increased distance from the path and recovery is enhanced by reversing back through the path.
It is dopey to stop giving dopamine to hospitalized patients with Parkinson's disease.

A 55-year-old right-handed woman with Parkinson’s disease (PD) presented to our clinic as Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage 1 and was started on rasagiline (Azilect). A few months later, unrelated to her P...
Whose Fault Is It Anyway? Guilt, Blame, and Death Attribution by Mothers After Stillbirth or Infant Death:

Parents who experience stillbirth or infant death often struggle with postpartum guilt. This may be an adaptive response or can become chronic and maladaptive. We surveyed bereaved mothers in Michi...
Probabilistic games automata

Abstract We define a probabilistic game automaton, a general model of a two-person game. We show how this model includes as special cases the games against nature of Papadimitriou [13], the Arthur-Merlin games of Babai [1], and the interactive proof systems of Goldwasser, Micali, and Rackoff [7]. We prove a number of results about another special case, games against unknown nature, which is a generalization of games against nature. In our notation, we let UP, (UC) denote the class of two-person games with unbounded two-sided error where one player plays randomly, with partial information (complete information). Hence, the designation UC refers to games against known nature and UP refers to games against unknown nature. We show that UC-TIME(t(n))⊆ UP-TIME(t(n))⊆ UC-TIME(t2(n)), ASPACE(s(n))=UC-SPACE(s(n)) if s(n) =Ω(log n), UC-SPACE(s(n))⊆UP-SPACE(log(s(n))) if s(n) =Ω(n), where ASPACE(s(n)) is the class of languages accepted by s(n) space bounded alternating Turing machines. We assume that all the space and time bounds are deterministically constructible. All the inclusions above except one involve the simulation of one game by another. The exception is the result that UC-SPACE(s(n))⊆ASPACE(s(n)), which is shown by reducing a certain game theoretic problem to linear programming.
More Heads Around a Screen: Pilot Findings From a Study on the Use of Tablet PCs to Support Collaborative Learning

The use of the Tablet PC in education is a relatively new phenomenon. This paper focuses on the use of Tablet PCs to support collaborative learning with student teams ‘ working with and around’ the tablets. It proposes an evaluation framework to assess Tablet PCs’ effectiveness. In a four week pilot study, students engaged in various collaborative learning activities using Tablet PCs in the classroom. The post-survey results indicate strong positive correlations among eight of the nine framework constructs, with “ Perceived Learning Outcomes” positively correlated with every other construct except ” Motivation” . Results also suggest that the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the concept of “ Usefulness” in particular may play a significant role in influencing “ Perceived Learning Outcomes” and “ Time Management” strategies when using Tablet PCs for collaborative learning.
Infectious diseases consult improves vaccination adherence in kidney transplant candidates.

Abstract Background Vaccines prevent infections and avoid related complications. Low rates in immunocompromised patients are concerning due to increased morbidity. Vaccinations are less effective when administered post-transplant and should be administered prior. We describe pre-transplant vaccination rates among kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipients. Methods Retrospective review including adults receiving kidney or kidney-pancreas allografts at Cleveland Clinic from October 2013 to October 2016. Pre-transplant vaccinations, serologies, and transplant data were collected. Results 393 patients were included; median age was 53 years with most (46%) being Caucasian males. Influenza vaccination rate was 48%; receipt of at least one pneumococcal vaccine was 77%. Vaccination rates were higher among dialysis patients for pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and varicella vaccines; rates were also higher with infectious diseases consults. Conclusions Vaccination rates at our institution for kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant candidates are consistent with previous literature. Rates were higher for candidates with infectious diseases consults or receiving dialysis.
Detour: The BRICs and New Directions in Africa Foreign Policy

This chapter takes a literal detour in its examination of directions in foreign policy towards Africa. It examines the rise of the BRICs, defines who they are, and how some of them have emerged from European control, to become power players, for example, China. First, it considers the case of Brazil (and its challenges, relative to Africa and its support for Portuguese colonization). It then examines Russia, which was preceded by the Soviet Union, and which demonstrated an interest in Africa only to the extent that it could use the continent to constrain American influence and expansion abroad, but now appears to have little to no interest in the continent. It then examines India, which by 1947 was still a colony, but has begun to build its industries with ferocity and improved life for its citizen, and can provide a template for the development of former colonies. It examines China and the latter’s significant actions, investments and activities in Africa, and addresses questions of whether China is a new imperialist or a development partner.
Measurement of spinal cord atrophy using phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) imaging in motor neuron disease.

Author(s): Olney, Nicholas T; Bischof, Antje; Rosen, Howard; Caverzasi, Eduardo; Stern, William A; Lomen-Hoerth, Catherine; Miller, Bruce L; Henry, Roland G; Papinutto, Nico | Abstract: BackgroundThe spectrum of motor neuron disease (MND) includes numerous phenotypes with various life expectancies. The degree of upper and lower motor neuron involvement can impact prognosis. Phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) imaging has been shown to detect in vivo gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) atrophy in the spinal cord of other patient populations but has not been explored in MND.MethodsIn this study, total cord, WM and GM areas of ten patients with a diagnosis within the MND spectrum were compared to those of ten healthy controls (HC). Patients' diagnosis included amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, primary muscular atrophy, facial onset sensory and motor neuronopathy and ALS-Frontotemporal dementia. Axial 2D PSIR images were acquired at four cervical disc levels (C2-C3, C3-C4, C5-C6 and C7-T1) with a short acquisition time (2 minutes) protocol. Total cross-sectional areas (TCA), GM and WM areas were measured using a combination of highly reliable manual and semi-automated methods. Cord areas in MND patients were compared with HC using linear regression analyses adjusted for age and sex. Correlation of WM and GM areas in MND patients was explored to gain insights into underlying atrophy patterns.ResultsMND patients as a group had significantly smaller cervical cord GM area compared to HC at all four levels (C2-C3: p = .009; C3-C4: p = .001; C5-C6: p = .006; C7-T1: p = .002). WM area at C5-C6 level was significantly smaller (p = .001). TCA was significantly smaller at C3-C4 (p = .018) and C5-C6 (p = .002). No significant GM and WM atrophy was detected in the two patients with predominantly bulbar phenotype. Concomitant GM and WM atrophy was detected in solely upper or lower motor neuron level phenotypes. There was a significant correlation between GM and WM areas at all four levels in this diverse population of MND.ConclusionSpinal cord GM and WM atrophy can be detected in vivo in patients within the MND spectrum using a short acquisition time 2D PSIR imaging protocol. PSIR imaging shows promise as a method for quantifying spinal cord involvement and thus may be useful for diagnosis, prognosis and for monitoring disease progression.
Impact of Cyberattacks on Precision Time Protocol

The IEEE 1588 standard known as Precision Time Protocol (PTP) was developed to provide highly accurate and synchronized clocks for a wide range of applications. In particular, it is critical for latency-sensitive applications, such as enterprise-class financial transactions. In this paper, we analyze some of the security risks associated with this protocol, in particular, cyberattacks that disrupt the synchronization between multiple PTP devices or the synchronization between system clock and PTP hardware. We construct an experimental PTP test bed and perform the baseline measurements of synchronization between multiple clocks. We then demonstrate successful attacks that disrupt PTP synchronization, including vulnerabilities based on the lack of message authentication between master and slave clocks. Proposed mitigations of these vulnerabilities are discussed, in an effort to improve the next-generation implementations of this timing protocol or recommend additional external authentication devices in the network architecture.
A Probabilistic Framework for Trajectory Prediction in Traffic Utilizing Driver Characterization

While autonomously operated vehicles are on the horizon, they will be required to share the road with human drivers for a foreseeable future. To ensure safe operation beyond human capabilities, interaction with other traffic participants will be required to navigate cooperatively through complex traffic situations. Identification and characterization of driving styles in combination with the behavior of other traffic participants is anticipated to aid in effectively analyzing risks under autonomous driving. This study presents a novel, interaction-aware framework fulfilling this need for combined behavior identification and driving style characterization of other participants.
Financial Mathematics For Actuarial Science: The Theory of Interest

Financial Mathematics for Actuarial Science: The Theory of Interest is concerned with the measurement of interest and the various ways interest affects what is often called the time value of money (TVM). Interest is most simply defined as the compensation that a borrower pays to a lender for the use of capital. The goal of this book is to provide the mathematical understandings of interest and the time value of money needed to succeed on the actuarial examination covering interest theory Key Features Helps prepare students for the SOA Financial Mathematics Exam Provides mathematical understanding of interest and the time value of money needed to succeed in the actuarial examination covering interest theory Contains many worked examples, exercises and solutions for practice Provides training in the use of calculators for solving problems A complete solutions manual is available to faculty adopters online
Consideration of Ion Size Effects in the Diffuse Double Layer on the Basis of Generalized Mean Spherical Approximation

The theory of the double layer is extended to obtain an analytical expression for the potential drop across the diffuse layer with consideration of the effects of finite ion size. The classical Gouy-Chapman results are compared with those of the hypernetted chain approximation (HNC) which gives non-analytical results. The HNC results are then used as a guide to the choice of correcting functions in a generalized mean spherical approximation (GMSA). The important quantities in the new description are the volume fraction for the ions and the reciprocal distance characterizing ion-ion interactions in the MSA. The results of the GMSA model are then compared with Monte-Carlo calculations for the case that the ions have a diameter of 300 pm.