cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Islamic Spaces and Diplomacy in Constantinople (Tenth to Thirteenth Centuries C.E.)

This article focuses on the built spaces, often described as mosques, of two Muslim communities in Constantinople between the tenth and thirteenth centuries. These Islamic spaces in the Byzantine capital originated pragmatic solutions to the functional requirements of accommodating Muslim prisoners and merchants. During this period one of these built spaces acquired political status as “the mosque of Constantinople” in diplomatic negotiations, serving as a counterpart to Christian monuments in Islamic territories. By the end of the twelfth century the Muslim spaces of Constantinople had acquired social, economic and religious significance for an international Muslim community, becoming in effect Islamic monuments. The “mosques” of Constantinople thus illuminate a role for architecture within Byzantine-Islamic diplomatic exchange, and a process of medieval monument formation, based not on intrinsic artistic interest, but on meanings acquired through social processes.
Structural and electronic properties of Rh overlayers on Mo(110)

The structure, thermal stability, surface electronic, and CO chemisorptive properties of Rh overlayers (0--4 monolayers (ML)) on Mo(110) were studied with use of Auger-electron spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. Rh grows in the Frank--van der Merwe mode at room temperature and undergoes a transition from the Kurdjumov-Sachs (KS) to the Nishiyama-Wassermann orientation near 1 ML. The Rh monolayer in the KS orientation is stable up to the desorption temperature of about 1000 {degree}C. States near {minus}2.5 eV below {ital E}{sub {ital F}} with Rh character and states near {minus}0.9 eV with Mo character are found to grow in intensity for Rh coverages up to 1 ML, and this is attributed to a bonding-antibonding pair of Rh(4{ital d})-Mo(4{ital d})-derived interface states. At coverages beyond 2 ML, a surface state (resonance) at {minus}0.9 eV develops and is completely established at 4 ML. CO dissociation on the Mo substrate decreases linearly with Rh coverage while molecular CO adsorbs on the Rh covered surface and increases with the Rh thickness. The direction of electronic charge transfer between an adatom and a metallic substrate is shown to be determined by the sign of {ital J}=({ital I}+{ital A})/2{minus}{phi}, where {ital A} and {italmore » I} are the affinity and ionization level of the adatom and {phi} is the substrate work function. This criterion is used to explain the observed initial work-function changes of Rh/Mo(110) and other previously studied systems.« less
Amyloid-Beta Related Angiitis of the Central Nervous System: Case Report and Topic Review

Amyloid-beta related angiitis (ABRA) of the central nervous system (CNS) is a rare disorder with overlapping features of primary angiitis of the CNS and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. We evaluated a 74-year-old man with intermittent left sided weakness and MRI findings of leptomeningeal enhancement, vasogenic edema, and subcortical white matter disease proven to have ABRA. We discuss clinicopathological features and review the topic of ABRA.
A 5-NANOSECOND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS TRAJECTORY FOR B-DNA : ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE, MOTIONS, AND SOLVATION

We report the results of four new molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the DNA duplex of sequence d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2, including explicit consideration of solvent water, and a sufficient number of Na+ counterions to provide electroneutrality to the system. Our simulations are configured particularly to characterize the latest MD models of DNA, and to provide a basis for examining the sensitivity of MD results to the treatment of boundary conditions, electrostatics, initial placement of solvent, and run lengths. The trajectories employ the AMBER 4.1 force field. The simulations use particle mesh Ewald summation for boundary conditions, and range in length from 500 ps to 5.0 ns. Analysis of the results is carried out by means of time series for conformationalm, helicoidal parameters, newly developed indices of DNA axis bending, and groove widths. The results support a dynamically stable model of B-DNA for d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 over the entire length of the trajectory. The MD results are compared with corresponding crystallographic and NMR studies on the d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 duplex, and placed in the context of observed behavior of B-DNA by comparisons with the complete crystallographic data base of B-form structures. The calculated distributions of mobile solvent molecules, both water and counterions, are displayed. The calculated solvent structure of the primary solvation shell is compared with the location of ordered solvent positions in the corresponding crystal structure. The results indicate that ordered solvent positions in crystals are roughly twice as structured as bulk water. Detailed analysis of the solvent dynamics reveals evidence of the incorporation of ions in the primary solvation of the minor groove B-form DNA. The idea of localized complexation of otherwise mobile counterions in electronegative pockets in the grooves of DNA helices introduces an additional source of sequence-dependent effects on local conformational, helicoidal, and morphological structure, and may have important implications for understanding the functional energetics and specificity of the interactions of DNA and RNA with regulatory proteins, pharmaceutical agents, and other ligands.
Case-Based Structured Conflict: A Means for Enhancing Classroom Learning

This article advances the concept of case-based structured conflict as one means for enhancing learning in the undergraduate classroom. First, the central roles of using the case method, problem-centered learning, and structured conflict are addressed. Discussion then turns to case selection and the construction of a course outline. Finally, ideas and suggestions for managing the structured conflict process are developed.
NCI-Sponsored Trial for the Evaluation of Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of FLT as a Marker of Proliferation in Patients with Recurrent Gliomas: Safety Studies

3’-[F-18]Fluoro-3’-deoxythymidine (FLT) is an analog of thymidine that is being developed for imaging cellular proliferation. The goal of this study was to prove that the dose of FLT used for positron emission tomography imaging produces no significant toxicity. Twelve patients with gliomas with either recurrence or suspected radionecrosis were imaged with FLT. Before and at several time points after imaging, subjects underwent general physical and neurological examinations with review of systems and tests of hematologic, hepatic, renal, and several other metabolic parameters. Vital signs and electrocardiograms were monitored during and after the imaging session. There were no significant adverse effects from FLT injected at a dose of 0.07 mCi/kg (maximum of 5 mCi) at specific activities of 1.25 Ci/μmol or higher. The FLT mass administered for imaging was 0.0001% to 0.0009% of the least toxic cumulative dose administered in clinical trials of FLT as an antiretroviral agent. FLT is a safe radiotracer for quantifying proliferation in the human cancer setting.
Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers: walk with deliberate haste, don’t run blithely on?

The term biomarker originated from petroleum engineering, when Wolfgang Seifert at Chevron used it to describe the origin of hydrocarbons in petroleum. Since then, the term biomarker has evolved and even become popular in medicine and other disciplines. A quick survey of original publications indexed in PubMed containing the term “biomarker” in the title or abstract has increased 45-fold from 1994 to 2012, and the number of publications which contain “Alzheimer’s disease (AD)” and “biomarker” also increased from under 10 in 2000 to over 300 in 2013. While this is most probably an underestimate of all biomarker-related work (after all, the search term “biomarker” poorly predicts biomarker studies), the increasing use of this term in the era of title character count and abstract word count can be viewed as scientists’ interest in this topic. Compared to our colleagues focused on more accessible organ systems, clinical neuroscientists rarely have the opportunity to analyze sufficient sampling from the brain in the ante-mortem phase to elucidate the sequence of events leading to cognitive decline. We are thus often at a fork in the road where we must decide to wait until autopsy for tissue studies, or to use imperfect methods to infer time-dependent changes in living patients. These imperfect methods constitute many of the current biomarkers in use or under investigation, and this special cluster of Acta Neuropathologica has assembled a series of original papers and reviews which highlight their potential values and as well as challenges and controversies in basic and clinical research in AD to highlight the relatively rapid pace of their translation.
Does personality moderate reaction and adaptation to major life events? Analysis of life satisfaction and affect in an Australian national sample

We used a nationally representative panel of Australian households to replicate a study by Yap et al. (2012) that evaluated how life satisfaction changed following major life events and the extent to which personality moderated those changes. We replicated the protective function of marriage but found that long-term declines that follow widowhood mostly reflect normative changes. In addition, we found that people reported slight decreases in positive affect following marriage and childbirth, an increase in positive affect following widowhood, and a slight increase in negative affect following childbirth, relative to normative trajectories. The Big Five did not moderate response to life events in a way that is consistent with past theory and research.
Unique Aspects of Female-primary Alcoholic Relationships.

OBJECTIVE This descriptive paper assesses the applicability of knowledge about alcoholic relationships to treatment-seeking alcoholic women. METHODS One hundred and nine heterosexual couples were recruited between 1997 and 2000 for a randomized clinical trial of treatments for female alcoholics. Measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV, Timeline Followback Interview, Areas of Change Questionnaire, Dyadic Adjustment Scale-Revised, Spouse Behavior Questionnaire, and Drinking Patterns Questionnaire. RESULTS Couples reported moderate levels of relationship distress the women claimed that relationship issues were important antecedents to their alcohol consumption. Male partners reported frequent use of active and passive strategies for coping with their wives drinking. CONLCUSIONS Results suggest that findings on marital distress are applicable to both populations, but that findings on reasons for drinking from male-primary alcoholic couples may not be fully applicable to female-primary alcoholic couples.
A Promising Strategy for Critically Evaluating Case Studies: Introduction to an Issue on the Adjudicated Case Study Method

This introduction is designed to orient the reader to the 11 articles that comprise this issue of PCSP. The theme of the articles is an exploration of the adjudicated case study method. The rationale for this approach is first outlined below. This is followed by a brief description of the three different types of adjudicated case study methods presented and illustrated by specific case studies in this issue. These include: Ronald B. Miller's "Panels of Psychological Inquiry" model; Arthur C. Bohart's "Research Jury Method"; and Robert Elliott's "Hermeneutic Single Case Design" model. This article series ends with a commentary by Susan Stephen and Robert Elliott on issues that cross cut the three models, with the implications of these issues for improving the overall adjudication method.
Thiazolidinedione Therapy Is Not Associated With Increased Colonic Neoplasia Risk in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Background & Aims Thiazolidinedione ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), are used to treat diabetes. PPARγ is highly expressed in the colon, and exposure to thiazolidinediones has been proposed to affect the risk for colorectal neoplasia. In vitro models suggest that thiazolidinediones have antineoplastic effects, whereas in vivo studies have produced mixed results: Some indicate an increased risk for intestinal tumors. This study examined the association between PPARγ-targeted therapies and the risk of colonic neoplasia in patients with diabetes. Methods We conducted 3 retrospective case-control studies nested within the cohort of diabetic patients who were cared for within the Kaiser Permanente of Northern California system from 1994 to 2005. Case subjects were those with colonic neoplasia identified at the time of colonoscopy (study 1), sigmoidoscopy (study 2), or at follow-up lower endoscopy (study 3). Controls had no neoplasia identified at the endoscopic examination. A minimum of 1 year of therapy was used to define medication exposure. Results Fourteen thousand eighty-six patients were included. Among patients undergoing colonoscopy, there was an inverse association between thiazolidinedione exposure and prevalence of neoplasia (adjusted odd ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–0.92); however, this was not evident among patients without anemia (adjusted OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.64–1.49). Significant associations between any or long-term thiazolidinedione use and colonic neoplasia were not observed among patients undergoing sigmoidoscopy or serial lower endoscopies. Conclusions These results indicate that thiazolidinedione therapy is not associated with an increased risk for colonic neoplasia.
THE CERTAINTY OF PUNISHMENT: A REFERENCE GROUP EFFECT AND ITS FUNCTIONAL FORM

The 1970s witnessed a renewal of interest in deterrence theory. Examining the functional form of the relationship between certainty of punishment and crime rate, Tittle and Rowe (1974) and Brown (1978) report a threshold effect: Below a certainty level of about .30 (the tipping point), they observed no relationship and above that level they observed a strong negative relationship. Unfortunately, few large cities achieve that level for most crimes. This interesting finding has rarely been followed up. Drawing on reference group theory, we extend this research by disaggregating the analysis by crime and race. While racial majorities may not experience certainty levels above the tipping point, some research suggests that racial minorities do experience such levels. Supporting this, our analysis shows a reference group effect for racial majorities and minorities and a curvilinear relationship, reflecting tipping and ceiling points, between certainty of punishment and crime rates for only racial minorities.
Venous Flow Restriction: The Role of Vein Wall Motion in Venous Admixture

Abstract Objectives. There are wide differences in flow between vascular beds at rest, even more during stress. The hydrodynamic energy ( Energy grade line or EGL) of venous outflows must also vary considerably between vascular beds. We explored the mechanism of venous admixture of differing energy flows using a mechanical model. Materials and methods. The model simulated two venous flows coalescing at a venous junction and then flowing through collapsible venous pumps. Flow rates and pressures were monitored when the venous pumps were full (steady state) and when they were compressed and allowed to refill inducing wall motion (pump flow). Results. With increasing EGL differences between two coalescing venous flows, reduction or cessation ( venous flow restriction ) of the weaker flow occurred during steady state; higher base EGL of both flows ameliorated venous flow restriction and lower base EGL the opposite. Outflow obstruction favoured venous flow restriction. Pump action in the vicinity of the venous junction abolished venous flow restriction and maximized both venous flows. Conclusion. The model suggests a pivotal role for vein wall motion in venous admixture and regional perfusion. Observations in the model are explained on the basis of network flow principles and collapsible tube mechanics.
The ethnobotany of the Northern Cheyenne Indians of Montana

Abstract The Northern Cheyenne Indians of eastern Montana recognized at least 138 species of plants. The collection, preparation, utilization and names of these plants are described, and their role in Cheyenne culture for food, technology, medicine and religion are discussed. Cheyenne plant medicines, though combined with ritualistic healing practices, included the use of many herbal teas which they drank for internal problems, and powders and poultices which they applied externally; many of these were combined to form medicinal mixtures. Certain plants, believed to possess benevolent powers, were employed in various religious ceremonies. Though Cheyennes once cultivated crop plants, their more recent nomadic existence encouraged the use of wild food plants, especially fruits and roots which they sun-dried and stored for winter use.
Human C5a-related synthetic peptides as neutrophil chemotactic factors.

Abstract The pentapeptide L-methionyl-L-glutaminyl-L-leucyl-glycyl-L-arginine, which mimics the C-terminal sequence of human C5a anaphylatoxin, and two additional N-formylmethionyl derivatives of this peptide have been assessed for their ability to simulate C5a-related biological activities. Only the N-formylated peptides display chemotactic activity or induce lysosomal enzyme release when assayed with human neutrophils. Additional studies indicate that the active peptides, although designed after the C-terminal structure of the human C5a molecule, were apparently active because of their interaction with the N-formylmethionyl peptide receptor rather than the C5a receptor on neutrophils.
Résistance croisée aux dérivés triazolés chez Candida sp. : observation, fréquence dans les isolats sanguins et implications pour les traitements antifongiques

Resume Les Candida sp. constituent une cause courante de septicemie chez les patients hospitalises. Le fluconazole (FLC) reste le traitement de premiere intention pour la candidemie; et le voriconazole (VRC), un triazole a spectre large, a ete recemment approuve pour le traitement des candidemies chez les patients non-neutropeniques. Des etudes in vitro ont suggere que le VRC etait tres actif contre les Candida sp. moins sensibles au FLC. Nous presentons une observation de candidose invasive et de candidemie due a un isolat de Candida glabrata ayant developpe une resistance a tous les antifongiques triazoles actuellement disponibles, apres un traitement par FLC. Ce cas nous a incite a determiner la frequence des resistances croisees parmi les isolats sanguins de Candida recueillis au cours d´une periode recente de 12 mois dans un centre hospitalo universitaire important. Les CMI du FLC ont ete determinees pour 125 isolats sur 153 (81.7 %). Trente isolats sur 125 (24 %) etaient resistants ou de sensibilite diminuee au FLC (CMI ≥ 16 µg/ml). La sensibilite au VRC a ete analysee pour 28 de ces 30 isolats et cette analyse a montre que 9 isolats (32 %) avaient des CMI ≥ 2 µg/ml. Cinq de ces neuf isolats etaient des C. glabrata, deux isolats etaient des Candida tropicalis, un isolat etait un Candida albicans, et un isolat un Candida parapsilosis. Les cinq isolats de Candida krusei testes avaient des CMI ≤ 0,5 µg/ml pour le VRC. Ces donnees nous ont incite a introduire des tests de sensibilite au FLC des premiers isolats de Candida preleves dans la circulation sanguine des patients dans notre etablissement. L´observation que nous presentons et nos resultats suggerent egalement qu´il faut eviter d´instaurer le VRC en traitement initial chez les patients instables presentant une candidose invasive, notamment en cas d´une exposition anterieure aux derives azoles. Des etudes sont necessaires pour definir la signification clinique de la resistance in vitro aux nouveaux agents antifongiques.
Approximate solution of intraparticle diffusion equations and their application to continuous-flow stirred tank and fixed-bed adsorption calculations

Abstract The two approximate uptake rate expressions of spherical adsorbent pellets developed previously (Yao, C. and Tien, C. Approximation of uptake rate of spherical adsorbent pellets and their application to batch adsorption calculations. Chem. Eng. Sci. 1993, 48 , 187) were applied to continuous-flow stirred tank and fixed-bed adsorption processes. The results show that both approximations represent improvement over the conventional linear driving force model. Relative accuracy of these two approximations was found to vary from case to case and can be related to the type of driving force for interphase mass transfer present in the particular problem.
A feedback control approach for guaranteeing relative delays in Web servers

The paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of an adaptive architecture to provide relative delay guarantees for different service classes on Web servers under HTTP 1.1. The first contribution of the paper is the architecture based on a feedback control loop that enforces desired relative delays among classes via dynamic connection scheduling and process reallocation. The second contribution is our use of feedback control theory to design the feedback loop with proven performance guarantees. In contrast with ad hoc approaches that often rely on laborious tuning and design iterations, our control theory approach enables us to systematically design an adaptive Web server with established analytical methods. The design methodology includes using system identification to establish a dynamic model, and using the Root Locus method to design a feedback controller to satisfy performance specifications of a Web server. The adaptive architecture has been implemented by modifying an Apache Web server. Experimental results demonstrate that our adaptive server achieves robust relative delay guarantees even when workload varies significantly. Properties of our adaptive Web server include guaranteed stability, and satisfactory efficiency and accuracy in achieving the desired relative delay differentiation.
Combination of artificial neural-network forecasters for prediction of natural gas consumption

The focus of this paper is on combination of artificial neural-network (ANN) forecasters with application to the prediction of daily natural gas consumption needed by gas utilities. ANN forecasters can model the complex relationship between weather parameters and previous gas consumption with the future consumption. A two-stage system is proposed with the first stage containing two ANN forecasters, a multilayer feedforward ANN and a functional link ANN. These forecasters are initially trained with the error backpropagation algorithm, but an adaptive strategy is employed to adjust their weights during online forecasting. The second stage consists of a combination module to mix the two individual forecasts produced in the first stage. Eight different combination algorithms are examined, they are based on: averaging, recursive least squares, fuzzy logic, feedforward ANN, functional link ANN, temperature space approach, Karmarkar's linear programming algorithm (1984) and adaptive mixture of local experts (modular neural networks). The performance is tested on real data from six different gas utilities. The results indicate that combination strategies based on a single ANN outperform the other approaches.
Performance modeling for early analysis of multi-core systems

Performance analysis of microprocessors is a critical step in defining the microarchitecture, prior to register-transfer-level (RTL) design. In complex chip multiprocessor systems, including multiple cores, caches and busses, this problem is compounded by complex performance interactions between cores, caches and interconnections, as well as by tight interdependencies between performance, power and physical characteristics of the design (i.e., floorplan). Although there are many point tools for the analysis of performance, or power, or floorplan of complex systems-on-chip (SoCs), there are surprisingly few works on an integrated tool that is capable of analyzing these various system characteristics simultaneously and allow the user to explore different design configurations and their effect on performance, power, size and thermal aspects. This paper describes an integrated tool for early analysis of performance, power, physical and thermal characteristics of multi-core systems. It includes cycle-accurate, transaction-level SystemC-based performance models of POWER processors and system components (i.e., caches, buses). Power models, for power computation, physical models for floorplanning and packaging models for thermal analysis are also included. The tool allows the user to build different systems by selecting components from a library and connecting them together in a visual environment. Using these models, users can simulate and dynamically analyze the performance, power and thermal aspects of multi-core systems.
Toward interactive learning of object categories by a robot: A case study with container and non-container objects

This paper proposes an interactive approach to object categorization that is consistent with the principle that a robot's object representations should be grounded in its sensorimotor experience. The proposed approach allows a robot to: 1) form object categories based on the movement patterns observed during its interaction with objects, and 2) learn a perceptual model to generalize object category knowledge to novel objects. The framework was tested on a container/non-container categorization task. The robot successfully separated the two object classes after performing a sequence of interactive trials. The robot used the separation to learn a perceptual model of containers, which, which, in turn, was used to categorize novel objects as containers or non-containers.
The security of machine learning

Machine learning's ability to rapidly evolve to changing and complex situations has helped it become a fundamental tool for computer security. That adaptability is also a vulnerability: attackers can exploit machine learning systems. We present a taxonomy identifying and analyzing attacks against machine learning systems. We show how these classes influence the costs for the attacker and defender, and we give a formal structure defining their interaction. We use our framework to survey and analyze the literature of attacks against machine learning systems. We also illustrate our taxonomy by showing how it can guide attacks against SpamBayes, a popular statistical spam filter. Finally, we discuss how our taxonomy suggests new lines of defenses.
Time and Power in Africa

Both rapid leadership turnover and remarkably durable leaders can be found side by side in African systems of personal rule. In order to explain differences in time in power among African leaders we employ life tables analysis and hazard models, a multivariate technique. We find that the risk of losing power is a decreasing function of time that is little affected by country or leader particularities. The best predictor of whether a leader will lose power in any given period is the length of rule up to that point.
Evolution, implementation, and application of level set and fast marching methods for advancing fronts

Abstract A variety of numerical techniques are available for tracking moving interfaces. In this review, we concentrate on techniques that result from the link between the partial differential equations that describe moving interfaces and numerical schemes designed for approximating the solutions to hyperbolic conservation laws. This link gives rise to computational techniques for tracking moving interfaces in two and three space dimensions under complex speed laws. We discuss the evolution of these techniques, the fundamental numerical approximations, involved, implementation details, and applications. In particular, we review some work on three aspects of materials sciences: semiconductor process simulations, seismic processing, and optimal structural topology design.
Not All Affairs are Created Equal: Emotional Involvement with an Extradyadic Partner

The goal of the current study was to explore how participants' recollection of their level of emotional involvement with an extradyadic partner related to the precipitants and outcomes of that involvement. Three hundred and forty-five undergraduates and 115 community individuals with a history of extradyadic involvement completed self-report measures about their most recent extradyadic experience. In both samples, greater emotional involvement with an extradyadic partner was related to dissatisfaction with the intimacy in the primary relationship prior to the affair, intimacy and self-esteem motivations for involvement, gradual onset of attraction to the extradyadic partner, lower remorse regarding the involvement, a greater likelihood of primary partner knowledge of the involvement, and (in the community sample) marital dissolution. A path model further identified interrelationships among the variables, such as direct effects of dissatisfaction with intimacy in the primary relationship and concern for the primary partner's feelings. Emotionally involved affairs are different from casual affairs in terms of precipitants, motivations, development, and outcomes, with implications for prevention, intervention, and understanding the dangers of different types of affairs.
Q-learning based bidding algorithm for spectrum auction in cognitive radio

Cognitive radio has been put forward to make efficient use of scarce radio frequency spectrum. Once available frequency bands have been detected using spectrum sensing algorithms, spectrum auction can be employed to allocate the detected available frequency bands to secondary users. In this paper, a bidding algorithm based on Q-learning for secondary users is proposed. Secondary users employ the proposed algorithm to learn from their competitors and automatically place better bids for available frequency bands. Simulation result shows the proposed algorithm is effective. This work is a part of the efforts toward building a cognitive radio network testbed.
Cost-effectiveness of linezolid and vancomycin in the treatment of surgical site infections

Objective: This decision-analytic study was intended to determine the expected cost-effectiveness of linezolid compared to vancomycin for treating surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by methicil...
Teaching during consultation: factors affecting the resident–fellow teaching interaction

Objectives The subspecialty consultation represents a potentially powerful opportunity for resident learning, but barriers may limit the educational exchanges between fellows (subspecialty registrars) and residents (house officers). We conducted a focus group study of internal medicine (IM) residents and subspecialty fellows to determine barriers against and factors facilitating resident–fellow teaching interactions on the wards, and to identify opportunities for maximising teaching and learning. Methods We conducted four focus groups of IM residents (n = 18) and IM subspecialty fellows (n = 16) at two academic medical centres in the USA during February and March 2013. Participants represented trainees in all 3 years of residency training and seven IM subspecialties. Four investigators analysed the transcripts using a structured qualitative framework approach, which was informed by literature on consultation and the theoretical framework of activity theory. Results We identified two domains of barriers and facilitating factors: personal and systems-based. Sub-themes in the personal domain included fellows' perceived resistance to consultations, residents' willingness to engage in teaching interactions, and perceptions and expectations. Sub-themes in the systems-based domain included the process of requesting the consult, the quality of the consult request, primary team structure, familiarity between residents and fellows, workload, work experience, culture of subspecialty divisions, and fellows' teaching skills. These barriers differentially affected the two stages of the consult identified in the focus groups (initial interaction and follow-up interaction). Conclusions Residents and fellows want to engage in positive teaching interactions in the context of the clinical consult; however, multiple barriers influence both parties in the hospital environment. Many of these barriers are amenable to change. Interventions aimed at reducing barriers to teaching in the setting of consultation hold promise for improving teaching and learning on the wards.
No need to change treatment of early presenting patients with acetaminophen overdose.

To the Editor:The article by Shen et al.1 using a mathematical model to advocate earlier use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for suspected acetaminophen (APAP) is interesting, but contributes little to c...
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 Is a Novel Negative Regulatory Switch for the Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Contractile Gene Program

Objective— Several studies have shown through chemical inhibitors that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) promotes vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation. Here, we evaluate the effects of knocking down a dominant p38MAPK isoform on VSMC differentiation. Methods and Results— Knockdown of p38MAPKα ( MAPK14 ) in human coronary artery SMCs unexpectedly increases VSMC differentiation genes, such as miR145 , ACTA2 , CNN1 , LMOD1 , and TAGLN , with little change in the expression of serum response factor (SRF) and 2 SRF cofactors, myocardin ( MYOCD ) and myocardin-related transcription factor A ( MKL1 ). A variety of chemical and biological inhibitors demonstrate a critical role for a RhoA-MKL1-SRF–dependent pathway in mediating these effects. MAPK14 knockdown promotes MKL1 nuclear localization and VSMC marker expression, an effect partially reversed with Y27632; in contrast, MAP2K6 (MKK6) blocks MKL1 nuclear import and VSMC marker expression. Immunostaining and Western blotting of injured mouse carotid arteries reveal elevated MAPK14 (both total and phosphorylated) and reduced VSMC marker expression. Conclusion— Reduced MAPK14 expression evokes unanticipated increases in VSMC contractile genes, suggesting an unrecognized negative regulatory role for MAPK14 signaling in VSMC differentiation.
Membrane-Bound Nitrate Reductase Is Required for Anaerobic Growth in Cystic Fibrosis Sputum

The autosomal recessive disorder cystic fibrosis (CF) affects approximately 70,000 people worldwide and is characterized by chronic bacterial lung infections with the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To form a chronic CF lung infection, P. aeruginosa must grow and proliferate within the CF lung, and the highly viscous sputum within the CF lung provides a likely growth substrate. Recent evidence indicates that anaerobic microenvironments may be present in the CF lung sputum layer. Since anaerobic growth significantly enhances P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, it is important to examine P. aeruginosa physiology and metabolism in anaerobic environments. Measurement of nitrate levels revealed that CF sputum contains sufficient nitrate to support significant P. aeruginosa growth anaerobically, and mutational analysis revealed that the membrane-bound nitrate reductase is essential for P. aeruginosa anaerobic growth in an in vitro CF sputum medium. In addition, expression of genes coding for the membrane-bound nitrate reductase complex is responsive to CF sputum nitrate levels. These findings suggest that the membrane-bound nitrate reductase is critical for P. aeruginosa anaerobic growth with nitrate in the CF lung.
The role of the DNA damage response in zebrafish and cellular models of Diamond Blackfan anemia

Ribosomal biogenesis involves the processing of pre-ribosomal RNA. A deficiency of some ribosomal proteins (RPs) impairs processing and causes Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA), which is associated with anemia, congenital malformations and cancer. p53 mediates many features of DBA, but the mechanism of p53 activation remains unclear. Another hallmark of DBA is the upregulation of adenosine deaminase (ADA), indicating changes in nucleotide metabolism. In RP-deficient zebrafish, we found activation of both nucleotide catabolism and biosynthesis, which is consistent with the need to break and replace the faulty ribosomal RNA. We also found upregulation of deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) synthesis – a typical response to replication stress and DNA damage. Both RP-deficient zebrafish and human hematopoietic cells showed activation of the ATR/ATM-CHK1/CHK2/p53 pathway. Other features of RP deficiency included an imbalanced dNTP pool, ATP depletion and AMPK activation. Replication stress and DNA damage in cultured cells in non-DBA models can be decreased by exogenous nucleosides. Therefore, we treated RP-deficient zebrafish embryos with exogenous nucleosides and observed decreased activation of p53 and AMPK, reduced apoptosis, and rescue of hematopoiesis. Our data suggest that the DNA damage response contributes to p53 activation in cellular and zebrafish models of DBA. Furthermore, the rescue of RP-deficient zebrafish with exogenous nucleosides suggests that nucleoside supplements could be beneficial in the treatment of DBA.
On local register allocation

In this paper, we consider the problem of Local Register Allocation (LRA): given a sequence of instructions (basic block) and a number of general purpose registers, find the schedule of variables in registers that minimizes the total traffic between CPU and the memory system. Local register allocation has been studied for more than thirty years in the theory and compiler communities. It was not known if LRA is NP-hard, but no subexponential time algorithm was known. Furthermore, the most popular heuristics in use in compilers can perform arbitrarily poorly in the worst case. In this paper, we present the following results: We show that the Local Register Allocation problem is NP-hard. We show that a variant of the furthest-first heuristic achieves a good approximation ratio. We give a 2-approximation algorithm for LRA. We report the experimental performance of a branch-and-bound algorithm and both approximation algorithms on standard benchmarks.
Efficient simulation for discrete path-dependent option pricing

In this paper we present an algorithm for simulating functions of the minimum and terminal value for a random walk with Gaussian increments. These expectations arise in connection with estimating the value of path-dependent options when prices are monitored at a discrete set of times. The expected running time of the algorithm is bounded above by a constant as the number of steps increases.
Material systems for rapid manufacture of composite structures

A manufacturing process is described that builds complex composite parts using a layered building process in which each layer of pre-preg composite is laid and cured as the build progresses. In order to employ on-line curing without molds, resin technologies that provide fast curing at room temperature-ultraviolet curable and epoxy/polyamide-were investigated. UV-curable resins were tested for their ability to shadow cure by exposing carbon fiber composites to ultraviolet light to determine if the cure propagated from areas directly exposed to areas under fibers. Though ultraviolet curing showed advantages in cure time and low volatile production, very minimal shadow curing was achieved. A low temperature curing epoxy/polyamide mixture was tested for the effects of cure temperature, cure time, and mix ratio on the final degree of cure (%DOC) and glass transition temperature (T g ). Layers were made using different resin mixtures, partially cured, and used to build layered parts to determine curing characteristics during the lay-up process. In the epoxy/polyamide mixtures, mix ratio had little effect on the reaction rate but did affect the T g .A kinetic model was established for the resin epoxy/polyamide system for optimizing processing conditions during fabrication. However, the model failed to correctly predict the fabrication. The reaction of the material was different during the fabrication process than during the isothermal cure due to the presence of oxygen. During the build process, the degree of cure in each layer increased significantly over the prestaged degree of cure in less time than theoretically predicted. However, the final resin properties, such as T g , were still below the specifications for high performance parts.
Coherent crosstalk in multichannel FSK/DD lightwave systems due to four-wave mixing in semiconductor optical amplifiers

Coherent crosstalk in multichannel lightwave transmission systems due to four-wave mixing in semiconductor optical amplifiers is analyzed. For direct detection of evenly spaced frequency channels, coherent beating between signal and inter-modulation products occurs when the channel bit rate is greater than the laser linewidth. Crosstalk and maximum input power limitations for an FSK/DD system are calculated for up to 100 channels and channel spacing up to 100 GHz. It is shown that the spectral hole burning and dynamic carrier heating gain mechanisms must be included in addition to carrier modulation and gain saturation to accurately predict both incoherent and coherent crosstalk for channel spacing greater than 5 GHz. Degradation of the eye pattern due to coherent crosstalk is shown to exceed the incoherent contributions by up to 33 dB even when laser phase statistics and bit pattern statistics are accounted for. The result of this crosstalk mechanism is a predicted decrease in the maximum input power per channel to -43 dBm for 100 channels at 100 GHz channel spacing and -52 dBm for 100 channels at 5-GHz channel spacing for an optical SNR of 23 dB, representing a decrease in input power per channel of 25 dBm over incoherent crosstalk limitations alone.
Construction and Immunological Evaluation of Dual Cell Surface Display of HIV-1 Gag and Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium FliC in Lactobacillus acidophilus for Vaccine Delivery

Oral vaccines that elicit a mucosal immune response may be effective against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) because its transmission occurs mainly at the mucosa. The aim of this study was to construct recombinant Lactobacillus for oral delivery of oral vaccines against HIV-1 and to evaluate their immunogenicity. A recombinant Lactobacillus acidophilus strain expressing the HIV-1 Gag on the bacterial cell surface was established by fusion with the signal peptide and anchor motif of a mucus binding protein (Mub) from L. acidophilus with or without coexpression of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium flagellin (FliC) fused to a different Mub signal peptide and anchor. Using HEK293 cells engineered to express Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5), the biological activity of FliC on the bacterial cell surfaces was determined. The surface-exposed flagellin retained its TLR5-stimulating activity, suggesting that the recombinant strain with Gag and FliC dual display might provide a different immunopotency than the strain expressing only Gag. The immunological properties of the recombinant strains were assessed by coculture with human myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). The heterologous antigens on the cell surface affected maturation and cytokine responses of DCs. Acquired immune responses were also investigated by intragastric immunization of mice. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay showed induction of gamma interferon-producing cells at local mucosa after immunization of mice with the Gag-producing strain. Meanwhile, the immunization with L. acidophilus displaying both Gag and FliC resulted in an increase of Gag-specific IgA-secreting cells. These results suggested that the Gag-displaying L. acidophilus elicited specific immune responses and the coexistence of FliC conferred an adjuvant effect on local IgA production.
Purification and characterization of an enterotoxin from Bacteroides fragilis.

An enterotoxin produced by Bacteroides fragilis was purified to homogeneity and characterized as to its biological activity and basic molecular properties. Toxin preparations were prepared by growing B. fragilis VPI 13784 in brain heart infusion broth to early stationary phase, immediately precipitating the culture supernatant fluid with 70% ammonium sulfate, and stabilizing the precipitate with the protease inhibitor TPCK (tolylsulfonyl phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone). The toxin was sequentially purified by anion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose, hydrophobic interaction chromatography on phenyl-agarose, and high-resolution ion-exchange chromatography on Mono Q. The toxin appeared homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The estimated molecular weight of the highly purified toxin as determined by gel filtration chromatography on Superose-12 and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is 19,000. It has an isoelectric point of approximately 4.5 and is stable at pHs 5 to 10. The purified toxin is stable at -20 and 4 degrees C and upon freeze-drying, but it is unstable at temperatures above 55 degrees C. It is sensitive to proteinase K and Streptomyces protease but is resistant to trypsin and chymotrypsin. The activity of the purified toxin is neutralized by antiserum to a toxigenic strain of B. fragilis but not by antiserum to nontoxigenic strains. N-terminal amino acid analysis reveal an unambiguous sequence of Ala-Val-Pro-Ser-Glu-Pro-Lys-Thr-Val-Tyr-Val-Ile-Xxx-Leu-Arg-Glu-Asn-Gly- Ser-Thr . The highly purified toxin induced a strong fluid accumulation response in the lamb ileal-loop assay as well as a cytotoxic response (cell rounding) on HT-29 colon carcinoma cells. Thus, the purified toxin can cause both enterotoxic and cytotoxic activities.
Insect-like Antennal Sensing for Climbing and Tunneling Behavior in a Biologically-inspired Mobile Robot

Through the use of mechanical, actuated antennae a biologically-inspired robot is capable of autonomous decision-making and navigation when faced with an obstacle that can be climbed over or tunneled under. Vertically-sweeping mechanical antennae and interface microcontrollers have been added to the Whegs ™ II [1] sensor platform that allow it to autonomously sense the presence of, and successfully navigate a horizontal shelf placed in its path. The obstacle is sensed when the antennae make contact with it, and navigation is made possible through articulation of the Whegs ™ II body flexion joint.
A CHECKLIST OF THE APHIDS OF HONDURAS (HEMIPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

Abstract Forty-six species, belonging to 30 different genera of aphids, are reported from Honduras. Of these, 26 represent new distribution records for Honduras. A list of the plant hosts in Honduras on which the aphid species were collected is included.
The Persistence and Pricing of Merger-Related Transitory Growth and Its Implications for Growth Anomalies and Asset Pricing Models

Prior literature in accounting and financial economics measures asset growth as year-over-year growth in total assets. Such growth estimates are upward biased when firms engage in mergers and acquisitions. We decompose asset growth into merger-related and organic growth components, and find that merger-related growth is less persistent than organic growth. The merger-related growth is positively associated with analysts’ optimism in earnings forecasts and stock recommendations, and is a strong predictor of future returns. Furthermore, such return predictability is exhibited by firms that do not transparently disclose the merger-related and organic growth components. This finding is consistent with investors with limited attention playing a role in mispricing. Portfolio asset pricing tests reveal that priced risk factors do not explain this growth pricing anomaly. Stocks with high merger-related growth tend to be associated with higher trading costs and arbitrage risk, which contributes to the persistence of this mispricing over time.