cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of pathological upstaging or upgrading on metastasis and cancer-specific mortality in men with clinical low-risk prostate cancer.

Objectives To determine if the presence of adverse pathological features in patients eligible for active surveillance (AS) are prognostic of poor oncological outcomes, independent of pretreatment risk. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) at two institutions (Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) between 1987 and 2008, and who had subsequent follow-up. Rates of biochemical recurrence, metastasis and death from prostate cancer were compared amongst patients with adverse pathological features (Gleason score ≥7, ≥pT3, or lymph node invasion) based on D'Amico clinical risk (low vs intermediate/high). We also compared survival outcomes between patients with and without pathological upgrading/upstaging amongst D'Amico low-risk patients. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess the association between clinical risk, pathological reclassification, and oncological outcomes. Results We identified 16 341 patients who underwent RP, of whom 6 371 were clinically low-risk. Adverse outcomes in men with adverse pathological features were significantly lower in those with low clinical risk, with an ~50% and ~70% reduction in the risk of metastasis and death, respectively. Only pathological upgrading/upstaging to Gleason score ≥8, seminal vesicle invasion, and lymph node invasion from clinical low-risk disease, were associated with adverse outcomes. However, these types of reclassification were rare. Conclusion Clinical low-risk patients with pathological upgrading/upstaging have substantially lower rates of important oncological outcomes compared to those with higher pretreatment risk and not substantially different than low-risk patients without pathological upgrading/upstaging. These results call into question the use of this endpoint to counsel patients about the merits and risks of AS.
High-Throughput Neuroanatomy and Trigger-Action Programming: A Case Study in Research Automation

Exponential increases in data volumes and velocities are overwhelming finite human capabilities. Continued progress in science and engineering demands that we automate a broad spectrum of currently manual research data manipulation tasks, from data transfer and sharing to acquisition, publication, and analysis. These needs are particularly evident in large-scale experimental science, in which researchers are typically granted short periods of instrument time and must maximize experiment efficiency as well as output data quality and accuracy. To address the need for automation, which is pervasive across science and engineering, we present our experiences using Trigger-Action-Programming to automate a real-world scientific workflow. We evaluate our methods by applying them to a neuroanatomy application in which a synchrotron is used to image cm-scale mouse brains with sub-micrometer resolution. In this use case, data is acquired in real-time at the synchrotron and are automatically passed through a complex automation flow that involves reconstruction using HPC resources, human-in-the-loop coordination, and finally data publication and visualization. We describe the lessons learned from these experiences and outline the design for a new research automation platform.
GaugedQ balls admitting AU(1)×U(1) gauge symmetry

A composite system of two complex scalar fields coupled to different Abelian gauge fields is studied in curved space. The mass and the conserved global charge of the configuration are expressed as functions of the scalar fields and gauge fields through an approximate solution.
Sensor Network for Continuous Tablet Manufacturing

Abstract The progress in the mechanistic understanding of the unit operations and the availability of multiple sensor technologies enable the inline implementation of data reconciliation and gross error detection methods in continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing. In this work, we demonstrate the benefits of accurate real-time monitoring of the process state in a continuous tableting process, with case studies representative of common situations in pilot-plant or manufacturing line implementation.
Maryland Computing Education Growth From 2011–2016

Nationally, computing education is growing at a rapid pace. Barriers to equitable implementation of computer science (CS) high school classes include the lack of CS teachers, funds, and political support [3]. A grassroots effort in Maryland has focused on increasing computing education access from kindergarten through high school, and recently established the Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE). To understand the growth in computing education, we analyzed the demographics of Maryland public high school graduates, economic differences between the local education agencies (LEA) and the workforce within each county, and the perceptions of Maryland high school CS teachers. Although each subgroup of public high school graduates taking at least one CS class has increased, the rates of increase vary across gender, race, and ethnic subgroups. The LEA economic differences reflect the current dominant industries and overall wealth within each LEA. Finally, Maryland high school CS teachers’ perceptions of students taking CS in high school are consistent with the increases reported by the state.
Firm authenticity: the construct, research propositions, and managerial implications

Firm authenticity is conceptualized as a dual-component hierarchical model, suggesting that authenticity is manifested at different organizational (employee, leadership, and strategic management) levels, as well as in the organization’s marketplace presence (products, brands, and corporate identity). Firm authenticity is distinguished from trustworthiness, corporate social responsibility, and market orientation, providing insight into the strategy’s theoretical boundaries. Drawing on signaling and stakeholder theories, a mediated conceptual model capturing a series of research propositions is advanced. Signaling theory suggests that signaling authenticity can be effective, and stakeholder theory proposes that firm authenticity appeals to all stakeholders, resulting in increased shareholder value and potentially shielding the firm from negative consumer reactions, whereas signaling theory proposes that it positively influences consumer related outcome variables (loyalty and purchase intentions). Managers are encouraged to integrate authenticity into their organizations, while research extensions that operationalize the construct and test its nomological validity, using latent variable modeling, secondary data analysis, or a combination thereof are recommended.
Leukotoxic activity of Fusobacterium necrophorum of cattle origin.

Fusobacterium necrophorum is a Gram negative, rod-shaped and aero tolerant anaerobe. In animals, it is an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with necrotic infections, generally called necrobacillosis, such as calf diphtheria, foot rot and liver abscesses in cattle. Two subspecies exist: subsp. necrophorum and subsp. funduliforme. Among several virulence factors, leukotoxin (Lkt) is considered to be a major factor and a protective antigen. The objective of the study was to utilize BL3 cells and measure the release of lactic dehydrogenase to quantify Lkt activity of F. necrophorum. The assay was used to examine the effects of storage and handling conditions, growth media, polymyxin B addition on the cytotoxicity and evaluate Lkt activities of F. necrophorum strains isolated from bovine liver abscesses and foot rot. The Lkt activity peaked at 9 h of incubation. There was a significant decrease in the cytotoxicity measured in the samples after each freeze and thaw cycle. No difference was observed in the cytotoxicity for the samples handled aerobically versus anaerobically. Lkt activities of strains grown in anaerobic Brain-Heart Infusion broth were higher compared to Vegitone broth. A small reduction in the cytotoxicity activity was observed after the addition of polymyxin. The Lkt activity was consistently higher in strains of subsp. necrophorum than subsp. funduliforme of liver abscess origin. Among the strains isolated from cattle foot rot, Lkt activities of subsp. necrophorum strains appear to be much more variable. Use of BL3 cells in combination of lactic acid dehydrogenase assay appears to be a simple and valid assay to measure Lkt activity of F. necrophorum.
Student Learning in Computing-Based Service-Learning

This Innovative Practice Full Paper presents an approach to computing, project based service-learning. Service-learning, also called community-engagement and community-based learning, strives to mold students into lifelong learners who are mindful of their communities and the world around them by developing their critical thinking capabilities and helping them acquire knowledge to aid them in understanding the world. Although service learning is not new to computing curriculum, literature and resources are scarce. At Purdue University, the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program offers service-learning design courses to undergraduate students from many disciplines. This study focuses on students engaged in software-based projects. An analysis of the reflections from three project teams show that students are learning through the design process, value the mentoring within the team and the impact of their community partners on themselves and their view of their profession.
Kleine Kulturgeschichte der Werte

Seit dem Aufstieg des Liberalismus zur treibenden kulturellen Kraft sind „Werte“ zum Inbegriff des Erfolgs geworden: personliche Integritat und beruflich-finanzieller Aufstieg werden dabei oft als Gegensatz verstanden. In welcher Weise sich ethische und materielle Werte stattdessen gegenseitig bedingen, ist in der Zeit nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg deutlich geworden, als Menschen uber den Zusammenbruch eines moralischen Wertesystems klagten und zugleich ihre Ersparnisse in der durch Kriegsanleihen und Wirtschaftskrise ausgelosten Hyperinflation schwinden sahen. Eine Kulturgeschichte der Werte hat dabei die Widerspruche zu berucksichtigen, mit denen der Homo oeconomicus leben muss: Prosperitat auf der einen, Unsicherheit und begrundete Abstiegsangste durch Selbstverantwortung auf der anderen Seite. Der von vielen Kulturschaffenden durch das 19. Jahrhundert hindurch beschriebene Gegensatz von Geist und Geld bestatigt die Abhangigkeit beider Bereiche voneinander. In knapper Form und anhand historischer Beispiele veranschaulicht Kap. 2 die Dialektik des Wertbegriffs.
Stability and Efficiency of Mixed Aryl Phosphonate Prodrugs

A set of phosphonate prodrugs of a butyrophilin ligand was synthesized and evaluated for plasma stability and cellular activity. The mixed aryl acyloxy esters were prepared either via a standard sequence through the phosphonic acid chloride, or through the more recently reported, and more facile, triflate activation. In the best of cases, this class of prodrugs shows cellular potency similar to that of bis-acyloxyalkyl phosphonate prodrugs and plasma stability similar to that of aryl phosphonamidates. For example, {[((3E)-5-hydroxy-4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl) (naphthalen-2-yloxy)phosphoryl]oxy}methyl 2,2-dimethylpropanoate can activate BTN3A1 in K562 cells after just 15 minutes of exposure (at an EC50 value of 31 nm) and is only partially metabolized (60 % remaining) after 20 hours in human plasma. Other related novel analogues showed similar potency/stability profiles. Therefore, mixed aryl acyloxyalkyl phosphonate prodrugs are an exciting new strategy for the delivery of phosphonate-containing drugs.
Conceptual and institutional improvements to investor-state dispute settlement

Commissioned for a research handbook on intellectual property and investment law, this chapter focuses on ways to improve investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) to address some of the concerns that have been identified when the ISDS mechanism is used in the intellectual property arena. The first half of this chapter identifies three sets of conceptual improvements – namely, those relating to the question about what constitutes investment, the role of intellectual property protection in an investment environment and the interrelationship between an international agreement containing ISDS and the host state’s obligations under other multilateral agreements. The second half of this chapter turns its attention to three institutional improvements – namely, the creation of an Advisory Centre on Investor-State Disputes, the development of a small claims procedure within the ISDS mechanism and the establishment of an appellate process to address investor-state disputes. Although the focus of these institutional improvements will be devoted to investor-state disputes in the intellectual property field, some of these requirements will be equally applicable to other forms of investments. Taken together, all the conceptual and institutional improvements advanced in this chapter will help provide the much-needed reform to the ISDS mechanism in international trade and investment agreements.
InGaAs/InAsSb Strained Layer Superlattice Infrared Detectors

This work presents III-V strained layer superlattice (SLS) detectors with an emphasis on InGaAs/InAsSb SLS designs. Compared to conventional InAs/In(Ga)Sb and InAs/InAsSb designs, InGaAs/InAsSb enables a wider design space for performance improvements. Various SLS designs and experimental results are provided and discussed.
Performance Analysis of Multichannel EDCA-Based V2V Communications via Discrete Event System

In this paper, we analyze the performance of the multichannel version of Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) and compare its results with the single channel implementation. The novelty with this analysis is that we consider all four Access Category (AC) queues per channel across all channels are enabled. EDCA is an option for ensuring quality-of-service (QoS) of vehicular network communications. EDCA applies four ACs with different priorities to various services within one vehicular node. Additionally, multichannel operation can be deployed in order to provide a variety of safety or non-safety services. In multichannel mode, the time is divided into either a Control Channel Interval (CCHI) or a Service Channel Interval (SCHI) consisting of equal time durations. The safety-related messages and the control messages are sent during CCHI. The non-safety messages are transmitted during the SCHI. The simulation experiments are performed via a custom-built vehicular network simulation environment created using MATLAB Discrete Event System (DES). The results verify that multichannel is effective and necessary to guarantee a relative low data latency.
The embedded politics of type: Sedad Hakkı Eldem and the Turkish House

From architectural type’s foundational definition by A. C. Quatremere de Quincy through to contemporary discourse, the fact that the principles that constitute a type are rooted in precedent infuse...
miR-1/206 downregulates splicing factor Srsf9 to promote C2C12 differentiation

Myogenesis is driven by specific changes in the transcriptome that occur during the different stages of muscle differentiation. In addition to controlled transcriptional transitions, several other post-transcriptional mechanisms direct muscle differentiation. Both alternative splicing and miRNA activity regulate gene expression and production of specialized protein isoforms. Importantly, disruption of either process often results in severe phenotypes as reported for several muscle diseases. Thus, broadening our understanding of the post-transcriptional pathways that operate in muscles will lay the foundation for future therapeutic interventions. We employed bioinformatics analysis in concert with the well-established C2C12 cell system for predicting and validating novel miR-1 and miR-206 targets engaged in muscle differentiation. We used reporter gene assays to test direct miRNA targeting and studied C2C12 cells stably expressing one of the cDNA candidates fused to a heterologous, miRNA-resistant 3′ UTR. We monitored effects on differentiation by measuring fusion index, myotube area, and myogenic gene expression during time course differentiation experiments. Gene ontology analysis revealed a strongly enriched set of putative miR-1 and miR-206 targets associated with RNA metabolism. Notably, the expression levels of several candidates decreased during C2C12 differentiation. We discovered that the splicing factor Srsf9 is a direct target of both miRNAs during myogenesis. Persistent Srsf9 expression during differentiation impaired myotube formation and blunted induction of the early pro-differentiation factor myogenin as well as the late differentiation marker sarcomeric myosin, Myh8. Our data uncover novel miR-1 and miR-206 cellular targets and establish a functional link between the splicing factor Srsf9 and myoblast differentiation. The finding that miRNA-mediated clearance of Srsf9 is a key myogenic event illustrates the coordinated and sophisticated interplay between the diverse components of the gene regulatory network.
Fake news, relevant alternatives, and the degradation of our epistemic environment

This paper contributes to the growing literature in social epistemology of diagnosing the epistemically problematic features of fake news. I identify two novel problems: the problem of relevant alt...
Is China a Deviant Case? A Societal-Level Test of the Modernization Theory:

Some view China as a deviant case to the modernization theory. This view is based on two observations. First, the Chinese middle class shows no distinct democratic orientations. Second, one’s trust...
A Prospective Observational Study Comparing Effects of Call Schedules on Surgical Resident Sleep and Physical Activity Using the Fitbit.

Background Surgical residency training has an extended tradition of long hours. Residency programs use a variety of call schedules to combat resident fatigue and sleep deprivation while maintaining adherence to duty hour restrictions. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data regarding objective measurements of sleep during the different call schedules included in general surgery training. Objective The primary objective of this study was to compare the quantity of sleep in 24-hour time frames across all types of shifts worked by general surgery residents at our institution. The secondary objective was to measure activity level in total steps during various time frames. Methods This prospective observational study was performed between April 4 and August 26, 2018, with general surgery residents. Each resident was assigned a Fitbit Charge 2 to wear during all rotations, including general surgery and subspecialty services. Results Twenty-six out of 31 residents voluntarily participated in the study (84%). In-house call (IHC) had significantly less sleep in a 24-hour time frame than home call and night float (144 vs 283 vs 246 minutes, P < .001 and P < .028). IHC had significantly more steps than home call (11 245 vs 8756 steps, P = .039). The smallest number of steps was obtained when residents were not working (7904 steps). Conclusions Our data demonstrate that surgical residents on IHC have significantly less sleep compared to all other types of on-call time frames. Residents on IHC have the most steps across all time frames.
Critical juncture: The doctor of nursing practice and COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: The year 2020 was one of tremendous challenge and change for our communities and our profession. As the next decade unfolds, the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) will be required for entry to practice as a nurse practitioner (NP), and we will all continue to recover individually and as a nation from the experiences of the year 2020. Doctor of nursing practice-prepared NPs need to be equipped to take the lead in post-COVID recovery and the challenges the US health care system faces through an increased emphasis on curricula and clinical experiences focused on health disparities, community health, and health promotion.
An Overview of Technologically Enabled Finance

Technologically enabled finance, or FinTech, is the application of new technologies to financial activities. Broadly speaking, FinTech developments fall into two general areas of finance: matching capital supply with demand and personal finance. In each area, we discuss a range of topics, from microlending, peer-to-peer lending and credit monitoring, to crowdfunding, cryptocurrencies and robo-advisors. In some cases, such as credit decisioning, new technologies can make finance more efficient, but also raise potential concerns related to the use and security of information. In other cases, such as crowdfunding or cryptocurrencies, new technologies have the potential to fundamentally change how finance operates. We highlight businesses that are pushing the boundaries of finance and we discuss open questions of interest to practitioners, regulators, and academics.
R-Mingle is Nice, and so is Arnon Avron

Arnon Avron has written: “Dunn-McCall logic RM is by far the best understood and the most well-behaved in the family of logics developed by the school of Anderson and Belnap.” I agree. There is the famous saying: “Do not let the perfect become the enemy of the good.” I might say: “good enough.” In this spirit, I will examine the logic R-Mingle, exploring how (in the terminology of Avron) it is only a “semi-relevant logic” but still a paraconsistent logic. I shall discuss the history of RM, and compare RM to Anderson and Belnap’s system R of relevant implication and to classical two-valued logic. There is a “consumer’s guide,” evaluating these logics as “tools,” in the light of my recent work on “Humans as Rational Toolmaking Animals.”
High-performance SO2-depolarized electrolysis cell using advanced polymer electrolyte membranes

Abstract Three different proton conducting polymeric membrane materials (Nafion® 115, Nafion® 212, and sulfonated Diels-Alder polyphenylene [SDAPP]) were evaluated for use in SO2-depolarized electrolyzers for the production of hydrogen via the hybrid sulfur cycle. Their performance was measured using different water feed strategies to minimize overpotential losses while maintaining high product acid concentration. Both thin membranes (Nafion® 212 and SDAPP) showed performance superior to that of the thicker Nafion® 115. The SDAPP membrane electrode assembly (MEA) performed well at higher acid concentrations, maintaining low ohmic and kinetic overpotentials. Finally, short-term (100-h) stability tests under constant current conditions showed minimal degradation for the SDAPP and Nafion® 212 MEAs. SDAPP MEA performance approached the targets needed to make the hybrid sulfur cycle a competitive process for hydrogen production (product acid concentration ≥65 wt% H2SO4 at ≤ 0.6-V cell potential and ≥0.5 A-cm−2 current density).
Consequences of endogenous and virally-induced hyperphosphorylated tau on behavior and cognition in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease

Background: The locus coeruleus (LC) is one of the earliest brain regions to accumulate hyperphosphorylated tau, but a lack of animal models that recapitulate this pathology has hampered our ability to understand its contributions to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer9s disease (AD). Objective: We previously reported that TgF344-AD rats, which overexpress mutant human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1, accumulate early endogenous hyperphosphorylated tau in the LC. Here, we used TgF344-AD rats and a wild-type (WT) human tau virus to interrogate the effects of endogenous hyperphosphorylated rat tau and human tau in the LC on AD-related neuropathology and behavior. Methods: Two-month old TgF344-AD and WT rats received bilateral LC infusions of WT human tau or mCherry control virus driven by the noradrenergic-specific PRSx8 promoter. Rats were subsequently assessed at 6 and 12 months for arousal (sleep latency), anxiety-like behavior (open field, elevated plus maze, novelty-suppressed feeding), passive coping (forced swim task), and learning and memory (Morris water maze and fear conditioning). Hippocampal microglia, astrocyte, and AD pathology were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Results: In general, the effects of age were more pronounced than genotype or treatment; older rats displayed greater hippocampal pathology, took longer to fall asleep, had reduced locomotor activity, floated more, and had impaired cognition compared to younger animals. TgF344-AD rats showed increased anxiety-like behavior and impaired learning and memory. The tau virus had negligible influence on most measures. Conclusion: Effects of hyperphosphorylated tau on AD-like neuropathology and behavioral symptoms were subtle. Further investigation of different forms of tau is warranted.
Achieving Nuclear Ambitions: Scientists, Politicians, and Proliferation

Despite the global spread of nuclear hardware and knowledge, at least half of the nuclear weapons projects launched since 1970 have definitively failed, and even the successful projects have generally needed far more time than expected. To explain this puzzling slowdown in proliferation, Jacques E. C. Hymans focuses on the relations between politicians and scientific and technical workers in developing countries. By undermining the workers' spirit of professionalism, developing country rulers unintentionally thwart their own nuclear ambitions. Combining rich theoretical analysis, in-depth historical case studies of Iraq, China, Yugoslavia and Argentina and insightful analyses of current-day proliferant states, Achieving Nuclear Ambitions develops a powerful new perspective that effectively counters the widespread fears of a coming cascade of new nuclear powers.
The Stokes resistance of an arbitrary particle—Part V.: Symbolic operator representation of intrinsic resistance

Abstract It is demonstrated that the intrinsic hydrodynamic resistance of a rigid particle of arbitrary shape, immersed in an arbitrary quasistatic Stokes flow extending to infinity, may be represented by a pair of symbolic , dyadic operators. When multiplied by the viscosity coefficient, these symbolic entities “operate” on the algebraic difference between the particle velocity and the fluid velocity at infinity to yield the hydrodynamic force and torque, respectively, on the particle. These force and torque operators are intrinsic geometric properties of the particle and serve to uniquely characterize its viscous resistance, independently of the kinematical and dynamical properties and state of motion of the fluid. Their use provides an alternative and simpler method of describing hydrodynamic resistance than the polyadic scheme proposed in Part IV. Remarkably simple, closed-form expressions for these operators are obtained for spherical and ellipsoidal particles. The operator technique is extended to multiparticle systems and to systems which are partially bounded by container walls.
Pupillary Responses as a Biomarker of Diminished Effort Associated With Defeatist Attitudes and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia.

Abstract Background The hypothesis that defeatist performance attitudes are associated with decreased goal-directed task effort and negative symptoms in consumers with schizophrenia was investigated by using pupillary responses as a biomarker of task effort. Pupillary dilation during cognitive tasks provides a biomarker of effort devoted to the task, with greater dilation indicating greater effort. Methods Defeatist attitudes were assessed in 149 consumers with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 50 healthy control subjects, and consumers were divided into three groups (tertile split) with respect to severity of defeatist attitudes. Pupillary dilation responses were recorded during a digit-span task with three-, six-, and nine-digit spans. Results Effort allocation (pupillary responses) to the task increased as the processing load increased from low (three-digit) to moderate (six-digit) demands in healthy control subjects and consumers with schizophrenia with mild and moderate severity of defeatist attitudes. In contrast, consumers with severe defeatist attitudes did not increase their effort when processing demands increased from low to moderate loads. These consumers showed significantly less effort in the six-digit condition relative to consumers with mild defeatist attitudes. Moreover, consumers with severe defeatist attitudes showed significantly greater severity of negative symptoms relative to consumers with mild defeatist attitudes and negative symptoms were significantly correlated with defeatist attitudes. Conclusions These results suggest a relationship between defeatist performance attitudes, goal-directed task effort indexed by pupillary responses, and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The findings have implications for using cognitive therapy to reduce defeatist attitudes that may contribute to diminished effort and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Radically Rethinking Citizenship: Disaggregation, Agonistic Pluralism and the Politics of Immigration in the United States

The status of citizenship and the rights extended to non-citizens are among the most contentious and hotly debated political issues in numerous Western polities. Some scholars, most notably Seyla B...
Comparative medical features of canine and human bartonellosis.

E. B. Breitschwerdt and R. G. MaggiIntracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and TranslationalResearch, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USAINTRODUCTIONBartonella species are increasingly recognised asimportant bacterial pathogens in veterinary andhuman medicine. These organisms can be trans-mitted by an arthropod vector or alternatively byanimal scratches or bites. Among the 22 species orsubspecies known today, seven species, includingthree subspecies of Bartonella henselae, and fourgenotypes of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhofﬁi,have been detected in or isolated from pet dogs,thereby highlighting the zoonotic potential ofthese bacteria [1–4].Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhofﬁiSince the isolation of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhofﬁifrom the blood of a dog with intermittent epi-staxis and endocarditis in 1993, this organism hasbecome an important pathogen in dogs and is anemerging pathogen in people [1,2]. Current evi-dence indicates that canids, including coyotes,dogs and grey foxes, potentially serve as reservoirhosts. In dogs, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhofﬁi has beenidentiﬁed as an important cause of endocarditisand has been associated with cardiac arrhyth-mias, myocarditis, granulomatous rhinitis, ante-rior uveitis and chorioretinitis. More recently, thisspecies has been detected in a dog with systemicgranulomatous disease involving the spleen,heart, lymph nodes, liver, kidney, lung, medias-tinum and salivary glands, and also in the bloodand lymph nodes of dogs with lymphoma, and inthe saliva of healthy dogs [3–5]. In addition,co-infection with two of the four previouslydescribed B. vinsonii subspecies berkhofﬁi geno-types was identiﬁed in the same dog.Bartonella henselaeBased upon molecular evidence, B. henselae hasbeen implicated in several pathological conditionsin dogs, including peliosis hepatis, granuloma-tous hepatitis, generalised pyogranulomatouslymphadenitis, and endocarditis. It is unclear asto how dogs become infected and whether dogsserve as accidental hosts or as chronically bacte-raemic reservoirs for B. henselae. More recently,Bartonella spp. were detected in the blood andlymph nodes of healthy golden retrievers and ingolden retrievers with lymphoma [3,4]. Molecularprevalence of Bartonella spp. infection was 18% inboth study populations.Other Bartonella speciesSimilar to people, dogs can develop endocarditisand presumably other serious disease manifesta-tions when infected with both reservoir andnon-reservoir Bartonella species. Non-reservoirBartonella species, including Bartonella clarridgeiae,BartonellawashoensisandBartonellaelizabethae,havebeen associated with endocarditis, hepatic diseaseand sudden death in dogs. More recently, Barto-nella quintana DNA has been detected in two dogswith endocarditis, and in the blood and lymphnodes of dogs with lymphoma, and in the blood,lymph nodes and saliva of healthy dogs [4,5].BARTONELLA PRE-ENRICHMENTCULTUREWhen testing cat blood samples, B. henselae andB. clarridgeae can be isolated effectively using agar
Sensitivity of the Global Water Cycle to the Water-Holding Capacity of Land

Abstract The sensitivity of the global water cycle to the water-holding capacity of the plant-root zone of continental soils is estimated by simulations using a mathematical model of the general circulation of the atmosphere, with prescribed ocean surface temperatures and prescribed cloud. With an increase of the globally constant storage capacity, evaporation from the continents rises and runoff falls, because a high storage capacity enhances the ability of the soil to store water from periods of excess for later evaporation during periods of shortage. In addition to this direct effect, atmospheric feedbacks associated with the resulting higher precipitation and lower potential evaporation drive further changes in evaporation and runoff. Most of the changes in evaporation and runoff occur in the tropics and in the northern middle-latitude rain belts. Global evaporation from land increases by about 7 cm for each doubling of storage capacity in the range from less than 1 cm to almost 60 cm. Sensitivity is ...
A turning point for Japan's self‐defense forces

The next Japanese government can continue to articulate a progressive vision for its Self‐Defense Forces, remind the Japanese people of the strategic impact of their expanded roles and missions, and potentially provide a turning point in developing a contemporary Japanese security policy.
The relative distribution of B35 alleles and their IEF isotypes in a HLA‐B35‐positive population

The HLA-B35 serotype represents a group of antigens detectable by IEF, cytotoxic T cells, and by sequencing analysis. Four isotypes and eight alleles have been thus far reported. We have determined the relative frequencies of these B35 subtypes in a group of 203 unrelated people. Dot blot hybridization of PCR amplified products was performed using 23 sequence-specific oligo probes designed based on the EMBL HLA class I sequence database. The amplification was achieved by a pair of group-specific primers, producing approximately 600 bp fragments. By hybridization pattern analysis, we found that four alleles represent over 95% of the B35+ population, with relative frequency of 48.2% for B*3501, 23.7% for B*3502, 15.2% for B*3503, and 8.0% for B*3508. We also identified 3 individuals with B*3504 and one with B*3505, and seven samples with new patterns. B*3501 and B*3503 exactly correlated with the most common isotype B35.3, B*3502 and B*3504 with B35.2, B*3508 may be the B35.1 IEF isotype. The B*3505 was identified from an individual with B35 IEF variant form. Our study shows that the B35 antigen has a wide distribution of alleles, and that many more B35-related alleles may yet to be uncovered.
Schizophrenia: susceptibility genes and oligodendroglial and myelin related abnormalities

Given that the genetic risk for schizophrenia is highly polygenic and the effect sizes, even for rare or de novo events, are modest at best, it has been suggested that multiple biological pathways are likely to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Most efforts in understanding the cellular basis of schizophrenia have followed a “neuron-centric” approach, focusing on alterations in neurotransmitter systems and synapse cytoarchitecture. However, multiple lines of evidence coming from genetics and systems biology approaches suggest that apart from neurons, oligodendrocytes and potentially other glia are affected from schizophrenia risk loci. Neurobiological abnormalities linked with genetic association signal could identify abnormalities that are more likely to be primary, versus environmentally-induced changes or downstream events. Here, we summarize genetic data that support the involvement of oligodendrocytes in schizophrenia, providing additional evidence for a causal role with the disease. Given the undeniable evidence of both neuronal and glial abnormalities in schizophrenia, we propose a neuro-glial model that invokes abnormalities at the node of Ranvier as a functional unit in the etiopathogenesis of the disease.
A far ultraviolet polarization analyzer for rocket use

Far ultraviolet polarization analyzer for rocket measurement of resonantly scattered sunlight
Family characteristics and risk behaviors of young adolescent girls

Background Factors that facilitate healthy psychological development of adolescents, particularly reduction of risk-taking behaviors, have pointed to the importance of the family. The current study describes the relationship of parental monitoring and family demographics to sexual experience, adverse outcomes of sexual experience (i.e., STD or pregnancy), and substance use. Methods Adolescent girls (N = 174) were recruited from a university-based adolescent clinic to participate in a study on psychosexual development. The girls had a mean age of 14.5 years; 76% were African-American and 24% were Caucasian. 71 were sexually experienced and 36 had a history of pregnancy and/or STD. Parental monitoring was measured through three factors: direct supervision when sick, after school, or weekends; direct supervision when with friends; indirect supervision through knowledge of adolescent's location. Family demographics included mother's level of education and her age at first pregnancy. Using logistic regression, variables of race, adolescent's age, mother's education and age at first child, and the 3 types of monitoring were used to predict intercourse, alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes. In order to predict adverse sexual outcomes, the above variables were used, as well as age of sexual debut and lifetime partners. Results For sexual intercourse, greater subject age and lower age of mother's first pregnancy remained in the model. For adverse outcome, subject age, age of mother's first pregnancy, and lower age sexual debut remained. Direct monitoring when with peers remained for alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use (as did indirect monitoring for marijuana). Conclusions Family demographics and parental monitoring are important factors for adolescent risk behaviors. These findings have implications for future research and interventions.
The spectrochemistry of technetium and promethium

Abstract For spectrochemical detection or determination of technetium ( 43 Tc) the wavelengths and relative intensities of 407 lines are presented. The wavelengths range from 8829·80 to 2298·10 A, and the intensities from 1000 to 10. Excitation energies of 133 of these Tc lines are known. For spectrochemical detection of promethium ( 61 Pm) the wavelengths and relative intensities of 272 lines are given. The wavelengths range from 6811·28 to 2632·00 A, and the intensities from 100 to 10.
Superrotation in the pre‐dawn Jovian magnetosphere: Evidence for corotating convection

We report evidence for superrotation of plasma in the pre-dawn magnetosphere of Jupiter during the outbound segments of the Voyager 1 and 2 encounters. The evidence consists of a forward spiral of magnetic field lines crossing the equatorial plasma sheet, as distinct from the more typical backward spiral associated with subcorotational flow. (The Voyager plasma instruments were not pointed favorably for measurement of the azimuthal flow component during the outbound trajectories.) The limited available statistics indicate that superrotational flow is restricted in local time to the night side, and also restricted in system III longitude to the hemisphere opposite the active sector of the magnetic-anomaly model. The results are thus compatible with the planetary-wind concept in general and with the corotating convection model in particular.
Channel Knowledge Acquisition in Relay and Multipoint-to-Multipoint Transmission Systems

Most of the relaying strategies exploit channel state information (CSI), but there exist only a few limited works on acquisition of the required CSI. In this paper, we present general protocols and pilot designs for CSI acquisition in different types of relay systems using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission. We propose new pilot forwarding mechanisms and a related estimator for obtaining CSI of individual MIMO channels of cascaded links at the end node(s). We develop new pilot designs with low overhead for channels with different lengths. We present several CSI acquisition protocols for relay MIMO systems with time-division duplexing and frequency-division duplexing. We introduce node multiplexing, which reduces overhead and delay for pilot or CSI feedback transmissions from multiple nodes. In addition, we present similar CSI acquisition protocols for multipoint-to-multipoint systems while keeping the overhead low. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the estimation performance of our proposed designs. Discussions on several protocol options are also provided.
Patterning bacteria within hyperbranched polymer film templates

A four-step soft lithographic process based on microcontact printing (μCP) of organic monolayers, hyperbranched polymer grafting, and subsequent polymer functionalization, results in polymer/n-alkanethiol patterns that direct the seeding of bacterial cells. The functional units on these surfaces are three-dimensional bacteria “corrals” that are as small as 12 μm square. The corrals have hydrophobic, methyl-terminated n-alkanethiol bottoms, which promote bacterial adhesion, and walls consisting of hydrophilic poly(acrylic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) layered nanocomposites that inhibit adhesion. Cell viability studies indicate that cells remain viable on the patterned surfaces. Large corrals (63 μm square) contain 18 ± 5 bacteria and smaller corrals (12 μm square) contain 2 ± 1 bacteria. Bacteria reside within corrals with a reliability of 92 ± 8%; the remaining cells reside on walls between corrals. Applications to bioarrays for high-throughput screening and biosensors are envisioned.
An experimental study of multiple dipole potentials and the effects of inhomogeneities in volume conductors.

Abstract A technique is described for taking measurements in a 3 dimensional medium excited by more than 1 current dipole. A hemispherical multiple dipole assembly was constructed and used to excite a cylindrical tank filled with tap water. Potentials produced by 2 dipoles differ considerably in magnitude and shape from those produced by an equivalent single dipole. Two eccentric dipoles, if separated enough, produce double peaked potential curves which are impossible to duplicate by any single equivalent dipole. An attempt to simulate the effects of a high conductivity mass inside the generator by a perfect conducting sheet is described. The conducting sheet has a strong effect on the surface potentials, and when used in conjunction with 2 dipoles it produces potentials which approach single dipole ones. It should be understood that the model described here is not claimed to represent accurately the electrical activity of the heart. The purpose of this study has been rather to investigate the manner in which multiple dipole sources produce surface potentials in a 3 dimensional medium, and the effects on these potentials by inhomogeneities close to the sources.
The neurosteroid 3α,5α-THP has antiseizure and possible neuroprotective effects in an animal model of epilepsy

Abstract Some anticonvulsant drugs may suppress seizures by enhancing activity of GABAergic systems. Progesterone (P)'s anti-convulsant and neuroprotective effects may be due to the steroid's actions on GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs) rather than intracellular progestin receptors (PRs), as many P metabolites have a greater effect in vitro on benzodiazepine binding and Cl− flux than P, but poor affinity for PRs. If P's actions are due to metabolism to a progestin more potent at GBRs, then systemic administration of one of those P metabolites should also prevent CNS damage. To test this hypothesis male rats were implanted with a bipolar electrode, aimed above the perforant pathway. Experimental animals received the 5α-reduced P metabolite most effective at GBRs, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP) 2.5 mg/kg s.c., 3 h prior to perforant pathway stimulation, while control animals received sesame oil vehicle. The duration of chewing and drooling, and the incidence of wet dog shakes, partial and full seizures were reduced during perforant pathway stimulation in animals pre-treated with 3α,5α-THP compared to vehicle. Two weeks later, animals pre-treated with 3α,5α-THP had shorter latencies and distances to find a hidden platform in a Morris Water maze task. 3α,5α-THP pre-treatment also reduced damage to CA1 and CA3 layers of the hippocampus and preserved the number of neurons in the hilar region. These data indicate that the neurosteroid metabolite of P, 3α,5α-THP, can have anticonvulsant and may have neuroprotective effects in an animal model of epilepsy. Further. these data suggest that the mechanism of P's protective and anticonvulsant effects may be via GBRs rather than PRs.
Civilian‐military interactions and ongoing UN reforms: DHA's past and OCHA's remaining challenges

The pragmatic and visionary options for the creation of a successor to the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs are outlined, together with the political and bureaucratic considerations which led instead to the establishment of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which falls short of what was possible as well as desirable. In order to appreciate the forces which are likely to converge on OCHA, a history of the formation and performance of DHA is detailed, followed by an examination of the prospects for OCHA in meeting its three stated core functions: policy development, advocacy and coordination. Despite a number of improvements over the form and standing of its predecessor, OCHA's prospects for success are constrained by the nature and extent of the UN reform process, the operational realities of humanitarian operations, a variety of unaddressed institutional inadequacies and entrenched resistance to coordination.
Yersinia pestis lacZ expresses a β-galactosidase with low enzymatic activity

Although very little, if any, β-galactosidase activity is detected in Yersinia pestis by a standard Miller assay, we found that Y. pestis KIM6+ cells formed blue colonies on plates containing 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-d-galactoside (X-gal). Searches of the Y. pestis genome databases revealed the presence of noncontiguous sequences highly homologous to Escherichia coli lacZ, lacY, and lacI. Yersinia pestis lacZ is predicted to encode a 1060 amino-acid protein with 62% identity and 72% similarity to β-galactosidase from E. coli. A deletion in the Y. pestis lacZ gene caused the formation of white colonies on X-gal-containing plates and β-galactosidase activity was at background levels in the KIM6+lacZ mutant, while the complemented strain expressed about 190 Miller units. The Y. pestis lacZ promoter was not regulated by isopropylthiogalactoside or glucose. Finally, uptake of lactose by Y. pestis may be impaired.
An evaluation of carbon dioxide as a short acting anesthetic

The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a quick-acting anesthetic of short duration was studied. Sixteen rats were exposed to a CO2 atmosphere for 10 and15 sec on separate days. Records were taken of the time required for the administration of intramuscular and gavage injections as well as recovery of motor functions. Recovery following both exposure times was less than 2 min Data are presented that show that there are no prograde effects of CO2: exposure on subsequent variable-interval (VI-15 sec) behavior.