cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cervical Total Disc Replacement and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Reoperation Rates, Complications, and Hospital Resource Utilization in 72 688 Patients in the United States.

Background Healthcare readmissions are important causes of increased cost and have profound clinical impact. Thirty-day readmissions in spine surgery have been well documented. However, rates, causes, and outcomes are not well understood outside 30 d. Objective To analyze 30- and 90-d readmissions for a retrospective cohort of anterior cervical discectomy and fusions (ACDF) and total disc replacement (TDR) for degenerative cervical conditions. Methods The Nationwide Readmissions Database approximates 50% of all US hospitalizations with patient identifiers to track patients longitudinally. Patients greater than 18 yr old were identified. Rates of readmission for 30 and 90 d were calculated. Predictor variables, complications, outcomes, and costs were analyzed via univariate and multivariable analyses. Results Between January and September 2013, 72 688 patients were identified. The 30- and 90-d readmission rates were 2.67% and 5.97%, respectively. The most prevalent reason for 30-d readmission was complication of medical/surgical care (20.3%), whereas for 90-d readmission it was degenerative spine etiology (19.2%). Common risk factors for 30- and 90-d readmission included older age, male gender, Medicare/Medicaid, prolonged initial length of stay, and various comorbidities. Unique risk factors for 30- and 90-d readmissions included adverse discharge disposition and mechanical implant-related complications, respectively. When comparing ACDF and TDR, ACDFs were associated with increased 90-d readmissions (6.0% vs 4.3%). The TDR cohort had a shorter length of stay, lower complication rate, and fewer adverse discharge dispositions. Conclusion Identification of readmission causes and predictors is important to potentially allow for changes in periperative management. Decreasing readmissions would improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Islamophobia, shame, and the collapse of Muslim identities

In this paper, I explore the impact of Islamophobia on contemporary Muslim identities. I examine how Islamophobia and the question of Muslim identities appear in the cultural uses of symbols and media discourses in the West and in the psychoanalysis of a Lebanese-American woman who identified as a “secular Muslim.” The paper discusses how Islamophobia, through its creation and propagation of Muslim stereotypes, flattens the depth, diversity, and historicity of Muslim identities; it examines, as well, how Muslims internalize these stereotypes. This internalization and the direct experiences with injurious speech, discriminatory acts and hate crimes may lead to shame. Driven by shame, Muslims may sever the tie to their cultural background or idealize their Islamic religion or culture, perceived to be located in the space and time of the “glorious Islamic past,” as in the case of Islamic fundamentalism. While these strategies may protect Muslims from their painful shame, they risk collapsing their identities. I also discuss some of the social defenses employed by Muslim communities facing Islamophobia, which may reinforce the stereotypes they are desperately trying to fight.
Corneal Perforations: Changing Methods of Treatment, 1960–1980

One hundred four nontraumatic corneal perforations or descemetoceles in patients admitted to the Wilmer Institute from 1960 to 1980 were studied retrospectively, with follow-up data obtained from records or from referral physicians for 87 of these perforations. Forty-nine percent of the cases were caused by bacterial corneal ulcers, 13% by exposure, 12% by chemical burns, 6% by fungal keratitis, 5% by herpes simplex keratitis, and 15% were undiagnosed. Since the start of tissue adhesive use at the Wilmer Institute in 1974, there has been an apparent trend towards a lower enucleation rate (6%) in corneal perforations treated with tissue adhesive as compared to 19% in perforations treated by other therapies, although the cases may not be entirely comparable. An improved visual result of 20/200 or better was achieved in 29% of patients treated with tissue adhesive as compared to 19% with other treatment.
Surveillance and Screening for Intracranial Aneurysms

Abstracts The benefit of screening for unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) is based on the potential morbidity and mortality benefit of prophylactic treatment. Therefore, the clinician must determine when a patient is at increased risk of harboring an aneurysm and when that risks warrants screening. Once diagnosed, the clinician must determine if the aneurysm warrants the risk of treatment. There is a cohort of UIA patients where either the aneurysm is of such low risk or the patient is at such high risk that intervention is not appropriate at the time of diagnosis. These UIA patients may be candidates for routine radiographic surveillance rather than treatment if they would be candidates for prophylactic where the UIA evolve to a higher risk for rupture. When faced with such a patient, the clinician must determine how to image the aneurysm in serial fashion and in what time frame. In this chapter, we will review the indications for and methods of screening for UIAs; discuss patient selection and protocols for UIA surveillance; and compare different screening and surveillance modalities.
Zika virus crosses an in vitro human blood brain barrier model

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus that is highly neurotropic causing congenital abnormalities and neurological damage to the central nervous systems (CNS). In this study, we used a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived blood brain barrier (BBB) model to demonstrate that ZIKV can infect brain endothelial cells (i-BECs) without compromising the BBB barrier integrity or permeability. Although no disruption to the BBB was observed post-infection, ZIKV particles were released on the abluminal side of the BBB model and infected underlying iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (i-NPs). AXL, a putative ZIKV cellular entry receptor, was also highly expressed in ZIKV-susceptible i-BEC and i-NPs. This iPSC-derived BBB model can help elucidate the mechanism by which ZIKV can infect BECs, cross the BBB and gain access to the CNS.
Experience in a Series of Fimbriectomies

In a series of 247 consecutive sterilizations by fimbriectomy performed at the Denver General Hospital, a failure rate of 2.4% was found. The literature is reviewed, and these results are compared with results of other series. In several of the fimbriectomy series with more successful outcome, modifications of the technique originally described were used. The difficulties associated with the Kroener technique are discussed. The fimbriectomy failures were caused by either lack of resection of all of the fimbriae or the presence of tuboperitoneal fistulas, both congenital and acquired. Fimbriectomy should not be regarded as the method of choice for sterilization unless one can ensure adequate surgical exposure and complete removal of the fimbria, including the fimbria ovarica.
Novel Transhepatic Percutaneous Approach for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Using a Watchman Device

A 64-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (CHA2DS2-VASc score of 5 and HAS-BLED score of 5), cervical cancer status post-surgical resection followed by adjuvant abdominal radiation therapy, and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding requiring frequent transfusions while on warfarin was
Hands‐Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training in Schools: Impact of Legislation on the Future of School Nurses

Background Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) initiated before medical help arrives saves lives. Hands-Only CPR keeps the blood flowing to the brain and other organs, increasing a person's chance of survival. Methods A literature review identified Hands-Only CPR as the preferred method of CPR performed in the community setting. Many states have passed legislation making CPR education a high school graduation requirement. Results School nurses can play a pivotal role as school districts address these new CPR requirements. The school nurse involvement in these newly mandated CPR training requirements can support student success and improve the health of communities. Conclusions School nurses need to use these newly mandated CPR training requirements as an opportunity to showcase the profession of nursing to ensure the school nurse remains present in our schools.
Comparison of Glycemic Variability Indices Blood Glucose Risk Index and Coefficient of Variation in Predicting Adverse Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Objectives Fluctuations in blood glucose (glycemic variability) increase the risk of adverse outcomes. No universally accepted tool for glycemic variability exists during the perioperative period. The authors compared 2 measures of glycemic variability—(1) coefficient of variation (CV) and (2) the Blood Glucose Risk Index (BGRI)—in predicting adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Single-center, teaching hospital. Participants A total of 1,963 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Postoperative blood glucose levels were measured hourly for the first 24 hours and averaged every 4 hours (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours). Glycemic variability was measured by CV and the BGRI. The primary outcome, major adverse events (MAEs), was a predefined composite of postoperative complications (death, reoperation, deep sternal infection, stroke, pneumonia, renal failure, tamponade, and myocardial infarction). Logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association. Predictive ability was measured using C-statistics. Major adverse events were seen in 170 (8.7%) patients. Only the fourth quartile of CV showed association (odds ratio [OR] 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.19-3.14]; p = 0.01), whereas BGRI was related significantly to MAE (OR 1.20; 95% CI [1.10-1.32]; p Conclusion Both CV and the BGRI had good predictive ability. The BGRI being a continuous variable could be a preferred measure of glycemic variability in predicting adverse outcomes (cutoff value 2.24) after cardiac surgery.
92 Adoptive transfer of immature myeloid cells lacking NF-κB p50 (p50-IMC) slows high-risk neuroblastoma tumor growth

Background High-risk neuroblastomas, including those with MYCN gene amplification, harbor abundant myeloid cells that suppress anti-tumor immunity and favor tumor growth. Macrophages lacking the inhibitory NF-κB p50 subunit adopt an M1-polarized, T-cell-activating phenotype. Multiple cancers grow slower in mice lacking p50, and colon cancer grows slower in mice lacking p50 specifically in myeloid cells. Methods Tumor growth was monitored in mice inoculated subcutaneously with 9464D cells. To generate p50-IMC from p50-/-mice, marrow cells were lineage-depleted and then expanded in media with SCF, FL, and TPO, followed by transfer to M-CSF for one day. To generate p50-IMC from wild-type mice, marrow cells were nucleofected with a p50 sgRNA:Cas9 complex, followed by expansion in serum-free media. Mice received 5-fluorouracil on day 27, followed five days later by three doses of 1E7 p50-IMC via tail vein every three to four days. PD-1 antibody was administered twice weekly for four doses, starting on day 32. Azacytidine was administered 5 days per week alternating with ITF-2357 5 days per week, again starting on day 32. CD4 and CD8 antibody was given twice weekly starting on day 21. Tumor T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results We have now found that murine 9464D neuroblastoma cells, expressing high levels of exogenous human MYCN, also grow slower in syngeneic C57BL/6 (B6) p50(f/f);Lys-Cre mice, lacking p50 in macrophages and neutrophils, compared with p50(f/f) littermates. Slowed tumor growth in p50(f/f);Lys-Cre mice was associated with increased total and activated tumor CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and depletion of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells accelerated tumor growth. PD-1 checkpoint blockade or DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibition further slowed tumor growth in p50(f/f);Lys-Cre mice. In addition, adoptive transfer of p50-IMC, generated either from the bone marrow of p50-/- B6 mice or via nucleofection of a p50 sgRNA:Cas9 complex into wild-type B6 hematopoietic progenitors, also slowed neuroblastoma tumor growth, following a dose of myelo-depleting 5-fluorouracil. Conclusions These findings using a neuroblastoma model further validate the utility of targeting myeloid NF-κB p50 as an immunotherapy strategy for cancer therapy and demonstrate activity of p50-IMC generated by gene editing of syngeneic marrow cells, a cell product relevant to clinical translation. We have also developed means to efficiently gene edit p50 in human marrow CD34 cells, and have demonstrated the feasibility of generating p50-IMC from human induced pluripotent stem cells. We are currently evaluating the efficacy of these gene-edited human cells against human neuroblastoma in immune-deficient mice.
On the Marčenko-Pastur law for linear time series

Author(s): Liu, H; Aue, A; Paul, D | Abstract: This paper is concerned with extensions of the classical Mařenko-Pastur law to time series. Specifically, p-dimensional linear processes are considered which are built from innovation vectors with independent, identically distributed (real-or complex-valued) entries possessing zero mean, unit variance and finite fourth moments. The coefficient matrices of the linear process are assumed to be simultaneously diagonalizable. In this setting, the limiting behavior of the empirical spectral distribution of both sample covariance and symmetrized sample autocovariance matrices is determined in the high-dimensional setting p/n→c ∈ (0,∞) for which dimension p and sample size n diverge to infinity at the same rate. The results extend existing contributions available in the literature for the covariance case and are one of the first of their kind for the autocovariance case.
Management of Wounds With Orthopedic Fixation Hardware Using Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and Dwell.

SUMMARY Negative-pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell (NPWTi-d) is an option for management of wounds with exposed orthopedic fixation hardware. The mechanical effect of the negative-pressure therapy works to contract the wound edges, and the instillation of solution and its subsequent removal help remove infectious material. NPWTi-d also promotes robust granulation tissue formation. In this article, we discuss the science behind NPWTi-d and its role in the treatment of wounds with indwelling orthopedic fixation hardware.
The role of the power sector in net-zero energy systems

Abstract Policymakers, planners, and other stakeholders are increasingly interested in net-zero emissions energy systems as countries and companies adopt net-zero goals. The power sector will play an important function in deeply decarbonized energy systems to lower emissions in other sectors through electrification and electricity-derived fuels. This article summarizes insights from the literature on the role and characteristics of the electric power sector as part of net-zero emissions energy systems. The power sector generally has very low or negative emissions at the point where economy-wide net-zero emissions is reached, highlighting the importance of electricity decarbonization and the value of carbon removal in limiting costs of net-zero targets. End-use electrification can alter load shapes and impact electric sector planning and operations, but the scale of these changes in net-zero systems is uncertain. Variable renewables, firm low-carbon resources, energy storage technologies, transmission/trade, and more active demand-side management are expected to have larger roles than today, though the extent of deployment depends on uncertainties about future technologies, markets, and policies.
Context as Other Minds: The Pragmatics of Sociality, Cognition and Communication

Givon's new book re-casts pragmatics, and most conspicuously the pragmatics of sociality and communication, in neuro-cognitive, bio-adaptive, evolutionary terms. The fact that context, the core notion of pragmatics, is a framing operation undertaken on the fly through judgements of relevance, has been well known since Aristotle, Kant and Peirce. But the context that is relevant to the pragmatics of sociality and communication is a highly specific mental operation — the mental modeling of the interlocutor's current, rapidly shifting belief-and-intention states. The construed context of social interaction and communication is thus a mental representation of other minds. Following a condensed intellectual history of pragmatics, the book investigates the adaptive pragmatics of lexical-semantic categories — the 1st-order framing of “reality", what cognitive psychologists call “semantic memory”. Utilizing the network model, the book then takes a fresh look at the adaptive underpinnings of metaphoric meaning. The core chapters of the book outline the re-interpretation of “communicative context” as the systematic, on-line construction of mental models of the interlocutor’s current, rapidly-shifting states of belief and intention. This grand theme is elaborated through examples from the grammar of referential coherence, verbal modalities and clause-chaining. In its final chapters, the book pushes pragmatics beyond its traditional bounds, surveying its interdisciplinary implications for philosophy of science, theory of personality, personality disorders and the calculus of social interaction.
Water Law Primer

An overview of legal principles controlling water resources use and development is provided. The body of legal principles is a combination of federal and state law, with federal law generally having a greater role with respect to water quality protection than with respect to allocation which primarily has been a state function. The basic pattern of water law evolution is given, with separate consideration given to watercourses, ground water, and diffused surface water. Within each of these areas, common law doctrines and legislative developments are discussed. Current water management problems and dissatisfactions with water law which likely will result in continuing change are considered.
Face Recognition Using Evolutionary Pursuit

This paper describes a novel and adaptive dictionary method for face recognition using genetic algorithms (GAs) in determining the optimal basis for encoding human faces. In analogy to pursuit methods, our novel method is called Evolutionary Pursuit (EP), and it allows for different types of (non-orthogonal) bases. EP processes face images in a lower dimensional whitened PCA subspace. Directed but random rotations of the basis vectors in this subspace are searched by GAs where evolution is driven by a fitness function defined in terms of performance accuracy and class separation (scatter index). Accuracy indicates the extent to which learning has been successful so far, while the scatter index gives an indication of the expected fitness on future trials. As a result, our approach improves the face recognition performance compared to PCA, and shows better generalization abilities than the Fisher Linear Discriminant (FLD) based methods.
Coupled Neutronic and Thermal-Hydraulic Out-of-Phase Stability of Supercritical Water Cooled Reactors

As the last topic of a series of U.S. reference supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) design stability studies, coupled neutronic-thermal-hydraulic out-of-phase stability is analyzed and compared with that of a typical boiling water reactor (BWR). A modal expansion method based on A modes (reactivity modes) of the neutron kinetic equation is applied, and the first subcritical mode of the neutron dynamics model is coupled with the coolant thermal-hydraulic model. The out-of-phase oscillation of the SCWR is found to be dominated by the reactor thermal hydraulics, whereas the BWR is more sensitive to the coolant density reactivity coefficient because of much stronger neutronic coupling. It is also found that the SCWR stability is sensitive to the details of the core simulation model and the hottest channel dominates the stability. The BWR is less sensitive to the core simulation model since it has much stronger neutronic coupling that is controlled by the whole-core average properties. Power and flow rate sensitivity analysis of the out-of-phase stability was also conducted for both the SCWR and the BWR. The SCWR stability is found to be more sensitive to the operating parameters than the typical BWR. Although the water rod heating can improve the SCWR out-of-phase stability, it cannot significantly improve the sensitivity feature.
Magnetism of Transition Metal Ions

The title topic is discussed with emphasis on the interpretation of experimental data. Typical examples are also discussed. Keywords: paramagnetic; odd-electron; open shell; susceptibility
Treatment and prevention of antimicrobial agent-induced colitis and diarrhea

Abstract Recent studies have shown that a toxin of Clostridium difficile is implicated as the cause of virtually all cases of antimicrobial agent-associated pseudomembranous colitis (PMC), 1 and of approximately one-fifth of cases of antimicrobial agent-associated diarrhea without colonic pseudomembrane. 1,2 Occasionally, PMC or diarrhea not related to antimicrobial exposure has also been attributed to C. diflicile . 2–6 A variety of modes of therapy for antimicrobialassociated diarrhea (AAD) have been employed including vancomycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, bacitracin, anion-binding resins, antiperistaltic agents, corticosteroids, and an oral Lactobacillus preparation. Although assessment of the efficacy of treatment is complicated by the variable course of AAD, 7,8 available data are sufficient to permit a rational approach.
Ultracentrifugal extrapolated molecular weights of polyelectrolytes

The extrapolated ultracentrifugal molecular weight for a polyelectrolyte in a polar solvent is shown to be equal to Mext = MP—ZPMB where MP is the true molecular weight of the polyelectrolyte, ZP is its electrostatic charge, and MB is the molecular weight of a low molecular weight electrolyte. This relationship is shown to be true for a polyelectrolyte in the absence or presence of added salt. Hence, the relationship Mext = MP/(1 + ZP) is never obtained for a polyelectrolyte for equilibrium ultracentrifugation in a polar solvent. Fur das extrapolierte Ultrazentrifugenmolekulargewicht eines Polyelektrolyten in einem polaren Losungsmittel wird die Gleichung Mext = MP—ZPMB abgeleitet. MP ist das wahre Molekulargewicht des Polyelektrolyten, ZP seine elektrostatische Ladung und MB das Molekulargewicht eines niedermolekularen Elektrolyten. Fur einen Polyelektrolyten gilt diese Beziehung in Ab- oder Anwesenheit eines zugesetzten Salzes. Die Beziehung Mext = MP/(1 + ZP) wird daher bei einem Polyelektrolyten fur das Sedimentationsgleichgewicht in einem polaren Losungsmittel nie erhalten.
Lignin-Degrading Enzymes from the Filamentous Fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Lignin is an aromatic polymer which surrounds woody tissue, providing structural rigidity and protection from microbial attack. Next to cellulose, it is the most abundant renewable resource on earth. It is estimated that approximately 25% of the carbon fixed by photosynthesis is incorporated into lignin. The lignin polymer is composed of phenylpropanoid subunits linked together by a variety of bonds resulting in a nonrepeating motif.1–3 Most biological macromolecules such as cellulose, RNA, DNA, and proteins are largely linear polymers whose subunits are linked together by a repeating bond; thus the mechanism of polymer synthesis and degradation is generally centered around this common bond. Lignin synthesis and degradation differ from this common mechanism since it contains a variety of linkages.4
BencHMAP: benchmark-based, hardware and model-aware partitioning for parallel and distributed network simulation

Computer simulation of large-scale and complex networks can be resource intensive. Several tools to parallelize and distribute the simulation to a number of different machines have been developed. One of the main challenges facing users of these tools is how to partition the simulation among the computing resources available. The paper focuses on the development of a framework and methodology (ultimately leading to a semi-automated tool) to partition network simulation. The main distinguishing feature of our approach is that the partitioning is performed in a manner that takes into account the specific distributed computation environment available as well as the specific details of the network model. We derive the relationships between impact factors and the simulation performance from measurements of benchmark experiments. We then apply the derived relations to the given network topology and workload model to construct a weighted graph which we then partition using a graph partitioning tool. Experiments on a 120k-node, 100k-stream network simulation show that the full application of this approach improves the performance of partitioned simulation significantly over other partitioning heuristics.
Older adults' beliefs about physician-estimated life expectancy: a cross-sectional survey

Estimates of life expectancy assist physicians and patients in medical decision-making. The time-delayed benefits for many medical treatments make an older adult's life expectancy estimate particularly important for physicians. The purpose of this study is to assess older adults' beliefs about physician-estimated life expectancy. We performed a mixed qualitative-quantitative cross-sectional study in which 116 healthy adults aged 70+ were recruited from two local retirement communities. We interviewed them regarding their beliefs about physician-estimated life expectancy in the context of a larger study on cancer screening beliefs. Semi-structured interviews of 80 minutes average duration were performed in private locations convenient to participants. Demographic characteristics as well as cancer screening beliefs and beliefs about life expectancy were measured. Two independent researchers reviewed the open-ended responses and recorded the most common themes. The research team resolved disagreements by consensus. This article reports the life-expectancy results portion of the larger study. The study group (n = 116) was comprised of healthy, well-educated older adults, with almost a third over 85 years old, and none meeting criteria for dementia. Sixty-four percent (n = 73) felt that their physicians could not correctly estimate their life expectancy. Sixty-six percent (n = 75) wanted their physicians to talk with them about their life expectancy. The themes that emerged from our study indicate that discussions of life expectancy could help older adults plan for the future, maintain open communication with their physicians, and provide them knowledge about their medical conditions. The majority of the healthy older adults in this study were open to discussions about life expectancy in the context of discussing cancer screening tests, despite awareness that their physicians' estimates could be inaccurate. Since about a third of participants perceived these discussions as not useful or even harmful, physicians should first ascertain patients' preferences before discussing their life expectancies.
BrlR from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a c-di-GMP-responsive transcription factor

Summary The transcriptional regulator BrlR is a member of the MerR family of multidrug transport activators that contributes to the high-level drug tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. While MerR regulators are known to activate both the expression of multidrug efflux pump genes and their own transcription upon inducer binding, little is known about BrlR activation. We demonstrate using promoter reporter strains, in vivo and in vitro DNA-binding assays combined with 5′RACE, that BrlR binds to its own promoter, likely via a MerR-like palindromic sequence. Unlike known MerR multidrug transport activators, BrlR and brlR expression are not activated by multidrug transporter substrates. Instead, BrlR–DNA binding was enhanced by the secondary messenger c-di-GMP. In addition to enhanced BrlR–DNA binding, c-di-GMP levels contributed to PbrlR promoter activity in initial attached cells with elevated c-di-GMP levels correlating with increased expression of brlR. While not harbouring amino acid motifs resembling previously defined c-di-GMP-binding domains, BrlR was found to bind c-di-GMP in vitro at a ratio of one c-di-GMP per two BrlR. Cross-linking assays confirmed dimer formation to be enhanced in the presence of elevated c-di-GMP levels. Our findings demonstrate BrlR to be an unusual MerR-family member in that BrlR function and expression require the secondary messenger c-di-GMP.
Asset Allocation and Managerial Assumptions in Corporate Pension Plans

We empirically examine the effect of regulations on pension decision-making. We find that in the face of mandatory contributions, pension plans alter their asset allocations and increase their risk taking to avoid mandatory contributions. This behavior resembles gambling for resurrection. The economic effects we document are large, representing annual active reallocations of over $103M for the average plan. We also examine the effect of regulations on pension accounting assumptions affecting net income. We find that plan sponsors increase their assumed rates of return on plan assets when subject to pension-related costs. The evidence suggests an earnings-management interpretation. Finally, we examine whether pension fund managers are tactical in their asset allocations. We find that pension fund managers are active as an investor class, but do not seem to time the market in a manner consistent with return predictability.
An X-ray microtomography system for bone structure measurements

A system for very-high-resolution (50 mu m*50 mu m*50 mu m) three-dimensional tomography of small (1 cm*1 cm*1 cm) biological specimen is described. Two-dimensional planar X-ray views of the specimen are acquired by an image intensifier and digital camera system while the specimen is rotated through several hundred positions. The recorded data are processed to obtain spatially accurate estimates of the attenuation line integral and reconstructed using a cone-beam algorithm. Measurements obtained with this system are being used to study the structures found in bone biopsy specimens. >
Combined use of 1C and III agents for highly symptomatic, refractory atrial fibrillation.

Despite advances in non-pharmacologic therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), some patients remain highly refractory. We report our experience with the unique combined use of 1C and III agents in patients with highly refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Six patients with symptomatic AF (three persistent) were selected after failing multiple antiarrhythmic medications and radiofrequency ablation. They were started on flecainide or propafenone and sotalol or dofetilide during three days of inpatient monitoring. No patient had coronary artery disease. All patients had loop recorder follow-up and ECG recordings during clinic visits for a mean follow-up of 9 ± 11 months. After therapy, all patients had complete, sustained control of their symptoms with no evidence of AF or proarrhythmia on monitoring. One patient had recurrence of AF after stopping sotalol and was started back on the drug with complete control. Combined therapy with a 1C and III agent may be an effective alternative for the treatment of selective, highly refractory AF. Careful patient selection and hospitalization for initiation is necessary to minimize potential proarrhythmic effects. As this is a short-term therapy, further study is needed to assess the extent of efficacy in a larger number of patients.
Further investigations on the synthesis of pure-silica molecular sieves via the use of organic structure-directing agents

Several organic structure-directing agents (SDAs) that are variations of a 4,4′-trimethylenebis(N-methyl, N-R_1-piperidinium) moiety were synthesized and used for the synthesis of pure-silica molecular sieves. Pure-silica MTW, MFI, BEA and the MCM-41-type mesoporous materials could be prepared by changing only the R_1 group. When R_1 was pentyl or hexyl, MFI was crystallized, suggesting that each SDA molecule spans two channel intersections. For R_1 groups smaller than pentyl, MTW was formed. Pure-silica BEA could easily be prepared when R_1 was benzyl or cyclohexylmethyl. Numerous variations of the organics used to crystallize BEA were explored and the features necessary to structure direct the formation of BEA elucidated. When R_1 was either octyl or nonyl, the MCM-41-type mesoporous materials were formed, indicating that these organics can act as surfactants. The results presented provide further evidence that organic molecules can serve as structure-directing agents for the synthesis of pure-silica molecular sieves.
The challenge of global ethics

The authors argue that the time is ripe for national and corporate leaders to move consciously towards the development of global ethics. This papers presents a model of global ethics, a rationale for the development of global ethics, and the implications of the model for research and practice.
Phytotoxicity in pearl millet varies among in-furrow insecticides

Abstract Chinch bug [ Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say.)] is the insect most likely to cause economic damage to pearl millet [ Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], a promising alternative feedgrain crop for the Southeast and Mid-South regions of the United States. In-furrow application of insecticide offers early season protection against chinch bug but may be phytotoxic. The insecticides that control early season infestations in other crops were evaluated for phytotoxic effects on pearl millet emergence and seedling growth under greenhouse conditions. Phorate caused the most phytotoxicity, reducing seedling emergence to less than 7% and shoot weight to 12 mg per seedling (17% of the non-treated control) at dose rates of 50.4 and 67.2 mg a.i. pot −1 . Aldicarb, chlorpyrifos, and terbufos all caused some phytoxicity expressed by reduced seedling emergence. No phytotoxicity was observed with tefluthrin and tebupirimphos+cyfluthrin, either of which could be recommended for in-furrow application if effective against chinch bug on pearl millet.
Poster: register pressure aware code transformations on GPU

GPU provides a large number of registers to each thread. It is important to make good use of this resource in order to achieve high performance. With a high number of registers available, we can store more data associated with each thread. However, with increase in number of registers, the number of active threads on GPU decreases; this leads to reduce GPU occupancy and hence degrade performance. Hence it is necessary to study the impact of register pressure on performance of the applications running on GPU.The poster presents a framework which will estimate perthread register pressure for a given CUDA program and will implement thread coarsening transformation. In order to analyze the effect of register pressure on GPU code, the poster includes experimental results which confirm that the changes in the register pressure of a given kernel have an effect upon the memory accesses on GPU.Both the PTX analyzer and the CUDA profiler can provide fairly accurate per-thread register utilization information. Nevertheless, because we apply the code transformations on CUDA source, we require a method to estimate register pressure at the source level. To this end, we have design the register estimation model. The register predictions done by our model are fairly comparable to actual register count obtained by CUDA profiler. This estimated knowledge can be applied to guide high-level code transformations, such as loop fusion and unroll-andjam, for increased effectiveness.We have also described an automatic approach for controlling thread granularity in GPU kernels by applying thread coarsening transformation. We have presented an overview of the code restructuring and tuning framework of CUDA kernel, that implements thread coarsening. The framework leverages some existing tools, including NVCC for compiling CUDA kernels and CUDA profiler for collection of performance metrics. The experiments are done on CUDA SDK examples. We have also created a synthetic micro-benchmark which shows the impact of coarsening transformation in ideal circumstances. The experimental results for thread coarsening depict increased overall performance for kernels that exhibit inter-thread data locality that outweighs the costs of lower occupancy by improving register reuse and reduce memory traffic.
Information and organization for horizontal multimarket coordination

We model the effects of alternative coordination structures on the performance of a firm that faces uncertain demand in multiple horizontal markets. The firm's coordination structure is jointly determined by its decision-rights structure and by its information structure. We compare the performance of decentralized, centralized and distributed structures and study factors that affect the value of coordination. The results quantify and illustrate the value of co-locating decision rights with specific knowledge.
Nutrient concentration and mineral element relationship to color of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars grown in alkaline soil 1

Abstract Mineral element concentrations of twelve Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars grown in alkaline soil (pH = 7.8) were determined. The range of average mineral nutrient concentrations among cultivars was 22.8 to 28.2 mg g‐1 for N, 3.7 to 4.8 mg g‐1 for P, 16.8 to 20.2 mg g"1 for K and 157 to 259 ug g‐1 for Fe. Leaf color was influenced by year and N concentration but not by Fe concentration using a stepwise regression analysis procedure.
Matching plant and animal processes to alter nutrient supply in strip-grazed cattle: timing of herbage and fasting allocation.

This work aimed to assess the impact of timing of herbage allocation and fasting on patterns of ingestive behavior, herbage intake, ruminal fermentation, nutrient flow to the duodenum, and site and extent of digestion. Treatments were daily herbage allocation in the afternoon (1500 h, AHA), morning (0800 h, MHA), AHA after 20 h of fasting (AHAF), and MHA after 20 h of fasting (MHAF). Four ruminally and duodenally fistulated heifers (279 +/- 99 kg of BW) individually strip-grazed wheat pastures in a Latin-square design. Eating, rumination, and idling behavior were recorded every 2 min, and bite and eating step rates were measured hourly while the heifers were grazing (11 h MHA and AHA; 4 h MHAF and AHAF). Ruminal DM pools were measured 4 times daily (0800, 1200, 1500, and 1900 h) to estimate daily herbage DMI and its pattern. Ruminal fluid was sampled at these same times and also at 2300 h. Duodenal digesta was sampled over 2 d to determine the site of herbage digestibility. Treatments did not affect daily herbage DMI (16.5 g/ kg of BW, SE = 0.0025; P > 0.05). However, they altered the eating pattern; the evening grazing bout of AHA and AHAF was greater (P 0.05) among MHA, MHAF, and AHAF; however, it averaged 970, 40, 300, and 540 g/d, respectively, greater (P 0.05) for MHA, AHA, and AHAF, but was lower for MHAF (P 0.05) within fasted and nonfasted treatments; however, it was greater (P 0.05) among MHA, MHAF, and AHAF, but was greater (P < 0.05) for AHA. The results demonstrate the strong link between ingestion and digestion patterns, and its impact on nutrient supply. At the same amount of resource allocation, nutrient supply to grazing cattle can be modified through strategic grazing management.
Aberrant expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in human prostate cancer

Abstract Cadherin-catenin complexes play a key role in embryonic development, and are associated with carcinogenesis and metastasis. We studied the expression of the major members of the family, including E-cadherin and β-catenin in prostate cancer (PC), and correlated with Gleason grade and pathologic stage. Immunohistochemistry was performed on serial sections of paraffinized radical prostatectomy specimens to evaluate E-cadherin (n = 16) and β-catenin (n = 17) expression using heat induced epitope retrieval. Benign appearing prostate epithelium was used as an internal control in each specimen. Two pathologists independently reviewed and scored the intensity and extent of immunostaining using a semiquantitative scale. The Mantel-Haenszel method, stratified by reviewer, was used to test for an association among Gleason score, pathologic stage, and the expression of E-cadherin or β-catenin in PC. Gleason grade ≥7 cancers showed significantly lower expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin compared to Gleason grade 0.05). Overall, the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin is significantly down regulated in PC compared to surrounding benign appearing prostate, which correlates with increasing Gleason grade. Furthermore, nuclear localization of β-catenin in high grade PC may be a useful biomarker for aggressive PC.
THE INFLATIONARY IMPACT OF EIGHT FEDERAL AID AGENCIES DURING THE YEARS 1946–1950

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY is to provide proof that agencies have been contributing to inflation in the postwar period and suggest methods by which agency operations may be integrated with federal fiscal and monetary policy. The agencies concerned are: 1. The Housing and Home Finance Agency 2. The Farm Credit Administration 3. The Commodity Credit Corporation 4. The Farmers Home Administration 5. The Rural Electrification Administration 6. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation 7. The Veterans Administration 8. The Export-Import Bank
Are all lyssavirus genes equal for phylogenetic analyses

Abstract Individual lyssavirus genes were evaluated for phylogenetic studies from available full genome sequences. The full genome of the ERA rabies virus was sequenced and its accuracy was confirmed through virus recovery by reverse genetics. The full length of the ERA is 11,931 nucleotides (nt), with a leader sequence of 58 nt, the nucleoprotein (N) gene of 1350 nt, phosphoprotein (P) gene of 891 nt, matrix protein (M) gene of 606 nt, glycoprotein (G) gene of 1572 nt, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) gene of 6384 nt, Psi-region (or G–L intergenic region) of 400 nt, and a trailer region of 70 nt. The five mono-cistrons are separated by intergenic regions of 2, 5, 5 and 24 nt, respectively. One obvious difference between the ERA and SAD-B19 rabies virus strains was the putative stop/polyadenylation signal of the G gene, with a poly(A 8 ) tract for ERA, and a poly(A 5 ) for SAD-B19. The TGpoly(A 8 ) sequence tract was identified to be a leaky termination signal in the ERA strain. Through analyses of nt diversity, protein co-variations, structural and functional constraints, and reconstruction of phylogenetic trees from comprehensive datasets, we propose lyssavirus genes probably are of similar value for phylogenetic analyses.
Formation of a Combined H-DNA/Open TATA Box Structure in the Promoter Sequence of the Human Na,K-ATPase α2 Gene

Structural variation of DNA within the promoter of the human Na,K-ATPase α2 gene, which contains a 35-base pair (bp) homopyrimidine·homopurine (Py·Pu) tract adjacent to a TATA box has been studied. The Py·Pu tract contains a 26-bp quasi-mirror repeat sequence with a potential for intramolecular triplex formation. As analyzed by two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis, a plasmid containing 151 bp of the promoter sequence including the 35-bp Py·Pu tract undergoes structural transitions under moderately acidic pH. Chemical probing with chloroacetaldehyde, dimethyl sulfate, and potassium permanganate is consistent with the formation of triplex DNA within the Py·Pu tract at native superhelical density as isolated from Escherichia coli. Chemical probing was used to determine a supercoil dependence for the formation of this combined unwound structure. At the superhelical density sufficient to locally unwind DNA, an H-y3 isomer of intermolecular triplex likely forms. However, at higher superhelical tension an H-y5 structure forms in the Py·Pu tract, and with increasing supercoiling the local DNA unwinding extends into the abutting TATA box. The H-y5/open TATA box combination structure might be favorable at higher superhelical densities since it relaxes more supercoils. The possible involvement of the H-y5/open TATA box structure in transcription is discussed.
Congenital endodermal heterotopia of the atrioventricular node: evidence for the endodermal origin of so-called mesotheliomas of the atrioventricular node.

A case of so-called mesothelioma of the atrioventricular node is presented. Controversy exists as to whether this lesion is of mesodermal or endodermal origin. The light and electron microscopic morphologic characteristics in this case were identical to those reported previously. The glandular component produced mucin that resisted digestion with both hyaluronidase and diastase; this staining pattern is characteristic of endodermal rather than of mesodermal tissue. Immunohistochemical methods demonstrated abundant carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the cytoplasm of the cells composing the lesion. The presence of CEA strongly argues for an endodermal origin, since this antigen characterizes tissue derived from endoderm and is generally absent from mesoderm. The lesion probably represents endodermal foregut tissue that is displaced during embryogenesis. As such, it is not a true neoplasm. It is proposed that this lesion be designated "congenital endodermal heterotopia of the atrioventricular node."
The rapid transient decrease of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol in progesterone-stimulated Xenopus laevis oocytes is the result of an ethanol artifact

Full-grown Xenopus laevis oocytes resume meiosis (meiotic maturation) in response to progesterone stimulation. Three studies have shown that sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG), the intracellular activator of protein kinase C, may be involved in this process (Wasserman et al., J. Exp. Zool. 255, 63-71, 1990; Varnold and Smith, Development 109, 597-604, 1990; Stith et al., J. Cell Physiol. 149, 252-259, 1991). Two of these studies (Varnold and Smith, 1990; Stith et al., 1991) found a rapid, but transient decrease in the levels of DAG of approximately 25 to 30% within 5 to 30 sec following the addition of progesterone to the oocytes. We have investigated this rapid decline in oocyte DAG. We also found a 20 to 34% decrease in DAG/oocyte within the first 5 to 40 sec following the addition of steroid to the culture medium. However, a similar rapid and transient decrease in oocyte DAG levels was also observed in response to ethanol. Ethanol is used as the vehicle to deliver progesterone to the oocyte culture medium. Therefore, the rapid transient decline in DAG appears to be an artifact of ethanol perturbing the production and/or turnover of DAG within the oocyte and not a physiological response of the oocyte to progesterone.