cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient localization of a native metal ion within a protein by Cu2+-based EPR distance measurements.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) based distance measurements have been exploited to measure protein–protein docking, protein–DNA interactions, substrate binding and metal coordination sites. Here, we use EPR to locate a native paramagnetic metal binding site in a protein with less than 2 A resolution. We employ a rigid Cu2+ binding motif, the double histidine (dHis) motif, in conjunction with double electron electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy. Specifically, we utilize a multilateration approach to elucidate the native Cu2+ binding site in the immunoglobulin binding domain of protein G. Notably, multilateration performed with the dHis motif required only the minimum number of four distance constraints, whereas comparable studies using flexible nitroxide-based spin labels require many more for similar precision. This methodology demonstrates a significant increase in the efficiency of structural determinations via EPR distance measurements using the dHis motif.
High Speed Chemical Vapor Communication Using Photoionization Detectors

We consider data transfer between a chemical vapor emitter and photoionization detectors (PIDs) under constant velocity gas flow in a constrained environment (flow tube). We show that the system, though stochastic owing to flow unsteadiness, is (on average) linear and then characterize the channel using a Karhunen-Loeve (KL) expansion. We measure bit error rates using straightforward detection methods in the KL-produced signal space. Data rates of 20bps are easily achieved at $\approx 10^{-3}$ error rate and we suspect that similarly low error rates are achievable at much higher bit rates using suitable adaptive equalization methods.
Macroscopic and Microscopic Morphological Features of Stromatolites Related To Activity of Eukaryote-Dominated Biofilms in an Acid Mine Drainage Environment: Biosignatures and Understanding Preservation of Stromatolites as Trace Fossils

Euglena-, diatom-, and algae-dominated biofilms are the principal producers of iron-rich biolaminates that result in biosedimentary structures, or stromatolites, in an acid mine drainage (AMD) envi...
History of the Forecasters: An Assessment of the Semi-Annual U.S. Treasury Bond Yield Forecast Survey as Reported in the Wall Street Journal

The purpose of this study is to present an analysis of the long-term interest rate forecasts as presented semi-annually in The Wall Street Journal. The analysis shows that the consensus forecast of U.S. Treasury bond yield change is poor and a naive forecast is more accurate.
Evolving Role of Liver Transplantation in Elderly Recipients

The need for liver transplantation (LT) among older patients is increasing, but the role of LT in the elderly (≥70 years) is not well defined. We retrospectively reviewed all primary LTs from 1998 through 2016 at our center. Survival and associated risk factors were analyzed with Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods for LT recipients in 3 age groups: 0.45). There was no incremental negative effect of age at LT among elderly patients aged 70-75 years (log-rank P = 0.32). Among elderly LT recipients, greater requirement for packed red blood cells and longer warm ischemia times were significantly associated with decreased survival (P < 0.05). Survival of LT recipients, regardless of age, markedly surpassed that of patients who were denied LT, but it was persistently 20%-30% lower than the expected survival of the general US population (P < 0.001). With the aging of the population, select older patients with end-stage liver diseases can benefit from LT, which largely restores their expected life spans.
Bidentate and Monodentate Binding of Chromium (VI) on the Acid Scavenger Exchange Resin, MP-Carbonate, as a Function of pH

Hexavalent chromium or Cr (VI) is a serious health risk that has been identified in drinking water and generally originates as industrial by-products and hazardous waste sites, although natural sources have been reported. Common methods to remove Cr (VI) employ adsorption, filtration, ion exchange technologies, and redox reactions. We report on a macro porous polystyrene anion exchange resin, a solid-supported equivalent of tetra-alkyl ammonium carbonate (Biotage® MP-Carbonate), to effectively remove Cr (VI) from synthetic wastewater with bidentate or monodentate binding modes of chromate, depending on the pH environment. Sorption capacity is pH dependent with 332, 161, and 163 mg CrO42− per gram of MP-Carbonate adsorbed at pH 2, 6.8, and 10, respectively. Experimental data indicate an exergonic and endothermic adsorption process. Static vs. dynamic reaction conditions are discussed. Density functional theory calculations parallel the Gibbs free energy results of the bidentate binding of the large chromate ion compared to carbonate with the ammonium ions. These studies identify the potential uses of MP-Carbonate in the remediation of Cr (VI) wastewater unrelated to the pH of the water source.
A modular and scalable computational framework for interactive immersion into imaging data with a holographic augmented reality interface.

Abstract Background and objective Modern imaging scanners produce an ever-growing body of 3D/4D multimodal data requiring image analytics and visualization of fused images, segmentations, and information. For the latter, augmented reality (AR) with head-mounted displays (HMDs) has shown potential. This work describes a framework (FI3D) for interactive immersion with data, integration of image processing and analytics, and rendering and fusion with an AR interface. Methods The FI3D was designed and endowed with modules to communicate with peripherals, including imaging scanners and HMDs, and to provide computational power for data acquisition and processing. The core of FI3D is deployed to a dedicated computational unit that performs the computationally demanding processes in real-time, and the HMD is used as a display output peripheral and an input peripheral through gestures and voice commands. FI3D offers user-made processing and analysis dedicated modules. Users can customize and optimize these for a particular workflow while incorporating current or future libraries. Results The FI3D framework was used to develop a workflow for processing, rendering, and visualization of CINE MRI cardiac sets. In this version, the data were loaded from a remote database, and the endocardium and epicardium of the left ventricle (LV) were segmented using a machine learning model and transmitted to a HoloLens HMD to be visualized in 4D. Performance results show that the system is capable of maintaining an image stream of one image per second with a resolution of 512 × 512. Also, it can modify visual properties of the holograms at 1 update per 16 milliseconds (62.5 Hz) while providing enough resources for the segmentation and surface reconstruction tasks without hindering the HMD. Conclusions We provide a system design and framework to be used as a foundation for medical applications that benefit from AR visualization, removing several technical challenges from the developmental pipeline.
Slacking On: Lean Practices in Applied Education

Applied educators experience both increased rewards and increased burden as a result of the inherent impact, complexities, and risks of executing applied and community-based learning projects. A “lean”, resource-mindful approach to career management is recommended in order to ameliorate risk, optimize student and community outcomes, and sustain effective engagement over time. Keywords: Applied learning, community-based learning, lean practices, risk management.
P2Y12 antagonism results in altered interactions between platelets and regulatory T cells during sepsis

Sepsis is a complex clinical condition resulting from a serious bloodstream infection. With mortality rates as high as 50%, improved treatments are needed. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of T lymphocytes, promote the resolution of inflammation. Septic patients have elevated levels of circulating Tregs. Platelets influence the proliferation and activation of Tregs in vitro. However, modulating platelet-Tregs interaction during sepsis may restraing Treg proliferation, leading to the restoration of immunologic homeostasis. P2Y12 is a purinergic receptor present on platelets and T lymphocytes. Blocking P2Y12 improves the outcome of sepsis. We investigated whether blocking P2Y12 alters platelet-Treg interaction in vivo. We used the murine model of sepsis, cecal ligation, and puncture (CLP) and we blocked P2Y12 using the P2Y12 antagonist, clopidogrel. Twenty-four hours after surgery, we measured Treg population sizes in the spleens of the Sham, CLP, and CLP + clopidogrel groups. We investigated the effect of blocking P2Y12 in vitro using cocultures of human platelets and T cells with or without anti-CD3/CD28. P2Y12 was blocked using AR-C69931MX. Treg population sizes were reduced in the septic mice treated with clopidogrel compared with untreated septic mice. Aggregation of platelets and CD4+ T cells was reduced in treated CLP mice compared with untreated CLP mice. P2Y12 antagonism changes how platelets influence T cells in vitro, depending on T-cell activation. In conclusion, blockade of the P2Y12 signaling pathway restrains Treg proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Targeting platelets to control Treg proliferation and activity may be a promising strategy for treating sepsis.
Analysis of Total Survival Benefit in Candidates Listed for Heart Transplantation with Intraaortic Balloon Pump - Direct Bridge to Transplant versus Transplant Following Transition to Durable Left Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose Many patients listed with intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) currently undergo direct heart transplantation (HTx). However, donor hearts have a finite lifespan. Thus, implantation of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) could extend the patient's life by delaying HTx. We sought to evaluate whether implantation of a durable LVAD as a bridge to HTx improves total survival after waitlist initiation compared to direct bridging among candidates listed with IABP. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for adults listed for HTx with an IABP who were either directly transplanted or transitioned to a durable LVAD and then transplanted between January 2006 and September 2015. Total survival time following listing was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards analysis with adjustment for age at listing, gender, and body mass index at listing. The data we present are conditional on survival to HTx, since the UNOS database lacks granularity regarding the waitlist course of candidates who did not survive to HTx. Results 774 recipients were included in this study. 237 (30.6%) were transitioned to durable LVAD from IABP at listing. Transition to durable LVAD did not reduce hazard of post-listing mortality compared to direct bridge with IABP at 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.68, 95% CI 0.39-1.18, p=0.17), 3 years (aHR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53-1.14, p=0.20), or 5 years (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.59-1.15, p-0.26). However, transition to LVAD provided a protective effect at 180 days after listing (aHR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.63, p Conclusion While long-term survival is comparable between groups, bridging with durable LVAD among candidates initially listed with IABP could provide a short-term protective effect if the patient can survive to HTx.
National Study of Youth Opinions on Vaccination for COVID-19 in the U.S.

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to understand the potential barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination among youth. Methods Open-ended questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were posed to a national cohort of 14- to 24-year-olds (October 30, 2020). Responses were coded through qualitative thematic analysis. Multivariable logistic regression tested the association of demographic characteristics with vaccination unwillingness. Results Among 911 respondents (response rate = 79.4%), 75.9% reported willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, 42.7% had unconditional willingness, and 33.3% were conditionally willing, of which the majority (80.7%) were willing if experts deemed vaccination safe and recommended. Preferred vaccine information sources were medical organizations (42.3%; CDC, WHO) and health care professionals (31.7%). Frequent concerns with vaccination included side effects (36.2%) and efficacy (20.1%). Race predicted vaccination unwillingness (Black: odds ratio = 3.31; and Asian: odds ratio = .46, compared with white, p Conclusion Most youth in our national sample were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when they believe it is safe and recommended. Public health experts and organizations must generate youth-centered materials that directly address their vaccination concerns.
Agent-Based Distributed Energy Resources for Supporting Intelligence at the Grid Edge

This paper proposes a novel multi-agent framework that can link various forms of resources and power electronic systems into distributed energy resources (DER). The proposed multi-agent architecture can also integrate DERs to a central controller for optimization and control to support the grid. To demonstrate the flexibility of this novel framework, the developed agent system is applied to a set of end-use systems. The agent framework is validated in hardware using controller-hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) simulation platform.
Abstract W P2: Timeline of Blood Pressure Changes After Intra-arterial Therapy For Acute Ischemic Stroke Based on Recanalization Status

Introduction: Arterial recanalization with intravenous thrombolysis early for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been reported to be associated with spontaneous blood pressure (BP) reduction compared to those without recanalization. We investigated the course of BP after intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for AIS. Methods: Retrospective study from 1/08-12/12 of AIS patients who underwent IAT for ICA/M1 occlusions with TICI 0 flow was conducted. Cases under general anesthesia were excluded. BP recorded before, and at hourly intervals for 36 hours post procedure was collected. The average hourly BP, and the difference in hourly BP from pre-procedure baseline was calculated and compared by recanalization status. Successful recanalization was defined as TICI2b-3. Results: Sixty-two patients consisting of 37 (59.7%) with TICI2b-3 (Group R) and 25 with TICI 0-2a (Group NR) recanlization were included. Baseline characteristics were similar except for greater frequency of IV tPA administration in group R (51.3% vs. 20.8%,...
Concept Hierarchies: A Restricted Form of Knowledge Derived From Regularities

In this paper we analyze relationships between different forms of knowledge that can be discovered in the same data matrix (database): contingency tables, equations, concept definitions, and concept hierarchies. We argue for the basic role of contingency tables and equations (law-like knowledge), and for the limitations of concept hierarchies. We show how a subset of contingency tables which approximate logical equivalence can be used to construct concept hierarchies: (1) each of those regularities leads to an element of the conceptual hierarchy, (2) the elements are merged to increase their empirical contents, and (3) hierarchy elements are combined into concept hierarchy. The possibility of different hierarchies leads to the question of choice between hierarchies, for which we provide our optimality criterion. We illustrate our algorithm by an application on the soybean database, and we show how our results go beyond the results obtained by the COBWEB approach to clustering.
Overweight and obesity in patients with cystic fibrosis: a center-based analysis.

this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in patients with CF seen at our center, to analyze factors associated with nutritional status, to evaluate the relation between nutritional status and lung function, and to documentanyadverse health outcomes. Methods: The CF Patient Registry was queried for patients aged 2‐18 who were seen at our center between June 2011 and June 2012. Nutritional statuses of patients were classified in accordance with the CF Foundation guidelines. Analysis of variance was utilized to analyze the differences in lung function between the five weight status groups. Results: Of the 226 patients with CF aged 2‐18 years, 129 (57%) had a BMI percentile consistent with a healthy weight status, 16 (7%) were in nutritional failure, 28 (12%) were at risk of nutritional failure, 35 (15%) were overweight, and 18 (8%) were obese. Based on fecal elastase levels, 50% of the overweight patients and 20% of the obese patients were pancreatic insufficient. FEV1 % predicted was lowest in patients with nutritional failure (P ¼0.005). No significant differenceswere noted between the other four weight groups. In our obese and overweight population, three patients have impaired glucose tolerance, one has CF-related diabetes (CFRD) with fasting hyperglycemia, three have hypertension, and onehasobstructivesleepapnea(OSA).Conclusions:Theprevalenceofoverweightandobesityin our CF center is noteworthy, and a significant number of the patients were pancreatic insufficient. Inour patientpopulation,overweight,andobesitywerenotassociatedwithfurtherimprovementof lung function. Nutritional approaches need to address the adverse outcomes of overweight and
Acute ureteric obstruction on kidney transplant. Management of late complications.

Abstract Sudden anuria months after transplantation was seen in 3 patients in a series of 550 transplants. In 2 patients the obstruction was due to intrapelvic bleeding with clots proximal to a kinked ureter. In 1 case an intrarenal abscess ruptured into the pelvis with obstruction. Conventional urologic approaches preserved the transplant function in all 3 cases.
Primary structure of human fibrinogen and fibrin. II. Structural studies on NH2-terminal part of gamma chain.

Abstract Chemical cleavage of methionyl bonds in human fibrinogen with cyanogen bromide produces several large fragments. One of these (N-DSK) contains NH2-terminal portions of the three chains of the parent molecule. The NH2-terminal portion of the γ chain of fibrinogen has been isolated. The γ chain fragment has tyrosine as NH2-terminal residue and homoserine as COOH-terminal residue and therefore evidently consists of one single polypeptide chain. It has a molecular weight of 11,500 as determined by ultracentrifugal analysis. A molecular weight of 12,700 was found by gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. The charge heterogeneity of the γ chain fragment observed upon electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels is probably due to microheterogeneity of its carbohydrate moiety. The NH2-terminal γ chain fragment consists of 78 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence has been determined. The fragment contains about half of the half-cystines of the whole γ chain. They occur in a cluster, which indicates an uneven distribution of half-cystines within the γ chain of fibrinogen. One of the half-cystine-containing segments shows similarities in sequence with segments in the "A" α and B β chains. The carbohydrate moiety in the γ chain consists of 2 residues of glucosamine, 6 residues of galactose and mannose, and 1 to 2 residues of sialic acid. The carbohydrate moiety is most likely linked to residue 52. Some differences in specificity of trypsin, plasmin, and thrombin when acting on the γ chain are discussed.
THE EFFECT OF HUMIDITY ON SURVIVAL OF NEWLY BORN PREMATURE INFANTS

A controlled clinical trial was conducted to study the effects of two conditions of humidity upon respiratory symptoms, death rate and necropsy findings among premature infants in the first 5 days of life. Infants who were placed in environments of "80-90% relative humidity," which was achieved without the use of mist, had more rapid respiratory rates, higher body temperatures and a lower death rate than controls in "30-60% relative humidity." The nature of the mechanisms underlying the observed associations is a matter of conjecture which is under further study.
The Consumption of Justice: Emotions, Publicity, and Legal Culture in Marseille, 1264–1423

The Consumption of Justice: Emotions, Publicity, and Legal Culture in Marseille, 1264–1423 Daniel Lord Smail (Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 2003)
Reading Interventions With Varying Instructional Emphases for Fourth Graders With Reading Difficulties

This study investigated the relative effects of three treatments with varying instructional emphases in reading with a comparison condition. Eighty-seven students in fourth grade with reading impai...
Embedded Trade: A Third-Party Effect*

Objectives. Previous work on trade, mostly from an economic perspective, assumes dyadic independence, and thus that trade can be explained by attributes of such dyads. We critique these contentions from the perspective of structural embeddedness, hypothesizing that sharing common third-party trading partners encourages dyadic trade. Methods. We analyze international trade data of 78 countries in 1975 and 1996, using cross-sectional and longitudinal regression. Results. Regression analyses support our hypothesis. A BIC analysis suggests that the structural embeddedness variables significantly improve the model fit. Conclusion. International exchange of commodities, like other social interactions, is shaped and constrained by structurally determined opportunities. Thus, an explanation of economic behavior, including trade, is not complete without reference to the triads in which a dyad is embedded.
MODERNIZATION INTERRUPTED? TOTAL WAR, STATE BREAKDOWN, AND THE COMMUNIST CONQUEST OF CHINA

A state-centered perspective in studies of revolutions holds that international pressures contribute to outbreak of revolutions, assuming that the magnitude and intensity of international pressures vary from case to case. This study argues that in the paradigmatic communist revolutions of the 20th century, such as the Russian and Chinese Revolutions, the role of the exogenous factor of war was paramount. After outlining a war-centered framework for studying communist revolutions, this research shows how the devastating experience of total war against Japan (1937–1945) undermined the Kuomintang state in China and created structural conditions for the communist takeover.
The response to atropine sulfate given by aerosol and intramuscular routes to patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Two groups of 11 patients each were studied in their responses to intramuscular (IM) or aerosolized atropine sulfate, given in preparation for fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The patients in group 1 received 1.0 mg of atropine IM, and those in group 2 were given a prepared solution of atropine in saline (5 mg/ml) at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg by nebulization (IPPB). Statistical analysis of the FVC, FEV 1 , FEF 25–76% , and FEF max showed excellent protective bronchodilatory effects of both IM and aerosolized atropine. In fact, the beneficial result was more prolonged when the drug was administered by inhalation. One possible factor to consider, however, is that atropine given by the aerosol route did not inhibit the vasovagal response in three of the 11 patients. Another factor to take into account is that atropine by IM injection is quicker to administer, more convenient, and requires less instrumentation than atropine given by aerosol.
EFFECT OF LOW COMPRESSIVE STRESSES ON RADIATION-INDUCED DIMENSIONAL CHANGES IN GRAPHITE

Abstract When graphite is employed as a reactor moderator, the variations of temperature and neutron flux within the moderator bars cause internal stresses to be generated in the graphite. The effect of these stresses on the dimensional changes of the graphite are of immediate interest in the field of reactor design. Samples of five nuclear-grade graphites have been irradiated under constant compressive stresses of 150 and 300 psi. Length changes of the stressed samples are compared with length changes of unstressed control samples, irradiated in the same assembly. Results obtained at 625°C and for exposures up to 6500 MWd/At in a Hanford irradiation facility are presented. Additional data on one nuclear-grade graphite, irradiated under 100 psi constant tensile stress, are included.
Hierarchical Region Structures: A Method for Structuring Image Regions

The Hierarchical Region Structure (HRS) method successively clusters related image segments, and represents these clusters as a hierarchical tree-like structure. This approach organizes the segmented regions and enables improved interpretation and classification. One ot the major benefits of this approach is that a cluster of regions may be more readily matched and interpreted than the individual segments which comprise the cluster. Region relationships (proximity, similarity, containment, and similar orientation) are used as the basis for selecting which regions will be merged. Hierarchical representation of this relationship information, as well as traditional feature attribute information, provides a novel approach to representing information about segmented image regions.
The thermochemistry of the gas phase reaction: CF3CH2Br+I2=CF3CH2I+IBr. Polarity effects in thermochemistry

Abstract The gas phase equilibria in the reaction CF 3 CH 2 Br+I 2 =CF 3 CH 2 I+IBr have been studied over the temperature range 614–726 K. A third law treatment of the data gave Δ H ° itr (298 K)=6.6±0.5 kcal mole −1 . This result led to Δ° itf (CF 3 CH 2 Br, g, 298)= −166.0± 0.5 kcal mole −1 and DH ° (CF 3 CH 2 Br)=69.2±1 kcal mole −1 . These results were combined with previous data to obtain the enthalpies of reaction for the series. in which X=H, I, and Br. It was found that the enthalpies of reaction became progressively less negative as the electronegativity of the substituent, X, increased. These experimental enthalpy changes are shown to be in excellent agreement with the net change in electrostatic interaction energy which was calculated assuming that the CF 3 and CH 2 X groups in the reactant and product molecules were polarizable dipoles. The good agreement supports the hypothesis that polarity does play an important role in gas phase thermochemistry.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Peer-Based Interventions on Health-Related Behaviors in Adults

We reviewed 25 randomized clinical trials that assessed the effect of peer-based interventions on health-related behaviors in adults. Effect sizes were calculated as odds ratios or standardized mean differences. We grouped most of the studies by 7 measured outcomes, with effect sizes ranging from −0.50 to 2.86. We found that peer-based interventions facilitated important changes in health-related behaviors, including physical activity, smoking, and condom use, with a small- to medium-sized effect. However, the evidence was mixed, possibly because of the heterogeneity we found in methods, dose, and other variables between the studies. Interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding, medication adherence, women's health screening, and participation in general activities did not produce significant changes.
Slash fire hazard analysis on the Siskiyou National Forest

Potential increase in fire hazard as a result of timber harvesting is a concern of forest managers throughout the United States. Treating fuels can help reduce unacceptable fire hazards. To evaluate alternative fuel treatments, managers need to know their effects on fire hazard. A decision analysis approach to estimating fire hazard in terms of expected burned area was applied to a watershed in the Siskiyou National Forest (Oregon). Three treatment alternatives (do nothing and two levels of yarding unmerchantable material) were evaluated, and the effects of the treatments were projected over a 90-yr period. Initially, the effects of applying a treatment are small. After 50 years of treatment, the most intense alternative can be expected to show almost a 50% reduction in burned area compared to no treatment. The procedure also estimates burned are by fire size and fire intensity classes. Managers may find this useful for estimating expected fire effects associated with a particular fuel treatment regime.
Transfer of newly synthesized proteins from Schwann cells to the squid giant axon.

Abstract The squid giant axon is presented as a model for the study of macromolecular interaction between cells in the nervous system. When the isolated giant axon was incubated in sea water containing [3H]leucine for 0.5-5 hr, newly synthesized proteins appeared in the sheath and axoplasm as demonstrated by: (i) radioautography, (ii) separation of the sheath and axoplasm by extrusion, and (iii) perfusion of electrically excitable axons. The absence of ribosomal RNA in the axoplasm [Lasek, R. J. et al. (1973) Nature 244, 162-165] coupled with other evidence indicates that the labeled proteins that are found in the axoplasm originate in the Schwann cells surrounding the axon. Approximately 50% of the newly synthesized Schwann cell proteins are transferred to the giant axon. These transferred proteins are soluble for the most part and range in molecular size from 12,000 to greater than 200,000 daltons. It is suggested that proteins transferred from the Schwann cell to the axon have a regulatory role in neuronal function.
Modeling the influence of climate variability on influenza A epidemic patterns

Abstract Although influenza is a common disease, the determinants of each season's onset, magnitude, and duration remain poorly understood. Marked seasonality in temperate regions suggests that environmental variables affect transmission. Using deterministic compartmental transmission modeling, we assessed the potential for estimating climatic effects on influenza A epidemic patterns. Two versions of a susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed-susceptible (SEIRS) model were created with multiple immunity levels to represent viral drift. In the first model, seasonal transmission was approximated via a regular sine wave for the probability of transmission (β). In the second model, β varied based on actual values of the Multivariate El Nino Southern Oscillation Index (MEI), an index comprising six weather variables associated with global climate variability. The SEIRS models were each used to generate epidemic patterns, some of which were regular and others irregular, depending on the parameter values used. However, MEI had a notable effect on the epidemic patterns by allowing susceptibles to accumulate, leading to larger seasonal epidemics. This approach allows us to explore how relaxing certain model assumptions affects results, and provides a foundation for detecting climate effects in actual influenza data. Our ultimate goal is to promote interepidemic preparedness by elucidating the contribution of environmental variables to influenza transmission.
Therapeutic index, tubulin binders, and clinical medicine.

The field of drug development is undergoing profound changes due to the shift from empiricism to targeted therapy based upon the new molecular biology,[1] the results of the genome project, and str...
Using kaizen events for back office processes: the recruitment of frontline supervisor co-ops

Abstract Kaizen events appear to be a very popular tool for problem solving and continuous improvement. While many might think of this technique as being exclusive to the shop floor, it can be used successfully for back office processes. This article examines how a manufacturing firm used the kaizen event technique to improve their recruiting of co-ops for frontline supervisor positions. The article clearly shows the effectiveness of the technique for back office problems and discusses some ideas to help ensure success with the technique.
Comments on the Application of Evaluation Research Methodology to Botswana

(1983). Comments on the application of evaluation research methodology to Botswana. Journal of Contemporary African Studies: Vol. 3, No. 1-2, pp. 129-152.
Homochirality in life: two equal runners, one tripped.

Strong arguments can be found in the literature addressed to the question of the origin of homochirality in life, supporting the hypothesis that primordial life could have evolved in both homochiral forms and that early on when life was still rarely found, random events led to the survival of only one of these living mirror images. This proposal is an alternative to the generally accepted view that small enantiomeric excesses of biologically important molecules were amplified to homochirality prior to life’s origin. Acceptance of the possibility of “two equal runners” leads to the importance of research investigations on routes to formation of ensembles of racemic mixtures of isotactic biologically interesting polymers, supramolecular entities and aggregates.
Cell-Cycle Analysis in Phagotrophic Microorganisms from Flow Cytometric Histograms

Abstract The inability of certain phagotrophic protozoa to phagocytose right before and right after cell division was utilized to measure the distributions of newborn and dividing cells and obtain information on the kinetics of the cell cycle. A fluorescent microsphere labeling assay was used in conjunction with flow cytometry to identify the non-feeding cells and measure their DNA and protein distributions. These distributions, which are typically bimodal, were decomposed to the two component distributions by means of a new algorithm, which is based on the assumption that cells partition their DNA and the remaining cellular material evenly at division. The estimated population fractions in the two non-feeding phases before and after division and the corresponding DNA and protein distributions provide significant information on the kinetics of the cell cycle. The transient labeling experiments revealed a significant variability in the timing of the pre-division non-feeding phase with the smaller cells of this subpopulation spending more time in preparation for division. From the determined distributions of newborn and dividing cells, the single-cell growth rates and division probabilities were also calculated. This type of analysis provides essential information for the development of corpuscular, multi-staged cell population models.
Thermodynamics-Based Models of Transcriptional Regulation by Enhancers: The Roles of Synergistic Activation, Cooperative Binding and Short-Range Repression

Quantitative models of cis-regulatory activity have the potential to improve our mechanistic understanding of transcriptional regulation. However, the few models available today have been based on simplistic assumptions about the sequences being modeled, or heuristic approximations of the underlying regulatory mechanisms. We have developed a thermodynamics-based model to predict gene expression driven by any DNA sequence, as a function of transcription factor concentrations and their DNA-binding specificities. It uses statistical thermodynamics theory to model not only protein-DNA interaction, but also the effect of DNA-bound activators and repressors on gene expression. In addition, the model incorporates mechanistic features such as synergistic effect of multiple activators, short range repression, and cooperativity in transcription factor-DNA binding, allowing us to systematically evaluate the significance of these features in the context of available expression data. Using this model on segmentation-related enhancers in Drosophila, we find that transcriptional synergy due to simultaneous action of multiple activators helps explain the data beyond what can be explained by cooperative DNA-binding alone. We find clear support for the phenomenon of short-range repression, where repressors do not directly interact with the basal transcriptional machinery. We also find that the binding sites contributing to an enhancer's function may not be conserved during evolution, and a noticeable fraction of these undergo lineage-specific changes. Our implementation of the model, called GEMSTAT, is the first publicly available program for simultaneously modeling the regulatory activities of a given set of sequences.
Changes of Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid-Derived Flavor Compounds by Expressing the Yeast Δ-9 Desaturase Gene in Tomato

Expression of the yeast Δ-9 desaturase gene in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) led to changes in the levels of unsaturated as well as saturated fatty acids in tomato fruits. Increases in pal...
Paleostress directions from the preferred orientation of closed microfractures (fluid-inclusion planes) in sandstone, East Texas basin, U.S.A.

Abstract Closed extensional microfractures are useful indicators of paleostress directions in shallowly buried quartz-cemented quartz-arenites of the Lower Cretaceous Travis Peak Formation, a tabular sandstone and shale unit approximately 670 m thick that was deposited in the gradually subsiding northern Gulf of Mexico basin. The closed microfractures are syndiagenetic fluid-inclusion-rich planes that have an ENE strike that is subparallel to contemporary quartz-filled extension veins and regional normal faults, indicating that closed microfractures contain the maximum paleostress direction. These microstructures are potentially useful for mapping paleostress trajectories in passive margin and platform settings, particularly where samples are obtained from core. Previous experimental studies of microfracture closure suggest that microfractures evolved into fluid-inclusion planes by dendritic quartz precipitation. In East Texas, microfracture closure may have occurred at temperatures as low as 85°C and depths as shallow as 1500 m.
Excitation energies, radiative and autoionization rates, dielectronic satellite lines and dielectronic recombination rates for excited states of Mg-like W from Na-like W

Energy levels, radiative transition probabilities and autoionization rates for [Kr]4d94fnl (n = 4–9), [Kr]4d95l'nl (n = 5–9) and [Kr]4d96l'nl (n = 6–7) states in Ag-like tungsten (W27 +) are calculated using the relativistic many-body perturbation theory method, the multiconfiguration relativistic Hebrew University Lawrence Livermore Atomic Code and the Hartree–Fock-relativistic method. Branching ratios relative to the first threshold and intensity factors are calculated for satellite lines, and dielectronic recombination (DR) rate coefficients are determined for the singly excited [Kr]4d10nl (n = 4–9) states. The total DR rate coefficient is derived as a function of electron temperature. These atomic data are important in the modelling of N-shell radiation spectra of heavy ions generated in various collision as well as plasma experiments. The tungsten data are particularly important for fusion application.
Cinetorhynchus Brucei, a New Species of Shrimp (Decapoda, Caridea, Rhynchocinetidae) from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan

[A new species of rhynchocinetid shrimp, Cinetorhynchus brucei sp. nov., is described and illustrated on the basis of two specimens from Kume-jima Island, Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan. The absence of an arthrobranch on the second and third pereopods links C. brucei to C. manningi Okuno, 1996, known from the western Atlantic Ocean, but the present new species differs from the latter on account of the length of stylocerite, the development of the podobranch of the second maxilliped, and the armature of the meri of the ambulatory pereopods. Eine neue Art von rhynchocenitider Garnele, Cinetorhynchus brucei sp. nov., wird anhand zweier Exemplare von der Kume-jima Insel, Ryukyu Inseln, sudliches Japan, beschrieben und illustriert. Das Fehlen einer Arthrobranchie auf dem zweiten und dritten Pereiopoden stellt die neue Art in die Nahe der westatlantischen C. manningi Okuno, 1996, sie unterscheidet sich aber von letzterer durch die Lange des Stylocerits, das Vorhandensein einer Podobranchie am zweiten Maxillipeden und die Bedornung der Schreitbein-Meri., A new species of rhynchocinetid shrimp, Cinetorhynchus brucei sp. nov., is described and illustrated on the basis of two specimens from Kume-jima Island, Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan. The absence of an arthrobranch on the second and third pereopods links C. brucei to C. manningi Okuno, 1996, known from the western Atlantic Ocean, but the present new species differs from the latter on account of the length of stylocerite, the development of the podobranch of the second maxilliped, and the armature of the meri of the ambulatory pereopods. Eine neue Art von rhynchocenitider Garnele, Cinetorhynchus brucei sp. nov., wird anhand zweier Exemplare von der Kume-jima Insel, Ryukyu Inseln, sudliches Japan, beschrieben und illustriert. Das Fehlen einer Arthrobranchie auf dem zweiten und dritten Pereiopoden stellt die neue Art in die Nahe der westatlantischen C. manningi Okuno, 1996, sie unterscheidet sich aber von letzterer durch die Lange des Stylocerits, das Vorhandensein einer Podobranchie am zweiten Maxillipeden und die Bedornung der Schreitbein-Meri.]
Notes on the Mating Behavior of Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

Little information is recorded about the biology of Geocoris species. Butler (1966) studied the effects of temperature on several predaceous Hemiptera including G. pallens Stal and G. punctipes (Say). Champlain and Sholdt (1966, 1967a, b) reared G. punctipes in the laboratory and studied its life history. Staten (19703) established that G. punctipes nymphs are capable of acting as a vector for the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner).
Effects of Advance Message Formulation on Message Encoding: Evidence of Cognitively Based Hesitation in the Production of Multiple-Goal Messages.

A series of recent studies using hesitancy variables as indicants of cognitive load has been interpreted to support an action assembly account of encoding processes involved in message production (e.g., Greene & Lindsey, 1989; Greene, Lindsey, & Hawn, 1990; Greene, McDaniel, Buksa, & Ravizza, 1993; Greene, & Ravizza, 1995). These studies provide inconclusive evidence, however, that the observed effects are cognitively based. The task manipulations in these studies permit an alternate, social account for the increased hesitation observed in multiple‐versus single‐goal messages. Previous claims to the contrary, then, it remains to be established whether pursuit of multiple social ends tends to be characterized by increased cognitive load. This paper reports two studies designed to ascertain whether multiple‐goal messages are, indeed, characterized by hesitations stemming from cognitive sources by examining the effects of advance preparation (Experiment 1) and task repetition (Experiment 2) on speech fluency...
Healing of granulomatous skin changes in ataxia-telangiectasia after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and topical mometasone 0.1% ointment.

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by faulty DNA damage repair. The disease affects multiple systems and is noted to be particularly difficult to diagnose in children because of the wide spectrum of clinical presentations. We present an unusual case of a child in whom the primary cutaneous manifestation of AT was noninfectious cutaneous caseating granulomas. A 3-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with ataxia, poor growth, and multiple ulcerated plaques on both upper extremities that had been present for 2 years. She had two prolonged hospitalizations and underwent extensive examination to identify an etiology for the skin lesions. She was diagnosed with AT after immunology examinaton and genetic testing. Outpatient intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy was initiated and she was prescribed twice-daily mometasone 0.01% ointment under occlusion. After 6 weeks on this regimen her lesions had completely healed. Twenty-two cases of AT have been reported in which patients presented with cutaneous granulomas. This report demonstrates the first reported case in which the granulomatous skin lesions of AT healed after aggressive application of topical steroids with concurrent IVIG therapy, without oral steroids. A brief review of cutaneous granulomas in the setting of immunodeficiency is also presented.
Interfaces for knowledge-base builders' control knowledge and application-specific procedures

Expert System Environment/VM is an expert system shell-a general-purpose system for constructing and executing expert system applications. An application expert has both factual knowledge about an application and knowledge about how that factual knowledge should be organized and processed. In addition, many applications require application-dependent procedures to access databases or to do specialized processing. An important and novel part of Expert System Environment/VM is the technique used to allow the expert or knowledge-base builder to enter the control knowledge and to interface with application-dependent procedures. This paper discusses these high-level interfaces for the knowledge-base builder.
Measurements of the soot volume field in laminar diffusion flames at elevated pressures

Abstract Soot volume fraction ( f v ) is measured quantitatively in a laminar diffusion flame, with either methane or ethylene as fuel, at elevated pressures up to 2.5 MPa in order to gain a better understanding of the effects of pressure on the soot formation process. Soot continues to be of interest because it is a sensitive indicator of the interactions between combustion chemistry and fluid mechanics and known to be detrimental to human health. To examine the effects of increased pressure on soot production, laser-induced incandescence (LII) is used to obtain the desired spatially resolved measurements of f v as the pressure is incrementally increased to 2.5 MPa. The effects of pressure on the physical characteristics of the flame are also observed. Using a laser light extinction technique, the path-integrated soot volume fraction scales with pressure as p1.0 and p1.2 for the methane–air and ethylene–air flames, respectively, at 65% of the flame height. From the LII images, it is observed that the soot layer radius decreases with increasing pressure, scaling as approximately p−0.5 at 65% of the flame height, for both methane and ethylene flames. The local peak f v is found to scale with pressure as p1.2 for methane and p1.7 for ethylene flames, which is different than the path-integrated soot pressure dependence. The location of peak soot is observed to move from the edges toward the tip of the flame as the pressure is increased for both fuels.
Natural stressors and disease risk: does the threat of predation increase amphibian susceptibility to ranavirus?

Emerging infectious diseases have been identified as threats to biodiversity, yet our understanding of the factors contributing to host susceptibility to pathogens within natural populations remains limited. It has been proposed that species interactions within communities affect host susceptibility to pathogens, thereby contributing to disease emergence. In partic- ular, predation risk is a common natural stressor that has been hypothesized to compromise immune function of prey through chronic stress responses possibly leading to increased susceptibility to pathogens. We examined whether predation risk experienced during the development of four larval anuran species increases susceptibility (mortality and infection) to ranaviruses, a group of viruses responsible for amphibian die-offs. Using controlled laboratory experiments, we exposed each species to a factorial combination of two virus treatments (no virus or virus) crossed with three predator-cue treatments (no predators, larval dragonflies, or adult water bugs). All four amphibian species reduced activity by 22%-48% following continuous exposure to predator cues. In addition, virus exposure significantly reduced survival by 17%-100% across all species. However, exposure to predator cues did not interact with the virus treatments to elevate mortality or viral load. Our results suggest that the expression of predator-induced plasticity in anuran larvae does not increase ranaviral disease risk.