cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
498 COMPARATIVE HOST RESPONSES OF BLACK AND WHITE CHIL-DREN TO HAEMOPHILUS IMFLUENZAE B MENINGITIS

We compared host responses of a group of black and white children who developed Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis. Thirty white and 30 black children, ages 2 months to 7 years, form the study group. In each group, the age, number of other siblings, duration of fever after starting therapy, initial white cell count, and morphological and chemical findings of the cerebrospinal fluid were recorded. Immunoglobulins were measured in each group by radial immunodiffusion. Anticapsular antibody was measured by radioimmunoassay in both groups. HLA antigens were determined in all patients from lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood by ficoll isopaque centrifugation. The black children responded to the infection less vigorously. They had more prolonged fever (p <.01), a lower CSF pleocytosis (p <.05), and less IgG production (p <.05). They produced less anticapsular antibody - 234.4 ngm/ml geometric mean titre vs. 312.3 ngm/ml for the white children. The black children had increased frequency of HLA B7 (p <.001), and the white children an increased frequency of B12 (p <.05). These HLA antigenic differences could not be accounted for by racial traits. Immune response regulated by Ir genes in close proximity of the B locus is thus weaker in black children and may explain the increased predilection of black children for H. influenzae type b meningitis.
Cyclooxygenase-2, not microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, is the mechanism for interleukin-1β-induced prostaglandin E2 production and inhibition of insulin secretion in pancreatic islets.

Arachidonic acid is converted to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by a sequential enzymatic reaction performed by two isoenzyme groups, cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) and terminal prostaglandin E synthases (cPGES, mPGES-1, and mPGES-2). mPGES-1 is widely considered to be the final enzyme regulating COX-2-dependent PGE2 synthesis. These generalizations have been based in most part on experiments utilizing gene expression analyses of cell lines and tumor tissue. To assess the relevance of these generalizations to a native mammalian tissue, we used isolated human and rodent pancreatic islets to examine interleukin (IL)-1β-induced PGE2 production, because PGE2 has been shown to mediate IL-1β inhibition of islet function. Rat islets constitutively expressed mRNAs of COX-1, COX-2, cPGES, and mPGES-1. As expected, IL-1β increased mRNA levels for COX-2 and mPGES-1, but not for COX-1 or cPGES. Basal protein levels of COX-1, cPGES, and mPGES-2 were readily detected in whole cell extracts but were not regulated by IL-1β. IL-1β increased protein levels of COX-2, but unexpectedly mPGES-1 protein levels were low and unaffected. In microsomal extracts, mPGES-1 protein was barely detectable in rat islets but clearly present in human islets; however, in neither case did IL-1β increase mPGES-1 protein levels. To further assess the importance of mPGES-1 to IL-1β regulation of an islet physiologic response, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was examined in isolated islets of WT and mPGES-1-deficient mice. IL-1β inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion equally in both WT and mPGES-1−/− islets, indicating that COX-2, not mPGES-1, mediates IL-1β-induced PGE2 production and subsequent inhibition of insulin secretion.
Isolated deficiency of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in tuberoinfundibular neurons in pituitary prolactin-deficient Snell dwarf mice

Light microscopic morphology and relative numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive neurons were assessed in hypothalamus of hypopituitary Snell dwarf mice, compared with normal mice of the same strain. Qualitatively, a specific deficit in staining of tuberoinfundibular neurons was noted in dwarf hypothalamus; TH-positive terminals were absent in dwarf median eminence, and morphology of axons in this region was aberrant. Qualitative observations were supported by quantitative assessment of hypothalamic dopaminergic neuron groups. Dorsal and intermediate TH-positive cells numbered 80% of those normal mouse brain; tuberoinfundibular (A12) TH-positive neurons in dwarf hypothalamus were 2% of those in normal mouse brain. The results imply that absence of pituitary hormone feedback impedes both structural and biochemical development of hypophysiotropic hypothalamic neurons.
Blaming the same-sex victim in HIV-prevention messages: Further examination of the self-protective similarity bias

It has been demonstrated recently that men will judge their own (threat-relevant) personalities and sexual practices as safer than another man's if that man's HIV status is believed positive compared to negative or is unknown (Gump & Kulik, 1995). The present experiment was designed to expand our understanding of the moderators and mediators of this recently documented 'self-protective similarly bias.' College students (N=150) participated in a 2 (Sex of Participant) x 2 (Sex of Model) x 3 (Serostatus: Positive, Negative, Unknown) x 2 (Threat Relevance of Item) factorial design with repeated measures on the last factor. Results indicated that the similarity bias specifically occurs with same-sex models. Analyses of self-ratings and model ratings suggest that the similarity bias was more a functions of 'blaming' or devaluing the victim than of inflated ratings of the participant's own safety characteristics. Finally, although this bias reduced perceived personal susceptibility and was specific to same-sex ...
Hydrothermal flow through the Mariana Mounds: Dissolution of amorphous silica and degradation of organic matter on a mid-ocean ridge flank

Abstract We apply one-dimensional advection-diffusion-reaction equations to interpret amorphous silica, dissolved silica, organic carbon, and dissolved nitrate concentrations from the Mariana Mounds ridgeflank hydrothermal system as a means of elucidating the effects of convectively driven porewater flow on the dissolution of amorphous silica and degradation of organic carbon in sediments. We develop these mass transfer equations into models that predict an increase in the dissolution of amorphous silica with increasing porewater upwelling velocity, rate of reaction, and difference between the concentration of dissolved silica in basement from the steady-state dissolved silica concentration in the sediment column. One prediction of models for the degradation of organic matter is the depth of oxygen penetration, and thus the depth at which dissolved, reduced chemical species will oxidize and precipitate. The models can also be used to determine the porewater upwelling velocity. Our dissolution and degradation models are applied to two mid-ocean ridge-flank hydrothermal systems, the Mariana Mounds and the Galapagos Mounds, which have different basement fluid compositions. In the Mariana Mounds, seawater enters basement through faults and outcrops and the resultant basement fluid has a similar composition to that of bottom seawater. As this fluid upwells through the sediment, it enhances the rate of dissolution and degradation. In contrast, seawater enters the basement in the southern section of the Galapagos Mounds by downwelling through the sediment column, resulting in a basement fluid that is saturated with amorphous silica and reducing. As this fluid upwells through the sediment, it limits dissolution and degradation. The amounts of amorphous silica dissolution and organic matter degradation in ridge-flank hydrothermal systems are greater on an areal basis than those that would occur in nonhydrothermal settings. Fluid flow through the sediments of these hydrothermal systems may alter indicators of paleoproductivity and impede the formation of cherty deposits, thereby yielding a potential indicator of ancient ridge-flank hydrothermal systems. Ridge-flank hydrothermal systems also may introduce old dissolved organic carbon and large organic molecules to the deep ocean.
Forgotten kidney: asynchronous bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Abstract A case is presented in which ureteropelvic junction obstruction developed in a kidney that had apparently been normal at the time of contralateral nephrectoiny for ureteropelvie junction. obstruction nine years previously. Therapeutic implications are discussed.
Serum minerals, leukocyte profiles, and plasma corticoids in dairy heifers after an injection of corticotropin.

Abstract Adrenal response to corticotropin administration was studied in six Holstein heifers injected intramuscularly once with 250 IU of corticotropin. Blood was sampled at 0, .25, .50, .75, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hr after injection and was analyzed for plasma corticoids, total leukocytes, differential leukocytes, serum sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. Plasma corticoids rose within 15min and were associated with leukocytosis, lymphophenia, eosinopenia, hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia. Time-response and duration of these changes were compared as an index of adrenal activity.
Linewidth parameters in the rotational spectrum of methyl cyanide

Abstract The linewidth parameters of some rotational components of the spectrum of methyl cyanide, J → J + 1 transitions ( J = 0, 1, 2), were measured over a temperature range 195 ≤ T ≤ 300K and these experimental values were compared to available theoretical values. A multiple differentiation technique was employed in which derivatives of the rotational resonances were obtained in order to enhance resolution and to ascertain distortions within the line shapes. In some instances, high levels of modulation were required in order to obtain suitable resolution for the resonances and the method given by Netterfield was employed to correct for modulation broadening. The presence of hyperfine structure in the ( J = 2 → J = 3) transition was found to produce overlapping of resonances which persisted to pressures less than 1 mTorr. Pressure ranges from 1 to 50 mTorr were explored in this investigation.
On the mechanics of incompressible multiphase suspensions

Abstract The mechanics of incompressible multiphase particulate suspensions in a liquid is considered. The basic conservation laws are derived via a spatial averaging method. The thermodynamics of the multiphase system is studied and the appropriate constitutive equations are developed. The basic equations of motion of various constituents are derived and discussed. The model includes the effects of pressure differences in various phases, diffusion forces, equilibrated forces and virtual mass forces. A simplified version of the model is used and the problem of gravity sedimentation is treated. It is shown that the model leads to a stable uniform settling rate.
Heating and texture profiles of packaged pasteurized beef loin steaks from precooked roasts.

Precooked beef loin steaks obtained from waterbath cooked roasts, were oasteurized usinge three different temoeratures (65° 85° and 100°C) and rimoved after reaching internal temperatures of 60°, 70° and 80°C. Temperatures of the steaks were monitored at three locations during heating and cooling. Steaks heated to internal temperatures close to the cooking water temperatures had the least differences in temperature between layers. Total cooking losses increased (P<0.05) as internal endpoint temperatures and pasteurization water temperature increased. Texture profiles of steaks cut from precooked roasts were similar to pasteurized steaks.
Comment on "An interpretation of the magnetron problem"

The characteristic features of the smooth bore cylindrical magnetron are discussed. It is pointed out that these features, contrary to recently expressed views, have their origin in cooperative space charge wave interactions rather than in electron-electron scattering in the electron cloud.
Hierarchical Models for the Probabilities of a Survey Classification and Nonresponse: An Example from the National Crime Survey

Abstract A goal in many survey sampling problems is to estimate the probability that elements of the population within various small areas or domains have some characteristic or fall in some particular survey classification. The estimation problem is typically complicated by nonrandom nonresponse in that the probability that a unit responds to the survey may be related to the characteristic of interest. This article presents a random parameter or hierarchical model approach to modeling the small-domain probabilities of the characteristic of interest and the probabilities of nonresponse. The general model allows nonresponse probabilities to depend on a unit's survey classification. A special case of the model treats nonresponse as occurring at random. Empirical Bayes methods are used to obtain parameter estimates under the hierarchical models. The method is illustrated using data from the National Crime Survey.
Effect of regression approach in the estimation of nonlinear model parameters on process design and simulation: applications to kinetic and thermodynamic models

Abstract An inside-variance estimation method (IVEM) for regression of the kinetic parameters in kinetic models and binary interaction parameters in thermodynamic models is proposed. This maximum likelihood method involves the re-computation of the variance for each iteration of the optimization procedure, automatically re-weighting the objective function. Once the objective function is selected, most regression strategies consist of weighting the objective function by pre-selected values, usually based on experimental error estimates (i.e. standard deviation), convering the problem into a traditional weighted least squares minimization. A problem with the traditional approach is that the experimental error estimation from the maximum-likelihood regression cannot be unbiased, without using replicates. Thus, the use of experimental variances to weight the objective function does not necessarily produce optimum parameters for prediction purposes, even if the values obtained represent the global minima of the objective function. The new method substantially improves the model predictions when compared with traditional least square regression methods.
Empiric treatment options in the management of complicated intra-abdominal infections

Complicated intra-abdominal infections remain a major challenge for surgeons and internists because of their association with high morbidity and mortality. For optimal outcome, these infections require a combination of appropriate and timely surgical source control and adjunctive broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. This review discusses criteria for choosing empiric antimicrobial therapy, outlines available treatment options, and highlights new antimicrobial therapies for these infections.
The Speed of Adjustment of Warrant Prices to Changes in Stock Prices

This article reports on work designed to measure the time required for a change in a stock's price to be fully reflected in the price of a warrant on that stock. The method employed to measure the adjustment speed is the bivariate transfer function technique of Box and Jenkins. An interesting aspect of the study is the use of trade-by-trade data for measuring stock and warrant returns. The evidence presented here suggests that warrant prices adjust quickly to changes in stock prices. In addition, evidence concerning the ability of the estimated models to forecast warrant prices is presented.
High-Efficiency Thrust Vector Control Allocation

A generalized approach to the allocation of redundant thrust vector slew commands for multi-actuated launch vehicles is presented, where deflection constraints are expressed as omniaxial or elliptical deflection limits in gimbal axes. More importantly than in the aircraft control allocation problem, linear allocators (pseudoinverses) are preferred for large booster applications to facilitate accurate prediction of the control-structure interaction resulting from thrust vectoring effects. However, strictly linear transformations for the allocation of redundant controls cannot, in general, access all of the attainable moments for which there is a set of control effector positions that satisfies the constraints. In this paper, the control allocation efficiency of a certain class of linear allocators subject to multiple quadratic constraints is analyzed, and a novel single-pass control allocation scheme is proposed that augments the pseudoinverse near the boundary of the attainable set. The controls are deter...
Successes and challenges in triangulating methodologies in evaluations of exemplary urban schools

This chapter illustrates how triangulating evaluation methodologies allow for stakeholder involvement and revealed contexts that a narrower approach might fail to illuminate.
Model performance—Plume dispersion over elevated terrain

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the ability of a steady-state Gaussian model (MVM) to simulate plume dispersion over high terrain. Modeling results are compared with measured data from a network of monitors around the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Widows Creek Steam Plant. Approximately 2.5 years of monitoring and plant emissions data were used in the study. The MVM modeling results are also compared with results using the RTDM and COMPLEX 1 models. The MVM model and an updated version compared well with measured data. RTDM and the COMPLEX 1 models overpredicted both the 1- and 3-h average concentration by a factor of two-three.
Open‐Channel Flow of Bingham Fluids: Applications in Debris‐Flow Research

The results of a numerical simulation of open‐channel flow of Bingham fluids provide improved capabilities for analyzing muddy debris flows and their depositis, and for routing debris flows. Because of limitations of the phenomenonological Bingham model, results are deemed applicable to mud‐rich debris flows only. Most published field estimates of debris‐flow rheological (Bingham) properties depend on application to natural channels of analytical solutions for flow through channels with either circular or very wide channel cross‐sections. Lack of a general solution for flow of Bingham fluids in channels with realistic shapes has restricted capabilities in debris‐flow modeling and field data analysis. Numerical solutions permit generalization and extension of analytical solutions to channels of arbitrary cross‐sectional form without loss of accuracy. The numerical model (FIDAP) utilizes a well established finite‐element formulation of the non‐Newtonian fluid flow problem and reproduces available analytical...
Error measures for scene segmentation

Abstract Scene segmentation is an important problem in pattern recognition. Current subjective methods for evaluation and comparison of scene segmentation techniques are inadequate and objective quantitative measures are desirable. Two error measures, the percentage area misclassified ( p ) and a new pixel distance error (ϵ) were defined and evaluated in terms of their correlation with human observation for comparison of multiple segmentations of the same scene and multiple scenes segmented by the same technique. The results indicate that both these measures can be helpful in the evaluation and comparison of scene segmentation procedures.
A Characterization of Hybridized Mixed Methods for Second Order Elliptic Problems

In this paper, we give a new characterization of the approximate solution given by hybridized mixed methods for second order self-adjoint elliptic problems. We apply this characterization to obtain an explicit formula for the entries of the matrix equation for the Lagrange multiplier unknowns resulting from hybridization. We also obtain necessary and sufficient conditions under which the multipliers of the Raviart--Thomas and the Brezzi--Douglas--Marini methods of similar order are identical.
Conjugate hydroboration-reduction and organolithium additions to acylketene acetals. Synthesis of monoprotected β-dicarbonyls

Abstract Hydride and organolithium additions to acylketene acetals are presented. Results indicate conjugate addition to be the dominant reaction pathway, resulting in the formation of monoprotected β-diketones and β-ketoaldehydes.
Modeling hydroxyl radical distribution and trialkyl phosphates oxidation in UV-H2O2 photoreactors using computational fluid dynamics.

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) promoted by ultraviolet light are innovative and potentially cost-effective solutions for treating persistent pollutants recalcitrant to conventional water and wastewater treatment. While several studies have been performed during the past decade to improve the fundamental understanding of the UV−H2O2 AOP and its kinetic modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has only recently emerged as a powerful tool that allows a deeper understanding of complex photochemical processes in environmental and reactor engineering applications. In this paper, a comprehensive kinetic model of UV−H2O2 AOP was coupled with the Reynolds averaged Navier−Stokes (RANS) equations using CFD to predict the oxidation of tributyl phosphate (TBP) and tri(2-chloroethtyl) phosphate (TCEP) in two different photoreactors: a parallel- and a cross-flow UV device employing a UV lamp emitting primarily 253.7 nm radiation. CFD simulations, obtained for both turbulent and laminar flow regimes and compared...
Thermodynamics of Adsorption of N-Alkyl Betaines at the Air-Water Interface

Adsorption studies have been carried out on seven members of a homologous series of N-alkyl betaine zwitterionic amphiphiles at the air-water interface. The standard free energies of adsorption have been calculated and resolved into the separate contributions from the polar head group and the methylene groups in the alkyl chain. These contributions are compared with previously published data for the same compounds undergoing micellization.
SU‐E‐T‐573: Monte Carlo Simulated Peripheral Doses in SRS of the Brain

Purpose: In arc based brain Stereotactic Radiation Surgery (SRS), a major concern is the accuracy of the peripheral doses to organs close to the treated lesions. This concern is more pronounced when planning software utilizes Pencil Beam algorithm. To evaluate the out‐of‐target radiation doses to Organs At Risk (OAR) the predicted organdoses by BrainLab Treatment Planning System (TPS) were compared with doses acquired by a Monte Carlo simulation. Methods and Materials: An arc based brainSRStreatment plan was developed in BrainLab® TPS to be treated on the Novalis® Varian linear accelerator, using 6 MV photon arcs with a 20 mm cone. The doses to different points of interest, representing major OAR were investigated. The photon spectrum in air for 20 mm cone at 100 SSD was designed and verified for the simulation with EGSnrc Monte Carlo particle transport code (DOSRZnrc user code). The resulting Percent Depth Dose (PDD) and dose profile at 75 mm depth were confirmed with respective measurements in a water phantom. Each arc will be approximated by summing simulated discrete angled beams following the arc path and accounting for the difference of their depths to the target. The doses of both calculations will be normalized to an ion chamber measurement at the isocenter. Results: The greatest difference in the PDD was less than 1%. MC simulated profile at 75 mm depth appeared to be less than 1mm wider than the measured data in the penumbra region. Conclusions: A method for simulating peripheral doses in SRS was developed. The agreement in the measured and simulated PDD and profile provide a basis for successfully utilizing this method and comparing the calculated peripheral doses by the TPS and the simulated doses by the Monte Carlo technique.
Effects of tacrolimus on ischemia-reperfusion injury

In addition to efficacious immunosuppression for the benefit of organ transplantation, tacrolimus has diverse actions that result in amelioration of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Knowledge is accumulating rapidly on the mechanisms through which tacrolimus exerts these cytoprotective effects, including alterations in microcirculation, free radical metabolism, calcium-activated pathways, inflammatory cascades, mitochondrial stability, apoptosis, stress-response proteins, and tissue recovery. Within the nucleus, actions mediating the effects of tacrolimus appear to be dominantly influenced by interactions with the transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappaB. Because tacrolimus is a cornerstone agent in immunosuppression regimens throughout the world and knowledge of its cellular mechanisms is evolving, it is important to update the clinical literature with this information. We reviewed the published literature with intent to portray the interactions of tacrolimus in the intricate cellular mechanisms initiated by ischemia and reperfusion.
SMOQ: a tool for predicting the absolute residue-specific quality of a single protein model with support vector machines

It is important to predict the quality of a protein structural model before its native structure is known. The method that can predict the absolute local quality of individual residues in a single protein model is rare, yet particularly needed for using, ranking and refining protein models. We developed a machine learning tool (SMOQ) that can predict the distance deviation of each residue in a single protein model. SMOQ uses support vector machines (SVM) with protein sequence and structural features (i.e. basic feature set), including amino acid sequence, secondary structures, solvent accessibilities, and residue-residue contacts to make predictions. We also trained a SVM model with two new additional features (profiles and SOV scores) on 20 CASP8 targets and found that including them can only improve the performance when real deviations between native and model are higher than 5A. The SMOQ tool finally released uses the basic feature set trained on 85 CASP8 targets. Moreover, SMOQ implemented a way to convert predicted local quality scores into a global quality score. SMOQ was tested on the 84 CASP9 single-domain targets. The average difference between the residue-specific distance deviation predicted by our method and the actual distance deviation on the test data is 2.637A. The global quality prediction accuracy of the tool is comparable to other good tools on the same benchmark. SMOQ is a useful tool for protein single model quality assessment. Its source code and executable are available at: http://sysbio.rnet.missouri.edu/multicom_toolbox/ .
Pharmacology and clinical applications of human recombinant antithrombin.

Importance of the field: Antithrombin therapy (AT) has been tested in various medical applications. With advances in genetics and biotechnology, large-scale production of human recombinant antithrombin (rhAT) is now feasible. The prospect of administering a recombinant protein rather than a pooled blood component, has rekindled interest in antithrombin therapy. However, many known properties of human pooled antithrombin (hpAT) still need to be investigated and established for rhAT.Areas covered in this review: The manufacture and clinical pharmacology of antithrombin. The literature, evidence and our own views about the future of this drug and its potential clinical applications.What the reader will gain: The reader will appreciate the biological rationale underpinning antithrombin administration in various clinical settings. The potential benefits and harms of the intervention are addressed. Novel future applications of recombinant antithrombin are broached.Take home message: rhAT has been approved for i...
Excited state absorption cross-sections of an asymmetric pentaazadentate porphyrin-like manganese (II) complex

Absorption cross-sections of the first excited singlet and triplet states of an asymmetric pentaazadentate porphyrin-like manganese complex have been measured using Z-scans employing both 7.1-ns and 30-ps pulse widths, each at multiple pulse energies.
Genetic polymorphisms of the RGS4 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex morphometry among first episode schizophrenia patients

Polymorphisms of the gene encoding the regulator of G-protein signaling subtype 4 (RGS4) may confer risk for schizophrenia.(1) DNA microarray studies of postmortem brain samples have shown RGS4 underexpression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC, area 9), motor and visual cortices in schizophrenia patients relative to control subjects.(2) Underexpression of RGS4 in DLPFC is pathophysiologically significant because DLPFC pathology in schizophrenia has been supported by neurocognitive,(3,4) structural(5) and functional(6,7) imaging, postmortem,(8) cellular(9,10) and molecular(11) pathological studies. For these reasons, we examined the association of DLPFC gray matter volume with RGS4 polymorphisms in a series of antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients and control subjects. We hypothesized that volumetric alterations of the DLPFC would be associated with RGS4 polymorphisms and that these differences would be more pronounced in patients than in controls. We observed robust volumetric differences across the genotypes in the pooled sample of patients and control subjects; when separately analyzed, we observed differences within the patient group (n = 30) but not in control subject (n = 27) group. The findings suggest that RGS4 polymorphisms may contribute to structural alterations in the DLPFC.
Big Brother Is Watching You What Do Patients Think About ICD Home Monitoring

Patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are burdened with frequent visits to their doctors. Current guidelines suggest that patients should be seen every three to six months to have their devices interrogated and to make adjustments.1 The majority of these visits do not result in programming or device changes.2 Given the growth in the number of patients receiving ICDs, the burden on clinics to meet these interrogation guidelines is increasing. The Lumos-T Safely RedUceS RouTine Office Device Follow-up (TRUST) trial, published in this issue of Circulation , reports the results of an intervention that could improve the quality of care for patients with ICDs by decreasing the number of ICD follow-up visits while simultaneously providing closer monitoring of the ICD.3 The Institute of Medicine has stated that quality health care is care that is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, equitable, and efficient4; the TRUST trial should be both praised and criticized based on these quality domains. Article see p 325 The TRUST trial was a large, multi-center, randomized trial of 1339 patients designed to test a new home monitoring (HM) system against routine medical care for the ongoing surveillance of ICDs. The HM system evaluates a patient's ICD daily through a remote monitoring device that allows clinicians to intervene earlier if and when abnormalities are detected. As such, patients would then only have to have their ICDs interrogated in person once a year. The authors specified two a priori primary end points for their HM trial, one for efficacy and one for safety.5 The efficacy end point was to show that HM decreased the number of office-based ICD follow-up visits; the safety end point (appropriately powered to test noninferiority) was to show that the HM system did not increase death, stroke, or surgical interventions when compared …
Staying Safe: Cyber Security for People and Organizations

Column Editor’s Note. This JLA column posits that academic libraries and their services are dominated by information technologies, and that the success of librarians and professional staff is conti...
Pharmacologic management of tuberous sclerosis complex- associated subependymal giant cell astrocytomas

Introduction: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of noncancerous tumors throughout the body. Lesions affecting the brain include subependymal nodules, tubers and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs). SEGAs, in particular, can result in significant morbidity and mortality if they grow large enough to cause obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow. Most TSC patients have mutations in either the TSC1 or the TSC2 gene, which result in constitutive upregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms responsible for causing TSC led to approval of the first pharmacologic treatment, everolimus, an oral mTOR inhibitor. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of TSC and major manifestations of the disease, specifically SEGA. Everolimus, the first FDA-approved mTOR inhibitor for treating TSC, and sirolimus are described in detail; safety and efficacy data are provided as scientific evidence ...
Neural responses in the inferior colliculus of echolocating bats to artificial orientation sounds and echoes

The responses of single units and evoked potentials to a pair of artificial sounds, mimicking theorientation sound and echo, and to tape recorded actual orientation sounds were studied in terms of recovery cycle. the recovery cycle of single units could be classified into four groups: (1) short suppression (4%), (2) delayed inhibition (11%), (3) temporal recovery with or without a supernormal phase (7%), and (4) undelayed inhibition (78%) lasting 4 to 26 msec. therefore the majority of neurons were not excited by the second sound (echo) of a pair when it was delivered within several milliseconds after the first (out-going orientation sound). the duration of the recovery cycle was a function of the intensity of a pair of sounds. the weaker the first tone pulse relative to the second, the more rapid the recovery to the second. therefore, the reception of echoes is probably improved by contraction of middle ear muscles resulting in attenuation of self-stimulation by the out-going pulse. The collicular evoked potential consisted of two components, a fast one mainly due to the incoming fibers from lower levels and a slow one due to the main body of the inferior colliculus. The slow component showed slow recovery cycles as did the majority of single units while the fast one recovered very quickly. No noticeable difference in recovery cycles was found between awake and anesthetized animals. The functional meaning of inhibitory periods in the recovery cycle and role of the inferior colliculus in echo-location are discussed.
Implementation of fully polarimetric random noise radar

A heterodyne correlation receiver technique has been developed for coherent processing of backscatter data acquired by a radar system transmitting ultrawideband (UWB) random noise waveforms. In such a receiver, the reflected signal is correlated with a time-delayed and frequency-shifted version of the transmitted waveform, which is able to provide the phase of the reflected waveform. We describe the implementation of fully polarimetric capability in a coherent random noise radar system operating in the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) range designed for foliage penetration (FOPEN) applications. Using this implementation, the polarimetric response of various foliage targets has been characterized.
Post-War Protestantism

The theme I propose to develop in this paper is that in the victorious and neutral nations the dominant ideals of post-War Protestantism have been carried over from before the War, that these led in the direction of Catholicism, but that in spite of its catholic ideals, Protestantism since the war has actually become more Protestant than before, not only in Germany where Protestantism has become aggressive, but also in the other nations where it is less self-conscious. In other words, Protestantism has been revived by force of circumstance in ways not of its own choosing; or, to use Protestant language, it has been saved by grace, not justified by faith.
Invasive honeysuckle eradication reduces tick-borne disease risk by altering host dynamics

Despite the ubiquity of invasive organisms and their often deleterious effects on native flora and fauna, the consequences of biological invasions for human health and the ecological mechanisms through which they occur are rarely considered. Here we demonstrate that a widespread invasive shrub in North America, Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), increases human risk of exposure to ehrlichiosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by bacterial pathogens transmitted by the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Using large-scale observational surveys in natural areas across the St. Louis, Missouri region, we found that white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a preeminent tick host and pathogen reservoir, more frequently used areas invaded by honeysuckle. This habitat preference translated into considerably greater numbers of ticks infected with pathogens in honeysuckle-invaded areas relative to adjacent honeysuckle-uninvaded areas. We confirmed this biotic mechanism using an experimental removal of honeysuckle, which caused a decrease in deer activity and infected tick numbers, as well as a proportional shift in the blood meals of ticks away from deer. We conclude that disease risk is likely to be reduced when honeysuckle is eradicated, and suggest that management of biological invasions may help ameliorate the burden of vector-borne diseases on human health.
Growing problem of obesity in the older population: is surgery an option?

The prevalence of obesity in the elderly population is increasing and is projected to continue to increase in the coming decades. In the morbidly obese population, failure of medical management of obesity is common, and bariatric surgery has emerged as the most effective and durable method of weight loss. Bariatric surgery, now routinely performed laparoscopically, is associated with low morbidity, a short hospital stay and a quick recovery. Along with a significant loss of weight, most obesity-related comorbidities resolve or are improved after surgery. These benefits are also observed in the older population, in which bariatric surgery can be performed safely, produce excellent weight loss, improve comorbid conditions and enhance quality of life. As more operations are performed in the older population and as data accumulate to support weight-loss surgery in this group, bariatric surgery may emerge as the preferred treatment modality for morbid obesity in the aging population.
Carbon dioxide and methane emissions from the Yukon River system

[1] Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions are important, but poorly quantified, components of riverine carbon (C) budgets. This is largely because the data needed for gas flux calculations are sparse and are spatially and temporally variable. Additionally, the importance of C gas emissions relative to lateral C exports is not well known because gaseous and aqueous fluxes are not commonly measured on the same rivers. We couple measurements of aqueous CO2 and CH4 partial pressures (pCO2, pCH4) and flux across the water-air interface with gas transfer models to calculate subbasin distributions of gas flux density. We then combine those flux densities with remote and direct observations of stream and river water surface area and ice duration, to calculate C gas emissions from flowing waters throughout the Yukon River basin. CO2 emissions were 7.68 Tg C yr−1 (95% CI: 5.84 −10.46), averaging 750 g C m−2 yr−1 normalized to water surface area, and 9.0 g C m−2 yr−1 normalized to river basin area. River CH4 emissions totaled 55 Gg C yr−1 or 0.7% of the total mass of C emitted as CO2 plus CH4 and ∼6.4% of their combined radiative forcing. When combined with lateral inorganic plus organic C exports to below head of tide, C gas emissions comprised 50% of total C exported by the Yukon River and its tributaries. River CO2 and CH4 derive from multiple sources, including groundwater, surface water runoff, carbonate equilibrium reactions, and benthic and water column microbial processing of organic C. The exact role of each of these processes is not yet quantified in the overall river C budget.
Effects of a focused patient-centered care curriculum on the experiences of internal medicine residents and their patients.

BACKGROUND Traditional residency training may not promote competencies in patient-centered care.
The search for causes of nonhealing or recurrent ulcerative keratitis in horses

Summary Chronic or recurrent superficial ulcerative keratitis in horses is common and the causes of these lesions must always be searched for and identified by the clinician. Without appropriate elimination of the underlying cause, the ulcerative keratitis may not resolve, resulting in corneal scarring, decreased vision and possibly loss of the eye. Common causes of chronic or recurrent superficial ulcerative keratitis, such as infectious keratitis, should always be ruled out; however, other possible causes such as single or multiple distichiasis, should be considered.
Auto-activation mechanism of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis PknB receptor Ser/Thr kinase.

Many Ser/Thr protein kinases are activated by autophosphorylation, but the mechanism of this process has not been defined. We determined the crystal structure of a mutant of the Ser/Thr kinase domain (KD) of the mycobacterial sensor kinase PknB in complex with an ATP competitive inhibitor and discovered features consistent with an activation complex. The complex formed an asymmetric dimer, with the G helix and the ordered activation loop of one KD in contact with the G helix of the other. The activation loop of this putative ‘substrate’ KD was disordered, with the ends positioned at the entrance to the partner KD active site. Single amino‐acid substitutions in the G‐helix interface reduced activation‐loop phosphorylation, and multiple replacements abolished KD phosphorylation and kinase activation. Phosphorylation of an inactive mutant KD was reduced by G‐helix substitutions in both active and inactive KDs, as predicted by the idea that the asymmetric dimer mimics a trans‐autophosphorylation complex. These results support a model in which a structurally and functionally asymmetric, ‘front‐to‐front’ association mediates autophosphorylation of PknB and homologous kinases.
Estimation of a Local-Aggregate Network Model with Sampled Networks

This paper considers the estimation of a network model with sampled networks. Chandrasekhar and Lewis (2011) show that the estimation with sampled networks could be biased due to measurement error induced by sampling and propose a bias correction by restricting the estimation to sampled nodes to avoid measurement error in the regressors. However, measurement error may still exist in the instruments and thus induce the weak instrument problem when the sampling rate is low. For a localaggregate model, we show that the instrument based on the outdegrees of sampled nodes is free of measurement error and thus remains informative even if the sampling rate is low. Simulation studies suggest that the 2SLS estimator with the proposed instrument works well when the sampling rate is low and the other instruments are weak.
Mass screening models for contagious diseases with no latent period

In this paper, a simplified model describing the stochastic process underlying the etiology of contagious and noncontagious diseases with mass screening is developed. Typical examples might include screening of tuberculosis in urban ghetto areas, venereal diseases in the sexually active, or AIDS in high risk population groups. The model is addressed to diseases which have zero or negligible latent periods. In the model, it is assumed that the reliabilities of the screening tests are constant, and independent of how long the population unit has the disease. Both tests with perfect and imperfect reliabilities are considered. It is shown that most of the results of a 1978 study by W. P. Pierskalla and J. A. Voelker for noncontagious diseases can be generalized for contagious diseases. A mathematical program for computing the optimal test choice and screening periods is presented. It is shown that the optimal screening schedule is equally spaced for tests with perfect reliability. Other properties relating to...
Effect of Number of Blades on Performance of Ceiling Fans

In this paper, the effect of number of blades on ceiling fan performance is discussed. This approach helps to satisfy tradeoff between high air flow (performance) and power consumption (energy efficiency). Specifically, variation from two to six blades is considered with nonlinear forward sweep profile. Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) technique is used to model the flow field induced by the ceiling fan inside a generic room. The performance is gauged through response parameters namely volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, torque and energy efficiency. The results indicate that mass and volumetric flow rates are maximized for six blade configuration and energy efficiency is maximized for two blade configuration. The study indicates the importance of tradeoff between high air flow through ceiling fan and associated energy efficiency.
The Equation of Energy Balance for Fluttering Systems with Some Applications in the Supersonic Regime

IT IS WELL KNOWN that the development of a critical flutter oscillation can be attributed to the existence, at an appropriate air speed, of a right (characteristic) set of amplitude ratios and phase angles (eigenmodes) between certain component motions—being then neutrally stable, the system is potentially capable of energy gain (or loss) as a result of some further perturbation. It seems natural then that a study of the eigenmodes, rather than the eigenvalues (critical flutter speed and frequency parameter) should lead to a clearer understanding of the flutter mechanism and of those system parameters which are most significant in allowing it. This is indeed the case; and it will be shown how such a study leads to some useful tools of assessment for the practicing aeroelastician. The emphasis in analysis here passes from interest in the solution, by whatever means, of the characteristic flutter determinant for the eigenvalues to an assessment of the eigenmodes which is best made by consideration of the equation of energy balance. This, in turn, illuminates the equations of motion themselves so that a cursory inspection of the matrices of the flutter coefficients can be very revealing as to the system behavior and stability. Such assessment as is possible with the concepts outlined below provides a useful guide in formulating and interpreting conventional flutter analyses.
Sodium selenite reduces hemoglobin-induced venular leakage in the rat mesentery

Modified Hbs are being developed as “blood substitutes,” but intravascular injection of diaspirin cross-linked Hb (DBBF-Hb) can produce venular leakage. Hb toxicity may arise from reactive oxygen s...
Grain Structure Statistics in As-Patterned and Annealed Interconnects

We have simulated the development of grain structures in polycrystalline films with lognormally distributed grain sizes, and carried out extensive characterization of grain cluster and bamboo cluster statistics. These statistics were characterized as a function of line-width to initial-grain-size ratios in as-patterned strips, and in strips in which we have simulated post-patterning grain structure evolution resulting from annealing. Among the important findings is that polygranular and bamboo cluster-length distributions for as-patterned lines are best fit by Weibull distribution functions instead of lognormal or exponential functions, as is often assumed. We report analytic formulae describing grain structure statistics that can be used in reliability calculations and simulations. We have carried out structure-sensitive electromigration simulations to show that the predicted failure statistics are essentially the same for grain structures generated using grain growth simulations and grain structures generated using analytic models. Analytic models provide computationally efficient means of determining the lifetime variations associated with grain-structure variations.