cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of parent-initiated digital imaging in paediatric clinical practice.

Parent-initiated digital photographs are being increasingly provided to clinicians and allied health professionals (AHPs) by parents as a complement to the history of their child’s clinical illness (figure 1). This can be in the form of a photo or video shown to the clinician or AHP in a face-to-face setting or remotely via email transfer or by screen sharing during a video consultation. Such digital images may also be contained within a referral letter. Such images can assist with the treatment of new referrals and follow-up of patients as well. On receipt of such images, the clinician is obliged to act on it as felt appropriate—as with conventional forms of clinical information—and arrange a response that could be an email response, remote consultation (phone/skype/video call) or a face-to-face meeting (emergency or elective). In our practice, we have noted that even if the information contained within such parent-initiated images may be incomplete or irrelevant to the clinical question being asked, to provide a timely response to an expectant parent is best practice. Figure 1 Collage of pictures taken by parents that have helped with diagnosis. (A) ‘Lump’ that appeared following defecation and was associated with pain and bleeding—patient underwent ileocolonoscopy to remove a solitary large rectal polyp; (B) significant bleeding per rectum in a 7-month-old male infant—laparoscopy detected a Meckel’s diverticulum which was resected; (C) ingrowing toe-nail with recurrent inflammation and granulation—patient was listed for surgery via telephone clinic appointment on the basis of this photo; (D) left inguinal hernia that …
Influencing Factors on the Oncuria™ Urinalysis Assay: An Experimental Model.

Background: The Oncuria™ urine test for the detection of bladder cancer measures a multiplex protein signature. In this study, we investigated the influence of urinary cellularity, protein, and hematuria on the performance of the Oncuria™ test in an ex vivo experimental model. Materials and Methods: Pooled urine from healthy subjects was spiked with cultured benign (UROtsa) or malignant cells (T24), cellular proteins, or whole blood. The resulting samples were analyzed using the Oncuria™ test following the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: Urine samples obtained from healthy subjects were negative for bladder cancer by Oncuria™ test criteria. The majority of the manipulated conditions did not result in a false-positive test. The addition of whole blood (high concentration) did result in a false-positive result, but this was abrogated by sample centrifugation prior to analysis. The addition of cellular proteins (high concentration) resulted in a positive Oncuria™ test, and this was unaffected by pre-analysis sample centrifugation. Conclusions: The Oncuria™ multiplex test performed well in the ex vivo experimental model and shows promise for clinical application. The identification of patients who require additional clinical evaluation could reduce the need to subject patients who do not have bladder cancer to frequent, uncomfortable and expensive cystoscopic examinations, thus benefiting both patients and the healthcare system.
Symmetry in Pay for Luck

In this study, we take a comprehensive look at asymmetry in pay for luck, which is the finding that CEOs are rewarded for good luck, but are not penalized to the same extent for bad luck. Our main takeaway, which is based on over 200 different specifications, is that there is no asymmetry in pay for luck. Our finding is important given that the literature widely accepts the idea of asymmetry in pay for luck and typically points to this as evidence of rent extraction. (JEL G32, G34)Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Experiences of COVID-19-related anti-Asian discrimination and affective reactions in a multiple race sample of U.S. young adults.

Background Little remains known about both Asian and Asian American (A/AA) and non-Asian young adults' experiences and affective reactions regarding COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination. To our knowledge, this is the first study that explores the nature and impact of COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination within a multi-racial sample. Methods This study uses qualitative open-ended responses from a sub-sample of Wave I of the COVID-19 Adult Resilience Experiences Study (CARES) data collected between March to September 2020. Thematic analysis was used to explore two open-ended questions: "Are there experiences we missed in the survey so far that you wish to describe?" and "What are your thoughts about the current social climate?" The data analysis for this study focused on 113 discrimination or racism-related comments. Results A total of 1331 young adults completed an online survey of which 611 provided comments; a multi-racial sample of 95 individuals (65.3% non-Asians, 24.7% A/AA) contributed 113 COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination or racism-related comments. Two overarching themes were: types of discrimination (societal, interpersonal, intrapersonal) and affective reactions to discrimination (fear, anxiety/distress, hopelessness/depression, and avoidance). Not only did both A/AA and non-Asian participants report witnessing or hearing reports of anti-Asian discrimination, but both groups described having negative affective reactions to anti-Asian discrimination. Conclusion Anti-Asian discrimination in the face of COVID may be more widespread than initial reports indicate. Our finding suggests that anti-Asian discrimination is a societal illness that impacts all populations in the U.S. This calls for cross-racial coalitions and solidarity in the fight against discrimination and racism.
Charakterisierung des interlaminaren Bruchs

Die interlaminare Bruchform hat betrachtliche Aufmerksamkeit seit den fruhen 70-iger Jahren erweckt [PIP 70]. Mit der Einfuhrung von laminierten Verbundwerkstoffen als Strukturbauteile, die Betriebsbelastungen unterworfen sind, wurde es deutlich, das die Delaminationsversagensform ein hauptlebensdauerbestimmender Versagensprozes sein kann [WIL 80]. Folglich wurden zur Messung der statischen interlaminaren Bruchzahigkeit wie auch der Risfortpflanzung wahrend zyklischer Belastung viele neue Prufverfahren erdacht. Die meisten dieser Tests sind auf unidirektionale Laminate, in denen der Ris zwischen zwei Lagen entlang der Faserrichtung wachst, begrenzt. Bei multidirektionalen Laminaten kann der Ris die Tendenz haben, sich in die benachbarten Lagen zu verzweigen. Dies ist entgegen der in der Bruchanalyse getroffenen Annahme von eben verlaufenden Rissen [WIL 80]. Auch konnen betrachtliche Randeffekte fur multidirektionale Laminate auftreten.
Mechanism of Hydrocarbon Formation From Methanol

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mechanism of hydrocarbon formation from methanol. Hydrocarbon formation from methanol has been intensively investigated along with the description of the conversion of methanol to aromatic gasoline using zeolite catalysts. Methanol dehydrates initially to an equilibrium mixture with dimethyl ether (DME) and water. The mechanisms of acid-catalyzed DME formation from methanol and aromatization of olefins were widely investigated in the years before the discovery of the methanol-to-gasoline reaction. The intermediate in DME formation from methanol over solid-acid catalysts is a protonated surface methoxyl, which is subject to nucleophilic attack by methanol. Aromatization of olefins precedes along classic carbenium pathways with concurrent hydrogen transfer. The mechanism of the crucial step of initial C–C bond formation from MeOH/DME is an unsolved problem and is the subject of ongoing controversy.
Powering low-cost utility sensors using energy harvesting

This paper presents the use of magnetic-field and solar energy harvesting to power low-cost utility sensors. As we move towards a more dynamic and intelligent electricity grid, inexpensive smart sensors that help in extracting information on current, temperature and voltage from different utility assets are becoming vital for maintaining high reliability of the power grid. Maintenance free sensors that do not require batteries for operation can be developed with the use of efficient energy harvesting techniques. This paper presents a novel 0.2 V to 3.3 V AC-DC boost converter which converts magnetic field (H-field) and solar energy to electrical energy used by the sensor electronics. A supercapacitor has been used to operate the sensor even in an outage. Numerous design constraints have been identified. Further, a low-cost power circuit has been fabricated and experimentally tested to show functionality under varying operating conditions. Finally, analysis under faulted conditions has also been presented to show the robustness of the power circuit.
A Review of “Use-Value Assessment of Rural Land in the United States”

Between 1982 and 2007, expansion of urban areas replaced more than 40 million acres of rural land. Concern about farmland loss resulting from expansion of metropolitan regions into the countryside ...
ALS Clinical Research Learning Institutes: Empowering PALS to Be Research Ambassadors (P1.340)

Background: Less than 10% of patients with ALS enroll in research. Enrollment rates are highly variable between studies independent of design, and also between sites within an individual study. These findings suggest that there are “doctor factors” and “patient factors” that can be addressed to boost enrollment. Patient factors may include lack of awareness of research options, misconceptions about research, and pursuit of alternative or off-label treatments. Hypothesis: ALS patients and caregivers can be empowered to address some of these modifiable factors via education and advocacy. Methods: A series of ALS Clinical Research Learning Institutes (CRLIs) have been organized over the past 2 years. Modeled after similar programs in cancer and Parkinson’s disease, these convene talented ALS patients and caregivers for a series of lectures and discussions related to research and advocacy. The curriculum is constantly modified and updated through feedback from each group of “ALS Research Ambassadors” that completes the course. Results: To date, there have been 3 ALS CRLIs, 2 in Clearwater after the 2011 and 2012 NEALS meetings (sponsored by ALSA), and 1 in Philadelphia prior to the 2013 ALS Hope Symposium (sponsored by ALS Hope). The curriculum currently consists of lectures entitled “Why We Need ALS CRLIs”, “ALS Biology”, “Trial Design”, “Ethics and Informed Consent”, “Statistics”, “The ALS Research Pipeline”, and “Opportunities and Tips for Addressing Barriers through Advocacy.” Students are mentored through the critique of a published research study, and there is significant time allotted for discussion and networking. Sixty Research Ambassadors have thus far created more than 40 blog posts on the NEALS site, given 11 speeches at fundraisers, given 6 talks to support groups, spoken to 8 and written to 14 congressmen, given 8 interviews, written 17 articles or letters for newspapers, and have more than 40 posts on various websites. Conclusion: The ALS CRLIs are empowering ALS patients and caregivers to be Research Ambassadors, optimizing awareness and education of their peers. Disclosure: Dr. Bedlack has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc., Athena Diagnostics, Eli Lilly & Company, UCB Pharma, Guidepoint, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, and the ALS Association. Dr. Cudkowicz has received personal compensation for activities with Trophos, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Biogen Idec, and Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Cudkowicz has received research support from Biogen Idec, and Neuraltis.
On an Approximate Test for Homogeneity of Coefficients of Variation

The coefficient of variation (c. v.) ζ = σ/ξ, or ratio of standard deviation to mean (ξ > 0), is a useful parameter and measure of variability in certain situations since it is expressed in absolute units. Thus in comparing results on repeated clinical data when k (≥ 2) different measurement techniques are utilized in analyzing the same or paired specimens, it is of interest to compare the corresponding sample c. v.’s z 1, ... , z k respectively for the k techniques. For this situation the following note presents a test which is based on McKay’s approximation [4] to the distribution of the sample c. v. for the normal distribution, and utilizes Pitman’s method [5] for the hypothesis of equality of scale parameters of Gamma variates.
Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in Skin Fibroblasts Cultured from a Patient with a New Syndrome of Ketoacidemia

Extract: Studies of substrate oxidation by cultured skin fibroblasts from an infant (CC) with severe recurrent episodes of ketoacidosis showed normal rates of oxidation of pro-pionate (CC 55. ± 8 versus control 65 ± 13 μμmoles/mg protein/hr), and succinate (73. ± 16 versus 45 ± 8 μμmoles/mg protein/hr). In contrast, both oxidation and uptake of glucose by these cells were decreased in comparison with controls. Essentially neither glucose-6-14C nor glycerol-U-14C was converted to 14CO2 by fibroblasts of the patient, and glucose-1-14C was oxidized at 45–65% of control rates. In the absence of glucose, oxidation of pyruvate-2-14C did not differ from that of normal controls (710 versus 940 μμmoles/mg protein/hr). In the presence of 2.5 mM glucose, however, fibroblasts of the patient did not show the expected decrease in pyruvate-2-14C oxidation whereas control cells showed a fourfold decrease. Studies of glucose uptake demonstrated that with glucose as the only substrate extended incubation periods of 12–18 hr were necessary before the cells of the patient began to utilize measurable quantities of glucose. The results of the metabolic studies in skin fibroblasts, when viewed in conjunction with the clinical manifestations and laboratory studies, have excluded the known causes of infantile ketoacidosis. The data reported indicate a correlation of this form of ketoacidosis with a block in the terminal pathway of glycolysis. Speculation: A defect in glycolysis may produce intracellular hypoglycemia resulting in the activation of unknown mechanisms in peripheral tissue that initiate lipolysis and ketosis. It could also be that a yet undefined block in ketoacid metabolism might result in the observed irregular glucose oxidation. The basic abnormality may be a result of an in-balance in redox cofactors, an absence of a critical intermediate, or a reduction of an end product. These possibilities are currently being investigated.
Against quantiles: categorization of continuous variables in epidemiologic research, and its discontents

Quantiles are a staple of epidemiologic research: in contemporary epidemiologic practice, continuous variables are typically categorized into tertiles, quartiles and quintiles as a means to illustrate the relationship between a continuous exposure and a binary outcome. In this paper we argue that this approach is highly problematic and present several potential alternatives. We also discuss the perceived drawbacks of these newer statistical methods and the possible reasons for their slow adoption by epidemiologists. The use of quantiles is often inadequate for epidemiologic research with continuous variables.
Dissolution of Precious Metals in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Precious metals including copper, gold, and palladium can be dissolved in supercritical CO2 by oxidation with HNO3 and subsequent chelation with hexafluoroacetylacetone to form CO2-soluble metal β-...
Dissimilation and Federation: Irish and Caribbean Modernisms in Derek Walcott's The Sea at Dauphin

AbstractIn this article, Derek Walcott's play The Sea at Dauphin (1954) and John Millington Synge's Riders to the Sea (1903) are discussed in order to address the problem of comparing modernisms that are seen as 'heterogenous' insofar as they exist on the peripheries of traditional transatlantic modernism. Most readings of Walcott's play have assumed that it should be read in terms of a 'comparison' to Synge's Riders to the Sea, the play that it most resembles and which Walcott has claimed as his source. Natalie Melas's theory of 'dissimulation' makes us reconsider the principles of such inter-peripheral comparisons, making it possible to consider cross-cultural readings within the colonial peripheries not in terms of identity but rather as processes of recognition and misrecognition. It is suggested that Walcott's 'dissimilation' of Synge's play is rooted in his transformation of Synge's modernist practice from an (Irish) nationalist to a (Caribbean) federationist aesthetics.
Fluid Dynamics and Aero-Optical Environment Around Turrets.

A summary of research efforts for last several years on fluid-dynamics and aero-optics of hemisphere-on-cylinder turrets with flat or conformal windows is presented. A topology of flow behind turrets and both steady and unsteady sources of optical distortions are discussed. Scaling laws for levels of optical aberrations are proposed and results of several experimental studies are compared and discussed. Effects of passive and active flow control in mitigation of aero-optical environment around turrets, as well as current computational studies of aero-optics of turrets are summarized and discussed.
Comparison of methods for melt detection over Greenland using active and passive microwave measurements

Microwave measurements have been used in various studies to detect melt based on their sensitivity to liquid water present in snow. To contrast different melt detection methods used with different sensors, six different melt detection method/sensor combinations are compared using data for the summer of 2000. The sensors include the Special Spectral Microwave Imager (SSM/I), SeaWinds on QuikSCAT (QSCAT), and the European Remote Sensing (ERS) Advanced Microwave Instrument (AMI) in scatterometer mode. Existing melt detection methods are compared with melt detection based on a simple physical model. The model relates the moisture content and depth of a surface melt layer of wet snow to a single channel melt detection threshold. The model can be applied to both active and passive sensors and improves the consistency between brightness temperature (Tb ) and normalized radar backscatter (σ°) based detection of melt. Model‐based melt estimates from different sensors are highly correlated and do not exhibit the un...
Cigarette smoking in the U.S. military: findings from the 1992 Worldwide Survey

Abstract Background . Using data from the military;s Worldwide Survey series, this article presents findings on the prevalence of smoking among active-duty military personnel in 1992 and trends since 1980. Methods . A stratified probability sampling design was used in the 1992 Worldwide Survey. Military installations worldwide were sampled, and then active-duty personnel within these installations were selected. A total of 16,395 usable questionnaires were obtained, for an overall response rate of 77.3%. Results . The prevalence of cigarette smoking among military personnel has declined from 51% in 1980 to 35% in 1992. This decline was not explained by changes in the sociodemographic composition of the military population. Overall, smoking was more prevalent among personnel who were white, had less education, and were enlisted. In addition, enlisted men reporting higher levels of work-related stress were more likely to be smokers. Over half of all military personnel who were smokers in the past year attempted to quit. Conclusions . The military has made considerable progress since 1980 in reducing the prevalence of smoking among military personnel. Nonetheless, the prevalence in 1992 was still relatively high, affecting about one of every three personnel. A promising group to target in future antismoking efforts may be smokers who tried to quit during the past year.
Rhetorics, Bodies, and Everyday Life

This article reflects on potential pedagogical implications of Bodily Arts: Rhetoric and Athletics in Ancient Greece by connecting it with other recent publications on rhetoric's rhetoric, space, mobility, as instantiated in everyday practices. The resulting account considers words, images, and bodies as part of the rhetorical enterprise.
A survey of androconial organs in the Riodinidae (Lepidoptera)

A comprehensive survey of the occurrence and morphology of alar, abdominal and appendage androconial organs in the Riodinidae is presented based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Although historically poorly studied, the group actually possesses among the greatest diversity of androconial organs in the butterflies, including coremata, reported here for the first time outside the Lycaenidae and Nymphalidae, and hindleg hairpencils, reported here for the first time in the true butterflies. Twenty-five percent of riodinid species are reported to have androconial organs. The mode of function of these organs and their role in courtship is discussed where known, based on field observations. A number of taxonomic changes are made at the tribal, generic and species level, predominantly in the Symmachiini, based on the occurrence and structure of androconia. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 136, 171‐197. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: ‐ abdominal androconia ‐ alar androconia ‐ coremata ‐ courtship ‐ leg androconia ‐ morphology ‐ perching ‐ pheromones ‐ scale structure.
Image denoising using tree-based wavelet subband correlations and shrinkage

We describe new methods of denoising images that combine wavelet shrinkage with properties related to the statistics of quad-trees of wavelet transform values for natural images. They are called tree- adapted wavelet shrinkage (TAWS) methods. The shift-averaged ver- sion of TAWS produces denoisings that are comparable to state of the art denoising methods, such as cycle-spin thresholding and the cycle- spin version of the hidden Markov tree method. The nonshift averaged version of TAWS is superior to the classic wavelet shrinkage method, and fits naturally into a signal compression algorithm. These TAWS methods bear some relation to the recently proposed hidden Markov tree methods, but are deterministic rather than probabilistic. They may prove useful in settings where speed is critical and/or signal compression is required. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(00)00111-2)
Imaging in renal cell carcinoma.

Imaging plays a central role in the detection, diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Most renal masses are incidentally detected with modern, high-resolution imaging techniques and a variety of management options exist for the renal masses encountered today. This article discusses the role of multiple imaging modalities in the diagnosis of RCC and the imaging features of specific pathologic subtypes and staging techniques. Future directions in RCC imaging are presented, including dynamic contrast-enhanced and unenhanced techniques, as well as the development of novel tracers for positron emission tomography.
Auxin Gradients Are Associated with Polarity Changes in Trees

Models of plant growth and development propose that changes in cell polarity are mediated by gradients of the plant hormone auxin. With use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we measured the redistribution of endogenous auxin in stems of quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) after wounding. Persistent (lasting at least 24 hours) auxin gradients were observed in the region of the cambium where cell polarity was changing. A computer model of the auxin redistribution shows agreement with measured concentrations.
An exploratory study of delay in fatigue-crack growth

Compression, creep, stress relaxation and overloading effects on delay in fatigue crack growth and structural life predictions
Life history and ecological role of the xylophagous aquatic beetle, Lara avara LeConte (Dryopoidea: Elmidae)

SUMMARY. 1This study documents the life history of the xylophagous elmid beetle, Lara avara, and estimates its contribution to wood degradation in Oregon streams. The life cycle was found to be 4 to 6 or more years long, with all but 2–3 months of that spent in the larval stage. 2Larvae grow through seven instars, taking about 1 year for instars 1–3, and from 3 to 5 or more years for instars 4–7. 3Last-instar larvae leave the water to pupate. Adults live approximately 3 weeks and occur from May to August. The eggs are deposited on submerged wood. 4Larvae probably obtain their nutrition by absorbing substances liberated into decaying wood by microbial activity. They do not produce their own cellulase, nor do they have a symbiotic gut flora similar to that of xylophagous cranefly (Tipulidae) larvae. 5Faecal production by L. avara larvae averaged 13% dry body wt d-1. This yields an estimate of faecal production of 1.6 g m-2 y-1 in Oregon Coast Range streams (about 0.3% y-1 of wood standing crop).
On the updating scheme in a class of collinear scaling algorithms for sparse minimization

Sorensen (Ref. 1) has proposed a class of algorithms for sparse unconstrained minimization where the sparsity pattern of the Cholesky factors of the Hessian is known. His updates at each iteration depend on the choice of a vector, and in Ref. 1 the question of choosing this vector is essentially left open. In this note, we propose a variational problem whose solution may be used to choose this vector. The major part of the computation of a solution to this variational problem is similar to the computation of a trust-region step in unconstrained minimization. Therefore, well-developed techniques available for the latter problem can be used to compute this vector and to perform the updating.
Reduced representation by neural networks with restricted receptive fields

Model neural networks can perform dimensional reductions of input data sets using correlation-based learning rules to adjust their weights. Simple Hebbian learning rules lead to an optimal reduction at the single unit level but result in highly redundant network representations. More complex rules designed to reduce or remove this redundancy can develop optimal principal component representations, but they are not very compelling from a biological perspective. Neurons in biological networks have restricted receptive fields limiting their access to the input data space. We find that, within this restricted receptive field architecture, simple correlation-based learning rules can produce surprisingly efficient reduced representations. When noise is present, the size of the receptive fields can be optimally tuned to maximize the accuracy of reconstructions of input data from a reduced representation.
Semantic Computing and Quality Software

The field Semantic Computing applies technolo- gies in natural language processing, data and knowledge engineering, software engineering, computer systems and networks, signal processing and pattern recogni- tion, and any combination of the above to extract, access, transform and synthesize the semantics as well as the contents of multimedia, texts, services and structured data.
Genetic Variation in Telomere Maintenance Genes, Telomere Length and Breast Cancer Risk

Background Telomeres at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome and participate in the initiation of DNA damage/repair responses.
A course in environmentally conscious chemical process design

Abstract To uniquely equip students with the active knowledge and the ability to implement pollution prevention technology, we have developed a design-oriented senior-level elective course on minimizing the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing processes. The objectives of the course are to educate students on the real costs of operating processes that release pollutants to the environment, to provide them with strategies to minimize or reduce the environmental impact of a given chemical proces, and to examine the design of processes using new technologies that totally eliminate pollutants at the source. Design-oriented projects form the core of the course, and bring together the students' skills in design, analysis and decision-making in the face of multiple and sometimes competing objectives. We believe this course contributes to the development of our graduates into chemical engineering professionals who are equipped with the awareness, knowledge, and ability to minimize the environmental impact of the chemical manufacturing processes that they oversee.
An efficient start system for multi-homogeneous polynomial continuation

When solving a system of polynomial equations using homotopy continuation, the number of solution paths can often be significantly reduced by casting the equations in multi-homogeneous form. This requires a multi-homogeneous start system having a full set of nonsingular solutions that can be easily computed. We give a general form of such a start system that works for any multi-homogeneous structure and that can be used efficiently in continuation.
Performance Characteristics of Hardware Transactional Memory for Molecular Dynamics Application on BlueGene/Q: Toward Efficient Multithreading Strategies for Large-Scale Scientific Applications

We have investigated the performance characteristics of hardware transactional memory (HTM) on the Blue Gene/Q computer in comparison with conventional concurrency control mechanisms, using a molecular dynamics application as an example. Benchmark tests, along with overhead-cost and scalability analysis, quantify relative performance advantages of HTM over other mechanisms. We found that the bookkeeping cost of HTM is high but that the rollback cost is low. We propose transaction fusion and spatially-compact scheduling techniques to reduce the overhead of HTM with minimal programming. A strong scalability benchmark shows that the fused HTM has the shortest runtime among various concurrency control mechanisms without extra memory. Based on the performance characterization, we derive a decision tree in the concurrency-control design space for multithreading application.
Responsibility for Emissions: A Commentary on John Nolt's ‘How Harmful Are the Average American's Greenhouse Gas Emissions?’

John Nolt offers a helpful, albeit rough quantitative analysis of the harmfulness of the average American's greenhouse gas emissions. By examining the lifetime contributions of the average American...
Larval-specific protein in the order dictyoptera. II. Antagonistic effects of ecdysone and regeneration on LSP concentration in the hemolymph of the Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis.

Abstract 1. 1. Larval-specific protein, LSP, reaches a peak concentration in cockroach hemolymph 24–48 hr prior to ecdysis. 2. 2. When ecdysis is delayed by autotomy-induced leg regeneration, LSP continues to accumulate and reaches a higher than normal peak concentration 24–48 hr prior to the delayed ecdysis. 3. 3. Ecdysone inhibits the regeneration-induced delay and returns the normal pattern of ecdysis and LSP accumulation. 4. 4. By using single and multiple autotomies it was demonstrated that the amount of accumulated LSP is proportional to the length of molting cycle delay rather than the amount of regenerating tissue. 5. 5. It is suggested that the greater peak concentration of LSP seen in metamorphic molting cycles (Kunkel & Lawler, 1974) is a function of the greater length of metamorphic molting cycles rather than being specifically a metamorphic phenomenon.
Bottom-up and top-down solid-state NMR approaches for bacterial biofilm matrix composition

The genomics and proteomics revolutions have been enormously successful in providing crucial "parts lists" for biological systems. Yet, formidable challenges exist in generating complete descriptions of how the parts function and assemble into macromolecular complexes and whole-cell assemblies. Bacterial biofilms are complex multicellular bacterial communities protected by a slime-like extracellular matrix that confers protection to environmental stress and enhances resistance to antibiotics and host defenses. As a non-crystalline, insoluble, heterogeneous assembly, the biofilm extracellular matrix poses a challenge to compositional analysis by conventional methods. In this perspective, bottom-up and top-down solid-state NMR approaches are described for defining chemical composition in complex macrosystems. The "sum-of-the-parts" bottom-up approach was introduced to examine the amyloid-integrated biofilms formed by Escherichia coli and permitted the first determination of the composition of the intact extracellular matrix from a bacterial biofilm. An alternative top-down approach was developed to define composition in Vibrio cholerae biofilms and relied on an extensive panel of NMR measurements to tease out specific carbon pools from a single sample of the intact extracellular matrix. These two approaches are widely applicable to other heterogeneous assemblies. For bacterial biofilms, quantitative parameters of matrix composition are needed to understand how biofilms are assembled, to improve the development of biofilm inhibitors, and to dissect inhibitor modes of action. Solid-state NMR approaches will also be invaluable in obtaining parameters of matrix architecture.
Comparing survival of vulvar melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of 13,112 patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database

leiomyosarcoma treated at two institutions from 1988 through 2009 was performed. Datawere collected on patient age, stage of disease, types of surgical procedure, types of adjuvant treatment (if any), recurrence, and survival. Results: Fifty-nine patients were identified with early-stage, high-grade uterine leiomyosarcoma. Of these, 27 (46%) received chemotherapy, 4 (7%) received chemotherapy with radiation, 8 (14%) received radiation alone, and 20 (34%) received no further treatment. Mean patient age was 51.2 years. Median follow-up for survivors was 71 months. Forty (67.8%) patients recurred and 37 (62.7%) died. In the no treatment or radiation alone group, 19 (68%) patients recurred and died of disease. In the chemotherapy or chemotherapy with radiation group, 21 (67.7%) patients recurred and 18 (58.1%) died of disease. There was no difference in median time to recurrence or site of recurrence, pelvic or extrapelvic, among the groups. There was a trend toward decreased recurrence rate with the doxorubicin/ifosfamide combination (P=0.06) compared to other chemotherapy regimens. In the group of patients who received doxorubicin and ifosfamide, 25% of patients recurred and 50% of patients were alive at last follow-up. In the gemcitabine and docetaxel group, although 67% of patients recurred, many of these recurrences were salvageable, and 67% of patients were alive at last follow-up. Conclusions: Uterine leiomyosarcoma is associated with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Adjuvant therapy has not been shown to improve survival. Although there was a trend toward a decreased risk of recurrence with doxorubicin/ifosfamide, large prospective randomized studies are needed to assess the benefit of adjuvant therapy in this disease.
Determining Critical Members of Layered Operational Terrorist Networks

This study provides a quantitative method for destabilizing clandestine network operations, by determining which critical members to remove or influence in order to impact operations.The quantitative value of criticality is established by three measures: (1) the members’ social connectedness across multi-layered affiliations, (2) their involvement in operations, and (3) their emergence during periods and at locations of interest.Various techniques, including centrality, risk analysis, system reliability, and decision analysis, are incorporated to determine a member’s criticality to the group’s operations. The advantage of synergistically leveraging the social, operational, and temporal local criticality of group members allows for the maximum disruption of the group’s structure and operations, thus diminishing its effectiveness.
The promiscuous IL-2/IL-15 receptor : A target for immunotherapy of HTLV-I-associated disorders

Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus I (HTLV-I)-encoded tax plays a role in the early phases of HTLV-I-induced disease by deregulating the expression of the genes that encode interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the multisubunit (IL-2R alpha, IL-2R beta, and IL-2R gamma) IL-2 receptor (IL-2R). However, later in the course of the disease adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), cells no longer produce IL-2 yet continue to express the IL-2R. During studies to define the pathogenic mechanisms that underlie this IL-2-independent proliferation, we defined a cytokine designated IL-T/IL-15 that stimulates T-cell proliferation and requires the expression of IL-2R beta and IL-2R gamma for its action. To exploit the fact that IL-2Rs are present on abnormal T cells in patients with tropical parasitic paraparesis/HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) and ATL but not on normal resting cells, different forms of IL-2R-directed therapy have been initiated. Unmodified humanized anti-Tac is being used to treat patient with TSP/HAM. To enhance its effector function for the treatment of ATL anti-Tac was armed with alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides. In a clinical trial with 90Y-anti-Tac at the doses used (5, 10, and 15 mCi), 9 of the 18 patients with ATL underwent a partial or sustained complete remission. Thus the clinical application of IL-2R-directed therapy using a humanized monoclonal antibody or that antibody armed with radionuclides provides a new perspective for the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as TSP/HAM and certain neoplastic diseases including ATL.
Michael addition reactions between chiral equivalents of a nucleophilic glycine and (S)- or (R)-3-[(E)-enoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones as a general method for efficient preparation of β-substituted pyroglutamic acids. Case of topographically controlled stereoselectivity

This paper describes a systematic study of addition reactions between the chiral Ni(II) complex of the Schiff base of glycine with (S)-o-[N-(N-benzylprolyl)amino]benzophenone and (S)- or (R)-3-[(E)-enoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones as a general and synthetically efficient approach to beta-substituted pyroglutamic acids and relevant compounds. These reactions were shown to occur at room temperature in the presence of nonchelating organic bases and, most notably, with very high (>98% diastereomeric excess (de)) stereoselectivity at both newly formed stereogenic centers. The stereochemical outcome of the reactions was found to be overwhelmingly controlled by the stereochemical preferences of the Michael acceptors, and the chirality of the glycine complex influenced only the reaction rate. Thus, in the reactions of both the (S)-configured Ni(II) complex and the Michael acceptors, the reaction rates were exceptionally high, allowing preparation of the corresponding products with virtually quantitative (>98%) chemical and stereochemical yields. In contrast, reactions of the (S)-configured Ni(II) complex and (R)-configured Michael acceptors proceeded at noticeably lower rates, but the addition products were obtained in high diastereo- and enantiomeric purity. To rationalize the remarkably high and robust stereoselectivity observed in these reactions, we consider an enzyme-substrate-like mode of interaction involving a topographical match or mismatch of two geometric figures. Excellent chemical and stereochemical yields, combined with the simplicity and operational convenience of the experimental procedures, render the present method of immediate use for preparing various beta-substituted pyroglutamic acids and related compounds.
Statewide costs of health care-associated infections: Estimates for acute care hospitals in North Carolina

Background State-specific, health care-associated infection (HAI) cost estimates have not been calculated to guide Department of Public Health efforts and investments. Methods We completed a cost identification study by conducting a survey of 117 acute care hospitals in NC to collect surveillance data on patient-days, device-days, and surgical procedures during 1 year. We then calculated expected rates and direct hospital costs of surgical site infections (SSI), Clostridium difficile infection, and 3 selected device-related HAIs for hospitals and the entire state using reference data sets such as the National Healthcare Safety Network. Results In total, 67 (53%) hospitals responded to the survey. The median bed size of respondent hospitals was 140 (interquartile range, 66-350). A “standard” NC hospital diagnosed approximately 100 HAI each year with estimated costs of $985,000 to $2.7 million. The most common HAI was SSI (73%). Costs related to SSI accounted for 87% to 91% of overall costs. In total, the overall direct annual cost of these 5 selected HAIs was estimated to be between $124.1 and $347.8 million in 2009 for the state of NC. Conclusion Using conservative estimates, HAI led to costs of more than $100 million in acute care hospitals in the state of NC in 2009. The majority of costs were due to SSI.
III ‘Gender’ is not enough: the need for a feminist consciousness

In the final commentary, Cynthia Enloe thinks again about Gillian Youngs' question: why do many IR academics find it so difficult to take feminist analysis seriously? She argues there are two fears: the first, for men, concerns how their own relationships with masculinity are affecting what they see as a ‘serious’ topic of investigation; the second is the fear of appearing feminized by colleagues making a judgement on the topic's seriousness. Cynthia Enloe argues that ‘gender’ alone is insufficient for transforming IR into a more reliable and useful discipline. What is needed is a feminist consciousness informing work on gender.
The Effects of Estrogen-Responsive Element- and Ligand-Induced Structural Changes on the Recruitment of Cofactors and Transcriptional Responses by ERα and ERβ

Estrogen signaling is mediated by ER alpha and -beta. ERs are converted from an inactive form to a transcriptionally active state through conformational changes induced by ligand and estrogen-responsive element (ERE) sequences. We show here that ER alpha and ER beta bind to an ERE independently from ER ligands. We found that although the binding affinity of ER beta for an ERE is 2-fold lower than that of ER alpha, both ERs use the same nucleotides for DNA contacts. We show that both EREs and ligands are independent modulators of ER conformation. Specifically, the ERE primarily determines the receptor-DNA affinity, whereas the structure of the ER ligand dictates the affinity of ER for particular cofactors. We found that the ligand-dependent cofactor transcriptional intermediary factor-2, through a distinct surface, also interacts with ER alpha preferentially and independently of ligand. The extent of interaction, however, is dependent upon the ER-ERE affinity. In transfected cells, ER alpha is more transcriptionally active than ER beta. The ERE sequence, however, determines the potency of gene induction when either ER subtype binds to an agonist. Antagonists prevent ERs from inducing transcription independently from ERE sequences. Thus, ERE- and ligand-induced structural changes are independent determinants for the recruitment of cofactors and transcriptional responses. The ability of ER alpha to differentially recruit a cofactor could contribute to ER subtype-specific gene responses.
An Oct-like binding factor regulates Myf-5 expression in primary avian cells.

Myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) are hierarchical regulators of skeletal myogenesis. Many MRF promoters have been well characterized with respect to flanking sequences that control their expression. Yet the promoter elements that regulateMyf-5,the first MRF expressed during mammalian embryogenesis, are still largely unknown. Comparison ofMyf-55′ flanking regions from bovine, mouse, and chicken genes revealed three evolutionarily conserved elements proximal to the transcription start site: the TATA box, an octamer motif, termed OLS, and a 6-bp C-rich element. Mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting analysis demonstrated that a nuclear factor(s) present in both bovine and avian muscle and nonmuscle tissues specifically recognized OLS. Furthermore, this binding activity reacted with a polyclonal Oct-1 antibody. In avian primary myoblast and fibroblast cultures, CAT reporter constructs under regulation of the proximalMyf-55′ flanking sequence were expressed preferentially in myoblasts with CAT levels approximately 12-fold higher than in fibroblasts. The TATA box and octamer motif were important for expression in both myoblasts and fibroblasts: loss of the TATA box abolished activity, and disruption of the OLS resulted in 50–75% loss of promoter activity.
Optimal continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea

The obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA/H) is characterised by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. The consequences of OSA/H include excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced perceived health quality and an increased risk of driving accidents. There is evidence that treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is effective in eliminating these consequences. In addition, OSA/H may also be associated with hypertension and an increased risk of vascular disease, and although there is no clear evidence in this regard, CPAP may be effective alleviating these consequences as well. Nasal CPAP is considered the treatment of choice for clinically significant OSA/H. The optimal CPAP prescription is that which is most effective in eliminating the adverse consequences of OSA/H. Patients should be initially treated with standard CPAP. For those in whom standard CPAP is unsuccessful or intolerable bi-level or self-adjusting modes may be attempted. The nasal CPAP pressure level can be titrated to eliminate apnea, hypopnea, snoring, respiratory arousal and inspiratory flow limitation as a means of predicting successful long-term therapy. The reliability of these physiologic parameters in predicting the optimal long-term CPAP pressure is eroded by the tendency of CPAP pressure-level requirement to decrease with chronic CPAP use, and by other factors that may increase the CPAP pressure requirement. The split-night polysomnogram and unattended auto-CPAP titration have been proposed as efficient means of determining the optimal CPAP pressure, but for patients with subtle OSA/H, underlying cardiopulmonary disease or other forms of sleep-disordered breathing a full-night polysomnogram may be required. The CPAP prescription must include a comfortable well-fitting interface. When CPAP is prescribed it is essential that the patient undergo clinical re-evaluation to ensure that treatment goals are being met.
Determining the oxidation states of manganese in NT2 cells and cultured astrocytes

Excessive brain manganese (Mn) can produce a syndrome called "manganism", which correlates with loss of striatal dopamine and cell death in the striatum and globus pallidus. The prevalent hypothesis for the cause of this syndrome has been oxidation of cell components by the strong oxidizing agent, Mn(3+), either formed by oxidation of intracellular Mn(2+) or transported into the cell as Mn(3+). We have recently used X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) to determine the oxidation states of manganese complexes in brain and liver mitochondria and in nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced and non-induced PC12 cells. No evidence was found for stabilization or accumulation of Mn(3+) complexes because of oxidation of Mn(2+) by reactive oxygen species in these tissues. Here we extend these studies of manganese oxidation state to cells of brain origin, human neuroteratocarcinoma (NT2) cells and primary cultures of rat astrocytes. Again we find no evidence for stabilization or accumulation of any Mn(3+) complex derived from oxidation of Mn(2+) under a range of conditions.