cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Binding Domains of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor by Analysis of Mutant and Chimeric Receptor Proteins

The hypothalamic peptide GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates the release of GH from the pituitary through binding and activation of the GHRH receptor, which belongs to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. The objective of this study was to identify regions of the receptor critical for interaction with the ligand by expressing and analyzing truncated and chimeric epitope-tagged GHRH receptors. Two truncated receptors, GHRHΔN, in which part of the N-terminal domain between the putative signal sequence and the first transmembrane domain was deleted, and GHRHΔC, which was truncated downstream of the first intracellular loop, were generated. Both the receptors were deficient in ligand binding, indicating that neither the N-terminal extracellular domain (N terminus) nor the membrane-spanning domains with the associated extracellular loops (C terminus) are alone sufficient for interaction with GHRH. In subsequent studies, chimeric proteins between the receptors for GHRH and vasoactive intestinal peptide...
Benthic Herbivores are not Deterred by Brevetoxins Produced by the Red Tide Dinoflagellate Karenia Brevis

Gulf of Mexico blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis produce neurotoxic cyclic polyethers called brevetoxins. During and after a red tide bloom in southwestern Florida, K. brevis cells lyse and release brevetoxins, which then sink to the benthos and coat the surfaces of seagrasses and their epiphytes. We tested the possibility that these brevetoxin-laden foods alter the feeding behavior and fitness of a common benthic herbivore within Floridean seagrass beds, the amphipod Ampithoe longimana. We demonstrated that coating foods with K. brevis extracts that contain brevetoxins at post-bloom concentrations (1 μg g−1 drymass) does not alter the feeding rates of Florida nor North Carolina populations of A. longimana, although a slight deterrent effect was found at eight and ten-fold greater concentrations. During a series of feeding choice assays, A. longimana tended not to be deterred by foods coated with K. brevis extracts nor with the purified brevetoxins PbTx-2 and PbTx-3. Florida juveniles isolated with either extract-coated or control foods for 10 days did not differ in survivorship nor growth. A similar lack of feeding response to brevetoxin-laden foods also was exhibited by two other generalist herbivores of the southeastern United States, the amphipod A. valida and the urchin Arbacia punctulata. Given that benthic mesograzers constitute a significant portion of the diet for the juvenile stage of many nearshore fishes, we hypothesize that the ability of some mesograzers to feed on and retain brevetoxins in their bodies indicates that mesograzers may represent an important route of vertical transmission of brevetoxins through higher trophic levels within Gulf of Mexico estuaries.
Phylogeny of the Calymperaceae with a rank-free systematic treatment

Abstract The Calymperaceae are a large pantropical moss clade. This paper reports the results of a phylogenetic analysis of the Calymperaceae, with an emphasis on the relationships of the large and putatively polyphyletic Syrrhopodon. Two chloroplast genes, rps4 and trnL, part of the nuclear encoded gpd, and morphological characters were analyzed individually and in combination. The total-evidence phylogenetic tree was used to construct a rank-free classification of the Calymperaceae following the guidelines of the current draft of the PhyloCode. The total-evidence cladistic analysis supports the monophyly of Calymperes and Mitthyridium, as well as the “leucobryoid” Calymperaceae, and confirms that Syrrhopodon (s.l.) is polyphyletic. In the context of this phylogeny, the presence of peristome teeth and bordered leaves are derived features within the Calymperaceae. The rank-free system of classification has several advantages over the Linnaean system for dealing with the taxonomic changes implicit in this ...
Atmospheric carbon dioxide variations at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii

The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii is reported for eight years (1964-1971) of a long term program to document the effects of the combustion of coal, petroleum, and natural gas on the distribution of CO, in the atmosphere. The new data, when combined with earlier data, indicate that the annual average CO, concentration rose 3.4 '% between 1959 and 1971. The rate of rise, however, has not been steady. In the mid-1960's it declined. Recently it has accelerated. Similar changes in rate have been observed at the South Pole and are evidently a global phenomenon.
Migraine in Twins Raised Together and Apart

History of headache and migraine diagnosed by structured interview utilizing International Headache Society criteria was obtained in two samples of female twin pairs--154 raised together and 43 raised apart since infancy. Zygosity was determined by standard methods. Probandwise concordance rates were determined. Assuming that liability to migraine has a multifactorial etiology involving a number of genetic and environmental risk factors acting additively, tetrachoric correlations in the four groups of twins (monozygotic raised together, monozygotic raised apart, dizygotic raised together, and dizygotic raised apart) were then calculated. The genetic and environmental influences in the liability to migraine were estimated using biometrical model-fitting methods. Tetrachoric correlations of migraine were consistently higher in monozygotic than in dizygotic twins, for both reared together and reared apart samples, with a heritability estimate of 52%, Model fitting also suggested that approximately 50% of the variance in liability to migraine was attributable to genetic factors with nonshared environmental factors and measurement errors responsible for the remaining variance.
Functional Expression of Murine V2R Pheromone Receptors Involves Selective Association with the M10 and M1 Families of MHC Class Ib Molecules

Abstract The vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the mouse has two neuronal compartments expressing distinct families of pheromone receptors, the V1Rs and the V2Rs. We report here that two families of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecules, the M10 and the M1 families, show restricted expression in V2R-expressing neurons. Our data suggest that neurons expressing a given V2R specifically co-express one or a few members of the M10 family. Biochemical and immunocytochemical analysis demonstrates that in VNO sensory dendrites M10s belong to large multi-molecular complexes that include pheromone receptors and β2-microglobulin (β2m). In cultured cells, M10s appear to function as escort molecules in transport of V2Rs to the cell surface. Accordingly, β2m-deficient mice exhibit mislocalization of V2Rs in the VNO and a specific defect in male-male aggressive behavior. The functional characterization of M10 highlights an unexpected role for MHC molecules in pheromone detection by mammalian VNO neurons.
Genitourinary trauma in geriatric patients.

The traumatically injured geriatric patient presents a challenge to the practitioner. Increased morbidity and mortality can result in unique requirements for the treatment of elderly patients. The principles of surgical management of genitourinary injuries remain largely unchanged in the geriatric population. Reconstructive techniques to repair these injuries generally require appropriate evaluation and timing of repair. Fortunately, the treatment of genitourinary injuries in the geriatric population remains largely successful.
Bose-Einstein Gas Model for T c and Energy Gap for Most Superconductors, Especially the Ceramic Oxides

A generalized Bose-Einstein gas model is sufficient to derive reasonable estimates of Tc, the energy gap, and the coherence length for all classes of superconductors such as the ceramic oxides, the metairics, heavy-fermion metals, metallic hydrogen, and neutron stars for 3-dimensional, quasi-2 and quasi-1 dimensional states. Analysis of the new high-temperature ceramic oxide superconductors determines upper limits of Tc using as input the number density of conduction electrons and the effective mass of the charge carriers. This calculation for the ceramic oxides yields 10K, 40K, and 300K in 3, Q2, and Ql dimensions. Interpreting the ceramic oxide case as one in which the interchain interactions are equal to the intrachain interactions, leads to $$ {{\text{T}}_{\text{c}}}{\text{ = (}}{{\text{T}}_{{\text{c1}}}}{{\text{T}}_{{\text{c2}}}}{{\text{)}}^{{\text{1/2}}}}{\text{ = }}{({\text{300K}} \times {\text{40K)}}^{{\text{1/2}}}}{\text{ = 110K = 100K}} $$ as the approximate transition temperature for these materials when there is clearly a combined linear and planar structure. It is noteworthy that without specifying a coupling mechanism or coupling strength, this general model does well in calculating transition temperatures, and coupling strengths over nine orders of magnitude (1K to 109K and meV to MeV) from the heavy fermion metals to neutron stars.
Correlation Between Various Blood White Cell Pools and the Serum B12-binding Capacities

Twenty-four patients with various hematologic and nonhematologic diseases were studied to correlate the various fractions of the serum B12-binding capacity with the blood granulocyte and leukocyte pools and granulocyte turnover rates. The total blood granulocyte pools correlated well with the serum unsaturated B12-binding capacity, especially with the alpha fraction. At least part of the serum B12-binding protein appears to be derived from the neutrophil and from the eosinophil but little or none from the myeloblast. The serum unsaturated B12-binding capacity appears to be a simple index of the total blood granulocyte pool.
Function preservation with multimodality treatment in locally advanced oral tongue cancer

e17051 Background: Total or near total glossectomy with postoperative radiation is a standard treatment option for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma oral tongue (LASCCOT). However, the proce...
Matías Romero and Congressional Opposition to Seward's Policy Toward the French Intervention in Mexico

During the period of the French intervention in Mexico (1862-1867), the United States Secretary of State, William H. Seward, pursued a policy which historians have aptly termed “ cautious moderation ” and “ masterly inactivity.” Caught between the fear of French recognition of the Confederacy, or even a French-Confederate alliance, and outright war with France, Seward steered a middle course. The French government was informed that the United States disapproved of intervention in Mexico and that a monarchy established by external force held no promise of permanency. But this was done in such a way as to avoid the active antagonism of France toward a Union plagued by civil war. Although at no time was the Monroe doctrine invoked prior to 1865, these mild but consistent protests paved the way for a firmer policy toward France.
Type Locality of the Mogollon Red Squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus mogollonensis

A large part of east-central Arizona is unsuitable for red squirrels. Between the Painted Desert on the north and the Mogollon Rim to the south there is an almost unbroken forest of ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Lawson, stretching in a broad band for one hundred and fifty miles along the top of the Mogollon Mesa from the White Mountains on the east to the San Francisco Peaks to the west and north. Among the pines between these two ranges are some widely scattered small groups of Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga taxifolia (Poir.) Britton, with white fir, Abies concolor (Gordon &. Glendinning) Hoopes, and Engelmann spruce, Picea Engelmanni Parry, in a few places. It was only in firs or spruces that we found red squirrels in this region, and this agrees with Mearns' comments (1907) that he never saw these squirrels in the pines, and with Bailey's (1931) observations that they prefer the smaller spruce and fir cones for food. Where we found some Douglas fir trees, we were able to collect Tamiasciurus at three places: West of Springerville on the …
Non-obstructive Escherichia coli pyelonephritis in the rat.

SummaryAn experimental model for study of non-obstructive E. coli pyelonephritis in the rat and successfully employing use of“clean-voided”urine specimens for quantitative culture has been described. It appears that some strains of E. coli may persist for long periods in the urinary tract and that minute lesions may be responsible for bacteriuria.
Monitoring of tableware disinfection at catering trade serving for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Shijingshan District of Beijing

Objective To understand status of disinfection of tableware at catering trade serving for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Shijingshan District of Beijing in order to provide basis for improving its quality and guaranteeing food hygiene and safety of the Games.Methods Tableware of 30 restaurants in the District were monitored from June 2007 to May 2008,by rapid coliform group test with scraps of paper according to the Criteria for Disinfection of Tableware and Utensil at Catering Trade (GB 14934—94) promulgated by the Ministry of Health,People's Republic of China.Results Totally,1?105 pieces of tableware were monitored in the period of one year,with 89.50 percent of them up to the standards and approximately equal to the overall level of Beijing,89.99 percent. There was a significant difference in proportion of tableware up to the standard between varied restaurants (P0.01),significantly higher at restaurants in hotels with signed contract with the Olympiad,competition gymnasia and stadiums,catering companies delivering food for employees,volunteers and audience of the Olympic Games than that at those about 10 to 15 minutes away from the contracted hotels,competition gymnasia and stadiums. There also was statistical difference in proportion of varied kinds of tableware up to the standard (P0.01),with the highest for drinking cups of 94.35 percent and the lowest for chopsticks and spoons of 75.81 percent.Conclusion Quality of tableware disinfection was,in general,better in Shijingsha District,at an average level as Beijing at the same time period. But,tableware hygiene should be strengthened further ay restaurants to prevent food poisoning and guarantee food hygiene and safety during the Olympic Games.
Mine High Temperature and High Humidity Environment Hazard Analysis and Treatment Measures

Mine high temperature and high humidity environment may endanger the workers' physical and mental health seriously and make the potential safety hazard exist in the process of production,easily causing great safety accidents.Some corresponding control measures are put forward in accordance with the actual situation of Sanhejian Mine,meeting the requirements of safety in production and worker's physical and mental health,meanwhile providing experiences for the control of heat hazard of other mines.
Verletzungen der Aorta abdominalis und der Beckenarterien

Verletzungen der abdominellen Aorta und der Beckenarterien sind mit einer hohen Morbiditat und Mortalitat verbunden. Diese Arbeit soll einen Uberblick uber diese Gefastraumata geben.Ausgenommen wurden iatrogene Lasionen. Neben der klinischen und sonographischen Basisdiagnostik liefert beim hamodynamisch stabilen Patienten v. a. die Computertomographie entscheidende Hilfen zur Differenzialdiagnostik. Eine Katheterangiographie ist in der Akutphase uberwiegend zur Therapieplanung und Durchfuhrung interventioneller Eingriffe notwendig. Fur die erfolgreiche Therapie von Verletzungen der abdominellen Aorta ist die schnelle Exposition und Blutungskontrolle eine wesentliche Voraussetzung.Verletzungen der Beckenarterien beim komplexen Beckentrauma erfordern ein interdisziplinares Management. Der Differenzierung der Ursache retroperitonealer Hamatome kommt dabei eine zentrale Bedeutung zu. Bei Blutungen aus Arterienasten im Beckenbereich sind vielfach interventionelle Verfahren erfolgreich.
Notes from the Library in Volume 2:2

"One cent Pieces" by Sydney P. Noe, about coin collection at Rutgers. "The Commons Journals" by Philip L. Ralph. "The Thoreau Newsletter"by Rudolf Kirk.
The TORC1-activated proteins, p70S6K and GRB10, regulate IL-4 signaling and M2 macrophage polarization by modulating phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-2

Lung M2 macrophages are regulators of airway inflammation, associated with poor lung function in allergic asthma. Previously, we demonstrated that IL-4-induced M2 gene expression correlated with tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) in macrophages. We hypothesized that negative regulation of IRS-2 activity after IL-4 stimulation is dependent upon serine phosphorylation of IRS-2. Herein, we describe an inverse relationship between tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr(P)) and serine phosphorylation (Ser(P)) of IRS-2 after IL-4 stimulation. Inhibiting serine phosphatase activity increased Ser(P)-IRS-2 and decreased Tyr(P)-IRS-2 leading to reduced M2 gene expression (CD200R, CCL22, MMP12, and TGM2). We found that inhibition of p70S6K, downstream of TORC1, resulted in diminished Ser(P)-IRS-2 and prolonged Tyr(P)-IRS-2 as well. Inhibition of p70S6K increased expression of CD200R and CCL22 indicating that p70S6K negatively regulates some, but not all, human M2 genes. Knocking down GRB10, another negative regulatory protein downstream of TORC1, enhanced both Tyr(P)-IRS-2 and increased expression of all four M2 genes. Furthermore, GRB10 associated with IRS-2, NEDD4.2 (an E3-ubiquitin ligase), IL-4Rα, and γC after IL-4 stimulation. Both IL-4Rα and γC were ubiquitinated after 30 min of IL-4 treatment, suggesting that GRB10 may regulate degradation of the IL-4 receptor-signaling complex through interactions with NEDD4.2. Taken together, these data highlight two novel regulatory proteins that could be therapeutically manipulated to limit IL-4-induced IRS-2 signaling and polarization of M2 macrophages in allergic inflammation.
Spent nuclear fuel system dynamic stability under normal conditions of transportation

Abstract In a horizontal layout of a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assembly under normal conditions of transportation (NCT), the fuel assembly’s skeleton formed by guide tubes and spacer grids is the primary load bearing structure for carrying and transferring the vibration loads within an SNF assembly. Therefore, the integrity of guide tubes and spacer grids will dictate the vibration amplitude/intensity of the fuel assembly during transport, and must be considered when designing multipurpose purpose canister (MPC) for safe SNF transport. This paper investigates the SNF assembly deformation dynamics during normal vibration mode, as well as the transient shock mode inside the cask during NCT. Dynamic analyses were performed in the frequency domain to study frequency characteristic of the fuel assembly system and in the time domain to simulate the transient dynamic response of the fuel assembly. To further evaluate the intensity of contact interaction induced by the local contacts’ impact loading at the spacer grid, detailed models of the actual spring and dimples of the spacer grids were created. The impacts between the fuel rod and springs and dimples were simulated with a 20 g transient shock load. The associated contact interaction intensities, in terms of reaction forces, were estimated from the finite element analyses (FEA) results. The bending moment estimated from the resultant stress on the clad under 20 g transient shock can be used to define the loading in cyclic integrated reversible-bending fatigue tester (CIRFT) vibration testing for the equivalent condition. To estimate the damage potential of the transient shock to the SNF vibration lifetime, drop tests were performed on the CIRFT specimens. FEA was used to investigate the contact reaction at CIRFT test samples during impact loading induced by drop tests, and the result was compared with that from a 20 g acceleration transient shock load.
A printed circuit board (PCB) inspection system employing the multi-lighting optical system

The authors have developed a PCB inspection system employing color image processing and multilighting which switches the lighting according to the type of inspection. Furthermore, they have also confirmed the system's effectiveness when it is introduced into the mounting process, with respect to accuracy, speed, and reliability. The inspection principle, system configuration, and software for the PCB inspection system are introduced here. >
Nitric oxide-mediated resistance to photodynamic therapy in a human breast tumor xenograft model: Improved outcome with NOS2 inhibitors.

Many malignant tumors employ iNOS-derived NO to resist eradication by chemotherapeutic agents or ionizing radiation. In this study, we determined whether human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and in vivo as tumor xenografts would exploit endogenous iNOS/NO to resist the cytotoxic effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT). Broad band visible irradiation of ALA-treated cells resulted in a marked after-light upregulation of iNOS protein which persisted for at least 24 h. Apoptotic killing of ALA/light-challenged cells was significantly enhanced by iNOS inhibitors (1400W, GW274150) and a NO trap (cPTIO), implying that stress-induced iNOS/NO was acting cytoprotectively. We found that cells surviving the photostress proliferated and migrated more rapidly than controls in 1400W- and cPTIO-inhibitable fashion, indicating iNOS/NO involvement. Female SCID mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumors were used for animal model experiments. ALA-PDT with a 633 nm light source caused a significant reduction in post-irradiation tumor growth relative to light-only controls, which was further reduced by administration of 1400W or GW274150, whereas 1400W had little or no effect on controls. Immunoblot analyses of tumor samples revealed a progressive post-PDT upregulation of iNOS, which reached >5-times the control level after six days. Correspondingly, the nitrite/nitrate level in post-PDT tumor samples was substantially higher than that in controls. In addition, a 1400W-inhibitable upregulation of pro-survival/progression effector proteins such as Bcl-xL, Survivin, and S100A4 was observed after in vitro and in vivo ALA-PDT. This is the first known study to demonstrate iNOS/NO-induced resistance to PDT in an in vivo human tumor model.
Contrasting ā-Dependencies in Selayarese

This paper deals with wh-questions in Selayarese, discussing two superficially similar constructions that display different properties along the path between the wh-operator and the gap. The constructions behave differently with respect to weak crossover, the occurrence of overt complementizers and agreement affixes, and word order. I argue that these differences follow from the hypothesis that the gap in one wh-construction is formed by cyclic movement while the other construction involves simple binding between an A′ (non-argument) position and a null resumptive element in an A (argument) position. The resumptive A′ dependency, however, also displays some surprising movement diagnostics, and so I argue that a wh-operator enters the derivation in A′ position, binds the A position, and then undergoes movement to its overt position. The analysis also involves the postulation of a Specifier position below C′ where focus features are checked. Arguments are presented that this position is an A′ position, and that it creates an island for other cyclic movement. In addition, the extraction patterns highlight the role of agreement features on functional heads, in particular C, and the different ways in which they may be checked.
Reintroducing the Current Insights Feature.

As the new coeditors of the Current Insights feature, we will draw on our different backgrounds, expertise, and scopes of interest beyond biology education to bring a broad range articles to LSE re...
A computational model for how the fast afterhyperpolarization paradoxically increases gain in regularly firing neurons.

The afterhyperpolarization (AHP) is canonically viewed as a major factor underlying the refractory period, serving to limit neuronal firing rate. We recently reported that enhancing the amplitude o...
High-Pressure Synthesis of SmB 2 and GdB 12

Borides with a composition LnB2 and LnB12 have been reported [1,2] for the smaller members of the lanthanide series. Diborides have been prepared [3–10] for Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y, Sc and dodecaborides are known [5,6,11–16] for Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y, Sc. The diborides are isomorphous, with an AlB2-type (C32) structure. This structure is hexagonal (P6/mmm) and consists of alternating layers of metal atoms and boron atoms. The metal atoms form close-packed (36) layers and the boron atoms, hexagonal (63) layers. The layers are arranged such that boron atoms are positioned over the faces of the triangles formed by the metal atoms. The dodecaborides (except SCB12) each assume a UB12-type(D2f) structure. This structure is cubic (Fm3m) with metal atoms at fcc positions and each metal atom surrounded by a B24 cubo-octahedron. The tetragonal structure of ScB12 is described by Matkovich, et al. [16].
Dynamic behavior of a high-temperature printed circuit heat exchanger: Numerical modeling and experimental investigation

Abstract Printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is one of the leading intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) candidates for the Very High Temperature Reactors due to its capability for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. An IHX serves to isolate the reactor primary system from electricity generation and process heat application plants, and therefore must be robust to maintain the entire system integrity during normal and off-normal conditions. Understanding the PCHE dynamic behavior is of importance in the design of a PCHE-type IHX since the dynamics of the PCHE will influence accident progression in most accident scenarios. In addition, any transient in the power conversion unit or process heat plant will propagate back to the reactor primary system via the PCHE. In this study, the dynamic behavior of a zigzag-channel PCHE, subject to helium inlet temperature variations and helium mass flow rate step changes on both the hot and cold sides, was simulated and analyzed. Three sets of transient tests were experimentally conducted in a high-temperature helium test facility to examine the dynamic performance of the PCHE and to assess the PCHE dynamic model. Comparisons of the numerical results and experimental data indicate that the numerical solutions are sufficiently accurate and that the feasibility of the dynamic model developed for predicting the steady-state and transient performance of the PCHE is confirmed.
Resilient Landscapes: The Reconstruction of Southeastern Connecticut Following the 1938 Hurricane

Following the 1938 hurricane that damaged much of the New England coast, New London, Connecticut, responded like most communities by leveraging federal and state funds to rebuild and augment engineered mitigation structures. Eighty years of subsequent storm experience, however, illustrates that a small number of nonstructural mitigation projects, especially private property acquisitions, have had significant long-term effects on New London's coastal resiliency, especially in the Ocean Beach neighborhood. Archival research identifies that these nonstructural mitigation projects were not initially intended to reduce hurricane or flooding risk but were aimed at removing structures determined to be public nuisances and reducing fire hazard. Therefore, New London's post-1938 mitigation experience underscores how community-scale mitigation planning following one disaster can greatly affect the outcome of future disasters. Analytically, New London's experience offers a compelling case study to critically compare...
Lasers in Pigmentary Skin Disorders

Laser therapy can treat disorders of both hyper- and hypopigmentation, including vitiligo, lentigines, and melasma. When choosing the appropriate laser for treatment, wavelength, spot size, pulse duration, and fluence must be carefully considered. We will discuss several different lasers: the xenon chloride excimer laser (EL), the fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCO2), the quality-switched ruby laser (QSRL), the Q-switched alexandrite laser (QSAL), and the Q-switched neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (QS Nd:YAG). Additionally, we will review and summarize the results of combination trials involving laser therapy for pigmentary disorders. While nevi of Ota and lentigines respond well to laser therapy, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma are often resistant to therapy, and combination regimens with topical therapies may be the most effective. The utilization of lasers in medicine and dermatology will continue to evolve with improvements in laser technology.
Abnormalities of leukocyte histograms resulting from microorganisms.

The authors report a series of 13 patients seen in their laboratory during October 1985 to August 1988 in which the presence of bacterial, fungal, or malarial parasites visible on peripheral smear was correlated with an abnormal leukocyte histogram. Samples submitted for complete blood count and differential counts were analyzed with Coulter S-Plus VI® (seven specimens) or S-Plus STKR® (six specimens) instrumentation. Organisms visualized on the Wright-stained peripheral smears included Histoplasma capsulatum (two), Candida sp. (four), Plasmodium sp. (three), and Staphylococcus sp. (four). Two patients had a diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); intravascular catheters were present in five other patients. In all cases the leukocyte histograms were abnormal. The instrument flagged abnormalities of the Rl region in four patients and multiple regions in nine patients. Similar flags were produced by the in vitro addition of bacteria or fungi to whole blood. These studies document that the presence of microorganisms in the peripheral blood can result in spurious white blood cell (WBC) counts or electronic differentials. The authors' findings indicate that the possibility of circulating organisms should be considered when abnormal WBC flags are detected with Coulter instrumentation.
Coevolving Different Knowledge Representations With Fine-grained Parallel Learning Classifier Systems

This paper deals with the coevolution of different knowledge representations using fine-grained parallel learning classifier systems for data mining tasks. The objective is to demonstrate that a fine-grained parallel classifier systems can evolve individuals codifying different knowledge representations at the same time. This goal is achieved exploiting spatial relations of fine-grained parallel algorithms to favor the coevolution of knowledge representations, as well as extinction patterns. Experiments were performed with GALE2, a fine-grained parallel learning classifier system. Experiments focused on the diversity of the coevolved individuals, their classification accuracy, and the usefulness of the method proposed.
Standardization of perioperative care facilitates safe discharge by postoperative day five after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Introduction Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a complex surgical procedure associated with high morbidity and prolonged length of stay. Enhanced recovery after surgery principles have reduced complications rate and length of stay for multiple types of operations. We hypothesized that implementation of a standardized perioperative care pathway would facilitate safe discharge by five days after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy 18 months prior to and 18 months following implementation of a perioperative care pathway at a quaternary center performing high volume pancreatic surgery. Results A total of 145 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 52% female), 81 before and 64 following pathway implementation, and the groups were similar in terms of preoperative comorbidities. The percentage of patients discharged within 5 days of surgery increased from 36% to 64% following pathway implementation (p = 0.001), with no observed differences in post-operative serious adverse events (p = 0.34), pancreatic fistula grade B or C (p = 0.28 and p = 0.27 respectively), or delayed gastric emptying (p = 0.46). Multivariate regression analysis showed length of stay ≤5 days three times more likely after pathway implementation. Rates of readmission within 30 days (20% pre- vs. 22% post-pathway (p = 0.75)) and 90 days (27% pre- vs. 36% post-pathway (p = 0.27)) were unchanged after pathway implementation, and were no different between patients discharged before or after day 5 at both 30 days (19% ≤5 days vs. 23% ≥ 6 days (p = 0.68)) and 90 days (32% ≤5 days vs. 30% ≥ 6 days (p = 0.81)). Conclusions Standardizing perioperative care via enhanced recovery protocols for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy facilitates safe discharge by post-operative day five.
Absorption and scattering coefficients for metallic nanospheres near a substrate

We determine the amount of light absorbed and scattered by metallic spheres in the presence of a substrate. The analysis is restricted to the spheres whose radius is small compared to the wavelength of the light such that the substrate-particle interactions are adequately described by the electrostatics limit. Results are presented for the absorption and scattering coefficients for: (i) the case when the electric permittivity of the spheres is described by the Drude model and (ii) for specific metals (silver, gold, and copper) for which the data on electrical permittivity as a function of the wavelength are available in the literature. It is found that it is possible to significantly increase the photovoltaic energy collected by a silicon substrate by depositing silver nanospheres on its surface. Mechanisms responsible for this increase are explored in detail in the electrostatics limit. Numerical results for the scattering are also used to derive an approximate formula that can be used to estimate the fractional increase in the photovoltaic energy. The increase predicted by this formula is qualitatively consistent with the literature data on the measured increase in the photocurrent by deposited silver nanospheres.
Country Risk: Determinants, Measures and Implications – The 2016 Edition

As companies and investors globalize, we are increasingly faced with estimation questions about the risk associated with this globalization. When investors invest in China Mobile, Infosys or Vale, they may be rewarded with higher returns but they are also exposed to additional risk. When Siemens and Apple push for growth in Asia and Latin America, they clearly are exposed to the political and economic turmoil that often characterize these markets. In practical terms, how, if at all, should we adjust for this additional risk? We will begin the paper with an overview of overall country risk, its sources and measures. We will continue with a discussion of sovereign default risk and examine sovereign ratings and credit default swaps (CDS) as measures of that risk. We will extend that discussion to look at country risk from the perspective of equity investors, by looking at equity risk premiums for different countries and consequences for valuation. In the final section, we will argue that a company’s exposure to country risk should not be determined by where it is incorporated and traded. By that measure, neither Coca Cola nor Nestle are exposed to country risk. Exposure to country risk should come from a company’s operations, making country risk a critical component of the valuation of almost every large multinational corporation. We will also look at how to move across currencies in valuation and capital budgeting, and how to avoid mismatching errors.
The prevalence of eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms in temporomandibular joint disorder patients

Objectives/hypothesis Ear fullness and pressure is a common complaint seen in otolaryngology clinics and frequently is attributed to eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). In addition to traditional tympanometry and physical examination, the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) has recently been used to aid in the diagnosis of ETD and to assess its severity. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is a common condition that causes similar symptoms to ETD and has been recognized as a potential confounding condition in patients presenting with ETD symptoms. We sought to determine the cross-sectional prevalence of ETD symptoms in patients with TMJD using the ETDQ-7. Study design Prospective cross-sectional analysis. Methods An analysis was performed of ETDQ-7 scores in patients diagnosed with TMJD. Results A total of 21 patients with confirmed TMJD completed the ETDQ-7 at routine consult or follow-up for their TMJD. The mean ± standard deviation ETDQ-7 score for the cohort was 24.5 ± 12.5. Two-thirds of patients had an ETDQ-7 score of >14.5, which has been used in the literature to denote clinically significant ETD. No single question was scored significantly higher than the others. Conclusions Symptoms of ETD are highly prevalent among patients with TMJD determined by patient-reported outcome measures. It is not clear if these symptoms reflect true derangement of eustachian tube function in these patients or whether there is only clinical similarity between ETD and TMJD. However, future research efforts may resolve this dilemma. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E233-E236, 2020.
Auditory and Cognitive Behavioral Performance Deficits and Symptom Reporting in Postconcussion Syndrome Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Purpose This study examined auditory deficits and symptom reporting in individuals with long-term postconcussion symptoms following a single mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) compared to age- and ...
SeiSMo: Semi-supervised Time Series Motif Discovery for Seismic Signal Detection

Unlike semi-supervised clustering, classification and rule discovery; semi-supervised motif discovery is a surprisingly unexplored area in data mining. Semi-supervised Motif Discovery finds hidden patterns in long time series when a few arbitrarily known patterns are given. A naive approach is to exploit the known patterns and perform similarity search within a radius of the patterns. However, this method would find only similar shapes and would be limited in discovering new shapes. In contrast, traditional unsupervised motif discovery algorithms detect new shapes, while missing some patterns because the given information is not utilized. We propose a semi-supervised motif discovery algorithm that forms a nearest neighbor graph to identify chains of nearest neighbors from the given events. We demonstrate that the chains are likely to identify hidden patterns in the data. We have applied the method to find novel events in several geoscientific datasets more accurately than existing methods.
Biology of the Caenorhabditis elegans Germline Stem Cell System.

Stem cell systems regulate tissue development and maintenance. The germline stem cell system is essential for animal reproduction, controlling both the timing and number of progeny through its influence on gamete production. In this review, we first draw general comparisons to stem cell systems in other organisms, and then present our current understanding of the germline stem cell system in Caenorhabditis elegans. In contrast to stereotypic somatic development and cell number stasis of adult somatic cells in C. elegans, the germline stem cell system has a variable division pattern, and the system differs between larval development, early adult peak reproduction and age-related decline. We discuss the cell and developmental biology of the stem cell system and the Notch regulated genetic network that controls the key decision between the stem cell fate and meiotic development, as it occurs under optimal laboratory conditions in adult and larval stages. We then discuss alterations of the stem cell system in response to environmental perturbations and aging. A recurring distinction is between processes that control stem cell fate and those that control cell cycle regulation. C. elegans is a powerful model for understanding germline stem cells and stem cell biology.
Tailored support for national NCD policy and programme implementation: An over-looked priority

Many low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are unlikely to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third by 2030. For some, the prospect is receding: between 2010 and 2020, the decline in premature deaths for the major NCDs slowed compared with the prior decade. Barriers to implementing effective strategies are well known, yet the value of tailored technical support to countries has been overlooked and downplayed. Tailored technical support is specialist guidance for country-specific application of technical tools, and capacity enhancement when needed, that enables an LMIC to advance its NCD priorities and plans. We present a model identifying pivotal junctures where tailored technical support can help surmount implementation obstacles. We draw on our experience preparing NCD investment cases with health ministries, development partners and technical agencies. National investment cases produce evidence based, locally tailored and costed packages of NCD interventions and policies appropriate to national needs and circumstances. They can include analysis of financing needs and point towards sustainable funding mechanisms. Enhancing the NCD-specific knowledge of government and Civil Society Organization leads can capitalise on existing expertise, aid integrative health system developments and unlock capabilities to use global tools and guidance. Investment cases form a platform to develop or review NCD plans and (re)prioritise action, then apply implementation science to trouble-shoot obstacles. Partnering national stakeholders with technical support in this process is critical to develop and implement effective NCD strategies.
Total-Ionizing-Dose Effects on Threshold Switching in $1{T}$ -TaS2 Charge Density Wave Devices

The $1{T}$ polytype of TaS2 exhibits voltage-triggered threshold switching as a result of a phase transition from nearly commensurate to incommensurate charge density wave states. Threshold switching, persistent above room temperature, can be utilized in a variety of electronic devices, e.g., voltage controlled oscillators. We evaluated the total-ionizing-dose response of thin film $1{T}$ -TaS2 at doses up to 1 Mrad (SiO2). The threshold voltage changed by less than 2% after irradiation, with persistent self-sustained oscillations observed through the full irradiation sequence. The radiation hardness is attributed to the high intrinsic carrier concentration of $1{T}$ -TaS2 in both of the phases that lead to threshold switching. These results suggest that charge density wave devices, implemented with thin films of $1{T}$ -TaS2, are promising for applications in high radiation environments.
Serum human chorionic gonadotropin decline following aspiration abortion in early pregnancy less than 42 days gestation

Abstract Objective To define serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) decline following complete aspiration abortion. Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of 86 patients who underwent uncomplicated aspiration abortion for ultrasound-confirmed pregnancy ≤42 days gestation and had serum hCG at the time of aspiration and within 3 days postprocedure. Results Median hCG declines were 72.9% by day 1 (n = 14), 87.6% by day 2 (n = 50), and 92.8% by day 3 (n = 22). Ninetieth percentile declines were 67.8%, 81.5%, and 90.8%. Minimum hCG declines were 56.2%, 77.3%, and 83.2%. Trends did not vary by gestational age or by initial hCG Conclusion Postprocedure hCG trend varies over the first few days in early gestation. At ≤42 days gestation, serial hCG decline at 1 day after completed aspiration abortion is greater than 50%, consistent with the decline observed in medication abortion. Implications This study confirms previously estimated human chorionic gonadotropin decline after aspiration abortion of at least 50% at 24 hours for completed procedure in very early gestations. Minimum declines on days 2 and 3 are approximately 70% and 80%.
4-Fluoro-2-({[(2R)-1-hy­droxy-1,1,3-tri­phenyl­propan-2-yl]imino}­meth­yl)phenol

The title compound, C28H24FNO2, crystallizes in the ortho­rhom­bic space group P212121. A hydrogen-bonding network between the tertiary alcohol group and the fluoro substituent results in [010] chains in the solid state.
Eileen Chang, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the Politics of Cold War Translation

In 1952, the acclaimed Chinese writer Eileen Chang began working as a writer and translator for the United States Information Agency (USIA) in Hong Kong. With Chang’s help, the USIA embarked on an ...
Neural Differentiation from Pluripotent Stem Cells

Technical advances have made it possible to derive pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) from many mammalian species and further differentiate PSCs to multiple cellular lineages. Leveraging the progress made in understanding how different cell types differentiate during mammalian development with the power of PSCs provides an opportunity to differentiate pluripotent cells to nearly any differentiated cell type in vitro. A large database of knowledge is now available on the generation of central and peripheral nervous system neurons and glia from PSCs. The potential to generate such a diverse array of neural cell types offers great promise for the development of cellular and tissue replacement therapies to treat many neurodegenerative disorders. However, because the nervous system contains so many different cell types, much work needs to be performed to generate the many neural cells that are still inaccessible by in vitro differentiation. The rate at which researchers are accumulating information about the mechanisms underlying neural development and translating this information to direct differentiation of PSCs suggests it may soon be possible to generate most neural cell types in culture.
Size-dependent fluid dynamics with application to lid-driven cavity flow

Abstract Some physical experiments exhibit size-dependency for fluid flows at small scales. This in turn necessitates the introduction of couple-stresses in the corresponding continuum theory. The resulting size-dependent couple stress fluid mechanics can be used to explore a range of such non-Newtonian flow behavior at micro- and nano-scales, and also to bridge between atomistic and classical continuum theories. Here we concentrate on two-dimensional flow and examine the effects of couple-stresses by developing and then applying a stream function-vorticity computational fluid dynamics formulation. Details are provided both on the governing equations for size-dependent flow and on the corresponding numerical implementation. Afterwards, the formulation is applied to the lid-driven cavity problem to examine the behavior of the flow as a function of the length scale parameter l . The investigation covers a range of Reynolds numbers, and includes an evaluation of the critical value beyond which a stationary response is no longer possible. The additional boundary conditions associated with consistent couple stress theory are found to play an important role in determining the flow pattern and critical Reynolds number.