cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalously strong viscosity behavior in mixed oxy-sulfide Na4P2S7-xOx invert glasses

Abstract In this report, the first observations of the anomalously strong viscosity behavior in the melt quenched (MQ) invert mixed oxy-sulfide Na4P2S7-xOx, 0 ≤ x ≤ 5, (NaPSO) glass series. We find that these glasses even with 67 mole% modifier, Na2S, exhibit a calorimetric fragility index, mcal, as small as 29 compared to typical values of ~ 60 to 80 for alkali silicate glasses with > 50 mole% SiO2. We find that the calorimetric fragility of these glasses varies systematically with the extent of network forming bridging oxygens (BOs) in the glasses. The mcal values were converted to kinetic fragility (mvis) values and used with the measured Tgs to produce viscosity curves for the glasses using the Mauro-Yue-Ellison-Gupta-Allan (MYEGA) model. The viscosity of the glass with a minimum mcal value of x = 2.5 was then shown to exhibit a viscosity that was as strong as some alkali aluminosilicate glasses. In this report, the first observations have been made of anomalously strong viscosity behavior and correspondingly strong bulk glass formation and resistance to crystallization in a melt quenched (MQ) prepared series of invert, modifier content greater than the glass former content, mixed oxy-sulfide Na4P2S7-xOx, 0 ≤ x ≤ 5, (NaPSO) glasses. We find that these glasses even with 67 mole % modifier, Na2S, and only 33 mole% glass former P2S5-xOx, exhibit a calorimetric fragility index, mcal, as small as 29 compared to typical values of ~ 60 to 80 for alkali silicate glasses with > 50 mole% SiO2 and the theoretical minimum mcal of ~ 15. The mcal values were converted to kinetic viscosity fragility, mvis, values and used with the measured glass transition temperatures, Tgs, to produce viscosity curves for the glasses using the Mauro-Yue-Ellison-Gupta-Allan (MYEGA) model. The viscosity of the glass with a minimum mcal value of x = 2.5 was then shown to exhibit a viscosity that was as strong as, and for some compositions stronger than, the viscosity of alkali aluminosilicate glasses which have three dimensional network structures compared to the one dimensional chain structures observed in these MOS invert glasses. Consistent with these small values of fragility indices and therefore predicted higher viscosity above the glass transition temperature, Tg, in the supercooled liquid regime, these glasses are also particularly resistant to crystallization. For example, the x = 2.5 glass composition exhibits a crystallization temperature, TC, more than 150K above its Tg. We find that the calorimetric fragility of these glasses varies systematically with the extent of network forming bridging oxygens (BOs) in the glasses. The structural change caused by incrementally replacing sulfur with oxygen has been found to have consistent, large effects on the thermal properties.
Short term outcomes in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to COVID-19

Background: MIS-C is a multi-system inflammatory syndrome which has been described in pediatric patients after COVID-19 since late April Our objective is to describe the short-term outcomes of the first 15 cases with MIS-C, who presented for care to a tertiary pediatric referral center Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of patients who met MIS-C criteria based on the New York State Department of Health case definition and who were admitted to the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, between April 24 and May 14, 2020 We collected clinical and laboratory data during their hospital admission and subsequent outpatient follow up Results: The range of the length of hospital stay was 6-13 days (mean=7 days) One patient expired on day 9 of hospitalization At the time of discharge, all patients had normalization of inflammatory markers All patients were discharged on anticoagulation therapy for 14 days One patient was readmitted with a subdural hematoma at day 13 post discharge and 3 patients had bruising at their follow up visit 7-12 days after hospital discharge All patients had normalization of cardiac enzymes prior to hospital discharge Abnormalities in coronary arteries and cardiac function which were observed during hospitalizations in 4 (27%) and 8 (53%) patients respectively, had resolved by day 6-35 post discharge (mean=20 days) Conclusion: Although patients with MIS-C can present with severe multi-organ involvement and shock, the majority of the patients in our experience had resolution of symptoms and normalization of laboratory parameters within a few weeks of initial symptoms Our findings underscore the need to carefully weigh the risk and benefits of anticoagulation therapy and to monitor this treatment closely Further research is needed to determine long-term outcomes of these patients
Histologic and molecular characterization of lung cancer with tissue obtained by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy.

Background: Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a catheter-based adjunct to standard bronchoscopic techniques for the sampling of lung lesions. We sought to evaluate the adequacy of ENB-obtained samples for histologic subtyping of lung cancer, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, and echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) translocations. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent ENB for the diagnosis of lung lesions between 2008 and 2011. In those proven to be a primary lung cancer by ENB, tissue adequacy for histologic subtyping was recorded. Accuracy was determined by comparison with resected specimens when available. Tissue adequacy for EGFR mutation and/or EML4-ALK analyses was also reviewed. Results: Sixty-five ENB cases resulted in a diagnosis of lung cancer. Tissues obtained were adequate for histologic subtyping in all 65 cases. Forty-three (66.2%) were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, 19 (29.2%) with squamous cell carcinoma, 3 (4.6%) with small cell carcinoma. In 51 cases (78.5%), subtyping was performed by morphology alone, whereas 11 (21.5%) required immunohistochemical staining. Sixteen of 65 tumors underwent surgical resection. Concordance of histologic subtyping between ENB and surgical specimens was 87.5% (14 tumors). ENB-obtained samples from 15 patients with adenocarcinoma were sent for EGFR mutation analysis, of which 14 (93.3%) were adequate. Samples from 2 patients were evaluated for EML4-ALK gene rearrangements, both of which were adequate for analysis. Conclusions: ENB is effective at obtaining tissue samples adequate for histologic subtyping, EGFR mutation, and EML4-ALK translocation analysis.
COVID-19: vacunas

Se realizo una revision bibliografica sobre las vacunas contra el Covid-19, exponiendo las plataformas que utilizan, asi como los requerimientos para almacenamiento y transporte. Se analiza la inequidad en el acceso a estas vacunas entre los paises de altos ingresos, con los paises pobres, y al interior de estos ultimos. Los paises desarrollados han iniciado un proceso agresivo de vacunacion en sus poblaciones, olvidando que el exito o el fracaso de las vacunas dependen de la cantidad de inmunizaciones que se logren en todo el planeta y no solo en algunos territorios.
Capacity and factor timing effects in active portfoliomanagement

Abstract Capacity constraints limit the profits of some investment strategies, while other strategies are more scalable. We develop a dollar-weighted return measure that parses the factor timing by investors and a strategy’s capacity constraints. We find that actively managed funds exhibit significant capacity and timing effects, while index funds display only timing effects. A portfolio’s liquidity, investment style, and distribution policy are important in explaining variation in capacity constraints. The analysis demonstrates that capacity and timing effects are important in analyzing portfolio manager skill and the cost of active investing.
Partially Ordered * -Division Rings

We start with a skew field K with an involution “*” and having a partial order of a certain kind (po — * — sfield K). It is assumed that K satisfies the (SRP) (square root for positive elements) axiom, which roughly says that every positive symmetric element of K has a symmetric square root in K which is unique up to ±1. Then we show how all of these can be extended to a skew Laurent power series extension division ring K((x; δ)) of K. I.e. K ((x; δ)) is a po—*—sfield with (SRP). Upon replacement of K with K((x; δ)) this construction can be iterated, and is a rich source of diverse examples.
Sex hormone pathway gene polymorphisms are associated with risk of advanced hepatitis C-related liver disease in males.

Background: Males have excess advanced liver disease and cirrhosis risk including from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection though the reasons are unclear. Goal: To examine the role variants in genes involved in androgen and estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism play in HCV-related liver disease risk in males. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study evaluating single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 16 candidate genes involved in androgen and estrogen ligand and receptor synthesis and risk of advanced hepatic fibrosis (F3/F4-F4) and inflammation (A2/A3-A3). We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regression and used multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis to assess for gene-environment interaction. Results: Among 466 chronically HCV-infected males, 59% (n = 274) had advanced fibrosis and 54% (n = 252) had advanced inflammation. Nine of 472 SNPs were significantly associated with fibrosis risk; 4 in AKR1C3 (e.g., AKR1C3 rs2186174: ORadj = 2.04, 95% CI 1.38-3.02), 1 each in AKR1C2 and ESR1, and 1 in HSD17B6. Four SNPs were associated with inflammation risk, 2 in SRD5A1 (e.g., SRD5A1 rs248800: ORadj = 1.86, 95% CI 1.20-2.88) and 1 each in AKR1C2 and AKR1C3. MDR analysis identified a single AKR1C3 locus (rs2186174) as the best model for advanced fibrosis; while a 4-locus model with diabetes, AKR1C2 rs12414884, SRD5A1 rs6555406, and SRD5A1 rs248800 was best for inflammation. Conclusions: The consistency of our findings suggests AKR1C isoenzymes 2 and 3, and potentially SRD5A1, may play a role in progression of HCV-related liver disease in males. Future studies are needed to validate these findings and to assess if similar associations exist in females.
Assays for inverse agonists in the visual system.

Visual pigment proteins belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors and are the light-sensitive molecules in rod and cone photoreceptor cells. The protein moiety is known as opsin and the ligand in the dark is 11-cis retinal, which serves as both the photon detector and an inverse agonist. While much is known about properties of the rod pigment rhodopsin, much less is understood about cone visual pigments. Being able to identify ligands that effect opsins give an insight into structure–activity relationships. The action of some ligands indicates that there are differences between not only rod and cone opsins but also among the different classes of cone opsins. Furthermore, inverse agonists of cone opsins may have potential therapeutic uses under conditions when the native 11-cis retinal ligand is absent. A method for determining the effects of ligands on rod and cone opsin activity is described.
Aqueous humor outflow facility in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

Purpose. It has been reported that glaucoma is more prevalent in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) patients as compared to the general population. The majority of OCP patients with glaucoma were in stage III or IV at the time of OCP diagnosis. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the etiology of glaucoma in such patients could be caused by an impairment of the aqueous humor outflow facility in the context of long-standing inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine whether the aqueous humor outflow facility is impaired in OCP patients. Patients and Methods. The aqueous humor outflow facility was compared between the following groups: (1) OCP patients with high pressure glaucoma (HPG) (n = 15) to patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (n = 13) and no history of OCP or chronic cicatrizing conjunctivitis (CCC); (2) OCP patients without a history of HPG (n = 15) to a group of normal individuals (n = 14); (3) OCP patients in stage II, with or without HPG (n = 12), to OCP patients in stage III (n = 25), with or without HPG. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in outflow facility between OCP patients with HPG and patients with POAG and no history of OCP, or between OCP patients without HPG and individuals with no history of OCP or glaucoma. The difference in outflow facility between patients in stage II of OCP and those in stage III of OCP was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Glaucoma in patients with OCP might not be related to resistance to the aqueous humor outflow facility.
Cross Section Measurements at LANSCE for Defense, Science and Applications

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) has three neutron sources that are used for nuclear science measurements. These sources are driven by an 800 MeV proton linear accelerator and cover an energy range from sub-thermal to hundreds of MeV. Research at the facilities is performed under the auspices of a US DOE user program under which research proposals are rated for merit by a program advisory committee and are scheduled based on merit and availability of beam time. A wide variety of instruments is operated at the neutron flight paths at LANSCE including neutron detector arrays, gamma-ray detector arrays, fission fragment detectors, and charged particle detectors. These instruments provide nuclear data for multiple uses that range from increasing knowledge in fundamental science to satisfying data needs for diverse applications such as nuclear energy, global security, and industrial applications. Highlights of recent research related to cross sections measurements are presented, and future research initiatives are discussed.
Grain size effect on the dielectric properties of strontium barium titanate

The effect of grain size on the dielectric properties of Sr/sub 0.2/Ba/sub 0.8/TiO/sub 3/ (SBT) ceramic is reported. SBT powder prepared by a hydrothermal procedure was used in this study. A porous ceramic was prepared by sintering the powder compacts between 1100 degrees C and 1350 degrees C for 5 min-10 h, either by conventional sintering or by fast firing. When the average grain size of the ceramic was between 0.75 and 1.2 mu m, the room temperature dielectric constant peaked to 5500-6000. In porous fine grain ceramic, classic P vs. E hysteresis behavior is observed. The etched and polished microstructure of fine grain porous ceramic showed multidomain characteristics. >
Design issues on broadcast routing algorithms using realistic cost-effective smart antenna models

Wireless ad hoc or sensor networks usually operate over a strictly or partially battery energy limited environment. To prolong network operating time, energy efficiency should be carefully considered at every layer of the network protocols and algorithms. Moreover, cross-layer effects and interactions have to be carefully analysed and utilized. While a significant amount of research on directional and smart antennas has been conducted at the physical layer and device level, a system-wide level analysis using directional antennas is still very rare, especially for the broadcast routing problem over wireless ad hoc networks. We investigate the effects of various classes of directional antenna systems and consider system-level design principles for a power-efficient broadcast routing algorithm. By introducing the concept of optimal decision space, we provide various valuable insights for algorithm design.
Shedding Light On Policy Coherence for Development: A Conceptual Framework

Policy Coherence has undoubtedly been one of the catchwords in the international debate on development aid since the 1990s but, as many authors have stated, no generally accepted agreement has been reached on defining the concept. This paper performs a systematic review to date of the literature on Policy Coherence for Development, drawing a conceptual map aimed to put Policy Coherence for Development in its rightful place within the development aid system. Within this framework, some of the main debates on the topic will be outlined in order to contribute to the enhancement of Policy Coherence for Development. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fine root decomposition, nutrient mobilization and fungal communities in a pine forest ecosystem.

Abstract Despite its importance to energy flow and nutrient cycling the process of fine root decomposition has received comparatively little detailed research. Disruption of the fine root-soil interface during preparation of root litterbags for decomposition studies could affect decay rates and nutrient mobilization in part by altering the community of decay organisms. We compared rates of decomposition and nutrient release from fine roots of pine between litterbags and intact cores and characterized the fungal community in the decomposing roots. Fine root decomposition was about twice as fast overall for intact cores than litterbags, and rapid mobilization of N and P was observed for roots in cores whereas nutrients were immobilized in litterbags. Fungal communities characterized using 454 pyrosequencing were considerably different between decaying roots in intact cores and litterbags. Most interesting, taxa from ectomycorrhizal fungal orders such as Boletales, Thelephorales and Cantharellales appeared to be more common in decaying roots from cores than litterbags. Moreover, the rate of N and P mobilization from decaying fine roots was highly correlated with taxa from two orders of ectomycorrhizal fungi (Thelephorales, Cantharellales). Although we caution that DNA identified from the decaying roots cannot be conclusively ascribed to active fungi, the results provide tentative support for a significant role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in decomposition and nutrient mobilization from fine roots of pine.
Human Glucocorticoid Receptor α Gene (NR3C1) Pharmacogenomics: Gene Resequencing and Functional Genomics

Context: The human glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. There are large variations in both physiological and therapeutic response to glucocorticoids. Multiple previous studies suggested that genetic polymorphisms in GRα (NR3C1) might play an important role. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify and determine the functional implications of common genetic variation in NR3C1. Design: We resequenced the NR3C1 gene using 240 DNA samples from four ethnic groups, followed by functional characterization of the effects of selected polymorphisms. Results: A total of 108 polymorphisms were identified in GRα, including nine nonsynonymous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) and four synonymous cSNPs with a minor allele frequency greater than 5%. Functional studies showed that SNPs encoding Phe(65)Val and Asp(687)Glu displayed slightly increased levels of protein compared with WT, and Asp(687)Glu also caused increased GRα receptor number. In addition, Ala(229)Thr and Ile(292)Val showed slightly decreased ligand binding affinity in COS-1 cells. A genotype-phenotype association study of NR3C1 gene expression in 240 lymphoblastoid cell lines identified one SNP, Cm746T>C, located 5′-upstream of noncoding exon 1C, and one haplotype, Cm237delC/Cm238C>T/Cm240G>C in exon 1C of the gene that were associated with GRα mRNA expression and a trend with GRα number. Conclusions: These results represent a step toward understanding the functional role of common sequence variation in the GRα gene (NR3C1) and the potential application of those SNPs in translational studies.
Straying of Adult Pink Salmon from their Natal Stream following Embryonic Exposure to Weathered Exxon Valdez Crude Oil

Abstract Numbers of strays (adult salmon returning to a nonnatal stream), straying rates, and distribution of strays were estimated for pink salmon incubated in oil-contaminated gravel and for an unexposed control group. The treatment groups were incubated in oiled gravel, which resulted in initial aqueous exposures for total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (TPAHs) of 5 and 19 μg/L for a low and high dose, respectively; the control group was incubated in gravel without oil. Fry from each treatment group were marked with coded wire tags (CWTs). The numbers of tagged fish released were 65,409 from the control; 69,441 from the low-dose group; and 70,414 from the high-dose group. A total of 288,492 pink salmon were sampled for CWTs when returning to spawn in the natal stream of the experimental fish, when returning to streams within 60 km of the natal stream, and when returning to two hatcheries within 100 km of the natal stream. The frequencies of observed strays were 0.023, 0.030, and 0.025 for the contro...
In vivo kindling does not alter afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) following action potential firing in vitro in basolateral amygdala neurons.

Abstract Kindling in vivo results in enhanced glutamatergic synaptic transmission and epileptiform bursting in vitro in neurons of the basolateral amygdala (BLA). We tested the hypothesis that reduction of intrinsic inhibitory mechanisms, such as the slow- and medium-afterhyperpolarizations (s-AHPs, m-AHPs), contributes to the enhanced neuronal excitability observed in kindling-induced epileptogenesis using intracellular recording methodology. In these studies, neurons were recorded from the BLA contralateral to the kindling site. AHPs following depolarizing current-induced (100 ms, 1 nA) action potentials were recorded from BLA neurons of control and kindled animals. We found no difference in the amplitude of the s-AHP and m-AHP, or the duration of the s-AHP between control and kindled neurons. In addition, kindling did not alter the distribution of accomodating/non-accomodating BLA neurons (as assessed from neuronal responses during long (500 ms) depolarizing current injection). It is concluded that an alteration in the neuronal network within the BLA rather than a blockade of an intrinsic inhibnitory mechanism underlies the enhanced excitability recorded in BLA neurons following kindling.
Fundamental Aspects Of Pulsed-Laser Irradiation Of Semiconductors

Fundamental aspects of pulsed laser melting and solidification of crystalline silicon and germanium are reviewed. The discussion concentrates on time-resolved experiments performed with nanosecond pulsed lasers, although some picosecond and femtosecond experiments are also considered. The creation of amorphous material from crystalline material induced by ultrarapid melting and resolidification using either nanosecond or picosecond lasers is surveyed and the inverse process of recrystallization of a-Si by explosive crystallization is described. Finally, melting model calculations, which have proven to give a very accurate description of the pulsed laser irradiation process, are discussed.
A 2-base pair deletion polymorphism in the partial duplication of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine gene (CHRFAM7A) on chromosome 15q14 is associated with schizophrenia

Abstract Multiple genetic linkage studies support the hypothesis that the 15q13–14 chromosomal region contributes to the etiology of schizophrenia. Among the putative candidate genes in this area are the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene (CHRNA7) and its partial duplication, CHRFAM7A. A large chromosomal segment including the CHRFAM7A gene locus, but not the CHRNA7 locus, is deleted in some individuals. The CHRFAM7A gene contains a polymorphism consisting of a 2 base pair (2 bp) deletion at position 497–498 bp of exon 6. We employed PCR-based methods to quantify the copy number of CHRFAM7A and the presence of the 2 bp polymorphism in a large, multi-ethnic population. The 2 bp polymorphism was associated with schizophrenia in African Americans (genotype p = 0.005, allele p = 0.015), and in Caucasians (genotype p = 0.015, allele p = 0.009). We conclude that the presence of the 2 bp polymorphism at the CHRFAM7A locus may have a functional significance in schizophrenia.
Influence diagrams as decision‐making tools for pesticide risk management

The pesticide policy arena is filled with discussion of probabilistic approaches to assess ecological risk, however, similar discussions about implementing formal probabilistic methods in pesticide risk decision making are less common. An influence diagram approach is proposed for ecological risk-based decisions about pesticide usage. Aside from technical data, pesticide risk management relies on diverse sources, such as stakeholder opinions, to make decisions about what, how, where, and when to spray. Bayesian influence diagrams allow multiple lines of evidence, including process related information from existing data and expert judgment, in 1 inclusive decision model. In ecological risk assessments, data informally incorporated for pesticide usage decisions, such as field and laboratory effect studies along with chemical monitoring and modeling data, can be formally incorporated and expressed in linked causal diagrams. A case study is presented from the perspective of an environmental manager wishing to efficiently control pests while minimizing risk to local aquatic receptors. Exposure modeling results and toxicity studies were incorporated, and an ecological risk assessment was carried out but combined with hypothetical information on spraying efficacy and valuation of outcomes that would be necessary for making risk management decisions. The variables and their links in the influence diagram are ones that are important to a manager and can be manipulated to optimally control pests while protecting nontarget resources.
Monte Carlo pedigree disequilibrium test for markers on the X chromosome.

Because of the need for fine mapping of disease loci and the availability of dense single-nucleotide–polymorphism markers, many forms of association tests have been developed. Most of them are applicable only to triads, whereas some are amenable to nuclear families (sibships). Although there are a number of methods that can deal with extended families (e.g., the pedigree disequilibrium test [PDT]), most of them cannot accommodate incomplete data. Furthermore, despite a large body of literature on association mapping, only a very limited number of publications are applicable to X-chromosomal markers. In this report, we first extend the PDT to markers on the X chromosome for testing linkage disequilibrium in the presence of linkage. This method is applicable to any pedigree structure and is termed “X-chromosomal pedigree disequilibrium test” (XPDT). We then further extend the XPDT to accommodate pedigrees with missing genotypes in some of the individuals, especially founders. Monte Carlo (MC) samples of the missing genotypes are generated and used to calculate the XMCPDT (X-chromosomal MC PDT) statistic, which is defined as the conditional expectation of the XPDT statistic given the incomplete (observed) data. This MC version of the XPDT remains a valid test for association under linkage with the assumption that the pedigrees and their associated affection patterns are drawn randomly from a population of pedigrees with at least one affected offspring. This set of methods was compared with existing approaches through simulation, and substantial power gains were observed in all settings considered, with type I error rates closely tracking their nominal values.
Integrating scientist and practitioner training in counseling psychology: Practicum is the Key

Abstract Recently, revitalized interest has been shown in the scientist-practitioner approach to training counseling and other applied psychologists. The counseling practicum is proposed as potentially the most influential and effective forum in which students can learn to integrate science and practice within the counseling psychology training sequence. A series of recommendations are presented for the more effective integratin of training in science and practice through students' clinical preparation experiences in general and the counseling practicum in particular.
Convergence in the lumbar spinal cord of pathways activated by splanchnic nerve and hind limb cutaneous nerve stimulation

Abstract Interneurons in the L6–L7 spinal segments were examined for convergence of input froh hind limb cutaneous nerves and the ipsilateral greater splanchnic nerve in anesthetized cats. The locations of all encountered units were mapped in relation to Rexed's laminae. Cells exhibiting viscerosomatic convergence were found throughout the gray matter with the majority of units being located in the intermediate and ventral gray. A comparison of the patterns of neuronal activity and the time course of the initial positive deflection of the cord dorsum potential elicited by splanchnic nerve volleys indicates a causal relationship. The effects observed in the cord after splanchnic nerve stimulation were dependent on excitation of Aγδ fibers. Neurons exhibiting viscerosomatic convergence received input from low-threshold cutaneous afferents.
Patient and hospital correlates of clinical outcomes and resource utilization in severe pediatric sepsis.

Objective Our goal was to describe patient and hospital characteristics associated with in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and charges for critically ill children with severe sepsis. Methods Our study consisted of a retrospective study of children 0 to 19 years of age hospitalized with severe sepsis using the 2003 Kids' Inpatient Database. We generated national estimates of rates of hospitalization and then compared in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total charges according to patient and hospital characteristics using multivariable regression methods. Severity of illness was measured by using all-patient refined diagnosis-related group severity of illness classification into minor, moderate, major, and extreme severity. Results There were an estimated 21,448 hospitalizations for severe pediatric sepsis nationally in 2003. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.2%. Comorbid illness was present in 34% of hospitalized children. Most (70%) of the extremely ill children were admitted to children's hospitals. Length of stay was longer among patients with higher illness severity and nonsurvivors compared with survivors (13.5 vs 8.5 days). Hospitalizations at urban or children's hospitals were also associated with longer length of stay than nonchildren's or rural hospitals, respectively. Higher charges were associated with higher illness severity, and nonsurvivors had 2.5-fold higher total charges than survivors. Also, higher charges were observed among hospitalizations in urban or children's hospitals. In multivariable regression analysis, multiple comorbid illnesses, multiple organ dysfunction, and greater severity of illness were associated with higher odds of mortality and longer length of stay. Higher hospital charges and longer length of stay were observed among transfer hospitalizations and among hospitalizations to children's hospitals and nonchildren's teaching hospitals compared with hospitals, which had neither children's nor teaching status. Conclusions Mortality from severe pediatric sepsis is associated with patient illness severity, comorbid illness, and multiple organ dysfunction. Many characteristics are associated with resource consumption, including type of hospital, source of admission, and illness severity.
The Gevrey Asymptotics in the Case of Singular Perturbations

Abstract In this paper, we present results in the Gevrey asymptotics which correspond to some existing results concerning asymptotic solutions in the Poincare asymptotics of singularly perturbed ordinary differential equations. The main idea is based on a characterization of the Gevrey flat functions and a characterizaton of the Gevrey asymptotic expansions as it had been already exhibited by Y. Sibuya (1990, Lecture Notes in Pure and Applied Math., Vol. 124, pp. 393–401, Dekker, New York) and P. F. Hsieh and Y. Sibuya (1999, “Basic Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations,” Chap. XI, Sect. XI-2 and Chap. XII, Sect. XII-5, Springer-Verlag, Berlin).
Denoising via MCMC-Based Lossy Compression

It has been established in the literature, in various theoretical and asymptotic senses, that universal lossy compression followed by some simple postprocessing results in universal denoising, for the setting of a stationary ergodic source corrupted by additive white noise. However, this interesting theoretical result has not yet been tested in practice in denoising simulated or real data. In this paper, we employ a recently developed MCMC-based universal lossy compressor to build a universal compression-based denoising algorithm. We show that applying this iterative lossy compression algorithm with appropriately chosen distortion measure and distortion level, followed by a simple derandomization operation, results in a family of denoisers that compares favorably (both theoretically and in practice) with other MCMC-based schemes, and with the discrete universal denoiser DUDE.
The modified Fontan procedure: morphometry and surgical implications.

Abstract Background . The modified Fontan procedure for patients with only one well-formed ventricle is now widely regarded as palliative, not curative. Methods . To improve the surgical management and postoperative follow-up of such patients, a morphometric study of 33 postmortem cases was done. Results . The three main causes of death were congestive heart failure (82%), arrhythmias (12%), and central nervous system dysfunction (6%). The cross-sectional area of the Fontan anastomosis (FA) relative to the systemic venous area (SVA) and relative to the body surface area (BSA) revealed that the Fontan pathway was often obstructive. The mean FA/SVA index was 73% less than normal: 0.54 ± 0.22, range 0.13 to 0.98. The mean FA/BSA index was 70% less than normal: 143.52 ± 50.01 mm 2 /M 2 , range 55.09 to 261.67 mm 2 /M 2 . Conclusions . The main surgical challenge is to minimize or eliminate prepulmonary stenosis. Although significant postoperative obstruction was often not evident hemodynamically because of small or absent gradients, the presence of important obstruction of the Fontan pathway was clearly revealed by morphometry.
The Max Network Gone Mad

The members of the MYC family of oncogenes, in particular c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc, are activated either directly or indirectly in many, if not most, human tumors. These structurally and functionally related nuclear phosphoproteins (Fig. ​(Fig.1A)1A) appear to promote cell growth and transformation by regulating the transcription of target genes required for proliferation (33, 44, 57). Myc's transcription functions require a C-terminal basic helix-loop-helix–leucine zipper (bHLHZip) DNA-protein interaction motif and conserved regulatory domains in the N terminus (Myc boxes, MB1 and MB2), which regulate Myc's transactivation and/or transrepression functions (Fig. ​(Fig.1A).1A). Normally, the expression of Myc family genes is cell context specific, mutually exclusive, and tightly dependent upon mitogens (8, 47, 71, 88). Furthermore, the life span of Myc proteins is brief, and they are rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-linked proteasome machinery (45). However, these controls are lost in cancer cells, resulting in aberrantly high levels of Myc proteins (2, 57).
Dynamical mean-field equations for strongly interacting fermionic atoms in arbitrary potential traps

We derive a set of general dynamical mean-field equations for strongly interacting fermionic atoms in arbitrary slowly varying potential traps. Our derivation generalizes the ansatz of the crossover wave function to the inhomogeneous case. The equations reduce to a time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation on the BEC side of the resonance. We discuss an iteration method to solve these mean-field equations, and present the solution for a harmonic trap as an illustrating example, which self-consistently verifies the approximations made in our derivation.
Splicing double: insights from the second spliceosome

Almost 20 years after the discovery of introns and RNA splicing, a second spliceosome was uncovered. Although this new spliceosome is structurally and functionally analogous to the well-characterized major-class splicing apparatus, it mediates the excision of a minor class of evolutionarily conserved introns that have non-canonical consensus sequences. This unanticipated diversity in the splicing machinery is refining both the mechanistic understanding and evolutionary models of RNA splicing.
Atom-atom correlation in the presence of strong THz phonon excitation

Abstract Modifications in the short-range atom-atom probability distribution are examined when strong terahertz phonon excitation is present. A description is developed that includes the excited phonon mode amplitude explicitly and combines the contributions of all other modes into local residual variables, which allows for a clean separation of the non-local phononic part of the problem and the remaining local problem. The modification of the short range atomic correlation is computed through a solution of the Schrodinger equation for the residual local variables in the classically forbidden region.
Elastodynamic stress field and bifurcation of a running penny-shaped crack

The elastodynamic stress field around a penny-shaped crack running at a constant speed in an infinite solid is obtained as the sum of the associated static solutions and the wave-effect terms. The results include the stress field in the plane of the running crack and the associated static solutions as special solutions.
A nonlinear stability analysis of a fixed-boundary model equation for alloy solidification

A weakly nonlinear stability analysis of the Stuart-Watson type is performed on the planar interface solution to a two-dimensional model equation for plane-front dilute binary alloy solidification employing a coordinate system in which the solid-liquid interface remains at rest. These stability results are obtained by both a direct method of solution and the traditional more indirect adjoint operator one. Comparisons are then made between the results of this analysis and those deduced from similar existing stability analyses of model equations using coordinate systems for which only the mean planar interface position is fixed. There is also a discussion of these results with respect to earlier analytical work on this fixed-interface model equation which employed the Malkus-Veronis nonlinear stability technique instead.
Scepticism and dreaming: Imploding the demon

reason to expect that they should succumb to a uniform treatment. My concern here is with the large but not comprehensive group of sceptical arguments that make play with a purportedly undetectable but cognitively disabling statedreaming, pervasive hallucination, victimisation by the Cartesian demon, Brainin-a-vathood, etc. I believe these arguments do share a best-most challengingform, which I shall delineate below.' I also believe that, so delineated, they can be made to succumb to a head-on, rational response-something of which a substantial amount of distinguished recent commentary has despaired.2 I shall focus on the example of dreaming; but it will be possible to substitute throughout any of the other familiar fantasies without important change.
Noninvasive monitoring of elevated intramuscular pressure in a model compartment syndrome via quantitative fascial motion.

Compartment syndromes, caused by elevated intramuscular pressure (IMP) and resulting from trauma or chronic overuse, frequently require invasive IMP monitoring for accurate diagnosis. Our objective is to test a non-invasive ultrasound technique for estimating IMP based on fascial displacement waveforms from arterial blood pressure pulses. In this study, IMP was increased in the legs of 23 healthy adult subjects up to 80 mmHg using two blood pressure cuffs covering the region from the knee to the ankle. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and recursive partitioning were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing elevated IMP using fascial displacement. For one ROC curve, in which several ultrasonic measurement parameters were used along with subject body mass index and blood pressure, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing normal IMP (below 30 mmHg) from elevated IMP (30 mmHg and up) was 0.61 and 0.94 respectively. Recursive partitioning, in which IMP was divided into three ranges (normal = 50 mmHg), resulted in improved diagnostic sensitivity (0.77) with almost no change in specificity (0.93).
Ca2+/Calmodulin Directly Interacts with the Pleckstrin Homology Domain of AKT1

AKT kinase, also known as protein kinase B, is a key regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. The activation of the AKT signaling pathway is one of the most frequent molecular alterations in a wide variety of human cancers. Dickson and coworkers recently observed that Ca(2+).calmodulin (Ca(2+).CaM) may be a common regulator of AKT1 activation (Deb, T. B., Coticchia, C. M., and Dickson, R. B. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 38903-38911). In our efforts to scan the mRNA-displayed proteome libraries for Ca(2+).CaM-binding proteins, we found that both human and Caenorhabditis elegans AKT1 kinases bound to CaM in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner (Shen, X., Valencia, C. A., Szostak, J., Dong, B., and Liu, R. (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 102, 5969-5974 and Shen, X., Valencia, C. A., Gao, W., Cotten, S. W., Dong, B., Chen, M., and Liu, R. (2007) submitted for publication). Here we demonstrate that Ca(2+).CaM and human AKT1 were efficiently co-immunoprecipitated, and their interaction was direct rather than mediated by other proteins. The binding is in part attributed to the first 42 residues of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, a region that is critical for the recognition of its lipid ligands. The PH domain of human AKT1 can disrupt the complex of the full-length AKT1 with Ca(2+).CaM. In addition, Ca(2+).CaM competes with phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphophate for interaction with the PH domain of human AKT1. Our findings suggest that Ca(2+).CaM is directly involved in regulating the functions of AKT1, presumably by releasing the activated AKT1 from the plasma membrane and/or prohibiting it from re-association with phosphoinositides on plasma membrane.
Cloning and Characterization of Glutamate Receptor Subunit 4 (GLUA4) and its Alternatively Spliced Isoforms in Turtle Brain

Ionotropic glutamate receptors sensitive to α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), GluAs, play an important role in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegeneration. Previous studies using an in vitro model of eyeblink classical conditioning in pond turtles suggested that acquisition of conditioning is associated with synaptic delivery of AMPA receptors containing GluA4 subunits. However, sequences of the GluA4 subunit, expression profile, and its alternatively spliced isoforms in turtle brain have not been previously determined. The sequence and domain structure of turtle GluA4 (tGluA4) and its splice variants was characterized. We found ten isoforms of tGluA4 including several previously unidentified truncated variants. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of tGluA4 flip/flop, tGluA4c flip/flop, and tGluA4s showed they are highly similar to known isoforms of the GluA4 subunit identified in chick. Examination of the relative abundance of mRNA expression for the tGluA4 variants showed that the flip and flop versions of tGluA4 and tGluA4c, and a novel truncated variant, tGluA4trc1, which is also expressed as protein, are major forms in the adult turtle brain. Identification of these alternatively spliced isoforms of tGluA4 will provide a unique opportunity to assess their role in synaptic plasticity through the application of short interfering RNAs.
Probabilistic modeling and analysis of the effects of extra-cellular matrix density on the sizes, shapes, and locations of integrin clusters in adherent cells

Background Regulation of integrin binding to the specific complementary sites on extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins plays a major role in cell adhesion and migration. In addition to regulating single integrin-ligand bonds by affinity modulation, cells regulate their adhesiveness by forming integrin clusters. Although it is clear that cells exhibit different adhesion and migration behaviors on surfaces coated with different concentrations of ECM proteins, it is not clear if this response is mediated by changes in the availability of integrin binding sites or by differential intracellular signaling that may affect integrin binding and clustering.
Photosensitizers Derived from 132-Oxo-methyl Pyropheophorbide-a: Enhanced Effect of Indium(III) as a Central Metal in In Vitro and In Vivo Photosensitizing Efficacy

The effects of an additional keto group on absorption wavelength and the corresponding metal complexes Zn(II), Cu(II) In(III) on singlet oxygen production and photodynamic efficacy were examined among the alkyl ether analogs of pyropheophorbide-a. For the preparation of the desired photosensitizers, the methyl 132-oxo-pyropheophorbide-a obtained by reacting methyl pyropheophorbide-a with aqueous LiOH-THF was converted into a series of alkyl ether analogs. These compounds were evaluated for photophysical properties and in vitro (by means of the MTT assay and intracellular localization in RIF cells) and in vivo (in C3H mice implanted with RIF tumors) photosensitizing efficacy. Among the alkyl ether derivatives, the methyl 3-decyloxyethyl-3-devinyl-132-oxo-pyropheophorbide-a was found to be most effective and the insertion of In(III) into this analog further enhanced its in vitro and in vivo photosensitizing efficacy. Fluorescence microscopy showed that, in contrast to the hexyl and dodecyl ether derivatives of HPPH (which localize in mitochondria and lysosomes, respectively), the diketo-analogs and their In(III) complexes localized in Golgi bodies. The preliminary in vitro and in vivo results suggest that, in both free-base and metalated analogs, the introduction of an additional keto group at the five-member exocyclic ring in pyropheophorbide-a diminishes its photosensitizing efficacy. This may be due to a shift in subcellular localization from mitochondria to the Golgi bodies. The further introduction of In(III) enhances photoactivity, but not by shifting the localization of the photosensitizer.
Coordination between Translation and Degradation Regulates Inducibility of mGluR-LTD

Dendritic protein homeostasis is crucial for most forms of long-term synaptic plasticity, and its dysregulation is linked to a wide range of brain disorders. Current models of metabotropic glutamate receptor mediated long-term depression (mGluR-LTD) suggest that rapid, local synthesis of key proteins is necessary for the induction and expression of LTD. Here, we find that mGluR-LTD can be induced in the absence of translation if the proteasome is concurrently inhibited. We report that enhanced proteasomal degradation during the expression of mGluR-LTD depletes dendritic proteins and inhibits subsequent inductions of LTD. Moreover, proteasome inhibition can rescue mGluR-LTD in mice null for the RNA binding protein Sam68, which we show here lack mGluR-dependent translation and LTD. Our study provides mechanistic insights for how changes in dendritic protein abundance regulate mGluR-LTD induction. We propose that Sam68-mediated translation helps to counterbalance degradation, ensuring that protein levels briefly remain above a permissive threshold during LTD induction.