cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is dynamin really a 'pinchase'?

The motivation for this article was a recent conversation with an author of a major cell-biology textbook who was gratified that the problem of ?pinching off? membrane vesicles from donor membranes had been solved.It was now known, the author claimed, that the large GTPase dynamin was a ?pinchase? severing the necks of budding vesicles.We are concerned that this appealing speculation has been prematurely elevated to cell-biological dogma.Furthermore, by seeing dynamin exclusively as a pinchase we might fail to recognize alternative functions.In this article, we review briefly the evidence that dynamin is a pinchase, discuss some problems with that speculation and show that other possible functions for dynamin may be at least as appealing.
Altered progesterone concentrations by hormonal manipulations before a fixed-time artificial insemination CO-Synch + CIDR program in suckled beef cows

We hypothesized that pregnancy outcomes may be improved by inducing luteal regression, ovulation, or both (i.e., altering progesterone status) before initiating a timed–artificial insemination (TAI) program in suckled beef cows. This hypothesis was tested in two experiments in which cows were treated with either PGF2a (PG) or PG þ GnRH before initiating a TAI program to increase the proportion of cows starting the program in a theoretical marginal (<1 ng/mL; experiment 1) or elevated (� 1n g/mL; experiment 2) progesterone environment, respectively. The control was a standard COSynch þ controlled internal drug release (CIDR) program employed in suckled beef cows (100 mg GnRH intramuscularly [IM] [GnRH-1] and insertion of a progesteroneimpregnated intravaginal CIDR insert on study Day � 10, 25 mg PG and CIDR insert removal on study Day � 3, and 100 mg GnRH IM [GnRH-2] and TAI on study Day 0). In both experiments, blood was collected before each injection for later progesterone analyses. In experiment 1, cows at nine locations (n ¼ 1537) were assigned to either: (1) control or (2) PrePG (same as control with a PG injection on study Day � 13). The PrePG cows had larger (P < 0.05) follicles on study Day � 10 and more (P < 0.05) ovulated after GnRH-1 compared with control cows (60.6% vs. 36.5%), but pregnancy per TAI was not altered (55.5% vs. 52.2%, respectively). In experiment 2, cows (n ¼ 803) at four locations were assigned to: (1) control or (2) PrePGG (same as control with PG injection on study Day � 20 and GnRH injection on study Day � 17). Although pregnancy per TAI did not differ between control and PrePGG cows (44.0% vs. 44.4%, respectively), cows with body condition score greater than 5.0 or 77 or more days postpartum at TAI were more (P < 0.05) likely to become pregnant than thinner cows or those with fewer days postpartum. Presynchronized cows in both experiments were more (P < 0.05) likely than controls to have luteolysis after initial PG injections and reduced (P < 0.05) serum progesterone; moreover, treatments altered the proportion of cows and pregnancy per TAI of cows in various progesterone categories before the onset of the TAI protocol. In combined data from both experiments, cows classified as anestrous before the study but with elevated progesterone on Day � 10 had increased (P < 0.05) pregnancy outcomes compared with anestrous cows with low progesterone concentrations. Progesterone concentration had no effect on pregnancy outcome of cycling cows. In summary, luteal regression and ovulation were enhanced and progesterone concentrations were altered
Tumor STAT1 transcription factor activity enhances breast tumor growth and immune suppression mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Previous studies had implicated the IFN-γ transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) as a tumor suppressor. However, accumulating evidence has correlated increased STAT1 activation with increased tumor progression in multiple types of cancer, including breast cancer. Indeed, we present evidence that tumor up-regulation of STAT1 activity in human and mouse mammary tumors correlates with increasing disease progression to invasive carcinoma. A microarray analysis comparing low aggressive TM40D and highly aggressive TM40D-MB mouse mammary carcinoma cells revealed significantly higher STAT1 activity in the TM40D-MB cells. Ectopic overexpression of constitutively active STAT1 in TM40D cells promoted mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and inhibition of antitumor T cells, resulting in aggressive tumor growth in tumor-transplanted, immunocompetent mice. Conversely, gene knockdown of STAT1 in the metastatic TM40D-MB cells reversed these events and attenuated tumor progression. Importantly, we demonstrate that in human breast cancer, the presence of tumor STAT1 activity and tumor-recruited CD33+ myeloid cells correlates with increasing disease progression from ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma. We conclude that STAT1 activity in breast cancer cells is responsible for shaping an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and inhibiting STAT1 activity is a promising immune therapeutic approach.
Structures of the Reduced and Mercury-Bound Forms of MerP, the Periplasmic Protein from the Bacterial Mercury Detoxification System†,‡

Bacteria carrying plasmids with the mer operon, which encodes the proteins responsible for the bacterial mercury detoxification system, have the ability to transport Hg(II) across the cell membrane...
Study of associated reaction variables in the synthesis of titanium (IV) polyamines and a comparison of synthesis by different techniques

Synthesis of titanium polyamines was accomplished with “inverse” and “normal” interfacial and aqueous solution systems. Yield was independent of the usual reaction parameters for substituents on p-phenylenediamine for the interfacial systems but might be dependent on the particular diffusion rates of the diamines. Yield decreases as the nucleophilicity of the diamine decreases for the aqueous solution systems. Yield is independent of pH, decreases with reduction in reactant concentration and increases with increases in the amine: Cp2TiCl2 ratio for both normal interfacial and aqueous solution systems.
Radicals, Rights, and Revolution: British Nonconformity and Roots of the American Experience

The bicentennial of the American Bill of Rights offers an appropriate occasion to reassess its intellectual heritage. British radicals, I will argue, had a major impact on the principles enunciated in the Bill of Rights, including the rarely cited ninth amendment, so crucial for the resolution of such sociolegal issues as the rights to life and privacy and the place of religion in society. By radicals I mean those who sought fundamental changes in politics, religion, society, or the economy by striking at the root of contemporary assumptions and institutions.
Review of Skidelsky's John Maynard Keynes: Fighting for Britain

Skidelsky's three-volume biography of Keynes, of which this is the third, gives us Keynes, entire. The meat of the biography lies in the well-constructed narrative and in the magnificent portraits of Keynes and his age. Robert Skidelsky has given us a superb intellectual biography.
Rf sputtered CdS/CdTe solar cells: effects of magnetic field, RF power, target morphology, and substrate temperature

In this paper we present a study of the influence of substrate temperature, RF power, target erosion, and magnetic field configuration on RF sputtering of CdTe and CdS. These sputtering parameters are shown to affect deposition rate, film morphology, photoluminescence efficiency, and cell performance. The magnetic field shape and strength affects the charged particle flux on the growing film and appears to have a strong influence on the final cell performance.
Central Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptors Play Distinct Roles in the Control of Reproduction, Food Intake, and Body Weight in Female Rats

Estradiol and progesterone induction of the LH surge in ovariectomized female rats requires concurrent activation of brain insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) receptors. The present study determined whether brain IGF1 receptor signaling is required for estrous cyclicity in gonadally intact female rats. A selective IGF1 receptor antagonist (JB-1) or vehicle was continuously administered into the third ventricle by osmotic minipumps. Following surgical placement of the minipumps, all rats temporarily reduced food intake, lost weight, and suspended estrous cycles. Control rats resumed cycles within a few days and exhibited compensatory hyperphagia until they returned to presurgical body weight. Animals receiving JB-1 had severely delayed or absent estrous cycles, failed to show rebound feeding, and regained body weight more slowly. Vehicle-infused animals pair fed to JB-1-treated rats had even lower body weights but resumed estrous cycles sooner than those given drug alone. Chronic infusion of IGF1 alone had no effect on any of these parameters, but coinfusion of IGF1 with the antagonist completely reversed JB-1 effects on food intake and estrous cyclicity and partially reversed the effects on body weight. There were no significant differences in the expression of galanin-like peptide (Galp) or Kiss1 mRNA in the arcuate or periventricular hypothalamic area of control and JB-1-treated animals at a time point when food intake and estrous cycles were different between controls and JB-1-treated rats. These data suggest that brain IGF1 signaling is necessary for normal estrous cycles as well as compensatory hyperphagia and that IGF1 modulation of the reproductive axis is not secondary to reduced food intake.
Effects of Verapamil on Histamine-and Carbachol- Induced Contraction of Pulmonary Tissues in Vitro

It has been hypothesized that calcium antagonists may be useful in the management of airway hyperreactivity. In these studies, we evaluated the effects of verapamil on guinea pig tracheal spirals and parenchymal lung strips in vitro. Preincubation of both tissues with verapamil caused concentration-dependent inhibition of contraction with significant effects noted at a 10 micromolar concentration. At this concentration of verapamil, approximately fivefold greater concentrations of either histamine or carbachol were required to produce contraction of tracheal spirals; and 21-fold greater concentrations of histamine and 630-fold greater concentrations of carbachol were required to contract parenchymal strips. We also assessed the ability of verapamil to reverse contraction. Significant reversal of both histamine and carbachol induced contraction was observed with concentrations of 3 micromolar verapamil and contraction was nearly abolished with a 100 micromolar concentration. These data demonstrate that verapamil can both inhibit airway contraction and reverse contraction once it is present and further suggest that verapamil or other calcium antagonists may prove useful in the management of airway hyperreactivity.
Effects of RF and DC stress on AlGaN/GaN MODFETs: a low-frequency noise-based investigation

The impact of radio frequency (RF) and DC stress on passivated and unpassivated AlGaN/GaN modulation-doped field effect transistors (MODFETs) is investigated by means of DC and low-frequency noise (LFN) measurements. Unpassivated devices endure significant changes in the output resistance, gate, and drain noise current level after RF and DC stress. RF and DC stress of unpassivated devices leads to different degradation time constant and gate noise current. Besides, a positive shift in the pinch-off voltage is found to take place only after RF stress. In contrast to unpassivated devices, passivated devices do not show any considerable variation in the output resistance and gate, and drain noise current characteristics upon RF or DC stress. However, a positive shift in the pinch-off voltage upon RF stress is observed for both types of devices.
Clopidogrel Hypersensitivity: A Novel Multi-Day Outpatient Oral Desensitization Regimen

BACKGROUNDClopidogrel hypersensitivity has posed a problem for the acute treatment and long-term care of a particular patient population with coronary artery disease and stent placement. Patients with clopidogrel hypersensitivity have had an increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, if they ingest clopidogrel without undergoing an oral desensitization procedure. The previously published desensitization protocols have either been performed in the intensive care unit, requiring significant cost and healthcare utilization, or have required a full-day outpatient commitment on behalf of the patient.OBJECTIVETo determine whether a multi-day outpatient oral clopidogrel desensitization protocol is effective and safe for patients with clopidogrel hypersensitivity.METHODSgWe retrospectively assessed the efficacy of a 10-dose outpatient multiday clopidogrel desensitization protocol performed in a university allergy-immunology center from April 2006 to October 2008 in patients with clopidog...
Tort as a Substitute for Revenge

In 1870, William Alcorn sued Andrew Mitchell for trespass. His suit did not go well, and at the end of trial, just after the court adjourned, Alcorn spit in Mitchell’s face. Mitchell then turned the tables and sued Alcorn for battery. He won a judgment for $1000, which the Illinois Supreme Court approved on the ground that awarding “liberal damages . . . save[d] the necessity of resort to personal violence as the only means of redress.” In the Court’s view, Alcorn had to pay so that Mitchell would not have to strike back.The idea that tort suits substitute for revenge is still with us today. But it is not clear how the substitution is supposed to work. Taking Alcorn v. Mitchell as a template, I argue that the primary reason for regarding tort as a substitute for revenge is that both are tools for doing corrective justice. Along the way, I develop and defend a communicative conception of corrective justice, and I argue that tort and revenge share similar expressive aims.
Optical Buffering and Switching for Optical Packet Switching

We describe the design and initial results of an all-optical buffered 40 Gb/s packet switch. Dynamic packet forwarding is illustrated and specific attention is directed to buffering. We assess the challenges in meeting the requirements for optical buffering devices. Slow light and delay line buffering approaches are described and several recent results and issues are summarized.
Wave-number estimates for regularized combined field boundary integral operators in acoustic scattering problems with Neumann boundary conditions

We study the coercivity properties and the norm dependence on the wavenumber k of certain regularized combined field boundary integral operators that we recently introduced for the solution of two and three-dimensional acoustic scattering problems with Neumann boundary conditions. We show that in the case of circular and spherical boundaries, our regularized combined field boundary integral operators are L coercive for large enough values of the coupling parameter, and that the norms of these operators are bounded by constant multiples of the coupling parameter. We establish that the norms of the regularized combined field boundary integral operators grow modestly with the wavenumber k for smooth boundaries and we provide numerical evidence that these operators are L coercive for two-dimensional starlike boundaries. We present and analyze a fully discrete collocation (Nystrom) method for the solution of two-dimensional acoustic scattering problems with Neumann boundary conditions based on regularized combined field integral equations. In particular, for analytic boundaries and boundary data, we establish pointwise superalgebraic convergence rates of the discrete solutions.
Vaccination with DHA-derived specialized proresolving mediators increases the antibody-mediated immune response against influenza virus (VAC2P.925)

Influenza viruses remain a critical global health concern. More efficacious vaccines are needed to protect against influenza virus, yet few adjuvants are approved for routine use. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are powerful endogenous bioactive lipid regulators of inflammation, with great clinical translational properties. We previously identified endogenous levels of the SPM resolvin D1, protectin D1 and 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA) in the mouse spleen. Here, we investigated the ability of 17-HDHA to enhance the adaptive immune response using a pre-clinical influenza vaccination mouse model. Our findings revealed that mice immunized with influenza H1N1-derived HA protein plus 17-HDHA increased antigen specific antibody titers. 17-HDHA increased the number of plasma cells and HA-specific antibody-secreting cells in the bone marrow, but it did not affect the frequency of GC B cells or Tfh cells in the draining lymph node. Importantly, the 17-HDHA-mediated increased antibody production was more protective against live pH1N1 influenza virus infection in mice. This is the first report on the immuno-stimulatory effects of omega-3-derived SPMs on the humoral immune response. These findings illustrate a previously unknown biological relation between proresolution signals and the adaptive immune system. In addition, 17-HDHA as well as other immuno-stimulatory SPM have the potential to be used as novel endogenous adjuvants.
Cryptococcus neoformans CAP59 (or Cap59p) Is Involved in the Extracellular Trafficking of Capsular Glucuronoxylomannan

Several genes are essential for Cryptococcus neoformans capsule synthesis, but their functions are unknown. We examined the localization of glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) in strain B-3501 and in cap59 mutants B-4131 and C536. Wild-type strain B-3501 showed a visible capsule by India ink staining and immunofluorescence with anticapsular monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 12A1 and 18B7. B-4131, a mutant containing a missense mutation in CAP59, showed no capsule by India ink staining but revealed the presence of capsular polysaccharide on the cell surface by immunofluorescence. The cap59 gene deletion mutant (C536), however, did not show a capsule by either India ink staining or immunofluorescence. Analysis of cell lysates for GXM by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed GXM in C536 samples. Furthermore, the epitopes recognized by MAbs 12A1, 2D10, 13F1, and 18B7 were each detected in the cytoplasm of all strains by immunogold electron microscopy, although there were differences in location consistent with differences in epitope synthesis and/or transport. In addition, the cells of B-3501 and B-4131, but not those of the cap59 deletant, assimilated raffinose or urea. Hence, the missense mutation of CAP59 in B-4131 partially hampered the trafficking of GXM but allowed the secretion of enzymes involved in hydrolysis of raffinose or urea. Furthermore, the cell diameter and volume for strain C536 are higher than those for strain B-3501 or B-4131 and may suggest the accumulation of cellular material in the cytoplasm. Our results suggest that CAP59 is involved in capsule synthesis by participating in the process of GXM (polysaccharide) export.
One-dimensional inference in autoregressive models with the potential presence of a unit root

This paper examines the problem of testing and confidence set construction for one-dimensional functions of the coefficients in autoregressive (AR(p)) models with potentially persistent time series. The primary example concerns inference on impulse responses. A new asymptotic framework is suggested and some new theoretical properties of known procedures are demonstrated. I show that the likelihood ratio (LR) and LR± statistics for a linear hypothesis in an AR(p) can be uniformly approximated by a weighted average of local-to-unity and normal distributions. The corresponding weights depend on the weight placed on the largest root in the null hypothesis. The suggested approximation is uniform over the set of all linear hypotheses. The same family of distributions approximates the LR and LR± statistics for tests about impulse responses, and the approximation is uniform over the horizon of the impulse response. I establish the size properties of tests about impulse responses proposed by Inoue and Kilian (2002) and Gospodinov (2004), and theoretically explain some of the empirical findings of Pesavento and Rossi (2007). An adaptation of the grid bootstrap for impulse response functions is suggested and its properties are examined.
Scalable alignment of large-format multi-projector displays using camera homography trees

This paper presents a vision-based geometric alignment system for aligning the projectors in an arbitrarily large display wall. Existing algorithms typically rely on a single camera view and degrade in accuracy1 as the display resolution exceeds the camera resolution by several orders of magnitude. Naive approaches to integrating multiple zoomed camera views fail since small errors in aligning adjacent views propagate quickly over the display surface to create glaring discontinuities. Our algorithm builds and refines a camera homography2 tree to automatically register any number of uncalibrated camera images; the resulting system is both faster and significantly more accurate than competing approaches, reliably achieving alignment errors of 0.55 pixels on a 24-projector display in under 9 minutes. Detailed experiments compare our system to two recent display wall alignment algorithms, both on our 18 Megapixel display wall and in simulation. These results indicate that our approach achieves sub-pixel accuracy even on displays with hundreds of projectors.
Being well and doing well: on the importance of income for health

Income is robustly associated with health status. Higher income is associated with lower mortality and morbidity, both cross-nationally and within societies. This relationship is not just confined to low levels of income, but extends well beyond median levels of income in society with diminishing marginal returns to health status with additional increments in income. Drawing upon the absolute and relative interpretations of income and conceptualising them simul-taneously at the individual and community level, we develop a typology of income–health relationships and discuss the distinctiveness of, and connections between, each type. We conclude that a multilevel conceptual and methodological framework is most appropriate to understand the income–health relationship.
Barriers to conceiving sibling donors for sickle cell disease: perspectives from patients and parents.

Objectives. The lack of matched sibling donors poses a significant barrier to utilizing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), the only proven cure for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Little is known about current patient and parent perspectives towards HCT for SCD. This study examines the perceived barriers of transplant, and the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), when there is no pre-existing sibling donor. Design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult patients with SCD and parents of children with SCD in an urban medical center in the US. Transcribed data was analyzed using qualitative methods. Results. Of 23 participants, 17 reported having heard of HCT for SCD. Fewer knew of IVF or PGD as a means for conceiving an unaffected child (n =7) or to select a potential umbilical cord blood donor (n =1). The financial cost of IVF and PGD was perceived as a significant initial barrier to accessing these technologies, with the clinical ri...
A K-band pulse radar transceiver with highly digital closed-loop time-of-flight measurement

This paper presents a K-band pulse radar transceiver in 130 nm CMOS. A new highly digital closed-loop time-of-flight (ToF) measurement technique is developed, which measures the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the circulated pulse train instead of the ToF. This technique enables both PRF scaling and pulse amplitude scaling, achieving a good range resolution without a complex TDC. A PLL with a new bang-bang PFD is used to capture the PRF. The whole radar transceiver consumes 56 mW power while occupying an active area of 1 mm2.
Assessment of Imidacloprid and Its Metabolites in Foliage of Eastern Hemlock Multiple Years Following Treatment for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), in Forested Conditions

Widespread decline and mortality of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere, have been caused by hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annand) (HWA) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). The current study is a retrospective analysis conducted in collaboration with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) to determine longevity of imidacloprid and its insecticidal metabolites (imidacloprid olefin, 5-hydroxy, and dihydroxy) in GRSM's HWA integrated pest management (IPM) program. Foliage samples were collected from three canopy strata of hemlocks that were given imidacloprid basal drench treatments 4-7 yr prior to sampling. Foliage was analyzed to assess concentrations in parts per billion (ppb) of imidacloprid and its metabolites. Imidacloprid and its olefin metabolite were present in most, 95 and 65%, respectively, branchlets 4-7 yr post-treatment, but the 5-hydroxy and dihydroxy metabolites were present in only 1.3 and 11.7%, respectively, of the branchlets. Imidacloprid and olefin concentrations significantly decreased between 4 and 7 yr post-treatment. Concentrations of both imidacloprid and olefin were below the LC50 for HWA 5-7 yr post-treatment. Knowledge of the longevity of imidacloprid treatments and its metabolite olefin can help maximize the use of imidacloprid in HWA IPM programs.
High Aspect Ratio Laser Machining of Composite Ceramics

High aspect ratio laser machining of composite ceramics has been demonstrated using a pulsed laser wavelength that is largely transparent to one of the composite constituents of the ceramic and highly absorbed in the other. Machined slots 50 microns wide and 400 microns deep are possible as the result of the deep penetration of the laser radiation due to the “semi-transparent” nature of the substrate. This work is presented in two parts. The first is a study of the single pulse interaction of the laser with pure samples of Alumina and separately Titanium Carbide which are the two constituents found in the machined sample. These results are compared to the single pulse interaction with the composite. Finally, results of the high aspect ratio machining on the composite are presented and a probable mechanism is proposed.
The Spiritual/Psychological Dilemma

The issue is truth. What does life, reality itself, confirm again and again as reliable, confirmable, veridical? This, I believe, is the heart of the spiritual/ psychological dilemma. 'Psyche,' 'soul,' 'spirit' all have similar etymological and historical roots. Early on, they were synonymous. Then, history, the emergence of secularity and of science, split the meanings apart so that differences and enmities were exacerbated and functionally and linguistically differentiated. The scientific community opted for 'psyche' as containing its referential domain. The religious community found itself embracing 'spirit' as its special territory. Naturally, some scholars were alert to similarities, commonalties and mutual interests, but over the centuries the gap widened. As secular psychiatry focused intensely on pathology in the nineteenth century and the first part of the twentieth, enmities and radically different worldviews developed. Depth psychologists and psychiatrists began to see the inimical influence of many religious institutions and dogmas on patients, notably exaggerated guilt, self-hatred, authoritarian hegemony and, not infrequently, the often unconscious stimulation of psychotic and neurotic fantasy. They also crystallized opposition to psychological myopia in religious leaders and were vocal about the regressive dependencies religion often induced. They openly opposed the infantilizing influences of religious teaching and practice. The religious community, convinced of its historic role as a caring and healing force in human life, often became defensive, critical of scientific psychiatry and humanism in general, and used every opportunity to expose the theological insufficiencies dominating secular world views. Ad hominem attacks on Freud and psychological claims were frequent and widespread. At the same time there developed a real ambivalence about truth claims. Evidence grew that the secular psychological community had much to teach about human behavior, including some of its insights into the part that religion might play in pathology. Some clergy began to submit themselves to personal analysis. Conversation and mutual
Matches or Discrepancies

Efforts to pursue high-quality mathematics teaching have led to ever-increasing research interests in exploring the practices of mathematics classrooms in highachieving countries, including China. There have been studies on how Chinese students learn mathematics (Fan, Wong, Cai, & Li, 2004), how Chinese teachers teach mathematics (Li & Huang, 2012), and the characteristics of effective mathematics teaching valued by Chinese teachers (Cai & Wang, 2010; Huang, Li, & He, 2010; Li, 2011).
Comparison of bone scintigraphy and 11C-Choline PET/CT scans in skeletal metastases from prostate cancer

2716 Objectives This study measures the choline uptake and density of bone lesions in prostate cancer patients undergoing C-11Choline PET/CT scanning compared to visible abnormalities on 99mTC-MDP bone scans. Further, this study aims to determine the relationship to PSA levels. Methods A retrospective review of men with a 11C-Choline PET/CT scan, a bone scan and PSA measurement within 30 days and during 2011, was completed. Each localized bone lesions from 11C-Choline PET/CT scan was measured for maximum standard uptake value (SUV) of 11C-Choline accumulation and the density (HU) of the bone. The relationship between SUV, density and visibility on bone scan of the bone lesion was assessed. Skeletal lesion identification and PSA level was analyzed. Results In 38 Prostate cancer patients evaluated, the 11C-Choline PET/CT scans identified 85 bone lesions. The mean SUV max value of identified bone lesions was 4.7 ± 2.1 and the mean CTHU value was 268 ± 148. No correlation was shown between the SUV values and CTHU values using a bivariate analysis with linear regression (R2=0.0046, p=0.65). Of the 85 11C-Choline avid lesions, 46 were visible on the 99mTc-MDP bone scan. The SUV max values of the 46 lesions identified with the bone scan (mean SUV 5.33 ± 2.04) were statistically higher than those not diagnosed with the bone scan (p=0.0021). The HU values of bone scan positive lesions (mean 293 ± 155) were also higher than on choline PET only visible foci (p=0.05). The PSA for all patients ranged from 0.14 and 126 ng/ml and the mean for bone scan identified bone lesions was 7.07 ± 33.2 ng/ml, versus 7.09 ± 16.23 ng/ml in bone scan negative. When the PSA was Conclusions The osseous lesions identified in prostate cancer patients by bone scanning have both higher 11C-Choline uptake and higher density
The degenerate CH stretching fundamental of CH3D

Abstract The vibration-rotation spectrum of the doubly degenerate CH stretching fundamental of CH 3 D has been observed. From the structure of the band and previously known rotational constants the quantities ζ 3 b = 0.08 6 , ν 3 b = 3016.9 cm −1 , and B 3 b = 3.865 cm −1 have been obtained. This zeta value is in much better agreement with that calculated from the force constants than that found in the literature.
Informing the Historical Record of Experimental Nonhuman Primate Infections with Ebola Virus: Genomic Characterization of USAMRIID Ebola Virus/H.sapiens-tc/COD/1995/Kikwit-9510621 Challenge Stock R4368 and Its Replacement R4415

The creation of licensed medical countermeasures against Select Agents such as Ebola virus (EBOV) is critically dependent on the use of standardized reagents, assays, and animal models. We performed full genome reconstruction, population genomics, contaminant analysis, and characterization of the glycoprotein gene editing site of historical United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) nonhuman-primate challenge stock Ebola virus Kikwit “R4368” and its 2014 replacement “R4415.” We also provide characterization of the master stock used to create “R4415.” The obtained data are essential to understanding the quality of the seed stock reagents used in pivotal animal studies that have been used to inform medical countermeasure development. Furthermore, these data might add to the understanding of the influence of EBOV variant populations on pathogenesis and disease outcome and inform attempts to avoid the evolution of EBOV escape mutants in response to current therapeutics. Finally, as the primary challenge stocks have changed over time, these data will provide a baseline for understanding and correlating past and future animal study results.
Rock Balls at Folsom Dam, California

Peculiar, nearly spherical balls composed of hard, igneous and metamorphic rock types were found in scattered debris in concrete-lined stilling basins of Folsom and several other dams in California. Ball formation is related to extremely turbulent flow conditions in an entrapment “container” and is associated with an undesirable erosion of “container” concrete lining. Proper design of basins, post-construction cleanup, and protection from contamination by visitors can eliminate formation of rock balls and reduce erosion of the lining.
Ab-Initio Pseudopotential Calculations of Boron Diffusion in Silicon

In this work we investigate boron diffusion as a function of the Fermi-level position in crystalline silicon using ab-initio calculations and the nudged elastic band method to optimize diffusion paths. Based on our results, a new mechanism for B diffusion mediated by Si self-interstitials is proposed. We find a two-step diffusion process for all Fermi-level positions, which suggests a kick-out with a directly following kick-in process without extensive B diffusion on interstitial sites in-between. Our activation energy of 3.47–3.75 eV and diffusion-length exponent of -0.55 to -0.18 eV are in excellent agreement with experiment.
Do We Know Where We Stand? Neighborhood Relative Income, Subjective Social Status, and Health

Bridging research on relative income and subjective social status (SSS), this study examines how neighborhood relative income is related to ones' SSS, and in turn, physical and mental health. Using a survey sample of 1807 U.S. adults, we find that neighborhood median income significantly moderates the relationship between household income and self-reported physical and mental health. Low-income individuals living in high-income neighborhoods (i.e., relative disadvantage) report better physical and mental health than low-income individuals living in low-income neighborhoods. In addition, high-income individuals living in low-income neighborhoods (i.e., relative advantage) report higher SSS (relative to neighbors), whereas low-income individuals living in high-income neighborhoods (i.e., relative disadvantage) also report higher SSS. We draw from social comparison theory to interpret these results positing that downward comparisons may serve an evaluative function while upward comparisons may result in affiliation with better-off others. Finally, we demonstrate that SSS explains the relationship between neighborhood relative income and health outcomes, providing empirical support for the underlying influence of perceived social position.
The electroencephalogram in clinical pediatrics.

When an electroencephalogram might be helpful, what kind of information it might provide, and what kind of information it cannot provide.
Excision of a pseudocyst of the hand in a hemophiliac (PTC-deficiency). Use of a plasma thromboplastin component concentrate.

A pseudocyst was successfully excised from the hand of a plasma thromboplastin component (IX) deficient patient. The coagulation defect was controlled by infusions of IX-rich plasma fraction.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection Is a Risk Factor for Unplanned Return to the Operating Room in the Surgical Treatment of a Septic Knee.

Surgical irrigation and debridement is the mainstay of treatment after the diagnosis of a septic knee. Arthroscopic treatment has been validated as a treatment option, but there is limited literature comparing it to an open arthrotomy regarding risk factors for failing single-stage surgical treatment. A retrospective review of surgically treated native adult septic knees at one urban tertiary care center was conducted to evaluate rates of unplanned return to the operating room (OR) following both arthroscopic and open treatment of an adult septic knee. The primary outcome studied was unplanned return to the OR for persistent infection within 4 months of the initial surgery. Demographics, laboratory, and microbiology data were collected to identify factors associated with unplanned return visits to the OR. Fisher's exact tests and two-tailed paired Student's t-tests were used for categorical and continuous data comparisons, respectively. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors of initial washout failure. Thirty-three patients underwent arthroscopy and 47 had open arthrotomy. Eight failed arthroscopy and nine failed open treatment (75.8 and 80.9% success rates, p = 0.59). Unplanned repeat washouts in arthroscopically treated knees was associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (62.5 vs. 12%, p = 0.01) and increased synovial white blood cell (WBC) count (160,000 vs. 52,000, p = 0.004). Unplanned return for repeat washout after open treatment was associated with lower American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (2.3 vs. 2.9, p = 0.019). MRSA was the only independent predictor of failure of single washout in a multivariable logistic regression analysis (p = 0.017). This study did not detect a difference in success of single washout between arthroscopic and open treatment of septic arthritis. However, MRSA was identified as a risk factor for an unplanned return to the OR after arthroscopic treatment. Consideration should be made for open surgical treatment in the setting of MRSA infections of a native knee.
Supplier wholesale pricing for a retail chain: Analysis of identical market price functions

Abstract In a recent study, Konur and Geunes (2016) analyzed a supplier’s pricing decisions for a retail chain that owns and can control a set of retail stores. They assumed that each retail store’s market price function is individually defined and discussed variational inequality formulations and numerical approximations for determining optimal decisions at the retail and supply stages, respectively. In this communication, we revisit the model of Konur and Geunes (2016) for the case with identical market price functions. This special case is relevant in several practical settings, such as when retail stores compete for sales of the same product within a market in which customers do not have strong store preferences (i.e., stores’ market base is the same), when the retail stores offer price matching guarantees, and when the retail chain adopts uniform pricing for its stores. Here, we provide exact methods (rather than a variational inequality formulation approach) for the retail stage and an explicit characterization (rather than a numerical approximation approach) for the supply stage under the special case. The additional analysis leads to new insights about the dynamics between the stages in the channel.
Low-power switched-capacitor converter design techniques for small IoT systems

The small system size and low power level of recent small loT (Internet of Things) systems render a switched-capacitor power converter more favorable than a traditional inductive converter because of its easy integration on chip and control for low power output. This paper presents a number of low-power switched-capacitor techniques for solving challenges of a millimeter-scale real IoT system, including energy harvesting from a photovoltaic (PV) cell and voltage regulation from battery voltage to multiple system-required voltages. Efficient converter topologies and a regulation scheme realize efficient power conversion over a wide range of powers, including as low as several nanowatts.
Active travel, public transportation use, and daily transport among older adults: The association of built environment

Abstract Objectives To examine active travel and public transportation use among U.S. older adults and the built environment characteristics associated with them. Methods Total active travel, public transportation trips, travel purpose diversity, total and maximum distance traveled for older adults (>= 65 years) relative to middle age adults (45–64 years) as reported in the 2009 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) were compared using linear regression models and logistic regression models. Results Overall, adults over 65 years of age had 3.3 trips and total travel distance of 20.6 miles per day. Active travel and daily transport trips declined from younger to older age groups. Among the older adults, the daily transport varied by a number of characteristics. The association of built environment on older adults’ transport differed by the specific environmental characteristics and travel modes. Discussion Existing transportation facilities and policies need to be adjusted to meet the challenge. Our study has a potential to contribute to the design of effective interventions that enhance health and quality of life for the burgeoning aging population in the U.S.
Suicidal Ideation in First-Episode Psychosis (FEP): Examination of Symptoms of Depression and Psychosis Among Individuals in an Early Phase of Treatment.

First-episode psychosis (FEP) is a particularly high-risk period for suicide, in which risk elevates by 60% within a first year of treatment as compared to later stages of illness. To date, much of the literature has focused on individuals with a longer duration of psychosis; thus, there is an urgency for research to examine suicide risk among individuals in FEP in the beginning stage of treatment. This study aimed to identify the relationships between demographic characteristics, symptoms of depression, psychosis (particularly positive symptoms of psychosis), and suicidal ideation among individuals in FEP. Secondary data were obtained from National Institute of Mental Health's Early Treatment Program of the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode project (N = 404). Consistent with prior research, participants who experienced suicidal ideation during the study period reported having a longer duration of untreated psychosis and greater symptoms of depression. Further, positive symptoms of psychosis, namely hallucinations and delusions, were found to increase the odds of experiencing suicidal ideation. Findings point toward the implication that depression and positive symptoms of psychosis relate to the experience of suicidal ideation among individuals with a FEP and should be evaluated for and treated in the early stages of treatment.
Predicting overall customer satisfaction: Big data evidence from hotel online textual reviews

Abstract Customer online reviews of hotels have significant business value in the e-commerce and big data era. Online textual reviews have an open-structured form, and the technical side, namely the linguistic attributes of online textual reviews, is still largely under-explored. Using a sample of 127,629 reviews from tripadvisor.com, this study predicts overall customer satisfaction using the technical attributes of online textual reviews and customers’ involvement in the review community. We find that a higher level of subjectivity and readability and a longer length of textual review lead to lower overall customer satisfaction, and a higher level of diversity and sentiment polarity of textual review leads to higher overall customer satisfaction. We also find that customers’ review involvement positively influences their overall satisfaction. We provide implications for hoteliers to better understand customer online review behavior and implement efficient online review management actions to use electronic word of mouth and enhance hotels’ performance.
Conformational Dynamics of Optically Active Linear Biopolymers

The helix-coil transition of synthetic polypeptides and polynucleotides has, long served as a useful model for cooperative structural changes found in more complex biological systems. A wealth of information is available on the thermodynamics of the helix-coil transition of linear biopolymers, and our understanding of the equilibrium properties of these systems in solution seems to be well established. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the rate and mechanism of the cooperative transition is quite limited. Although a general kinetic theory based on the Zimm-Bragg equilibrium model has been developed by Schwarz, only a few experimental results have been reported on the kinetics of the transition. This is mainly due to the fastness of the transition process (below 1 µs), which requires specialized experimental techniques. Recent results and new relaxation kinetic experimental approaches (repetitive electric field-jump and laser temperature-Jump methods) are reviewed which can be used to measure with great specificity the rate of helix-coil transition of optically active polymers.
Optimization of alkyl ester production from grease using a phyllosilicate sol-gel immobilized lipase.

Simple alkyl ester derivatives of restaurant grease were prepared using a lipase from Pseudomonoas cepacia immobilized within a phyllosilicate sol-gel matrix as biocatalyst. Alcoholysis reactions of grease were carried out in solvent-free media using a one-step addition of alcohol to the reaction mixture. The immobilized lipase was active from 40 to 70 °C. Ester yields (60–97%) were highest when using a ratio of reactants of 2 mmol grease to 8 mmol alcohol and the biocatalyst was 10% (w/w) of grease in the presence of molecular sieves.
E7. Rectangles in a Colored Plane

The result of problem 8.5(A) was improved in problem 8.5(B). Can we strengthen it further? How much further? It is an open problem. In [S5] I offered a $25 prize for the first solution of this problem. It is still unclaimed in 2010.
Abstract WP357: Suitability and Contents Coverage of Stroke-related Websites for Stroke Management

Background: Websites are commonly used by Korean-Americans (KAs) stroke survivors and caregivers to obtain information and resources for stroke management. Suitability and contents coverage of the ...
InAs/InP Quantum Dot Lasers and Applications

As data demand rises endlessly in the world, continuing exponential growth of data generation, transfer, collection, analysis, and storage is driving and shaping optical communication networks in different ways. The two most notable advances have been wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and coherent communications, which again continue to evolve and are being combined to create even more advanced networks such as super-channel and flex-grid architectures. Semiconductor diode lasers, as light sources of these systems, must meet an ever more demanding and diverse set of technical specifications. For example, some of the new transmission schemes also require that the wavelength channels are mutually coherent, or locked together in phase.