cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction of Posterior Axilla Sling Traction in Simulated Shoulder Dystocia.

Objective Aim of this study was to introduce posterior axilla sling traction (PAST) in delivering providers and nursing staff as an adjunct to the management of shoulder dystocia and evaluate comfort in performing the maneuver. Methods A presimulation questionnaire had given to all participants. A brief training on how to perform PAST was also given. A simulated shoulder dystocia was run where usual maneuvers failed. Participants used PAST for delivery of posterior shoulder, delivery of posterior arm, and to assist with rotation. Participants were then given a post-simulation questionnaire. A Chi-squared test was used to evaluate comfort with performing the procedure pre and post-simulation. Results Data were collected from 43 participants at pre and post-simulation. Designations (attending, resident, midwife, registered nurse) and responses were recorded to the questionnaires. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of providers and nurses who would feel comfortable using PAST for shoulder dystocia management and for rotational maneuvers. Ninety-three percent of participants would consider using PAST in future shoulder dystocia when usual maneuvers failed. Conclusion PAST is an adjunct to management of shoulder dystocia that has not previously been taught in our facility. The majority of participants in our simulation felt comfortable with using PAST.
Time to Change the Way We Approach Opioid Use Disorder: A Challenge to the Status Quo

In their article, Martin and colleagues address buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. The editorialists discuss the findings and why they believe that we need to disrupt current practice...
Plastic deformation of polypropylene

In a wide range of drawing temperatures (20 to 150° C) and draw-ratiosλ (5 to 20) the axial long periodL T is a unique function of temperature. It is completely independent of the long period of the starting material which was varied within wide limits (125 to 350 A). The gradual transformation of the long period observed at small draw-ratio (λ between 1 and 5) from the valueL 0 of an undrawn sample to the limiting valueL T>L 0 of highly drawn polypropylene (λ ≥ 5) could be demonstrated on samples withL 0 larger thanL T. The change of long period is abrupt, indicating a discontinuous step in the transformation from the original microspherulitic into the fibre structure. These results may be interpreted in the same manner as in the case of polyethylene. During plastic deformation in the neck the lamellae are broken into small folded chain blocks which are then incorporated into the microfibrils, the basic building element of the fibre structure. The work of deformational forces must so mobilise the chains in the blocks that they get rearranged with a new long period, corresponding to the temperature of drawing.
Formation of runaway stars in a star-cluster potential

We study the formation of runaway stars due to binary-binary (2+2) interactions in young star-forming clusters and/or associations. This is done using a combination of analytic methods and numerical simulations of 2+2 scattering interactions, both in isolation and in a homogeneous background potential. We focus on interactions that produce two single stars and a binary, and study the outcomes as a function of the depth of the background potential, within a range typical of cluster cores. As reference parameters for the observational properties, we use those observed for the system of runaway stars AE Aur and $\mu$ Col and binary $\iota$ Ori. We find that the outcome fractions have no appreciable dependence on the depth of the potential, and neither do the velocities of the ejected single stars. However, as the potential gets deeper and a larger fraction of binaries remain trapped, two binary populations emerge, with the escaped component having higher speeds and shorter semi-major axes than the trapped one. Additionally, we find that the relative angles between the ejected products are generally large. In particular, the angle between the ejected fastest star and the escaped binary is typically $\gtrsim 120-135^{\circ}$, with a peak at around $160^{\circ}$. However, as the potential gets deeper, the angle distribution becomes broader. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results for the interpretation of the properties of the runaway stars AE Aur and $\mu$ Col.
CONCERN Factorial Design Survey (FDS) Methods Test: Using REDCap as a Survey Platform

We assessed the feasibility of using REDCap as a factorial design survey (FDS) platform. REDCap lacks randomization and automation functionality, requiring the development of a workaround. A template survey was created containing all vignettes, copied for each survey instance and edited to hide unwanted content. REDCap configuration required three hours for forty-two surveys. The utilized "copy-and-hide" workaround was successful, providing quasi-automation and reasonable labor-time. Additional strategies are planned using REDCap's Data Dictionary and other survey software.
Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy Practice to Improve Performance of Daily Activities for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review.

Importance: The prevalence of low vision increases with age. Low vision has detrimental effects on older adults’ independence. Objective: To identify the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to maintain, restore, and improve performance in daily activities for older adults with low vision. Data Sources: Literature published between 2010 and 2017 was searched in CINAHL, Cochrane Databases, MEDLINE, OTseeker, and PsycINFO. Study Selection and Data Collection: The authors screened and appraised studies following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Studies were eligible if the participants’ mean age was 55 yr or older, the level of evidence was Level III or higher, the intervention was within the scope of occupational therapy practice, and the outcome measures assessed the performance of daily activities. Findings: Fourteen studies met the review criteria. Three intervention themes were identified: low vision rehabilitation services (n = 6), self-management approach (n = 6), and tango (n = 2). Moderate evidence was found for low vision rehabilitation services. Low evidence was found for using the self-management approach or adding the self-management approach to existing low vision rehabilitation services. Low evidence was found for tango. Conclusion and Relevance: This systematic review supports the use of low vision rehabilitation services as an effective approach. Occupational therapy practitioners are encouraged to be part of multidisciplinary teams that offer comprehensive low vision evaluations and multicomponent services. What This Article Adds: Low vision rehabilitation that offers multidisciplinary services, including occupational therapy, is effective in promoting independence among older adults with low vision.
Deep and high precision cutting of alumina ceramics by picosecond laser

Abstract Ceramics possess high thermal and chemical resistance, low density, and high compressive strength; however, the machining complications imposed by their inherent brittleness limit their range of applications. Laser cutting technology can offer an automated manufacturing technique for machining these brittle materials. In this paper, a laser cutting method, so-called wobbling, was developed for performing deep, high precision, and defect-free laser cutting of industrial grade alumina ceramics. This work explored picosecond laser process parameters such as focal position, linear speed, and wobble amplitude in order to control cut depth and optimize cut quality in terms of kerf width, kerf taper, surface cleanness, while avoiding crack formation. The morphology and cut quality were evaluated using 3D laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Picosecond laser cutting process parameters were optimized, achieving a maximum material removal rate of ~10 mm3/min. It was shown that the laser cutting process developed via these experiments represents an effective and efficient manufacturing tool that can be incorporated in engineered net shaping systems.
Functional domain studies uncover novel roles for the ZTL Kelch repeat domain in clock function

The small LOV/F-box/Kelch family of E3 ubiquitin ligases plays an essential role in the regulation of plant circadian clocks and flowering time by sensing dusk. The family consists of three members, ZEITLUPE (ZTL), LOV KELCH PROTEIN 2 (LKP2), and FLAVIN-BINDING KELCH REPEAT F-BOX PROTEIN 1 (FKF1), which share a unique protein domain architecture allowing them to act as photoreceptors that transduce light signals via altering stability of target proteins. Despite intensive study of this protein family we still lack important knowledge about the biochemical and functional roles of the protein domains that comprise these unique photoreceptors. Here, we perform comparative analyses of transgenic lines constitutively expressing the photoreceptor LOV domain or the Kelch repeat protein-protein interaction domains of ZTL, FKF1, and LKP2. Expression of each domain alone is sufficient to disrupt circadian rhythms and flowering time, but each domain differs in the magnitude of effect. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry with the ZTL Kelch repeat domain identified a suite of potential interacting partners. Furthermore, the ZTL Kelch repeat domain mediates interaction with the LOV domain of ZTL and the ZTL homologs LKP2 and FKF1. This suggests that the Kelch repeat domain of ZTL may mediate homo- and hetero-dimerization of the three LOV/F-box/Kelch proteins and provide added insight into the composition of the protein complexes and an additional role for the Kelch repeat domain.
Quantitative Survey of the State of the Art in Sign Language Recognition.

This work presents a meta study covering around 300 published sign language recognition papers with over 400 experimental results. It includes most papers between the start of the field in 1983 and 2020. Additionally, it covers a fine-grained analysis on over 25 studies that have compared their recognition approaches on RWTH-PHOENIX-Weather 2014, the standard benchmark task of the field. Research in the domain of sign language recognition has progressed significantly in the last decade, reaching a point where the task attracts much more attention than ever before. This study compiles the state of the art in a concise way to help advance the field and reveal open questions. Moreover, all of this meta study's source data is made public, easing future work with it and further expansion. The analyzed papers have been manually labeled with a set of categories. The data reveals many insights, such as, among others, shifts in the field from intrusive to non-intrusive capturing, from local to global features and the lack of non-manual parameters included in medium and larger vocabulary recognition systems. Surprisingly, RWTH-PHOENIX-Weather with a vocabulary of 1080 signs represents the only resource for large vocabulary continuous sign language recognition benchmarking world wide.
Simultaneous Transmit and Receive Spiral Antenna With Improved Isolation

A wideband, monostatic simultaneous transmit and receive cocircularly-polarized spiral antenna with improved isolation is discussed. The topology with four arms is configured such that the opposite pairs of arms are used for transmit (TX) and receive (RX). Focused design for robust fabrication that ensures geometrical symmetry with low component imbalances for applied excitations of the two spirals has led to a strong rejection of the coupled voltages and, therefore, high TX/RX isolation. More than 14 dB higher minimum isolation is achieved, when compared to previous spirals from the same STAR family. To ensure reasonable performance in terms of axial ratio and efficiency over 0.5–2.5 GHz, the antenna is restively terminated, cavity backed, and lens loaded. The fabricated prototype is stout and achieves > 50 dB self-interference cancelation over the bandwidth. The copolarized TX and RX modes have VSWR < 2, axial ratio < 4 dB, and symmetric patterns.
Comparison of Aerosol Delivery of a Standard Nebulizer With a T-Piece vs Nebulizing Using a Y-Piece Simultaneous With High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

Background: Patients with tracheostomies are often required to be medically treated with high flow oxygen therapy as well as nebulized medication. ConMed Corporation’s MUNODA Universal Respiratory Adapter (Utica, NY) allows healthcare providers to eliminate the need to disconnect high flow oxygen by delivering both inhaled medication and high flow oxygen to the patient simultaneously. The purpose of this research is to determine if using this adapter impacts the amount of medication delivered to the airway. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in solute deposition between using the MUNODA Universal Respiratory Adapter (Y-tube adapter) combining a high flow device and nebulizer versus a traditional treatment delivered via aerosolized nebulizer alone to deliver nebulized medication. Methods: A simulated patient with a 7.0mm Shiley Tracheostomy Tube (Tyco Healthcare, Minneapolis,MN) was ventilated by a Hans Rudulph Series 1101 Breathing Simulator (Shawnee Mission, KS) utilizing a normal breathing pattern. For the trials with the Y-piece-tube adapter, a Salter Labs NebuTech HDN nebulizer (Arvin, CA) and a Carefusion Venturi high flow device (San Diego, CA) were attached to the Munoda y-tube. The y-tube was then attached to the trach via a t-piece with an exhalation port using large bore tubing measuring one link. A Teleflex Bacterial/Viral Filter (Morrisville, NC) was attached to the airway and connected via large bore tubing to the breathing simulator. A 3-mL solution of 10% hypertonic saline solution was nebulized for 4 minutes. The Venturi device was set to deliver a total flow of 32 L/min. For the trials without the Y-piece-tube adaptor, a nebulizer was placed directly into the t-piece. Each filter was weighed before and after the treatment was given, and the difference was recorded. Each trial was performed in triplicate. Results: The average change in weight of the filters following nebulization utilizing the Y-piece adapter and high flow O2 was 26.7 mg, and the nebulizer alone was 70 mg. The difference in weight between the two trials was significant (P = .015). Conclusions: Based on the results from these trials, using the Munoda adapter with high flow O2 delivered significantly less aerosol than the T piece method. We discovered an incidental finding; when the nebulizer and high flow Venturi were used with the Y- piece, it generated less visible aerosol than when the nebulizer was used alone.
The C-Terminus of the mu Opioid Receptor Is Critical in G-Protein Interaction as Demonstrated by a Novel Graphene Biosensor

Several water-soluble variants of the human mu opioid receptor (wsMORs) have been designed and expressed, which enables the detection of opioids in the nM to pM range using biosensing platforms. The tools previously developed allowed us to investigate MOR and G-protein interactions in a lipid free system to demonstrate that the lipid bilayer might not be essential for the G-protein recognition and binding. In this study, we are able to investigate G-protein interactions with MOR by using graphene enabled technology, in a lipid free system, with a high sensitivity in a real time manner. A new wsMOR with the native C-terminus was designed, expressed and then immobilized on the surfaces of scalable graphene field effect transistor (GFET)-based biosensors, enabling the recording of wsMOR/G-protein interaction with an electronic readout. G-protein only interacts with the wsMOR in the presence of the native MOR C-terminus with a $\text{K}_{A}$ of 32.3± 11.1 pM. The electronic readout of such interaction is highly reproducible with little variance across 50 devices in one biosensor array. For devices with receptors that do not have the native C-terminus, no significant electronic response was observed in the presence of G-protein, indicating an absence of interaction. These findings reveal that lipid environment is not essential for the G-protein interaction with MOR, however, the C-terminus of MOR is essential for G-protein recognition and high affinity binding. A system to detect MOR-G protein interaction is developed. wsMOR-G2_Cter provides a novel tool to investigate the role of C terminus in the signaling pathway.
Neurexins regulate presynaptic GABA B-receptors at central synapses

Diverse signaling complexes are precisely assembled at the presynaptic active zone for dynamic modulation of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. Presynaptic GABAB-receptors nucleate critical signaling complexes regulating neurotransmitter release at most synapses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying assembly of GABAB-receptor signaling complexes remain unclear. Here we show that neurexins are required for the localization and function of presynaptic GABAB-receptor signaling complexes. At four model synapses, excitatory calyx of Held synapses in the brainstem, excitatory and inhibitory synapses on hippocampal CA1-region pyramidal neurons, and inhibitory basket cell synapses in the cerebellum, deletion of neurexins rendered neurotransmitter release significantly less sensitive to GABAB-receptor activation. Moreover, deletion of neurexins caused a loss of GABAB-receptors from the presynaptic active zone of the calyx synapse. These findings extend the role of neurexins at the presynaptic active zone to enabling GABAB-receptor signaling, supporting the notion that neurexins function as central organizers of active zone signaling complexes.
Research on the Application of Virtual Network Technology in Computer Network Security

With the continuous progress and development of society, China has gradually entered the era of information society. Nowadays, the popularity of Internet and computer is no longer the luxury in the past. The sharing degree of information resources has greatly exceeded people’s imagination. People have adapted to the convenience brought by the high-tech information age. And the development of computer network has entered a white hot stage of development, but there will be some corresponding problems in the process of development, which makes many experts puzzled. The virtual network technology in the computer network security has been the central topic that experts have been discussing, so this paper will discuss the virtual network technology in the computer network security. Mainly from the computer network security in the current development situation of virtual network technology, characteristics of specific content, type classification, factors affecting its development, future development prospects and its main specific forms of application to do a detailed explanation, hoping to help more scholars analyze the relevant computer network security in the virtual network technology application content.
Therapy Requirements and Goals of the Patient with the Mangled Limb

Occupational and physical therapies are important aspects of care for the patient with a mangled limb. It is often the relationship between the therapist and patient that exists the longest of the medical team and therefore has a significant influence over the long-term functionality of the limb. Once the patient reaches therapy, the decision has been made for limb salvage versus amputation. The therapy team has many factors it must address in order to set the stage for the patient to succeed with reintegrating the limb into their activities of daily living as a better option than a prosthesis. These factors include edema control, scar management, range of motion (ROM), splints/orthoses, and a home exercise program. Research has shown that therapy initiated early to begin ROM and tendon gliding can prevent soft tissue contracture and keep scar adhesions to a minimum. Despite early intervention, patients can occasionally develop overabundance of scarring and adhesions, which may then require secondary surgery for tenolysis, contracture release, and scar revisions. In these cases, therapy again takes center stage to help maintain the range of motion achieved intra-operatively, as well as to prevent further adhesions and scarring through early motion protocols. The therapist has a unique set of skills with many “tools in the toolbox” to address these factors in a creative and holistic way while engaging the patient in their own care.
Paul David Berk, Editor Extraordinaire and Bilirubinologist.

Paul D. Berk passed away on July 11, 2021 after a prolonged illness. The Hepatology Community mourns his loss. He was 83.Paul was born on April 3rd , 1938 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He showed an early interest in editing, serving as Editor-in- Chief of The Spectator. the Stuyvesant High School newspaper and a similar position at Swarthmore College where he graduated in 1959 Phi Beta Kappa with high honors in chemistry. After graduation he was a Fulbright Scholar for a year in the Department of Applied Mathematics, at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland pursuing additional skills in mathematics which were to serve him well later in his research career.
Utilization of copper in copper proteinate, copper lysine, and cupric sulfate using the rat as an experimental model.

One hundred twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats, averaging 108.6 g initial body weight, were used in two feeding experiments to evaluate the utilization of Cu in Cu proteinate, Cu lysine, and cupric sulfate. In Exp. 1, 60 rats were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, with Zn supplementation at 0 or 1000 mg/kg diet, Cu supplementation at 5 or 15 mg/kg diet, and Cu form of CuSO4.5H2O, Cu proteinate, or Cu lysine. The purified basal diet contained .81 mg Cu, 20 mg Zn, and 60 mg Fe/kg diet. Experiment 2 was similar to Exp. 1 except Zn was replaced by Fe. In Exp. 1, feed intake of Cu proteinate (15.74 g/d) and Cu lysine (15.74 g/d) treatments was higher (P .05). The Cu utilization of Cu proteinate and Cu lysine were higher (P < .05) based on the liver Cu content. The rats fed Cu complexes had a higher liver Fe or Zn content (P < .05) than the rats fed CuSO4, suggesting that Cu complexes are absorbed via another mechanism that differs from that of inorganic Cu and does not interfere with Zn and Fe. Spleen Cu content may be a sensitive indicator of Cu status. High dietary Zn decreased Cu utilization, but this effect was overcome by high dietary Cu.
Targeting HER-2/neu-Overexpressing Cancer Cells with Transcriptional Repressor Genes Delivered by Cationic Liposome

Publisher Summary This chapter explores HER-2/neu as a critical target for cancer gene therapy. HER-2/neu gene overexpression is a frequent molecular event in human cancers. Overexpression of HER-2/neu indicates an unfavorable prognosis and is correlated with the low survival rate of patients with multiple cancer types, including breast and ovarian cancer. In humans, the HER-2/neu protooncogene is frequently overexpressed in many types of cancers, including breast, ovarian, lung, stomach, and oral cancers. This suggests that HER-2/neu overexpression plays a critical role in the development of human malignancy. The overall survival rate of cancer patients whose tumors have HER-2/neu overexpression is significantly shorter than for those patients whose tumors do not have HER-2/neu overexpression. Also, overexpression of the proto-oncogene HER-2/neu can lead to cell transformation and is tightly correlated with the development of malignant tumor growth in many tissue types. The results of the animal experiments mentioned in this chapter demonstrate that cationic liposome combined with genes of transcriptional repressors can result in signiﬁcant therapeutic effects on cancer cells. As gene overexpression is a common mechanism of cancer as well as other types of diseases such as AIDS, the therapeutic strategy discussed in this chapter can have tremendous potential in clinical application.
Against Blameless Wrongdoing

I argue against the standard view that it is possible to describe extensionally different consequentialist theories by describing different evaluative focal points. I argue that for consequentialist purposes, the important sense of the word ‘act’ must include all motives and side effects, and thus these things cannot be separated.
Motivating Examples and Other Preliminaries

The branching process is a system of particles (individuals, cells , molecules, etc.) which live for a random time and, at some point during lifetime or at the moment of death, produce a random number of progeny. Processes allowing production of new individuals during a parent individual’s lifetime are called the general or Jagers-Crump-Mode processes . They are suitable for description of populations of higher organisms, like vertebrates and plants. Processes that assume production of progeny at the terminal point of parent entity’s lifetime are called the classical processes. They are usually sufficient for modeling populations of biological cells, genes or biomolecules . In some processes, like the time-continuous Markov process , the distinction is immaterial since one of the progeny of a particle may be considered an extension of the parent.
The interaction of cycloserine with glutamate aspartate transaminase as measured by fluorescence spectroscopy.

Abstract The reaction of cycloserine with pyridoxal 5-phosphate has been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The substantial change in fluorescence intensity at 450 mµ that follows the reaction of cycloserine with pyridoxal 5-phosphate was used to monitor the release of the cofactor from the active site of the enzyme glutamate aspartate transaminase. A kinetic analysis of the fluorescence measurements reveals that the resolution of the enzyme is favored at pH values below 5 in the presence of phosphate ions. The inactive species produced by the reaction with cycloserine can be reactivated by incubation with pyridoxal 5-phosphate. These studies provide information on the firmness of binding of pyridoxal 5-phosphate to the active site of the enzyme.
How Does the Thermosphere and Ionosphere React to a Geomagnetic Storm

Unraveling the ionospheric and thermospheric response to a geomagnetic storm has been a challenge for many decades, due largely to the complex interactions between the plasma and neutral species. Geomagnetic storm sources to the upper atmosphere are caused by an increase in the convective electric field and auroral precipitation, that give rise to Joule heating, the primary driver of global atmospheric change. Driven by the impulsive energy input, wave surges propagate and interact globally, and are dependent on Universal Time (UT) and the time history of the source. There is a strong preference for surges to maximize on the nightside and in the longitude sector adjacent to the magnetic pole. Equatorward wind surges drive the plasma upwards and can initiate a positive ionospheric change. The divergent nature of the wind field causes upwelling and changes to the neutral composition that can be transported by the storm and background wind fields. Negative ionospheric phases result from increased molecular species. Ionosondes have recorded the apparently chaotic ionospheric response for more than 50 years, but it is only recently that local time (LT) and seasonal dependencies have been quantified. Numerical models have shed light on the physical processes; the LT response is caused by the diurnal wind field migration of the composition bulge, and the seasonal dependence is controlled through the transport of the bulge by the summer-to-winter prevailing circulation. Neutral density changes and satellite airglow observations support this basic concept. At low latitudes, electrodynamic changes are initiated by penetration of magnetospheric fields followed by rapid shielding. After shielding, the electrodynamics is forced by dynamo action of the disturbed neutral atmosphere, driving a sequence of equatorial plasma drifts for more than a day. The precise mechanisms responsible for this equatorial response have yet to be defined, but it is tempting to associate the time-scales with those of the global dynamical and composition response of the neutral atmosphere. Despite an increase in our understanding of the causes of the mid-latitude ionospheric response, simulation of a real storm has yet to confirm theory. We are limited by accurate knowledge of the source function, and by the lack of comprehensive data coverage of both the neutral and ionospheric parameters. Both are needed before theory and models can be thoroughly tested.
K\"ahler-Chern-Simons Theory

K\"ahler-Chern-Simons theory describes antiself-dual gauge fields on a four- dimensional K\"ahler manifold. The phase space is the space of gauge potentials, the symplectic reduction of which by the constraints of antiself-duality leads to the moduli space of antiself-dula instantons. We outline the theory highlighting the symmetries, their canonical realization and some properties of the quantum wave functions. The relationship to integrable systems via dimensional reduction is briefly discussed.
Rtt107/Esc4 binds silent chromatin and DNA repair proteins using different BRCT motifs

By screening a plasmid library for proteins that could cause silencing when targeted to the HMR locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we previously reported the identification of Rtt107/Esc4 based on its ability to e stablish s ilent c hromatin. In this study we aimed to determine the mechanism of Rtt107/Esc4 targeted silencing and also learn more about its biological functions. Targeted silencing by Rtt107/Esc4 was dependent on the SIR genes, which encode obligatory structural and enzymatic components of yeast silent chromatin. Based on its sequence, Rtt107/Esc4 was predicted to contain six BRCT motifs. This motif, originally identified in the human breast tumor suppressor gene BRCA1, is a protein interaction domain. The targeted silencing activity of Rtt107/Esc4 resided within the C-terminal two BRCT motifs, and this region of the protein bound to Sir3 in two-hybrid tests. Deletion of RTT107/ESC4 caused sensitivity to the DNA damaging agent MMS as well as to hydroxyurea. A two-hybrid screen showed that the N-terminal BRCT motifs of Rtt107/Esc4 bound to Slx4, a protein previously shown to be involved in DNA repair and required for viability in a strain lacking the DNA helicase Sgs1. Like SLX genes, RTT107ESC4 interacted genetically with SGS1; esc4 Δ sgs1 Δ mutants were viable, but exhibited a slow-growth phenotype and also a synergistic DNA repair defect. Rtt107/Esc4 binds to the silencing protein Sir3 and the DNA repair protein Slx4 via different BRCT motifs, thus providing a bridge linking silent chromatin to DNA repair enzymes.
Regularization vs. Relaxation: A conic optimization perspective of statistical variable selection

Variable selection is a fundamental task in statistical data analysis. Sparsity-inducing regu- larization methods are a popular class of methods that simultaneously perform variable selection and model estimation. The central problem is a quadratic optimization problem with an '0-norm penalty. Exactly enforcing the '0-norm penalty is computationally intractable for larger scale problems, so dif- ferent sparsity-inducing penalty functions that approximate the '0-norm have been introduced. In this paper, we show that viewing the problem from a convex relaxation perspective offers new insights. In particular, we show that a popular sparsity-inducing concave penalty function known as the Minimax Concave Penalty (MCP), and the reverse Huber penalty derived in a recent work by Pilanci, Wainwright and Ghaoui, can both be derived as special cases of a lifted convex relaxation called the perspective relaxation. The optimal perspective relaxation is a related minimax problem that balances the overall convexity and tightness of approximation to the '0 norm. We show it can be solved by a semidefinite re- laxation. Moreover, a probabilistic interpretation of the semidefinite relaxation reveals connections with the boolean quadric polytope in combinatorial optimization. Finally by reformulating the '0-norm pe- nalized problem as a two-level problem, with the inner level being a Max-Cut problem, our proposed semidefinite relaxation can be realized by replacing the inner level problem with its semidefinite relax- ation studied by Goemans and Williamson. This interpretation suggests using the Goemans-Williamson rounding procedure to find approximate solutions to the '0-norm penalized problem. Numerical ex-
VLSI in mobile communications

In recent years, the demand for mobile operation of all types of electronic systems has become significant. It seems that by merely providing the same functionality of a desktop system in a mobile unit, a significant market advantage can be obtained for virtually any electronic function. Consumer electronics companies have been highly successful by creating portable televisions, video tape recorders and compact disk players, as well as, cordless phones-with limited mobile access for voice communications-and cellular phones for virtually unlimited access. Simultaneously laptops, notebooks and palmtops are becoming the fastest growing types of computer products. In the future, a number of portable products will emerge to satisfy consumer demands for mobile communications of voice, computer data and video with much higher capacity, quality and bandwidth than is currently available. This paper examines the system design, integrated circuits and node architectures that will be needed to enable such products. Common design principles for achieving low-power and high performance will be presented.
Monolithically Integrated High- $Q$ Rings for Narrow Linewidth Widely Tunable Lasers

We theoretically analyze the use of fully integrated high- $Q$ ring cavities (intrinsic $Q \sim 1$ million) with widely tunable semiconductor lasers to realize narrow linewidth lasers. Different configurations are studied, including cases where the high- $Q$ cavity is external to the laser cavity and provides filtered optical feedback to the laser cavity and cases where the high- $Q$ cavity is an integral part of the laser cavity. We show that the current heterogeneous silicon platform should allow subkilohertz instantaneous linewidths, and we outline the advantages and disadvantages of different high- $Q$ cavity placements.
The increasing burden of injuries in Eastern Europe and Eurasia: Making the case for safety investments

Injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability in Europe. Within Europe, death rates due to injuries are 60% higher in Eastern compared to Western Europe. This is especially due to unintentional injuries such as road traffic injuries, which is the 2nd leading cause of death in those 5-29 years. The cost of injuries is estimated at 1-2% of GNP. Compared to the burden, the number and types of programs are limited in the Eastern European region. However, the literature reveals the existence of cost-effective interventions for regional and national policy consideration. This is a need to appreciate this problem and promote investments to prevent the high economic and societal costs due to injuries. Results from selected injury prevention programs have shown considerable success and these, if effectively adopted in this region, will make a significant difference in reducing the heavy toll of injuries on lives of people. This paper calls on aid donor agencies and governments to plan and implement injury prevention programs as part of their portfolio of investments, in the Eastern European region. Language: en
The drag force on a collapsing bubble

Equations were derived for the prediction of the drag coefficient of a collapsing bubble during its flow in liquid. Expressions were obtained analytically for the drag coefficient in terms of Reynolds, Peclet, and Jakob numbers as well as a dimensionless time for the collapse of a thermally controlled bubble. Equations were derived for the drag coefficient and virtual mass coefficient for a collapsing bubble under inertia-controlled and mass-diffusion-controlled processes. The flow and thermal parameters were obtained by solving the viscous dissipation integral around the bubble surface. These new theoretical results showed agreement with previously reported numerical solutions and experimental data. Some avenues for further research were pointed out.
The utility of calcium phosphate cement in cranioplasty following retromastoid craniectomy for cranial neuralgias.

AbstractBackground. Following retromastoid craniectomy for microvascular decompression of the fifth or seventh cranial nerve, the preferred method and value of cranioplasty remains disputed. Methods. In this study, we report the functional outcome of calcium phosphate cranioplasty following first-time microvascular decompression in 79 consecutive patients who underwent operations over a one-year period. Results. No patient experienced a deep infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak or undue incisional pain at long-term follow-up. Additionally, all patients stated that they were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome. Discussion. Although this technique is unlikely to affect the rates of infection and postoperative pain, we believe that the low rate of CSF leak provides a unique advantage over other currently used methods of closing retromastoid craniectomies.
Sirolimus and Thrombotic Microangiopathy after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) may occur after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and is related in part to calcineurin inhibitor toxicity. We observed a higher-than-expected rate of TMA when calcineurin inhibitors were combined with sirolimus. To determine the incidence of and risk factors for TMA after HSCT, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis of myeloablative allogeneic HSCT recipients between 1997 and 2003. TMA diagnosis required the simultaneous occurrence of (1) creatinine increase >2 mg/dL or >50% above baseline, (2) schistocytosis, (3) increased lactate dehydrogenase, and (4) no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. A total of 111 sirolimus-exposed subjects were compared with 216 nonexposed subjects after HSCT. TMA occurred in 10.8% of the sirolimus group and 4.2% in the nonsirolimus group (odds ratio, 2.79; P = .03). Sirolimus exposure was associated with TMA earlier than in nonsirolimus patients (25 versus 58 days; P = .04). Only the use of sirolimus (exact odds ratio, 3.49; P = .02) and grade II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (exact odds ratio, 6.60; P = .0002) were associated with TMA in regression analyses. Treatment of TMA varied among affected individuals. Renal recovery was complete in 92% of sirolimus-treated patients. Overall survival after TMA diagnosis was better for sirolimus subjects than for nonsirolimus subjects (58.3% versus 11.1%; P = .02). Sirolimus seems to potentiate the effects of calcineurin inhibitors on TMA after HSCT. TMA associated with sirolimus seems reversible and has a favorable prognosis when compared with TMA associated with calcineurin inhibitors alone. A careful monitoring strategy for TMA should be used with a sirolimus-containing graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis regimen.
Stimulation of Heterologous Protein Degradation by the Vpu Protein of HIV-1 Requires the Transmembrane and Cytoplasmic Domains of CD4

The small membrane protein Vpu of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 stimulates rapid degradation of CD4 molecules that are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. To analyze the domain(s) of CD4 involved in Vpu-stimulated degradation, we examined degradation of hybrid proteins made between the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV G) and CD4. Vpu expression stimulated rapid degradation of a hybrid consisting of the extracellular domain of VSV G linked to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of CD4. Analysis of additional hybrids showed that both the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of CD4 were required for this Vpu-stimulated degradation. This conclusion is in apparent conflict with a recent study showing that the cytoplasmic domain of CD4 alone is sufficient to cause Vpu-stimulated degradation of a CD8-CD4 hybrid protein. The apparent conflict may be explained by the presence of related sequences or structures in the transmembrane domains of CD4 and CD8 that are involved in binding Vpu directly or that interact with the Vpu-stimulated degradation system.
Peripheral-antigen-expressing cells in thymic medulla: factors in self-tolerance and autoimmunity

The thymus expresses many genes previously thought to be specific for cell types in other organs. Thus, insulin genes are expressed in rare cells of the thymic medulla. Thymus transplantation demonstrates a functional capability of such expression for self-tolerance induction. Correlative studies suggest that impaired thymic expression confers susceptibility to autoimmune disease.
Anarchism and idealism: Voltarine deCleyre (1866–1912)

(1973). Anarchism and idealism: Voltarine deCleyre (1866–1912) Labor History: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 506-520.
Transport and deposition of CeO2 nanoparticles in water-saturated porous media.

Abstract Ceria nanoparticles are used for fuel cell, metal polishing and automobile exhaust catalyst; however, little is known about the impact of their release to the environment. The stability, transport and deposition of engineered CeO2 nanoparticles through water-saturated column packed with sand were studied by monitoring effluent CeO2 concentration. The influence of solution chemistry such as ionic strength (1–10 mM) and pH (3–9) on the mobility and deposition of CeO2 nanoparticles was investigated by using a three-phase (deposition-rinse-reentrainment) procedure in packed bed columns. The results show that water chemistry governs the transport and deposition of CeO2 nanoparticles. Transport is significantly hindered at acidic conditions (pH 3) and high ionic strengths (10 mM and above), and the deposited CeO2 particles may not be re-entrained by increasing the pH or lowering the ionic strength of water. At neutral and alkaline conditions (pH6 and 9), and lower ionic strengths (below 10 mM), partial breakthrough of CeO2 nanoparticles was observed and particles can be partially detached and re-entrained from porous media by changing the solution chemistry. A mathematical model was developed based on advection-dispersion-adsorption equations and it successfully predicts the transport, deposition and re-entrainment of CeO2 nanoparticles through a packed bed. There is strong agreement between the deposition rate coefficients calculated from experimental data and predicted by the model. The successful prediction for attachment and detachment of nanoparticles during the deposition and re-entrainment phases is unique addition in this study. This work can be applied to access the risk of CeO2 nanoparticles transport in contaminated ground water.
Sustaining short-term improvements over the long-term: results from a 2-year diabetes self-management support (DSMS) intervention.

Aim This study examined the long-term impact of a 24-month, empowerment-based diabetes self-management support (DSMS) intervention on sustaining health-gains achieved from previous diabetes self-management education (DSME).
Determination of Helium presence in the mask/wafer gap of X-ray lithography steppers

This paper describes a technique to determine the presence and uniformity of Helium in the mask/wafer gap of x-ray lithography steppers by utilizing the oxygen sensitive resist polychlorostyrene (PSC). Results obtained at the IBM Advanced Lithography Facility using a SUSS stepper and the HELIOS superconducting synchrotron storage ring are presented.
Less than single dividend taxation: A note

Abstract The taxation in Norway of corporate and dividend income makes it attractive for individuals in high tax brackets to earn their income through corporations, as dividends. This kind of incentive has been assumed in the literature to be non-existing because of its adverse effects.
Pharmacology of some acetylcholine homologues.

Summary 1 . The acetates of several long chain (3 to 12 methylene groups) analogues of choline have been prepared and their pharmacological properties studied. 2 . None of the compounds had a high level of activity at the post-ganglionic parasympathetic acetylcholine receptors. The lower members of the series showed weak agonist activity and the homologues with 8 to 10 methylene groups had very weak anticholinergic activity. 3 . All the compounds had a depolarizing action at the acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junction and of sympathetic ganglia. At the neuromuscular junction there were two peaks of stimulant activity, one with the hexamethylene and one with the dodecamethylene homologue, whereas at the ganglion there was only one peak, with the hexamethylene homologue. 4 . The ganglion-stimulant activity of the higher members of the series was blocked by pretreatment with the anticholinesterase drug dyflos, whereas the activity of lower members was either unaffected by such treatment or slightly potentiated. 5 . The results are discussed in terms of possible spatial arrangements of acetylcholine receptor units in the neuromuscular junction and the ganglion.
Scattering of rossby waves by partial barriers

Abstract The scattering of Rossby waves by partial barriers is studied. It is found that only a small fraction of the wave energy will penetrate the gap between South America and Antarctica if the wave period is less than a month.
Preschool programs for developmentally disabled children and their families: Are they meeting mothers' expectations?

This study examines the amount of agreement between preschool program staff and mothers of developmentally disabled children on the variables “child-rearing values” and “amount of parental program contact.” The findings indicate that although there is a high degree of consonance on child-rearing values, the two groups hold discrepant perceptions of the amount of parental program contact. Such discrepancies may be important indicators of mothers' level of program satisfaction.
Sex-Driven Differences in Immunological Responses: Challenges and Opportunities for the Immunotherapies of the Third Millennium

Purpose of the study: Male-based studies, both at the biochemical and at the pre-clinical/clinical trial levels, still predominate in the scientific community. Many studies are based on the wrong assumption that both sexes are fundamentally identical in their response to treatments. As a result, findings obtained mainly in males are applied to females, resulting in negative consequences female patients. In cancer immunotherapy, there is still a scarce focus on this topic. Here we review the main differences in immune modulation and immune system biology between males and females with a particular focus on how these differences affect cancer immunotherapy and cancer vaccines. Methods: We reviewed articles published on PubMed from 1999 to 2014, using the keywords: sex hormones, immune response, estrogen, immunotherapy, testosterone, cancer vaccines, sex-based medicine. We also present new data wherein the expression of the cancer testis antigen, Ropporin-1, was determined in patients with multiple myeloma, ...