cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A phylogenetic perspective on diversity of Galatheoidea (Munida, Munidopsis) from cold-water coral and cold seep communities in the western North Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Squat lobsters (Galatheoidea and Chirostyloidea), a diverse group of decapod crustaceans, are ubiquitous members of the deep-sea fauna. Within Galatheoidea, the genera Munida and Munidopsis are the most diverse, but accurate estimates of biodiversity are difficult due to morphological complexity and cryptic diversity. Four species of Munida and nine species of Munidopsis from cold-water coral (CWC) and cold seep communities in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean (NWA) and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) were collected over eleven years and fifteen research cruises in order to assess faunal associations and estimate squat lobster biodiversity. Identification of the majority of specimens was determined morphologically. Mitochondrial COI sequence data, obtained from material collected during these research cruises, was supplemented with published sequences of congeners from other regions. The phylogenetic analysis of Munida supports three of the four NWA and GOM species (M. microphthalma, M. sanctipauli, and M. valida) as closely related taxa. The fourth species, Munida iris, is basal to most other species of Munida, and is closely related to M. rutllanti, a species found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean (NEA). The majority of the nine species of Munidopsis included in our analyses were collected from chemosynthetic cold seep sites from the GOM. While seep taxa were scattered throughout the phylogenetic tree, four of these species (Munidopsis livida, M. similis, M. bermudezi, and M. species A) from the NWA and the GOM were part of a large eighteen-species clade that included species collected from Pacific Ocean chemosynthetic habitats, such as hydrothermal vents and whale falls. Shinkaia crosnieri was the sister taxon to the chemosynthetic clade, and M. livida was the most basal member of this clade. Munidopsis sp. B, an undescribed species with representative individuals collected from two GOM chemosynthetic sites, exhibited the largest genetic distance from other northern Atlantic species. Generally, intraspecific diversity was lower and patterns of haplotype diversity more simple in species of Munidopsis relative to Munida. This study puts two genera of NWA and GOM squat lobsters into a population genetic and phylogenetic context with regard to biogeography and habitat to enhance understanding of the history and evolutionary trajectories of these morphologically and ecologically diverse groups.
Clinical Outcomes After Microfracture of the Knee: Midterm Follow-up.

Background:Microfracture is a single-stage arthroscopic procedure used to treat small- and medium-sized cartilage defects, the clinical results of which have been mixed to date.Purpose:To retrospec...
Deep Learning for Revenue-Optimal Auctions with Budgets

The design of revenue-maximizing auctions for settings with private budgets is a hard task. Even the single-item case is not fully understood, and there are no analytical results for optimal, dominant-strategy incentive compatibile, two-item auctions. In this work, we model a mechanism as a neural network, and use machine learning for the automated design of optimal auctions. We extend the \em RegretNet framework~\citedeep-auction to handle private budget constraints and Bayesian incentive compatibility. We discover new auctions with very close approximations to incentive-compatibility and high revenue for multi-unit auctions with private budgets, including problems with unit-demand bidders. For benchmarking purposes, we also illustrate that \em RegretNet can obtain essentially optimal designs for simpler settings where analytical solutions are available~\citeCHE2000,Malakhov2008,PAI2014.
Complexity and chaotic dynamics in a spiking neuron embodiment

Ordinarily, functional complexity in neural networks is held as stemming from the interaction of large numbers of functionally simple neuron-like processing elements. This paper focuses on complexity on the single neuron level as elucidate by a nonlinear dynamical systems approach to the analysis of the integrate-and-fire model neuron. The resulting dynamics, described by an iterated phase-transition map (PTM), suggest that a wide-range of complex firing modalities can be produced by a dendritic neuron when its dendrites are subjected to correlated arriving spike trains that give rise to periodic activation potential of its excitable membrane. The dynamical approach leads to the bifurcating neuron concept and model which combines functional complexity, in its spiking behavior, approaching that of the biological neuron with structural simplicity and power efficiency. The bifurcating model neuron is well suited for the modeling, simulation, and construction of a new generation of artificial neural networks in which synchronicity, bifurcation, and chaos can play a role in realizing higher-level functions. The theory and characterization of a photonic embodiment of the bifurcating neuron are discussed and it is proposed that bifurcating neuron dynamics offer a plausible basis for the mechanism subserving transient correlations in local field potentials observed at different widely separated cortical areas of Cat and Monkey.
Enzyme production during transient growth

The problems of enzyme production are examined in the light of molecular biological events. an understanding of the dynamics of protein synthesis that occur during transient growth are reviewed to provide insight into the potentials and the limitations of differential enzyme synthesis.
Challenges in Open-Ended Problem Solving with Genetic Programming

This chapter describes how genetic programming might be integrated as a tool into the human context of discovery. To accomplish this, a comparison is made between GP and a well-regarded strategy in open-ended problem solving. The comparison indicates which tasks and skills are likely to be complemented by GP. Furthermore, the comparison also indicates directions in research that may need to be taken for GP to be further leveraged as a tool that assists discovery.
Building the Ivory Tower: universities and metropolitan development in the twentieth century

LaDale C. Winling, Assistant Professor of History, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, has a mission: to ‘put universities at the center of metropolitan transformation and cities a...
To Date or Not to Date a Vietnamese: Perceptions and Expectations of Vietnamese American College Students

(1998). To Date or Not to Date a Vietnamese: Perceptions and Expectations of Vietnamese American College Students. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 143-170.
Bias and Judging

How do we know whether judges of different backgrounds are biased? We review the substantial political science literature on judicial decision making, paying close attention to how judges' demograp...
Technological, applications, and characteristics of edible films and coatings: a review

In the last 2 decades, food packaging and packaging industry have received considerable attention from those who interested in manufacturing edible films and biodegradable packaging materials. The interest in whey proteins has increased because of their environmental benefits, availability in large quantities as residues, non-toxicity, low price, high nutritional values, and suitability for the packaging and protecting foods from damage. The purpose of this work is to highlight and review the importance of using edible films and coatings. This work also emphasizes the benefits of using edible films in the packaging industry. Finally, this work presents the most popular varieties of edible films, such as whey protein films and lipid films and their characteristics.
Sulfenamide-enabled ortho thiolation of aryl iodides via palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis

Poly-substituted aromatic sulfur compounds are widely found in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and organic materials. However, the position that a sulfur moiety can be introduced to is largely restricted to a pre-functionalized site; otherwise, use of electronically biased substrates or auxiliary groups that direct catalysis is required. Here we report a general ortho thiolation of common aryl and heteroaryl iodides via palladium-norbornene cooperative catalysis. Using this approach, an aryl or alky sulfur moiety can be site-selectively introduced at the arene ortho position without using sterically or electronically biased substrates. The arene ipso functionalization is simultaneously achieved through Heck, Suzuki or Sonogashira termination. The reaction is enabled by a unique class of electrophiles in palladium-norbornene cooperative catalysis, which are sulfenamides derived from seven-membered lactams. The broad substrates scope and high chemoselectivity could make this method attractive for synthesis of complex sulfur-containing aromatic compounds. Poly-substituted aromatic sulfur compounds are part of many pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and organic materials. Here, the authors developed a sulfenamide-enabled ortho-thiolation of aryl iodides via Pd/norbornene cooperative catalysis for the preparation of polysubstituted aromatic sulfur compounds.
Ergänzende Rechte und Pflichten

Neben den Rechtsfolgen, die unmittelbar an die Nicht- oder Schlechterfullung der Dokumentationspflicht anknupfen, gibt es Rechte und Pflichten, die regelmasig zusatzlich bestehen, wenn eine privatrechtliche Dokumentationspflicht vorliegt. Diese kennzeichnen nicht die Dokumentationspflicht an sich, da sie keinen unmittelbaren Einfluss auf deren Ausgestaltung haben. Allerdings sind sie eine typische Begleiterscheinung einer solchen und unterstutzen das Erreichen der Dokumentationszwecke, sodass erganzend zur Untersuchung der Dokumentationspflicht eine kurze Darstellung dieser Rechte und Pflichten angezeigt ist.
In Situ Simulation for Ventilator Management in Emergency Medicine

Background Emergency physicians have a residency graduation milestone to effectively manage the airway and initiate mechanical ventilation. However, many emergency medicine (EM) residents report rarely or never feeling comfortable managing mechanically ventilated patients. Our goal was to determine the effectiveness of an in situ simulation program for EM residents to successfully manage a ventilator on a high-fidelity patient simulator. Methods This was a prospective observational educational study of EM residents executed in four steps. Baseline performance was assessed by observed standard clinical examination (OSCE) in a checklist manner after our routine classroom-based annual ventilator teaching. The in situ simulation was executed in a small-group format located in the trauma bay of the ED using only equipment available in the clinical setting. Performance at 1 week and 8 months after the educational intervention was assessed by repeat OSCE. The results were assessed using paired Student's t-tests. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in all checklist markers of successful ventilator management on repeat OSCE after the in situ simulation intervention. A final unannounced retention OSCE was administered 8 months after the intervention with no additional interval training. The improved performance persisted 8 months later. Conclusions This in situ simulation study demonstrated improved checklist scoring on ventilator management in simulated critically ill patients by EM residents. This improvement persisted 8 months after the educational intervention.
Mental Health Screening Practices Among Primary Care Providers in High HIV Burden Areas of the South: Does Having Patients with HIV Matter?

Mental health (MH) disorders are associated with HIV-related risk and health outcomes. Primary care providers (PCPs) conducting MH screenings can link persons living with HIV (PWH) to appropriate services, particularly in HIV burden areas of Southeastern States (the South). Little data exist on PCPs’ MH screening practices. Depression, MH history, and substance use screenings among PCPs were examined in the South. Rao-Scott chi-square (χ2[df]) statistics (p ≤ 0.05) analyzed MH screening between PCPs with and without PWH patients. Compared with PCPs without PWH patients, PCPs with PWH patients routinely screened for substance use more frequently (50.6% vs. 43.2%; χ2[1] = 20.3; p < 0.0001). Compared with PCPs without PWH patients, PCPs with PWH patients routinely screened for depression less frequently (36.2% vs. 50.9%; χ2[1] = 32.0; p < 0.0001). Providers increasing MH screenings will improve HIV-related outcomes in the South.
Genetic data improves niche model discrimination and alters the direction and magnitude of climate change forecasts

Ecological niche models (ENMs) have classically operated under the simplifying assumptions that there are no barriers to gene flow, species are genetically homogeneous (i.e., no population-specific local adaptation), and all individuals share the same niche. Yet, these assumptions are violated for most broadly distributed species. Here, we incorporate genetic data from the widespread riparian tree species narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) to examine whether including intraspecific genetic variation can alter model performance and predictions of climate change impacts. We found that (1) P. angustifolia is differentiated into six genetic groups across its range from Mexico to Canada and (2) different populations occupy distinct climate niches representing unique ecotypes. Comparing model discriminatory power, (3) all genetically informed ecological niche models (gENMs) outperformed the standard species-level ENM (3-14% increase in AUC; 1-23% increase in pROC). Furthermore, (4) gENMs predicted large differences among ecotypes in both the direction and magnitude of responses to climate change and (5) revealed evidence of niche divergence, particularly for the Eastern Rocky Mountain ecotype. (6) Models also predicted progressively increasing fragmentation and decreasing overlap between ecotypes. Contact zones are often hotspots of diversity that are critical for supporting species' capacity to respond to present and future climate change, thus predicted reductions in connectivity among ecotypes is of conservation concern. We further examined the generality of our findings by comparing our model developed for a higher elevation Rocky Mountain species with a related desert riparian cottonwood, P. fremontii. Together our results suggest that incorporating intraspecific genetic information can improve model performance by addressing this important source of variance. gENMs bring an evolutionary perspective to niche modeling and provide a truly "adaptive management" approach to support conservation genetic management of species facing global change.
Statin Use for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Among Sexual Minority Adults

Background Sexual minority, or lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB), individuals are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease attributable to elevated rates of health risk factors. However, although there is clear evidence that statin use can prevent cardiovscular disease in certain adult populations, no studies have examined how statins are being used among the LGB population. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of statin use among LGB and non-LGB individuals using Facebook-delivered online surveys. Methods and Results We conducted a cross-sectional online survey about statin use in adults ≥40 years of age between September and December 2019 using Facebook advertising (n=1531). We calculated the prevalence of statin use by age, sexual orientation, and statin benefit populations. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine whether statin use differed by sexual orientation, adjusting for covariates. We observed a significantly lower rate of statin use in the LGB versus non-LGB respondents (20.8% versus 43.8%; P<0.001) in the primary prevention population. However, the prevalence of statin use was not statistically different in the LGB versus non-LGB respondents in the secondary prevention population. Adjusting for the covariates, the LGB participants were less likely to use statins than the non-LGB respondents in the primary prevention population (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.70). Conclusions Our results are the first to emphasize the urgent need for tailored, evidence-based cardiovascular disease prevention programs that aim to promote statin use, and thus healthy aging, in the LGB population.
Prolonged ketamine exposure induces enhanced excitatory GABAergic synaptic activity in the anterior cingulate cortex of neonatal rats.

Abstract Experimental studies have indicated that prolonged ketamine exposure in neonates at anesthetic doses causes neuronal apoptosis, which contributes to long-term impairments of learning and memory later in life. The neuronal excitotoxicity mediated by compensatory upregulation of N-methyl- d -aspartate receptors (NMDARs) is proposed to be the underlying mechanism. However, this view does not convincingly explain why excitotoxicity-related apoptotic injury develops selectively in immature neurons. We proposed that the GABAA receptors (GABAARs)-mediated excitatory synaptic signaling due to high expression of the Na+-K+-2Cl− co-transporter (NKCC1), occurring during the early neuronal development period, plays a distinct role in the susceptibility of immature neurons to ketamine-induced injury. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from the forebrain slices containing the anterior cingulate cortex, we found that in vivo repeated ketamine administration significantly induced neuronal hyperexcitability in neonatal, but not adolescent, rats. Such hyperexcitability was accompanied by the increase both in GABAAR- and NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmissions. An interference with the NKCC1 by bumetanide treatment completely reversed these enhanced effects of ketamine exposure and blocked GABAAR-mediated postsynaptic current activity. Thus, these findings were significant as they showed, for the first time, that GABAAR-mediated excitatory action may contribute distinctly to neuronal excitotoxic effects of ketamine on immature neurons in the developing brain.
Early age of onset and broad cancer spectrum persist in MSH6 and PMS2-associated Lynch syndrome.

10516Background: Recently updated NCCN guidelines for management of germline MSH6 and PMS2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant carriers suggest a more modest phenotype with later onset colo...
Transformation from Sinonasal Seromucinous Hamartoma to Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report.

Objectives Sinonasal hamartomas are benign neoplasms composed of disorganized mature tissue elements. Epithelial variants include respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) and seromucinous hamartoma (SMH). Malignant transformation of REAH is rarely reported; however, the malignant transformation of SMH to adenocarcinoma has not been described. We report the first case of a transformation from SMH to adenocarcinoma. Methods The medical records of a patient presenting with sinonasal SMH with malignant transformation to adenocarcinoma were reviewed. The NCBI database was queried for the literature regarding SMH and malignant transformation of sinonasal hamartomas. Results A 39-year-old man presented with a left nasal mass, nasal obstruction, and epistaxis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a nonaggressive and heterogeneous left nasal mass with involvement of the middle turbinate and posterior ethmoid sinuses. He underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with complete excision of the mass. Pathology revealed SMH with focal areas of transition to low-grade adenocarcinoma characterized by stromal invasion but no bony, perineural, or lymphovascular invasion. Adjuvant treatment was not recommended. Literature review revealed no reported cases of malignant transformation of SMH. Conclusion We report the first case of malignant transformation of SMH. Patients with SMH must be counseled that there is an extremely rare and potentially unrecognized risk of malignancy that may influence treatment and postoperative monitoring.
Three critical regions of the erythromycin resistance methyltransferase, ErmE, are required for function supporting a model for the interaction of Erm family enzymes with substrate rRNA.

6-methyladenosine modification of DNA and RNA is widespread throughout the three domains of life and often accomplished by a Rossmann-fold methyltransferase domain which contains conserved sequence elements directing S-adenosylmethionine cofactor binding and placement of the target adenosine residue into the active site. Elaborations to the conserved Rossman-fold and appended domains direct methylation to diverse DNA and RNA sequences and structures. Recently the first atomic resolution structure of a Ribosomal RNA Adenine Dimethylase (RRAD) family member bound to rRNA was solved, TFB1M bound to helix 45 of 12S rRNA. Since erythromycin resistance methyltransferases are also members of the RRAD family and understanding how these enzymes recognize rRNA could be used to combat their role in antibiotic resistance, we constructed a model of ErmE bound to a 23S rRNA fragment based on the TFB1M-rRNA structure. We designed site-directed mutants of ErmE based on this model and assayed the mutants by in vivo phenotypic assays and in vitro assays with purified protein. Our results and additional bioinformatic analyses suggest our structural model captures key ErmE-rRNA interactions and suggest three regions of Erm proteins play a critical role in methylation: the target adenosine binding pocket, the basic ridge and the α4-cleft.
Electronic Structure of PbS, PbSe, and PbTe

Publisher Summary Lead salts are ionic semiconductors with many properties in common. Their IV-VI electron configuration is relatively unusual, and appears to be reflected in the interesting phonon and dielectric properties they share. Among these are low values of the TO phonon frequency at Γ and high static dielectric constants. It is clear that the electronic structures of PbS, PbSe, and PbTe are much the same, with all three lead salts exhibiting a direct minimum energy gap E 0 at the L point. The surfaces of constant energy for both electrons and holes are ellipsoidal near the band edges, but approach a cylinder-like shape farther from the L point. The conduction and valence bands in all the lead salts are definitely nonparabolic, displaying a concomitant dependence of the effective mass on carrier concentration. Based primarily on studies of PbTe, a two-valence band model is well supported by experiment. The order of higher energy bands appears quite well established, and reliable values of the energies of several interband transitions have been obtained.
A Mouse Model for Polyomavirus‐Associated Nephropathy of Kidney Transplants

Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy is an important cause of dysfunction and failure of renal transplants. BK virus is an ubiquitous human polyoma virus that persistently infects the kidney. This otherwise silent infection can reactivate in immunosuppressed individuals, resulting in renal complications. Because polyoma viruses are highly species-specific, we developed a mouse polyoma virus-renal transplant model in order to investigate the pathogenesis of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. Using this model, we found that polyoma virus preferentially replicates in the allogeneic kidney grafts, accelerating graft failure; thus, this animal model is able to mimic the polyomavirus-associated nephropathy seen in human renal transplant patients. Acute polyoma virus infection of mouse allograft recipients augmented the alloreactive CD8+ T-cell response, while maintaining the anti-viral CD8+ T-cell response. In addition to the known virus-induced cytopathology, these findings demonstrate a potential role for an enhanced anti-donor T-cell response in the pathogenesis of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy.
Globalizing Human Rights: Private Citizens, the Soviet Union, and the West

1. Introduction 2. The Human Rights Weapon Emerges: Private Citizens and the U.S. Congress, 1975-1977 3. Setting the Stage for a Superpower Confrontation: Jimmy Carter, the Soviet Union, and Human Rights, 1975-1976 4. The Carter Administration Wields the Human Rights Weapon, January 1977-August 1978 5. The Soviet Government, Private Citizens, and Human Rights, January 1977-August 1978 6. A Delicate Balancing Act Topples: The Carter Administration, Human Rights, and Private Citizens, September 1978-January 1981 7. The Soviet Government, Private Citizens, and Human Rights, September 1978-January 1981 8. The Reagan Administration's "Conservative" and "Private" Human Rights Campaign, January 1981-November 1985 9. The Soviet Government and Dissenters: Human Rights, Peace, and Detente, January 1981-September 1986 10. Holding Mikhail Gorbachev and Soviet Bureaucrats Accountable: U.S.-Soviet Relations, Human Rights, and the Final Act, December 1985-January 1989 11. Revolutions from Above and Below: Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet Bureaucrats, and Human Rights 12. Conclusion
Molecular cytogenetic methodologies and a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) probe panel resource for genomic analyses in zebrafish.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on molecular cytogenetic methodologies and a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) probe panel resource for genomic analyses in zebrafish. The zebrafish genome contains 1.7 × 10 9 bp of DNA, approximately half the genome size of most mammals, organized into 25 pairs of chromosomes (2 n = 50). Classical cytogenetic studies of zebrafish have shown that individual chromosomes are difficult to unequivocally identify on the basis of chromosome size, morphology (i.e., position of the centromere), and banding pattern. Because cytogenetics offers a unique perspective in genome analysis, by directly visualizing targeted chromosomal loci and large genomic alterations, it is important to advance zebrafish cytogenetics and develop the resources that may provide valuable complementary methods for genetic analyses in this important model organism. The molecular cytogenetic methods described in this chapter provide complementary assays for genetic analysis of zebrafish mutants. In addition, the development of a BAC probe panel resource provides an initial cytogenetic framework for the accurate assembly of the zebrafish genome sequence that is independent of existing genetic and radiation hybrid maps.
NATURAL RECOVERY OF COMPACTED SOILS IN SEMIARID MONTANA

Residual compaction in soils disturbed by differing land-use activities was examined in five southwestern Montana ghost towns. All towns had been abandoned for 46 to 77 years. Bulk density and macroporosity of the poorly sorted sandy loams and sandy clay loam soils were measured. A linear recovery model based on compaction measurements gathered at the townsites indicated that complete recovery times ranged from 50 to 145 years for soils compacted principally by human trampling, and from 79 to 227 years for soils compacted by vehicular traffic. Recovery times were strongly related to compaction intensities, percentage of organic matter in the soil, and the degree to which the soil separates were sorted. Soil loosening mechanisms of freeze-thaw heaving, clay mineral expansion and biological activity were limited at these sites, retarding soil recovery rates. [Key words: soil recovery, soil compaction, semiarid regions, ghost towns, Montana.]
Algunos problemas en la traducción al español del soneto XX de William Shakespeare

Estudio sobre el «Soneto xx» de William Shakespeare que indica que la falta de un analisis textual profundo provoca, a veces, una perdida innecesaria de matices en una traduccion.
Baryons in the Local Universe

The census of baryons in the local universe is still uncertain, but a larger component than is represented by the sum of all galaxies probably exists in hot and diffuse forms that have evaded detection until recently. Our knowledge of the complex, multi-phase intergalactic medium (IGM) is being fueled by a wide range of techniques, from X-ray and optical spectroscopy, to new galaxy surveys, to gas-dynamical simulations.
Science, Self-Determination, and Imagining the Nation

Nation, Psychology, and International Politics, 1870–1919. Edited by Sluga Glenda. Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006. 248 pp., $69.95 (ISBN: 0-230-00717-1). When the leaders of the victorious powers sat down to draft a peace treaty in Paris in 1919, following the “war to end all wars,” there were more than enough competing and contradictory pressures to keep historians and political scientists busy for many generations. Indeed, the story of Wilsonian agenda-setting, which kept the issue of national self-determination at the center of much that was debated and decided, is well documented. What Glenda Sluga adds in Nation, Psychology, and International Politics, 1870–1919 is a rich portrait of how the leaders at the peace conference, and especially the leaders of the major victorious countries (Great Britain, France, and the United States), psychologized “the nation” and translated their understanding into concrete decisions regarding new states, state borders, and the constitutional principles that would guide what they intended to be a new democratic world order. Sluga's analysis explains how key policymakers and advisors rooted the idea of the nation in the language of contemporary psychology in an effort to ground their decision in science. Unfortunately, then, as now, science often failed to agree on key concepts, and it yielded incomplete answers to key questions. As a result, the effort to construct a new world order fell far short of the goals that many had hoped to achieve. However, rather than examining the consequences of the decisions made at Versailles and other postwar treaties, Sluga focuses on two other …
Sponsored Identities: Cultural Politics in Puerto Rico

Sponsored Identities: Cultural Politics in Puerto Rico. Arlene M. Davila. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1997. 302 pp.
Global reported endophthalmitis risk following intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF: a literature review and analysis.

Purpose To report on endophthalmitis occurrence and associated risk factors following the intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents based on a review of published literature.
42-YEAR-OLD MAN WITH DISCOID LUPUS AND PROGRESSIVE WEAKNESS

A 42-year-old man presented with three months of progressive proximal weakness, a thirty pound weight loss, and dysphagia. He was hospitalized two months earlier for ventilatory failure requiring five days of mechanical ventilation. His history also included long-term hydroxychloroquine therapy for discoid lupus and a recently elevated total creatine kinase. An electromyogram revealed evidence of an irritable myopathy. Microscopic examination of a muscle biopsy specimen revealed vacuolar myopathy with lysosomal activation. Electron microscopy demonstrated curvilinear inclusions that, given his history, were diagnostic of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) myopathy. Although HCQ myopathy typically presents with proximal muscle weakness and normal-to-mildly-elevated creatine kinase levels, this is one of the few reported cases of ventilatory failure due to HCQ myopathy. Hydroxychloroquine myopathy may be more common than previously reported and should be considered in patients on long term therapy presenting with weakness or ventilatory failure. In these cases, muscle biopsy should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Replication of kinetoplast DNA maxicircles

The kinetoplast DNA of Crithidia fasciculata is a massive network composed of thousands of topologically interlocked circles. Most of these circles are minicircles (2.5 kb), and about 50 are maxicircles (37 kb). Previous studies showed that minicircles replicate, after release from the network, via Cairns (theta) intermediates. Here we show that maxicircles replicate, while attached to the network, by an entirely different mechanism involving rolling circle intermediates. After the network-bound maxicircle has finished replication, the branch of the rolling circle is apparently cleaved off to form a linear free maxicircle. A restriction map of the linearized free maxicircles shows that these molecules have unique termini, one of which presumably corresponds to the replication origin.
Predictors of Language Restitution Following Stroke

A consecutive sample of 50 language-impaired patients was evauated prospectively during the first 3 to 4 months following unilateral left- or right-hemisphere stroke. A multiple logistic linear regression model was used to assess the relative importance of eight predictor variables on the likelihood of language recovery. Those found to be significantly associated with language recovery included age (favoring younger patients) and length of hospital stay (favoring shorter stays). Gender (favoring males), type of stroke (favoring hemorrhages), and side of lesion (favoring right) were only moderate correlates of recovery. Neither race nor history of previous stroke was a significant predictor of language recovery. Multivariate statistical analysis was useful in illuminating the joint relationship between clinical and demographic predictor variables and language recovery.
An in vitro study on the effect of branch points on the stability of coronary artery flow

Empirical correlations for the onset of turbulence in pulsatile flow through a straight tube and a 45 degrees T-bifurcation are presented. We pumped three different test fluids of kinematic viscosity 0.008-0.035 cm2 s-1 through four straight tubes 0.4-3.0 cm in diameter and three 45 degree T-bifurcations 0.45-2.2 cm in diameter. A Scotch yoke mechanism provided an oscillatory sine wave flow component of known stroke volume and frequency. To determine transition to turbulence, we adjusted the mean flow independently until we detected signal instabilities from hot film or electrochemical wall shear stress probes. The critical peak Reynolds number was found to correlate with two independent dimensionless groups: the Womersley parameter and the Strouhal number. We derived power low functions of these groups to provide an accurate and convenient method of predicting transition in both straight and bifurcating tubes. When compared to pulsatile flow through the straight tube, the presence of flow separation within the 45 degrees T-bifurcation induced flow instabilities at lower values of the peak Reynolds number. The correlation for the 45 degrees T-bifurcation is also a suitable model for predicting transition at coronary branch points, which we previously studied in an in vitro pulse duplicator. Flow instabilities at coronary branch points may play an important role in atherogenesis.
Streptococcus mutans Levels and Biotypes in Egyptian and Saudi Arabian Students During the First Months of Residency in the United States

Several studies indicated that serotype/biotype c strains are the most common on a global basis, but that regional differences may occur relative to other serotype/biotypes. Of particular interest is the observation that individuals residing in the Middle East have higher incidences of serotype e and d strains relative to their levels in American citizens. This could reflect exposure to different Streptococcus mutans serotypes during the period in which the teeth are colonized, or might reflect other factors local to the region, such as diet. The purpose of the present study was to observe Egyptian and Saudi Arabian students during the first four months after their arrival in the United States, in order to determine whether this change in habitat affected the levels and biotypes of S. mutans. The results of this study showed that biotype c strains were the most prevalent in saliva and plaque of these Egyptians and Saudi Arabian students, followed by biotype e and biotype d. There was a drop in the number ...
Analysis of a cylindrical dielectric waveguide with three regions by use of an invariant mode-definition parameter

Boundary conditions at a dielectric interface are expressed in terms of electrodynamic vector and scalar potentials that are expressed in terms of two-dimensional scalar solutions to the wave equation. Possible field configurations are expressed in terms of linear combinations of the scalar solutions. Their behavior at a dielectric interface and within a region of constant permittivity is investigated, and a parameter that is used to define propagation modes in cylindrical dielectric waveguides is shown to have the same value in regions with different permittivities. Scalar expressions that include this parameter are used to calculate exact expressions for fields and propagation constants in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide with three coaxial regions. The characteristics of propagation modes in these waveguides are discussed.
Impact of Lipid-Lowering Therapy on Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation

Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) decreases mortality in select patient populations. LLT has also been shown to have antiarrhythmic effects, thus favorably influencing the incidence and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data are lacking regarding the effect of LLT on mortality in patients with AF. The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) study was the one of the largest multicenter trials comprising of 4,060 patients with AF at high risk for stroke and death. This is a post hoc analysis of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute limited-access dataset of AFFIRM patients who were on LLT at the time of randomization (n = 913). The control group consisted of AFFIRM patients who were not on LLT (n = 3,147). Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed controlling for baseline differences. The end point was all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and ischemic stroke. A separate analysis was carried out for the combined end point of death, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, ischemic stroke, major bleeding, systemic embolism, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction. Patients on LLT were younger and on more cardioactive medications but also had more cardiovascular morbidities. On multivariate analysis, LLT use was associated with lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62 to 0.95, p = 0.01), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.95, p = 0.02), ischemic stroke (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.89, p = 0.01), and combined end point (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.96, p = 0.01). In conclusion, a decrease in mortality and adverse cardiovascular events was observed using LLT in AF.
Fracture energies of Zircaloy-4

Abstract Fracture properties of Zircaloy-4 were determined as a function of the energies required for failure. Charpy V -notch fracture samples were prepared from nuclear grade Zircaloy-4. The fracture mechanism was studied as a function of orientation, loading rate, and temperature. Yield stress, tensile streets, and integrated energy values were determined from the resulting fracture force-displacement curves. Fracture toughness values were found to be independent of orientation but strongly dependent upon temperature and loading rate; K -values decreased with increasing temperature, dynamic values were higher than static. Structure of the force-displacement curves revealed four distinct segments: (a) elastic deformation, (b) plastic deformation, (c) fracture, and (d) tearing after crack arrest. Elastic energy (a) values decreased with temperature, while plastic energy (b) values increased with temperature. Cracking energy (c) values decreased with increasing temperature for statically loaded specimens but increased with increasing temperature for dynamically loaded specimens. Tearing energy (d) values were strongly dependent upon temperature and orientation. Two orientations ( T - S and L - S ) exhibited a gradual increase in tearing energy with increasing temperatures very characteristic of ductile materials. The other two orientations ( T - L and L - T ) had a temperature transition curve reminiscent of a ductile-brittle transition material. Sharp temperature transition resulted from the onset of crack arrest. A sudden transition dip was observed in the tearing energy which was a function of loading rate and orientation.
The importance of phase of stimulus and the reference recording electrode in brain stem auditory evoked potentials

In normal subjects the phase of the stimulus and the reference electrode of the brain stem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) were investigated. Compared to condensation (C), rarefaction (R) clicks produced longer latencies, especially for peaks IN, IIIN and IV and lower amplitudes, mainly for IIN. The amplitude of the initial phase of R clicks was lower in the acoustical wave form (with piezoelectric phones) than the succeeding higher amplitude C phase, but damping characteristics varied with recording conditions. In comparing Ipsi vs. Contra ear reference the Ipsi showed a shorter latency for II and IIN, a longer latency for III, IIIN and IV and a higher amplitude, except for II. The relative contribution of the central vertex (Cz) and of each ear to the standard Cz-ear linkage was determined by referring each to an indifferent electrode. The activity at the Ipsi ear was out of phase with Cz up to peak IV, especially I, IN and III (but not II) with a resulting high amplitude in the Cz-ear linkage; in-phase relationships were noted between Cz and the Contra ear resulting in a relatively low amplitude in the Cz-Contra ear linkage. Discussion of the latter points included the complex, but significant changes of the amplitude and latency of Cz activity by an ear reference.
Size effects in aerosol electrostatic interactions

The pair interaction of aerosols having arbitrary electrical charge is evaluated by an exact solution to the Coulomb force equation. A rapidly convergent solution is obtained by casting the expression for the surface charge density in the form of the Fredholm integral equation. Because the electrostatic force is always attractive at close separations, for dissimilar aerosols coagulation rates are always enhanced with increasing charge and size polydispersity. Results for the electrostatic force acting on spherical aerosols and the resulting pair stability values are presented over the full range of aerosol size and charge.
MPEG-7 multimedia-based query format

Searching multimedia content for image, audio, and video is getting more attention especially for personal media content due to the affordability of consumer electronic devices such as MP3 recordable players, digital cameras, DV camcorders, and well-integrated smart phones. The precise search and retrieval of the content derived from these devices can be a very challenging task. Many leading edge search engine vendors have been applying sophisticated and advanced indexing and retrieval techniques on various text-based document formats, but when it comes to retrieving multimedia content, searching based on the media clip filename is the most common practice. As a result, there is an imprecise and ineffective user experience for searching multimedia content. This paper presents a new development underway from a joint effort between International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnial Commission (IEC) Subcommittee (SC) 29 Working Group (WG) 11 MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) and WG1 JPEG (Joint Picture Experts Group) for a universal standard query format called MPEG-7 Query Format (MP7QF) as a means to enable a good user experience for consumers searching multimedia content. It also provides the industry with a unified way to accept and respond to user queries. This paper presents the core requirements for such a universal query format.
Bone disease in primary biliary cirrhosis: Independent indicators and rate of progression

Abstract Background/Aims : To identify indicators of osteoporosis and to determine the rate of bone loss in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Methods : Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hip was measured at annual intervals over 7 years of follow-up in 176 patients with PBC. Results : Osteoporosis ( t -score below −2.5) was found in 20% of patients and occurred 32.1 times more frequently in patients with PBC than expected. Patients with histologic stage 3 or 4 disease had a 5.4-fold increased risk of osteoporosis compared to patients with stage 1 or 2. Age, body mass index, advanced stage (3 or 4), and history of fractures were the only independent indicators of osteoporosis. After 3 years of follow up, the rate of bone loss in patients with stage 1 or 2 increased and equaled that seen in patients with stage 3 or 4. Serum bilirubin level was the only variable independently associated with the rate of bone loss over time. Conclusions : Severity of the liver disease contributes significantly to the severity of bone disease in PBC. PBC patients who are older, thinner and have more advanced liver disease may have the most benefit from bone density measurements and treatment for their osteoporosis.
Differential Effects of Tumor Secreted Factors on Mechanosensitivity, Capillary Branching, and Drug Responsiveness in PEG Hydrogels

Solid cancers induce the formation of new blood vessels to promote growth and metastasis. Unlike the normal vascular networks, the tumor induced vasculatures exhibit abnormal shape and function. Past efforts have been focused on characterizing the altered growth factor signaling pathway in tumor capillary endothelial cells; however, the mechanical microenvironment of tumor also plays a significant role in regulating the formation of vascular patterns. Here, we used synthetic hydrogel based cell culture platforms to probe how activation of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) by tumor secreted factors alters the responses to matrix modulus and in turn the capillary network formation and drug sensitivity. Our study revealed that while in absence of activation, HUVECs prefer a substrate of appropriate stiffness for optimal capillary network formation; stimulation by tumor cells disrupts the mechano-responsive behavior of HUVECs. Additionally, the effect of vandetanib on reducing the capillary network was also investigated. The response of HUVECs to the anti-angiogenic agent was substrate modulus dependent displaying increased sensitivity on the compliant gels. Stimulation by tumor cells reduced the responsiveness to vandetanib, particularly when plated on stiffer gels.
Channel Unit Use by Smallmouth Bass: Do Land-Use Constraints or Quantity of Habitat Matter?

Abstract I examined how land use influenced the distribution of Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu in channel units (discrete morphological features—e.g., pools) of streams in the Midwestern USA. Stream segments (n = 36), from four clusters of different soil and runoff conditions, were identified that had the highest percent of forest (n = 12), pasture (n = 12), and urban land use (n = 12) within each cluster. Channel units within each stream were delineated and independently sampled once using multiple gears in summer 2006. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model procedure with a binomial distribution and odds ratio statistics. Land use and channel unit were strong predictors of age-0, age-1, and age->1 Smallmouth Bass presence. Each age-class was more likely to be present in streams within watersheds dominated by forest land use than in those with pasture or urban land uses. The interaction between land use and channel unit was not significant in any of the models, indicating channel...