cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Prenatal Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccination on Pertussis Severity in Infants

Background All US women are recommended to receive a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine at 27-36 weeks gestation during each pregnancy to reduce the risk of pertussis to their infants. The impact of this strategy on severity of disease among infected infants has not been evaluated. Methods We use a retrospective cohort study design evaluating whether pertussis-infected infants born in 2011-2015 whose mothers received Tdap vaccine during pregnancy had less severe pertussis, resulting in a lower risk of hospitalization or intensive care unit admission compared with infants born to unvaccinated mothers. Results Infected infants of vaccinated mothers were significantly less likely to be hospitalized and had significantly shorter hospital stays compared with infants born to unvaccinated mothers, after adjustment for chronological and gestational age and receipt of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine. Unadjusted and adjusted vaccine effectiveness for preventing hospitalization among infants with pertussis was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49%-85%) and 58% (95% CI 15%-80%), respectively. No infants born to vaccinated mothers required intubation or died of pertussis. Conclusions Infants with pertussis whose mothers received Tdap during pregnancy had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission and shorter hospital stays. Prenatal Tdap vaccination is a critical strategy for reducing the morbidity and mortality from pertussis.
Dynamic capabilities for water system transitions in Oklahoma

Abstract Based on semi-structured interviews with key decision-makers from 38 distinct municipal water utilities in Oklahoma, this paper examines the innovation process that drives water system transitions in response to external pressures, including climate change, policy, and economic trends; and to address internal system needs, such as supply expansion and infrastructure upgrades. A multiple linear regression analysis reveals a strong, positive relationship between innovations and dynamic capabilities, suggesting that dynamic capabilities are crucial to the transition of water systems. The strength of the relationship between sensing, seizing and reconfiguring dynamic capabilities and innovations differs by type of innovation. Water manager awareness of the state-level Water for 2060 Act was shown to have significant influence on the number of innovations generated by municipal water systems, while water manager licensure level was not a reliable predictor of innovation. Recommendations for encouraging much needed radical innovations are outlined.
A Current Snapshot of North American Protestant Missions

International Bulletin of Missionary Research, Vol. 35, No. 1 I preparing for each new edition of the Mission Handbook, the Evangelism and Mission Information Service of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College surveys North American Protestant agencies and aggregates the data collected to get a statistical snapshot of the overall Protestant missions landscape.1 In preparation for the 2010–12 edition, in 2008 we surveyed 966 organizations (800 U.S., 166 Canadian), 144 more than for the previous edition (100 U.S., 44 Canadian).2 Altogether, in 2008 North American agencies reported a significant 9.7 percent increase in the total full-time missionary force they mobilized, compared with the 2005 survey.3 Readers must keep in mind that this synopsis (1) includes what the agencies actually reported to us and (2) does not include information from the ever-growing numbers of churches—especially megachurches—that are bypassing mission agencies in sending out cross-cultural workers.
A look into centrosome abnormalities in colon cancer cells, how they arise and how they might be targeted therapeutically

Cancer cells have long been noted for alterations in centrosome structure, number, and function. Colorectal cancers are interesting in this regard since two frequently mutated genes, APC and CTNNB1 (β-catenin), encode proteins that directly interact with the centrosome and affect its ability to direct microtubule growth and establish cell polarity. Colorectal cancers also frequently display centrosome over-duplication and clustering. Efforts have been directed toward understanding how supernumerary centrosomes cluster and whether disrupting this clustering may be a way to induce aberrant/lethal mitoses of cancer cells. Given the important role of the centrosome in establishing spindle polarity and regulating some apoptotic signaling pathways, other approaches to centrosome targeting may be fruitful as well. Basic information on the nature and extent of centrosome defects in colorectal cancer, including why they over-duplicate and whether this over-duplication compensates for their functional defects, could provide a framework for the development of novel approaches for the therapeutic targeting of colorectal cancer.
Local and regional food systems in Florida: values and economic impacts.

A survey of 1599 randomly selected Florida households was conducted in 2012 to evaluate the consumer characteristics and economic impacts of local food purchases through retail stores, restaurants, and direct-to-consumer market channels. The total annual value of local food purchases averaged 10.47 billion in value-added, including regional multiplier effects for agricultural production and wholesale and retail distribution. These values are significantly higher than found in previous studies in other states.
Global dynamics of a Leslie host-parasite model

We consider the system of difference equations xn+1=αxn1+βyn,yn+1=γxnynxn+δyn,n=0,1,2,⋯,where α,β,γ,δ,x0,y0 are positive real numbers. This system was formulated by P. H. Leslie in 1948 and the pre...
VENTILATORY DYSFUNCTION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can produce a variety of different respiratory abnormalities because of the multi-focal nature of central nervous system involvement in the disease. This article reviews the different patterns of respiratory involvement in MS and correlates them with the known neuroanatomy of respiratory control. Methods of monitoring pulmonary function in MS are explored, and the treatment of acute ventilatory failure in MS is discussed.
The cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, 2008–2009: A review and critique of the evidence

The 2008-2009 Zimbabwe cholera epidemic resulted in 98,585 reported cases and caused more than 4,000 deaths. In this study, we used a mixed-methods approach that combined primary qualitative data from a 2008 Physicians for Human Rights-led investigation with a systematic review and content analysis of the scientific literature. Our initial investigation included semi-structured interviews of 92 key informants, which we supplemented with reviews of the social science and human rights literature, as well as international news reports. Our systematic review of the scientific literature retrieved 59 unique citations, of which 30 met criteria for inclusion in the content analysis: 14 of the 30 (46.7%) articles mentioned the political dimension of the epidemic, while 7 (23.3%) referenced Mugabe or his political party (ZANU-PF). Our investigation revealed that the 2008-2009 Zimbabwean cholera epidemic was exacerbated by a series of human rights abuses, including the politicization of water, health care, aid, and information. The failure of the scientific community to directly address the political determinants of the epidemic exposes challenges to maintaining scientific integrity in the setting of humanitarian responses to complex health and human rights crises. While the period of the cholera epidemic and the health care system collapse is now nearly a decade in the past, the findings of this work remain highly relevant for Zimbabwe and other countries, as complex health and rights interactions remain widespread, and governance concerns continue to limit improvements in human health.
Primary Care-Mental Health Integration in the Veterans Affairs Health System: Program Characteristics and Performance

Objectives:The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has achieved substantial national implementation of primary care–mental health integration (PC-MHI) services. However, little is known regarding ...
Prognostic Value of Stress Echocardiography

Previous chapters have concentrated upon the ability of stress echocardiography to predict the presence of significant coronary artery disease. This approach permits the comparison of this test and various other non-invasive methodologies, using angiographic stenosis as the reference standard. However, this standard may be difficult to accurately define [1], and may not correlate with functional indices of coronary flow [2]. Consequently, the clinical value of identifying moderate (but “significant”) coronary stenoses may reasonably be questioned.
The Disturbing Child: A Matter of Opinion.

The ratings of regular teachers and special education teachers were compared to determine if the former were more bothered by certain behaviors often exhibited by children. The results indicated th...
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Colonography Technique

Significant anxiety has been expressed by some over the radiation risks associated with computed tomography (CT), particularly when it applies to a screening examination such as CT colonography. These theoretic risks are far outweighed by the significant benefits colorectal cancer screening offers. Regardless of how significant the theoretic risk of CT radiation is in the older population, the ALARA principle maintains that radiation dose should be reduced to As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This article will discuss various strategies that may be utilized to reduce radiation dose and mitigate any increase in image noise that may occur.
Fatness, Puberty, and Fertility The Effects of Nutrition and Physical Training on Menarche and Ovulation

It is a common sense observation that girls and boys first must “grow up” before becoming capable of reproduction. But on what scale is the “growing-up” best measured: age, height, weight, skeletal age, or some other measure of the body? And how is the synchronization of the “grownupness” and reproductive ability brought about (Kennedy and Mitra, 1963)? In this chapter, the relationship of measures of maturation and reproductive ability in the adolescent female will be explored.
Harnessing Allogeneic Immunity for Anti-myeloma Response

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell neoplasm of terminally differentiated B cells. Conventional chemotherapy such as melphalan and prednisone or combination therapy of vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (VAD), which have been used for few decades, resulted in a median overall survival of only 2–3 years [1–3]. These results lead many groups to explore high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplant (auto-SCT). This treatment approach resulted in a better survival rate with a 5-year probability of event-free survival of 28 % compared to 10 % of the standard chemotherapy treatments [4–6]. In the last decade, the new understanding of the pathology of this disease and new treatments such as thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide with or without auto-SCT significantly increased the survival of many myeloma patients [7–11]. However, despite all these new developments in the past decade, MM remains still an incurable disease.
Nursing home adoption of the National Healthcare Safety Network Long-term Care Facility Component.

Background Health care-associated infections pose a significant problem in nursing homes (NHs). The Long-term Care Facility Component of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) was launched in 2012, and since then, enrollment of NHs into NHSN has been deemed a national priority. Our goal was to understand the characteristics of NHs reporting to the NHSN compared to other NHs across the country. Methods To meet this goal, we quantified the characteristics of NHs by NHSN enrollment status and reporting consistency using the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) data linked to NHSN enrollment and reporting data. Results Of the 16,081 NHs in our sample, 262 (or 1.6% of NHs) had enrolled in NHSN by the end of 2015; these early adopting facilities were more likely to be for-profit and had a higher percentage of Medicare residents. By the end of 2016, enrollment expanded by more than 5-fold to 1,956 facilities (or 12.2% of NHs). In our analysis, the characteristics of those later adopting NHs were more similar to NHs nationally than the early adopters. Specifically, bed size and hospital-based facilities were related to both early and late adoption of NHSN. Conclusions The types of NHs that have enrolled in NHSN have changed substantially since the program began. The increased enrollment was likely due to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS)-funded “C. difficile Infection (CDI) Reporting and Reduction Project” that incentivized Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIOs) to support NH enrollment and participation in NHSN. Further understanding of a facility's ability to enroll in and maintain reporting to NHSN, and how this relates to infection prevention staffing and infrastructure in NHs and infection rates among NH residents, is needed.
Facility Variation in Local Staging of Rectal Adenocarcinoma and its Contribution to Underutilization of Neoadjuvant Therapy

Guidelines recommend neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for clinical stage II–III (locally advanced) rectal adenocarcinoma, but utilization remains suboptimal. The causes of NT omission remain poorly understood. The main outcomes in this study of patients with resected clinically non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma in the 2010–2015 National Cancer Database were local staging utilization in patients with non-metastatic tumors (i.e., undocumented clinical stage/pathologic stage I–III) and NT utilization for locally advanced tumors. Multivariable regression was used to examine predictors of these outcomes. Facility-specific risk- and reliability-adjusted local staging and NT rates were calculated. Positive margins and overall survival (OS) were examined as secondary outcomes. Local staging was omitted in 7737/43,819 (17.7%) patients with clinically non-metastatic tumors and NT was omitted in 5199/31,632 (16.4%) patients with locally advanced tumors. NT was utilized in 24,826 (91.1%) locally advanced patients who had local staging vs. 1607 (36.6%) patients who did not; 2785 (53.6%) locally advanced patients with NT omitted also had local staging omitted. Treatment at facilities with lowest quintile local staging rates was associated with NT omission (relative risk 2.41, 95% confidence interval 2.11, 2.75). Adjusted facility local staging rates varied sixfold (16.1–98.0%), facility NT rates varied twofold (43.9–95.9%), and they were correlated (r = 0.58; P < 0.001). Local staging omission and NT omission were independently associated with positive margins and decreased OS. Local staging omission is a common care process in over half of cases of omitted NT. These data emphasize the need for quality improvement efforts directed at providing facilities feedback about their local staging rates.
A Massive Sensor Data Streams Multi-dimensional Analysis Strategy Using Progressive Logarithmic Tilted Time Frame for Cloud-Based Monitoring Application

The massive sensor data streams multi-dimensional analysis in the monitoring application of internet of things is very important, especially in the environments where supporting such kind of real time streaming data storage and management. Cloud computing can provide a powerful, scalable storage and the massive data processing infrastructure to perform both online and offline analysis and mining of the heterogeneous sensor data streams. In order to support high-volume and real-time sensor data streams processing, in this paper, we propose a massive sensor data streams multi-dimensional analysis strategy using progressive logarithmic tilted time frame for cloud based monitoring application. The proposed strategy is sufficient for many high-dimensional streams analysis tasks using map-reduce platform of cloud computing. Finally, the simulation results show that proposed strategy achieves the enhancing storage performance and also can ensures that the total amount of data to retain in memory or to be stored on disk is small for achieving the performance improvement of the massive sensor data streams analysis.
Is self-rated health a potential confounder of the relationship between patient satisfaction with service quality and survival in non-small cell lung cancer?

e17577 Background: Previously we reported that higher satisfaction with service quality is associated with favorable survival outcomes in a variety of cancers. However, we cautioned the readers tha...
“You Can’t Just Erase History”: Coping With Team Identity Threat

Team identification has frequently been associated with positive outcomes; however, team identification is also associated with negative outcomes such as identity threat. Team identity threat has b...
MIS approaches in the cervical spine

Minimally invasive surgical approaches for the treatment of spinal pathologies have accelerated over the past three decades and resulted in superior functional outcomes with less complications. Yet cervical pathologies have been slower to gain traction for multiple anatomical factors and its “high-risk” profile. Various minimally invasive techniques for cervical disease have now been described and validated in long-term studies with comparable outcomes to traditional open approaches and concomitant reduction in morbidity and socioeconomic costs. Transnasal operations can be used to treat ventral upper cervical disease, circumventing traditional and morbid transoral approaches. Posterior-based focused treatments for radiculopathy and myelopathy such as tubular-guided foraminotomies and unilateral laminotomies for bilateral cord decompression have also been described and becoming increasingly less invasive. Cervical fusions can now be performed percutaneously through modified, stand-alone facet joint cages that can be packed with allogeneic bone graft. These advances have been facilitated by the development of intraoperative imaging technologies (intraoperative CT) and 3-dimensional stereotactic navigation software. While this review focuses on these procedures and evidence-based outcomes data, the future for MIS applications in cervical spine surgery will continue to evolve over the coming years with wider indications and technological adjuncts.
Reactions of Alkynyldihaloboranes with 1,3-Dienes. 1,4-Alkynylborations and Stepwise Diels-Alder Reactions.

Alkynyldihaloboranes 1−6 are readily generated in situ from the boron−tin exchange reaction of BCl3 or BBr3 with the corresponding alkynylstannanes. The Diels−Alder reactions of 1−4 with isoprene in hexanes proceed rapidly at 25 °C, affording 1,4-cyclohexadiene products in high yield with high regioselectivity. Reactions carried out in CH2Cl2 exhibited an alternative product that results from the formal 1,4-alkynylboration of the diene. The alkynylboration intermediates can undergo further conversion to the Diels−Alder adducts under the reaction conditions. The mechanism of these reactions is discussed.
Beyond Botox: Contemporary Management of Nonflaccid Facial Palsy

Many transient facial nerve insults, including Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Lyme-associated facial paralysis, and temporal bone fractures, ultimately lead to nonflaccid facial palsy (NFFP). NFFP is associated with significant functional, aesthetic, psychological, and social impairments. However, algorithms for comprehensive management of this entity are not well developed and are rapidly evolving. Herein, we present our current approach to NFFP, with the goal of providing a framework that may be applied to this complex patient population.
Education and Training as a Disruptive Dual Use Technology

Scientific and technical education can have dual uses, with both peaceful and WMD applications. Examples include Iraqi engineering students in the 1970’s learning skills that would later be useful in Saddam Hussein’s nuclear weapons programs, and A. Q. Khan, who went from European degrees in metallurgy to stealing URENCO centrifuge technology and leading Pakistan’s program. Engineering and scientific education in proliferation-related fields should be controlled as are tangible dual use materials and technologies, and denied to citizens of countries likely to be proliferation risks.
Collectively Representing Semi-Structured Data from the Web

In this paper, we propose a single low-dimensional representation of a large collection of table and hyponym data, and show that with a small number of primitive operations, this representation can be used effectively for many purposes. Specifically we consider queries like set expansion, class prediction etc. We evaluate our methods on publicly available semi-structured datasets from the Web.
Second Order Linear Differential Equations

In this chapter, we consider the broader class of second order linear differential equations that includes the constant coefficient case.
Laser-Based Fabrication of Microstructures on Nickel Thin Films and Its Applications in On-Chip Thin Film Inductors

This work reports on the fabrication of microbump structures on nickel (Ni) films by single-pulse, localized laser irradiation. Conditions for the reproducible formation of such microstructures have been identified in terms of laser-irradiation and film parameters after systematic studies involving a relevant parameter space. Ni films deposited by vacuum evaporation were found to be better suited for reproducible laser microstructuring because they lack the typical cracks and voids morphology of sputtered films. The continuous and smooth nature of the evaporated films facilitated a radially symmetric heat flow propagation upon laser irradiation, which then resulted in a complex combination of thermal expansion, deformation, and other processes leading to a high yield of microstructures. An improvement in the inductance and the quality factor of on-chip spiral inductors, incorporating such laser-microstructured ferromagnetic nickel thin films was observed, which demonstrates the potential of such a laser-based method for fabrication or fine tuning of various micro-/nano-electric/electronic sensor and other components and systems.
Comparison of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage and transvaginal cerclage for the treatment of cervical insufficiency: a retrospective study.

To compare the pregnancy outcome of patients with cervical insufficiency (CI) underwent prophylactic laparoscopic abdominal cervical cerclage (LAC) and transvaginal cervical cerclage (TVC). A retrospective trial was carried out in the Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Shandong Province, China. A total of 217 women with cervical insufficiency underwent the prophylactic cerclage, and the surgical approach was decided by the patients or depended on doctors’ advice. The primary outcome measure was the fetal outcome. Secondary outcome measures were delivery of an infant at ≥ 34th gestational weeks, newborn birth weight, neonatal intensive care center (NICU) occupancy, and postoperative complications. Nonparametric variables were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney (U) test, and categorical type outcomes were analyzed with the Chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics Version 19. As of follow-up date, 154 eligible patients were included in this study, with 74 (48.1%) women in the LAC group and 80 (51.9%) in the TVC group. The total fetal survival rate in the two groups was 90.3% (139/154), of which the rate significantly higher in the LAC group compared to the TVC group (97.3% vs. 83.8%, P < 0.01). The delivery of an infant at ≥ 34th gestational weeks was significantly higher in the LAC group compared to the TVC group (94.6% vs. 71.3%, P < 0.01). Compared to the TVC group, the mean newborn birth weight was higher, and the NICU occupancy rate was less in the LAC group (3293.4 ± 542.8 g vs. 2953.6 ± 704.4 g, P = 0.002; 2.8% vs. 17.9%, P = 0.003). Complications: No fatal surgical complications occurred in both groups. In patients with cervical insufficiency, the history-indicated conception of prophylactic LAC appears to have a better pregnancy outcome than TVC.
Does the Law Change Preferences

Scholars have recently challenged the claim in classical deterrence theory that law influences behavior only through the expected sanction imposed. Some go further and argue that law may also “shape preferences,” changing people’s wants and values. In this Article, we analyze existing claims that criminal and civil law alter preferences and conclude that none suggest that the law shapes preferences. We first clarify this preference-shaping claim by elaborating the structure of rational choice theory generally and “preference” in particular. We then investigate three mechanisms of legal influence suggested by the preference-shaping literature: (1) the “serious harm” mechanism; (2) the “social norm” mechanism; and (3) the “self-improvement” mechanism. We then show that each of these mechanisms operates by changing the agent’s beliefs about the attributes or consequences of her choice options rather than by changing her preferences.
A 2 x 2 Broadband Athermal Mach-Zehnder Interferometer with Sub-Wavelength Adiabatic Couplers

An all-silicon thermally insensitive (-1.6 pm/°C) Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) has been demonstrated over a broad range of 80 nm from 1540-1620 nm. The proposed MZI employs subwavelength grating (SWG) adiabatic couplers for splitting and combining.
Variability in Weight Perception

Abstract The subjects (30 men and 30 women) were tested twice, in testing periods separated by one week, onr ability to perceive weights from 3.25 to 13.75 lb. using memory and simultaneous equality techniques. Fractionation technique for the same subjects employed maximal and 1/2 maximal pull. Significant sex differences were found in variable error scores but not constant error scores for the memory and simultaneous equality techniques. The r's between the ratio of 1/2 pull/maximal pull and memory scores at 3.25 and 13.75 lb. were .668 and .669 for the men and .495 and .381 for the women (all significant) indicating a tendency to perceive weights in the same direction with both memory and fractionation techniques.
Measures of attention as predictors of flight performance.

A new technique for measuring individual differences in basic attention capabilities and the validity of these differences in predicting success in flight training were investigated. The testing system included a digit-processing, reaction-time task and a one-dimensional compensatory tracking task. Comparisons were made between separate and concurrent performances of thesetasks, with both equal and shifting task priorities. Adaptive techniques were employed to obtain maximum performance levels for each subject in the single-task condition and to maintain dual-task difficulty within subjects. Consistent individual differences in basic attention capabilities were observed and several dimensions of attention capabilities are suggested. A preliminary validation study compared scores for flight instructors and student pilots. In addition, the student sample was dichotomized based on performance in training. There were reliable differences for both groups on dual-task performance efficiency.
From Thinking to Doing: Toward a Hands-On Consumer Behavior Course

The undergraduate consumer behavior course is ideally suited to experiential learning. This presentation includes some suggestions that allow students to "get their hands dirty" by studying consumption firsthand. These ideas include a set of field projects encouraging students to apply course concepts (e.g., media logs to track product placement on popular sitcoms, collection of photos exemplifying current ideals of beauty, a ritual photoessay, etc.), a group project focused on popular culture phenomena, and the use of web-based resources to enhance the classroom experience. The latter activities include a new collaborative undertaking: A web-based data collection tool that monitors emerging trends and fashions among college students currently taking the Consumer Behavior course in participating universities. This project provides real-time feedback to participants about "cool" and "uncool" products and activities at different schools, and simultaneously serves as a real- world springboard that allows the instructor to address such topics as diffusion of innovations, fashion trends, and lifestyle segmentation.
Signal transduction in chemotaxis. A propagating conformation change upon phosphorylation of CheY.

The CheY protein from Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium are among the best characterized proteins of the receiver domain family of two component signal transduction systems in bacteria. Phosphorylation of CheY plays a central role in bacterial chemotaxis. However, it is not entirely clear how its state of phosphorylation contributes to its function. Genetic evidence suggests that CheY changes its conformation upon phosphorylation. We present evidence for this conformation change by comparing the NMR 15N-1H correlation spectra of CheY.Mg2+ complex and phospho-CheY in the presence of magnesium. Large changes in chemical shift are used as indicators of chemical changes and probable structural changes in the protein backbone. Our observations suggest that significant structural changes occur in CheY upon phosphorylation and that these changes are distinct from the changes produced by magnesium ion binding. In addition to residues Asn-59 and Gly-65 that are immediately adjacent to the site of phosphorylation at Asp-57, a large number of other residues show significant chemical shift changes as a result of phosphorylation. These include Met-17, Val-21, Asn-23, Gly-39, Met-60, Met-63, Asp-64, Leu-66, Glu-67, Leu-68, Leu-69, Met-85, Val-86, Thr-87, Ala-88, Asn-94, Val-107, Lys-109, Thr-112, Ala-113, Ala-114, and Asn-121. These results appear inconsistent with the recent suggestion that phosphorylation produces the same structural changes as magnesium binding (Bellsolell, L., Prieto, J., Serrano, L., and Coll, M. (1994) J. Mol. Biol. 238, 489-495). We find that some regions change overlap with a genetically defined motor binding face. We therefore propose that the conformation switch modulates the interaction of CheY with its target, the flagellar motor. Other regions also change, possibly reflecting the many different functions of CheY homologues.
Motor Functions of the Basal Ganglia

The sections in this article are: 1 Anatomical Background 1.1 Striatum 1.2 Pallidal-Subthalamic Relations 1.3 Basal Ganglia Output 1.4 Thalamocortical Projections 2 Motor Effects of Lesions 2.1 General Considerations 2.2 Lesions of Individual Nuclei 3 Motor Effects of Electrical Stimulation 3.1 Electrical Stimulation in Alert Animals 3.2 Electrical Stimulation in Anesthetized Animals 3.3 Do Basal Ganglia Exert Inhibitory Influence on Motor Mechanisms? 4 Single-Cell Studies in The Basal Ganglia 4.1 Spontaneous Activity 4.2 Temporal Relation to Movement 4.3 Somatotopic Organization 4.4 Relations to Parameters of Movement 4.5 Vestibular and Postural Mechanisms 4.6 Responses to Peripheral Stimuli 4.7 Relations to Specific Behaviors 4.8 Summary 5 Lesioning and Recording in Human Subjects 6 Motor Behavioral Studies 6.1 Reaction Time 6.2 Speed of Movement 6.3 Other Aspects of Motor Performance 6.4 Continuous Pursuit Movements 7 Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Basal Ganglia Disorders 7.1 Akinesia and Hyperactivity 7.2 Dyskinesias and Stereotyped Behavior 7.3 Rigidity 7.4 Resting Tremor 8 Interpretative Summary
Relation of the unipolar low-voltage penumbra surrounding the endocardial low-voltage scar to ventricular tachycardia circuit sites and ablation outcomes in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

VT Recurrence as Related to Scar Ablation Sites Introduction Magnetic resonance (MR)-imaging has shown that infarct scars causing ventricular tachycardia (VT) can extend deep to and beyond bipolar low-voltage areas (LVAs) and may be a source of ablation failure. We hypothesized that the size of the unipolar LVA “penumbra” beyond the overlying bipolar scar may predict outcome of endocardial VT ablation. Methods Twenty consecutive patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent endocardial VT ablation were retrospectively reviewed. Bipolar (30–500 Hz) LVA defined as <1.5 mV and unipolar (0.5–500 Hz) LVA defined as <8.3 mV were reviewed on an electroanatomic mapping system. VT isthmus sites were identified from entrainment mapping, VT termination by ablation, or pace-mapping with abolition of VT inducibility by ablation. Results All bipolar LVAs (70.5 ± 20 cm2) had unipolar LVAs that surrounded the bipolar LVA (147 ± 47 cm2). Only 58% of the induced VTs could be mapped and ablated. During a 3-month follow-up 8/20 patients had VT recurrence. The size of the LVA penumbra was not different for those with (88 ± 47 cm2) versus without (69 ± 35 cm2) recurrences. However, all (8/8) of the group that recurred had isthmus/exits in the bipolar LVA border compared to only 3/12 that did not recur (100% vs. 25%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, 5/8 patients who recurred harbored VT isthmuses in the unipolar LVA penumbra than 1/12 who did not recur (63% vs. 8%; P = 0.01). Conclusion In ischemic cardiomyoapthy, unipolar LVA penumbra of varying size surrounds endocardial bipolar LVA, indicating intramural/epicardial scar. Although the size of this area did not predict early recurrence after endocardial ablation, frequent recurrences after VT ablation at scar periphery suggests deeper substrate toward the infarct border.
Cellular Sequences Related to Three New onc Genes of Avian Sarcoma Virus (fps, yes, and ros) and Their Expression in Normal and Transformed Cells

Two onc genes of avian sarcoma viruses unrelated to the src gene have recently been identified: fps of Fujinami sarcoma virus/PRCII/UR1 and yes of Y73/Esh sarcoma virus. In the first part of this study we demonstrated that UR2, the most recently isolated avian sarcoma virus, contains in its genome a unique sequence, ros , nonhomologous to src, fps , and yes sequences or to transforming genes of avian acute leukemia viruses. Using cDNAs specific to the inserts of avian sarcoma virus genomes, we examined the existence and the transcription of cellular nucleotide sequences related to the three new onc genes of avian sarcoma virus ( fps, yes and ros ) in various cells. The progenitor cellular sequences for these onc genes (c- onc ) were present in uninfected chicken DNA in one or few copies per haploid genome. These c- onc sequences were detectable in cellular DNA of a wide variety of vertebrates, and the homology between viral and cellular onc was inversely related to the phylogenetic distance of animal species. The pattern of expression of these c- onc genes in different tissues of chickens was found to be unique to each gene. The expression of c- fps and c- ros genes was generally repressed in many tissues, but c- fps was expressed at higher levels in bone marrow (2.5 copies per cell) and lung (1.1 copies per cell), whereas c- ros was mainly transcribed in kidney (2.5 copies per cell). On the other hand, c- yes transcripts were easily detectable in all tissues analyzed and were found at high levels in kidney (26 copies per cell). These c- onc expressions were unaffected by infection with avian sarcoma viruses that contained other onc genes. In a few cultures of chicken and quail transformed cells derived from tumors induced by chemical carcinogens, we found that the levels of transcription of the four c- onc genes remained unaltered, compared with that in normal tissues. Images
The Relation Between Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Achievement Across Childhood and Adolescence: A Meta-Analysis

This research synthesis explores how academic achievement relates to two main components of self-regulated learning for students in elementary and secondary school. Two meta-analyses integrated previous findings on (1) the defining metacognitive processes of self-regulated learning and (2) students’ use of cognitive strategies. Overall correlations were small (metacognitive processes, r = 0.20; cognitive strategies, r = 0.11), but there was systematic variation around both of them. Five moderator analyses were conducted to explain this variation. Average correlations significantly differed based on the specific process or strategy, academic subject, grade level, type of self-regulated learning measure, and type of achievement measure. Follow-up tests explored the nature of these differences and largely support the hypotheses. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Intra-pixel gain variations and high-precision photometry with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC)

The Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on the Spitzer Space Telescope has been used to measure < 10^(-4) temporal variations in point sources (such as transiting extrasolar planets) at 3.6 and 4.5 μm. Due to the under-sampled nature of the PSF, the warm IRAC arrays show variations of as much as 8% in sensitivity as the center of the PSF moves across a pixel due to normal spacecraft pointing wobble and drift. These intra-pixel gain variations are the largest source of correlated noise in IRAC photometry. Usually this effect is removed by fitting a model to the science data themselves (self-calibration), which could result in the removal of astrophysically interesting signals. We describe a new technique for significantly reducing the gain variations and improving photometric precision in a given observation, without using the data to be corrected. This comprises: (1) an adaptive centroiding and repositioning method ("Peak-Up") that uses the Spitzer Pointing Control Reference Sensor (PCRS) to repeatedly position a target to within 0.1 IRAC pixels of an area of minimal gain variation; and (2) the high-precision, high-resolution measurement of the pixel gain structure using non-variable stars. We show that the technique currently allows the reduction of correlated noise by almost an order of magnitude over raw data, which is comparable to the improvement due to self-calibration. We discuss other possible sources of correlated noise, and proposals for reducing their impact on photometric precision.
Interest Arbitrators and Their Decision Behavior

We analyze the salary portions of a multi-state sample of police interest arbitration awards to determine what decision criteria (e.g., pay comparability, ability to pay, inflation) arbitrators' mention most frequently. Using the results, we construct measures of these criteria and assess their influence on awarded salaries. We find that arbitrated salaries are related to several of the measures and also to the employer and union salary offers. The parties' offers are also influenced by our measures, indicating that unions and employers attempt to strategically position their offers before the arbitrator.
Circular Stapled Pyloroplasty During Esophagectomy with Gastric Pull-Up

m v c b t p s i p r m s t k The most common reconstruction after an esophagectomy is with a gastric pull-up. Essential for a good quality of life after esophagectomy, in addition to cure of the disease, is reestablishing the ability to aliment comfortably. The necessity of a pyloroplasty in patients having a gastric pull-up for esophageal replacement has been debated, but it has been our preference to use one, even with a thin, tabularized graft. Our standard pyloroplasty entails a full-thickness longitudinal incision through the pylorus with mucosal closure in the same direction as the incision and coverage with an
Systemic Inflammation and COPD: The Framingham Heart Study

Background The current paradigm for the pathogenesis of COPD includes an ultimately maladaptive local inflammatory response to environmental stimuli. We examined the hypothesis that systemic inflammatory biomarkers are associated with impaired lung function, particularly among those with extensive cigarette smoking. Methods Using data from the Framingham Heart Study, we examined cross-sectional associations of systemic inflammatory biomarkers (CD40 ligand [CD40L], intercellular adhesion molecule [ICAM]-1, interleukin [IL]-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, P-selectin, and myeloperoxidase, in addition to C-reactive protein) to impaired lung function. Results IL-6 was consistently associated with impaired lung function; a 1-SD higher concentration of IL-6 was associated with a 41-mL lower FEV 1 (95% confidence interval [CI], − 61 to − 20) and a borderline 15% higher odds of COPD (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.34). Additionally, P-selectin was associated with lower FEV 1 levels; after adjusting for the other biomarkers, a 1-SD higher concentration of P-selectin predicted an FEV 1 that was on average 19 mL lower (95% CI, − 37 to 0). Including the biomarkers individually as sole exposures in the models generally strengthened the impaired lung function/biomarker association; the relations of ICAM-1 to FEV 1 , and ICAM and CD40L to COPD became significant. The observed associations did not vary significantly with smoking history, except that the association between CD40L and COPD appeared greater in individuals with more extensive smoking histories. Conclusions Among participants in the Framingham Heart Study, systemic inflammation was associated with lower levels of pulmonary function. Further research into the role of systemic inflammation in the development of pulmonary dysfunction is merited.
Nuclear waste disposal: two social criteria.

Two criteria--technical irreversibility and site multiplicity--have been suggested for use in establishing standards for the disposal of nuclear wastes. They have been constructed specifically to address the reduction of future risk in the face of inherent uncertainty concerning the social and political developments that might occur over the required periods of waste isolation, to provide for safe disposal without the requirement of a guaranteed future ability to recognize, detect, or repair errors and failures. Decisions as to how to apply or weigh these criteria in conjunction with other waste management goals must be made by societies and their governments. The purpose of this paper was not to preempt this process, but to construct a framework that facilitates consideration of the ethical and normative components of the problem of nuclear waste disposal. The minimum ethical obligation of a waste disposal plan is to examine most thoroughly the potential consequences of present actions, to acknowledge them openly, and to minimize the potential for irremediable harm. An ethically sound waste management policy must reflect not only our knowledge and skills, but our limitations as well.
A Compete-And-Survive Mechanism Explains the Single FtsZ-Ring Formation

Cytokinesis is a critical step in cell reproduction. In prokaryotic cells, such as Escherichia coli, this process is mediated by a cytoskeletal structure (i.e., Z ring), which is assembled from FtsZ protofilaments that are “anchored” to the cell membrane through ZipA/FtsA molecules, and serves as the scaffold for a dozen or so downstream proteins. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments have shown that the Z ring is highly dynamic, with recovery half time of 8∼30 seconds, yet has a rather persistent overall structure. But the mechanism of how a single narrow dynamic Z ring emerges from a big pool of cytoplasmic FtsZ molecules remains elusive. In this work, we developed a rule-based molecular model with FtsZ and ZipA/FtsA molecules, by explicitly taking into account the elementary assembling events of these two types of molecules and their diffusion on membrane. Our model can not only efficiently reproduce the Z ring with statistical properties in accordance with experimental observation, but provide a convenient way to combine biochemical dynamic and physical assembling processes within the same spatio-temporal modeling framework. Our results indicate that the FtsZ and ZipA can spontaneously self-assemble into a ring structure. And as observed in experiments, our model also shows that either high or low FtsZ to ZipA/FtsA ratios would result in multiple Z rings or aggregated bundles. Our in silico FRAP experiment further yields a recovery half time comparable to experimental results. Our systematic simulation unveils that it is the rapid turnover dynamics that prevents the FtsZ molecules from being sequestered by small FtsZ bundles dispersed over the membrane, therefore allowing one single Z ring to emerge and mature. This compete-and-survive mechanism provides cells a simple way for spatial regulation.
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of the normal breast.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate diffusion anisotropy of the breast parenchyma and assess the range and repeatability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in normal breast tissue. Materials and Methods The study was approved by our institutional review board and included 12 healthy females (median age, 36 years). Diffusion tensor imaging was performed at 1.5 T using a diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging sequence. Diffusion tensor imaging parameters including tensor eigenvalues ( λ 1 , λ 2 , λ 3 ), fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured for anterior, central and posterior breast regions. Results Mean normal breast DTI measures were λ 1 =2.51×10 −3 mm 2 /s, λ 2 =1.89×10 −3 mm 2 /s, λ 3 =1.39×10 −3 mm 2 /s, ADC=1.95±0.24×10 −3 mm 2 /s and FA=0.29±0.05 for b =600 s/mm 2 . Significant regional differences were observed for both FA and ADC ( P b =0, 600 s/mm 2 vs. b =0, 1000 s/mm 2 , showed significant differences in ADC ( P Conclusion This study demonstrates anisotropy of water diffusion in normal breast tissue and establishes a normative range of breast FA values. Attention to the influence of breast region and b value on breast DTI measurements may be important for clinical interpretation and standardization of techniques.
Publishing Ethical Research: A Step-by-Step Overview

To publish ethical research, one must conduct research responsibly, making ethical choices from the inception of the research idea and throughout the research process. Conducting and publishing ethical research is important because of the impact the results will have on the counseling profession. Steps to consider are discussed.
In vitro maturation of bovine cumulus enclosed primary oocytes and their subsequent in vitro fertilization and cleavage.

Abstract Cumulus enclosed primary oocytes from 2 to 4-mm bovine follicles were matured in vitro in Minimum Essential Medium containing follicle-stimulating hormone (0, .1, 1, 10, 50, or 100 μ g/ml) or human chorionic gonadotropin (0, .1, 1, or 10IU/ml) for 48h at 37°C under paraffin oil. Cumulus mass expansion comparable to that seen in vivo occurred in 18% of the control oocytes, 39% of those cultured in human chorionic gonadotropin, and 56% of those cultured in follicle-stimulating hormone. The optimum follicle-stimulating hormone concentration for cumulus expansion was 1 μ g/ml, and this was then used to mature oocytes individually or in groups of 5 for in vitro fertilization. Ejaculated bovine semen, extended 1:10 with yolk-TES-Tris extender and stored 24 to 48h at 4°C, was warmed, washed once with Minimum Essential Medium, and 500,000 motile sperm/ml were used to inseminate the matured oocyte-cumulus cell complexes. Criteria for fertilization was cleavage to the two-cell stage 48h after insemination. Oocytes, inseminated individually, cleaved with a frequency of 5%, whereas 15% of those inseminated in groups of 5 cleaved, perhaps as the result of cumulus factors enhancing capacitation. The cleavage rate for the parthenogenetic control with killed spermatozoa was 0%. Therefore, primary oocytes matured in vitro to secondary oocytes were successfully fertilized in vitro and cleaved to at least the two-cell stage in the Minimum Essential Medium. Individual differences between bulls in ability to fertilize in vitro were noted.