cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
JORDAN COUNTRY—A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY LOOK*

Located on the plains of east-central Montana, and focused on the town of Jordan, Isaiah Bowman's Jordan Country changed considerably in the fifty years following his 1930 study. Gone is the prevailing life of unsettlement and experimentation which characterized that pioneering area. And yet, a revivified Bowman taking his own golden anniversary look would still find largely unchanged a surprising number of the regional characteristics which had attracted him a half-century earlier, especially those relating to transportation, medical care, and schooling. The region has not evolved into the agricultural district Bowman thought possible. The area was then, and remains today, an example of a Great Plains’“yonland.”
Ceramide induces expression of the senescence histochemical marker, β-galactosidase, in human fibroblasts

Abstract We recently showed that ceramide is elevated in senescence and that when administered to low-passage cells induces biochemical changes characteristic of senescence. The in situ histochemical marker β-galactosidase (β-Gal) has provided an important tool in the study of cellular senescence. We investigated the ability of ceramide to induce the expression of β-Gal and correlated this with cell proliferation. We find that d -e-C6-ceramide, induces the expression of acidic β-Gal in fetal lung-derived Wi-38 human diploid fibroblasts. Our results show that this induction is: (1) time and concentration dependent; and (2) reversible upon ceramide removal. We also find that concomitant with the onset of β-Gal staining, DNA synthesis is blocked. These conditions are reversible. The induction of β-Gal expression is specific to C6-ceramide. We discuss a potential role of β-Gal in the regulation of senescence. Although signal transduction of senescence is still not fully understood, this new evidence strengthens the hypothesis that ceramide plays a key role in signaling down stream biochemical changes in cellular senescence.
Product Differentiation and Location Choice in a Circular City

Abstract. The paper analyzes spatial competition among firms that sell substitute and/or complementary products. The firms first choose locations on the perimeter of a circular city and then compete in quantities (a la Cournot). Both linear and convex (quadratic) transport costs are considered. In general, multiple location equilibria are encountered. Complete agglomeration, partial agglomeration, and complete dispersion are possible. Convex (quadratic) transport cost substantially shrinks the set of equilibria obtained under linear transport cost. In general, the results obtained for a larger number of firms selling complementary products are strikingly different from those obtained under a duopoly.
Strain-coupling effects in steady planar extension

This study is concerned with an evaluation of the capability of the strain-coupling model to predict steady shear and steady planar extensional flows. A comparison is made between the predictions of the K-BKZ and strain-coupling theories.
Lessons Learned while Traversing the Welwitindolinone Alkaloids Obstacle Course.

We recount several unexpected results observed in the course of our work toward the synthesis of welwitindolinone alkaloids. The surprising results provide an opportunity to refine one’s understanding of the interplay between chemical structure and reactivity.
Estimation of first-order kinetic parameters by using the extended kalman filter

Abstract A model for first-order kinetics is derived for spectra obtained while a reaction is taking place. A technique for nonlinear-regression analysis known as the extended Kalman filter is used to estimate the initial concentrations of the reactants and the rate constant from the spectral data. The effects of the magnitude of the rate constant and the identity of the absorbing species are examined for synthetic spectra containing overlapped responses. The technique is used successfully to obtain the rate constant for the dissociation reaction of a praseodymium complex. The filter is also shown to be useful for the detection of erros in the kinetic model employed to fit the data. The extended Kalman filter can be used to fit kinetic models other than the one discussed here, and may prove to be a valuable technique for estimation of kinetic parameters.
Resource scheduling for local computer systems with a multiaccess network

A study of resource scheduling based on a distributed state-dependent discipline for a system of processors connected by a local multiaccess network is made. The scheduling problem is reduced to the identification of the extremum from a set of physically dispersed random numbers. The authors propose an efficient method of utilizing the primitive operations of collision detection and broadcast in multiaccess networks to efficiently distribute status information and to identify the extremum. The optimal performance of extremum identification is found to be constant and on the average independent of the number of contending processors. The protocol can be implemented either by minor hardware modification of existing multiaccess-network interfaces or in software.
Kinetics of electron transfer in duroquinone-reconstituted reaction centers from photosynthetic bacteria

Reaction centers isolated from photosynthetic bacteria are of interest both as a model system for biochemical electron transfer and as a simple system for study of the primary photochemistry of photosynthesis. The light-induced electron-transfer processes in purple photosynthetic bacteria begin with excitation of a bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) dimer with maximum absorbance at 870 nm (P870). A relatively stable charge-separated state, consisting of oxidized P870 and reduced ubiquinone (UQ), is reached in < 1 ns [ 1,2]. An earlier unstable state almost certainly consists of P870+ and reduced bacteriopheophytin (BPh) [3]. Ubiquinone extraction leads to an apparent loss of photochemical activity than can be recovered by addition of UQ or a variety of other quinones [4-71. Here, we report experiments on reaction centers reconstituted with duroquinone (DQ, 2,3,5,6tetramethylbenzoquinone). We have found that the quantum yield of formation of the state P870+DQis essentially 1.0. The temperature dependence of the recombination kinetics of this state are anomalous, with temperature-independent regions at both low and high temperatures.
Violent Marriages: Gender Differences in Levels of Current Violence and Past Abuse

Military couples mandated for marital violence treatment (n=199) self-reported pretreatment levels of marital violence. This sample is unique in that data from both partners in severely violent marriages were available. Spouses were interviewed conjointly about past and current marital violence, childhood victimization, type of parental violence witnessed, and subjective impressions of childhood emotional and/or physical abuse. Results suggest that in the majority of these couples both husbands and wives reported engaging in acts of current marital violence (83%). However, significant gender differences were found such that husbands were more likely to use severely violent tactics, less likely to receive a marital violence injury, and less likely to report being afraid during the last incident of marital violence than wives. Surprisingly, wives were more likely than husbands to blame themselves for the first incidence of violence in the marriage. Husbands and wives did not differ in the prevalence of witnessing parental aggression, but wives were more likely than husbands to report being beaten as children and to perceive themselves as abused. For both genders, victimization from mother predicted marital perpetration, whereas victimization from father predicted marital victimization.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pain

The nervous system detects and interprets a wide range of thermal and mechanical stimuli, as well as environmental and endogenous chemical irritants. When intense, these stimuli generate acute pain, and in the setting of persistent injury, both peripheral and central nervous system components of the pain transmission pathway exhibit tremendous plasticity, enhancing pain signals and producing hypersensitivity. When plasticity facilitates protective reflexes, it can be beneficial, but when the changes persist, a chronic pain condition may result. Genetic, electrophysiological, and pharmacological studies are elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlie detection, coding, and modulation of noxious stimuli that generate pain.
Practical approaches to insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus with premixed insulin analogues

Abstract Background: Insulin therapy may eventually be required to maintain glycemic control in many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Premixed insulin analogues offer relatively physiologic and predictable time-action profiles and are available in more convenient delivery systems with finer needles than in the past. They also increase the convenience of administration with respect to mealtimes compared with premixed human insulin, and reduce the number of injections compared with basal-bolus therapy. Objective: This manuscript describes the development of premixed insulin analogues, reviews efficacy and safety data from randomized trials of premixed insulin analogues compared with human insulin 70/30 or basal insulins, and discusses their use for the management of type 2 diabetes. Methods: English-language randomized clinical trials comparing premixed insulin analogues with either premixed human insulin formulations or basal insulins for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, published through May 2005, were identified using PubMed. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were also included. Abstracts presented at the meetings of the American Diabetes Association, International Diabetes Federation, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in 2003 and 2004 were also reviewed. Results: Premixed insulin analogues allow delivery of both basal and prandial insulin in 1 injection and are more convenient than premixed human insulin formulations. The rapid-acting component is absorbed and cleared more quickly, thereby allowing mealtime administration and providing better postprandial glycemic control. Although there is an increased risk of minor hypoglycemia, 3 comparative, randomized trials have shown that patients using premixed analogues twice daily are more likely to reach glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) goals compared with those using only insulin glargine once daily. Premixed insulin analogues are available in vials, pens, and dosers. Conclusions: Premixed insulin analogues have a more physiologic time-action profile, can be administered closer to mealtime, and produce greater reductions in the magnitude of postprandial glucose excursions than human insulin 70/30. Despite these advantages, no consistent differences in HbA 1c reduction or the incidence of hypoglycemia versus human insulin 70/30 have been found in most short-term trials. Although there is an increased risk of minor hypoglycemia, patients using premixed insulin analogues twice daily are more likely to reach HbA 1c goals than those using only insulin glargine once daily. Further studies are necessary to examine whether these advantages improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.
A cyclic nucleotide and calcium-independent protein kinase of chick brain: Activation by a heat-stable protein

Abstract A heat-stable trichloracetic acid-stable protein fraction stimulates protein kinase activity in chick brain cytosol. This protein kinase (tentatively referred to as protein kinase S) can be partially purified by chromotography on DEAE-cellulose and Sepharose G-100. The partially purified protein kinase has an absolute requirement for magnesium and the heat-stable protein for the phosphotransferase activity and is not influenced by cyclic nucleotides, calcium or ethylenediaminetraacetic acid. The substrate specificity of protein kinase S indicates that it is not a casein kinase and prefers histones over the subsrtates tested. The specific activity of this protein kinase changes with chick brain development and the activity increased by two-fold by the second post-hatch week, suggesting a role of this protein kinase in chick brain development.
Nonlinear dynamics and stability of spread mooring with riser

The dynamics of a floating vessel with its spread mooring and riser subjected to environmental excitation from current, wind, and waves is studied to investigate the effect of riser dynamics on the stability and bifurcation sequences of stationkeeping. A design methodology is developed to reveal the dependence of slow motion dynamics of spread mooring systems (SMS) on several design parameters, such as riser location, water depth, length and fairlead of mooring lines, orientation and pretension in the mooring lines. Nonlinear stability and bifurcation theory are used to produce catastrophe sets in the design space defining regions of qualitatively different dynamics. Limited time simulations are performed to verify the richness of the non-linear system dynamics identified in the catastrophe sets. The mathematical model is based on the third-order maneuvering equations in the horizontal plane including hydrodynamic memory. The riser dynamics is modeled quasi-statically by a nonlinear three-dimensional large deformation finite element model. Mooring lines are modeled by deep-water catenaries with drag and touchdown effect. External excitation consists of time-independent current, wind, and mean wave drift forces.
A comparison of four instructional techniques for teaching parents to use time-out

Forty-eight parents of young children were instructed in a time-out procedure and received one of four instructional techniques: written presentation, lecture presentation, videotaped modeling presentation, and role-playing presentation. A no-treatment control group was also included. All treatment groups were superior to the control group on questionnaire-assessed knowledge of the time-out procedure but not different among themselves. However, in applying the instructed skill, methods of training varied in efficacy. Audiotape analog assessment indicated that all instructed groups performed significantly better than the control group and that role playing was superior to the lecture presentation group. An examination of the parent's ability to apply time-out in the home with their own children revealed that the modeling instruction was more effective than the written presentation and the control condition.
Formation Damage Assessment Around Horizontal Wells During Injection Processes

Formation damage around horizontal wells can result in poor performance and failure of these wells. The objective of this paper is to present a new solution for transient pressure behavior of horizontal well injectors and/or producers in injection processes. Equations for productivity and injectivity of horizontal wells during injection processes are introduced that are based on the effective horizontal well length contributing to unimpaired injection or production. Effective horizontal well length in steady state reservoirs is the well length with zero skin factor that will yield the same steady state productivity or injectivity index as the one obtained with actual drilled horizontal section length with skin factor. A relationship between mechanical skin factor and effective horizontal well length is derived and explained. Guidelines for analyzing transient testing of horizontal well injectors for determination of reservoir permeability, skin factor, and effective length are presented. It was found that flow efficiency is the ratio of steady state shape factor evaluated at actual length of the horizontal section and the one evaluated at effective length. Furthermore, flow efficiency is always greater than the fraction of horizontal well contributing to unimpaired production or injection, X f2 /X f1 . This indicates that a decrease in effective length is not equal to the loss in injectivity or productivity of the horizontal well, thus implying tolerance for formation damage around these wells to a certain degree.
Treatment of Invasive Candida Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Invasive Candida infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Extremely preterm and very low birth weight infants are at the highest risk of infection. There are currently no antifungal agents that have FDA-labeling for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in the neonatal population. Based on the current IDSA guidelines, amphotericin and fluconazole are considered first-line options for neonatal candidiasis. The newer antifungal agents (i.e., echinocandins and voriconazole) are currently considered second-line or salvage therapy; however, evidence supporting their use is emerging. This review focuses on the supporting evidence for the selection of antifungal agents for treatment of invasive Candida infections in the NICU.
Harmonic reduction in capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers by gap feedback linearization

The nonlinear relationship between the electrical input signal and electrostatic force acting on the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) membrane limits its harmonic imaging performance. Several input shaping methods were proposed to compensate for the nonlinearity originating from the electrostatic force's dependence on the square of the applied voltage. Here, we analyze harmonic generation in CMUTs with a time-domain model. The model explains the basis of the input shaping methods and suggests that the nonlinearity resulting from gap dependence of the electrostatic force is also significant. It also suggests that the harmonic distortion in the output pressure can be eliminated by subharmonic ac-only excitation of the CMUT in addition to scaling the input voltage with the instantaneous gap. This gap feedback configuration can be approximated by the simple addition of a series impedance to the CMUT capacitance. We analyze several types of series impedance feedback topologies for gap feedback linearization. We show that for subharmonic ac excitation, although resistive and capacitive impedances result in a trade-off between input voltage and harmonic distortion for a desired pressure output, harmonic generation can be suppressed while increasing the Pa/V transmit sensitivity for proper series inductance and resistance feedback. We experimentally demonstrate the feedback method by reducing harmonic generation by 10 dB for the same output pressure at the fundamental frequency by using a simple series resistor feedback with a CMUT operating at a center frequency of 3 MHz. The proposed methods also allow for utilization of the full CMUT gap for transmit operation and, hence, should be useful in high-intensity ultrasonic applications in addition to harmonic imaging.
Real time localization of victims at an emergency site: Architecture, algorithms and experimentation

During an emergency, determining accurate location of victims is crucial for expediting rescue efforts. In this paper, we present a mass-deployable active RFID RSSI-based real time locating system to localize victims at an emergency site. The system architecture, localization algorithms and experimental results are discussed in the paper. The system includes commercial off-the-shelf active RFID readers which are rapidly deployed at known points at the emergency site. A paramedic carrying around a bag of Active RFID tags attaches a tag to each victim as a part of the triage process. Our localization algorithm processes the unreliable RSSI values reported by the above tags using techniques such as tag calibration, tag averaging, time averaging and selective trilateration to estimate the location of the tagged victims. The system was tested in a number of experimental emergency scenarios with satisfactory results. The average error in estimated position of a tagged victim in a 100x100 ft emergency site setting was around 12 ft.
Molybdenum in nitrogenase

Publisher Summary Nitrogen fixation ranks with photosynthesis as a process of fundamental importance to all life on earth. The biochemical process described by nitrogen fixation is the reduction of N2 to NH3, which can then be used for the synthesis of amino acids, nucleic acids, and other essential nitrogenous compounds. Intensive agricultural methods have led to increased use of and dependence on manufactured nitrogenous fertilizers with decreased emphasis on biological nitrogen fixation. However, with the depletion of fossil fuels, the cost of fertilizer production is rising, and this situation could easily lead to a worldwide food crisis. One aspect of nitrogen fixation that is receiving an increased amount of interest is the role of the element molybdenum. The enzyme nitrogenase that catalyzes the reduction of N2 to NH3 is one of a handful of enzymes that relies absolutely on Mo for catalytic activity. This fact has practical significance for agriculture since certain soils that could just barely support the growth of nitrogen-fixing legumes and could be greatly improved simply by addition of trace levels of Mo.
Art of Expertise in Stroke Telemedicine Imaging and the Collaterome

See related article, p 740. Expertise in stroke telemedicine leverages advanced technology with the art of medical decision-making garnered from clinical experience in acute stroke. The Pre-Hospital Acute Neurological Therapy and Optimization of Medical Care in Stroke (PHANTOM-S) investigators demonstrate the profound effect that specialized stroke prehospital triage may have on stroke care, much as stroke unit care changed the nature of stroke management many years ago.1 The group elegantly studied the role of a stroke ambulance, the Stroke Emergency Mobile (STEMO), equipped with a computed tomographic (CT) scanner, point-of-care laboratory testing, and specialized personnel, in the delivery of appropriate patients to stroke units based on this novel framework for prehospital care. They previously reported an increased rate of intravenous thrombolysis in patients with ischemic stroke and a reduced time to treatment using the STEMO.2,3 This previous groundbreaking work on prehospital thrombolysis awaits broader validation in analyses of long-term clinical outcomes and overall costs, yet such analyses focus on a relatively small fraction of potential patients triaged with telemedicine in the field. Perhaps more importantly than measuring time to thrombolysis of patients with ischemic stroke, in this recent article, they demonstrated the effect of such telemedicine expertise on patients with both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. STEMO lead to improved delivery of patients with …
The impact of antithrombin (H) concentrate infusions on pulmonary function in the acute phase of thermal injury

Abstract Background : Pulmonary complications occur frequently after thermal injury. Objective : This open pilot study was performed as an initial assessment of the safety and efficacy of antithrombin H [AT(H)] concentrate in ameliorating the respiratory morbidity during the acute phase of injury. Materials & Methods : Thirty-two patients were eligible for the study; of these, nine opted for treatment with q8 h [AT(H)]. The mean daily peak values of pulmonary parameters such as PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio, and RAW scores were computed for days 1–8. Results : Control and AT(H)-treated patients were similar in age, % total burn surface area, inhalation injury, and mortality. Forty-three percent of the burn controls, and 23% of the AT(H)-treated patients had pneumonia, p p 2 /FiO 2 ratios between days 4–6, p p Conclusions : With a trend toward decreased airway resistance during AT(H) concentrate infusions, and increased oxygenation, AT(H)-treated patients had significantly fewer episodes of pneumonia compared to controls. AT(H) concentrates may modify the impact of thrombin on acute inflammation, and improve respiratory function in the acute phase of thermal injury.
EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF NEURAL NETWORK-BASED SSME ANOMALY DETECTION

The Optical Plume Anomaly Detection (OPAD) program, supported by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, is an effort to provide rocket engine health monitoring via spectrometric detection of anomalous and molecular species in the exhaust plume. Years of developmental work have evolved a system that has had recent success during routine testing with identifying engine threatening erosions in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). Currently, OPAD researchers are preparing to deliver a flight ready real-time health monitor by the year 1999 for scheduled flight experiments on the Shuttle. The following paper will give a brief overview of the various components that make up the OPAD system. Special attention will be given to the verification of the neural module with actual test-stand data from the January 1996 failure of an SSME at NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC). Moreover, the means by which the neural module can assist in the operation of a real-time health monitor will be highlighted.
A Potential Vorticity Diagnostic Approach to Upper-Level Frontogenesis within a Developing Baroclinic Wave

The process of tropopause folding is studied in the context of the life cycle of baroclinic waves. Previous studies of upper-level frontogenesis have emphasized the role of the vertical circulation in driving stratospheric air down into the midtroposphere. Here, a potential vorticity‐based approach is adopted that focuses on the generation of a folded tropopause. To facilitate comparison of the two approaches, the diagnosis is applied to the upper-level front previously simulated and studied by Rotunno et al. The potential vorticity approach clarifies the primary role played by the horizontal nondivergent wind in producing a fold and explains why folding should be a common aspect of baroclinic development. Between the trough and upstream ridge, prolonged subsidence within a region of weak system-relative flow generates a tropopause depression oriented at an angle to the large-scale flow. The large-scale vertical shear then locally increases the slope of the tropopause, eventually leading to a tropopause fold. In contrast, tropopause folding in the base of the trough is caused by the nondivergent cyclonic circulation associated with the surface thermal wave. The winds associated with the thermal wave amplify the potential vorticity wave aloft, and these winds, which decrease with height, rapidly generate a tropopause fold within the trough.
Skeletal muscle stem cells

Satellite cells are myogenic stem cells responsible for the post-natal growth, repair and maintenance of skeletal muscle. This review focuses on the basic biology of the satellite cell with emphasis on its role in muscle repair and parallels between embryonic myogenesis and muscle regeneration. Recent advances have altered the long-standing view of the satellite cell as a committed myogenic stem cell derived directly from the fetal myoblast. The experimental basis for this evolving perspective will be highlighted as will the relationship between the satellite cell and other newly discovered muscle stem cell populations. Finally, advances and prospects for cell-based therapies for muscular dystrophies will be addressed.
Changing Np Redox Speciation in the Synchrotron Beam

X-ray absorption data, obtained from Np(V) in two environmentally-related samples, show evidence of significant metal-ion reduction in the synchrotron beam. The data are presented and possible sources of reduction are discussed.
Completely Integrable Partial Differential Equations in Normed Linear Spaces.

of proof bygeneralized successive approximation methods carry over readily tocomplexBanachspacesthusfurnishingexistenceanduniqueness theoremsfor analytic solutions of generalized Pfaffians in complex Banach spaces.2Third Example: Let x be a (complex) numerical variable so that N1is the (complex) Banach space of complex numbers. In this case thepartial differential equation is
Elevated Cervical White Blood Cell Infiltrate Is Associated with Genital HIV Detection in a Longitudinal Cohort of Antiretroviral Therapy-Adherent Women

1 Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology and 2 Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 3 Clinical Background. Identification of factors associated with the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in female genital secretions is critical for intervention strategies targeting transmission and eliminating replication of genital virus. We sought to monitor the prevalence of genital HIV shedding in antiretroviral therapy-adherent women over time and to assess changes in the genital microenvironment. Methods. Levels of cell-free HIV (HIV RNA) and HIV-infected cells (HIV DNA) were monitored in peripheral blood samples and cervical and vaginal fluid samples at monthly intervals in 11 women for 1 year. Genital tract infections and fluctuations in cervical and vaginal white blood cell counts were also evaluated at each study visit. Results. Plasma HIV was undetectable at the majority of study visits; when detected, it was only at low levels. Throughout the study, genital HIV RNA and DNA were detected in each person. Combined genital HIV (RNA and DNA) was detected at 49.2% of study visits and was associated with an elevated concentration of cervical white blood cell infiltrate (odds ratio, 2.52 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-6.22); ). Infiltrate was not P p .04 associated with a clinical disorder or patient-reported symptoms. Conclusions. Despite antiretroviral therapy adherence and clinically suppressed plasma viremia, HIV was in- termittently detected in genital secretions and was associated with subclinical inflammation and cells trafficking to the cervical mucosa. The presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in female genital secretions presents a risk for sexual transmission and mother-to-infant transmission during parturition (1-5). HIV replication in the genital tract may also increase the risk of pathogenesis because of compartmentalized replication and evolution of virus
Letter to the Editor: A Lack of statistical pitfalls in the comparison of multivariate causality measures for effective causality

In a 2011 paper, Wu et al. Comp. Biol. Med. 41 (2011) 1132-1141, compared the performance of several standard causal connectivity measures including Granger Causality (GC) using both simulated data sets and real magnetoencephalography data. Parameters for the causal connectivity measures were obtained using the Dynamic Autoregressive Neuromagnetic Causal Imaging (DANCI) algorithm. In a letter, Dr. Florin and Dr. Pfeifer Comp. Biol. Med. 43 (2013) 131-134, outline four shortcomings of Wu et al. Comp. Biol. Med. 41 (2011) 1132-1141, study. We provide counterarguments for the appropriateness of our approach and demonstrate how, despite any shortcomings, the Wu et al. Comp. Biol. Med. 41 (2011) 1132-1141 study provides an important and valid analysis of these various causal connectivity methods. In particular, none of the findings are consistent with limitation of the dynamic autoregressive neuromagnetic causal imaging (DANCI) algorithm and/or Granger causality (GC) method described by Frye and Wu Comp. Biol. Med. 41 (2011) 1118-1131. In fact, many of the limitations raised by Florin and Dr. Dr. Pfeifer illustrate the significant advantage of the DANCI algorithm and GC method for the analysis of causal connectivity.
A Systematic Approach to Chest X-Ray Analysis, I

This seminar will review the approach to commonly encountered chest radiographic (CR) abnormalities, with a focus on an approach to differential diagnosis and the use of ancillary imaging studies for specific characterisation of radiographic findings.
Long-Term Regulation of ENaC Expression in Kidney by Angiotensin II

We carried out semiquantitative immunoblotting of kidney to identify apical sodium transporter proteins whose abundances are regulated by angiotensin II. In NaCl-restricted rats (0.5 mEq Na/200 g BW/d), the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1 receptor) antagonist, candesartan, (1 mg/kg of body weight per day SC for 2 days) markedly decreased the abundance of the subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). This subunit has been shown to be rate-limiting for assembly of mature ENaC complexes. In addition, systemic infusion of angiotensin II increased ENaC protein abundance in rat kidney cortex. The decrease in ENaC protein abundance in response to AT1 receptor blockade was associated with a fall in ENaC mRNA abundance (real-time RT-PCR), consistent with transcriptionally mediated regulation. The effect of AT1 receptor blockade on ENaC expression was not blocked by spironolactone, suggesting a direct role of the AT1 receptor in regulation of ENaC gene expression. Candesartan administration was also found to increase the abundances of the and subunits. The increase in and ENaC protein abundance was not associated with a significant increase in the renal abundances of the corresponding mRNAs, suggesting a posttranscriptional mechanism. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the increase in and ENaC protein abundance and demonstrated candesartan-induced ENaC internalization in collecting duct cells. The results support the view that the angiotensin II receptor regulates ENaC abundance, consistent with a role for angiotensin II in regulation of collecting duct function. (Hypertension. 2003;41:1143-1150.)
Trends in condom use among female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh, India: the impact of a community mobilisation intervention

Background Community mobilisation interventions for HIV prevention among female sex workers (FSWs) aim to organise FSWs for collective action and challenge the structures of power that underlie HIV risk. Assessing intervention impact is challenging because the importance of direct individual exposure to intervention components may decrease over time as change occurs at social-normative, policy and other structural levels. In this paper, the authors examine changes over time in consistent condom use among FSWs in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, the location of a long-standing community mobilisation intervention. Methods The authors analyse cross-sectional data collected among FSWs at three time points (n¼2276) using respondent-driven sampling. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association of programme exposure with consistent condom use and whether this association varied over time. Results The proportion of FSWs having no exposure or only receptive exposure to the intervention decreased over time, while active utilisation increased from 19.4% in 2006 to 48.5% in 2009e2010. Consistent condom use with clients also increased from 56.3% in 2006 to 75.3% in 2009e2010. Multivariate analysis showed that age, age at start of sex work, venue, living conditions and programme exposure were significantly associated with condom use. The positive association between programme exposure and consistent condom use did not vary significantly over time. Conclusions Findings indicate improvements in HIV risk reduction behaviour among FSWs and suggest that the intervention has substantial reach in the FSW population. The intervention’s strategies may be contributing to population-level HIV risk reduction among FSWs.
A new modeling and control scheme for thyristor-controlled series capacitor

In order to design an optimal controller for the thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC), a novel TCSC control model is developed. In the model, the delay angle of thyristor valves is the input, and the inductor current is chosen as the output. Theoretical analysis and simulation studies show that TCSC is a non-linear system and its parameters vary with the operating point. In consideration of the special characteristics of the TCSC, an improved model algorithmic control (IMAC) scheme is proposed to control TCSC effectively. The good performance can be observed from simulation results when IMAC is applied to a series compensated radial system.
Progress on fine-mapping the gender control gene in date palm

Introduction and Background: The date palm is a critical tree to Arabian Gulf agriculture, history and culture. Dates are a major source of nutrition in the region, and the tree itself plays an important role in the development of sustainable agriculture in many drought and saline-affected regions of the world. Date palm development presents a challenge, however, as the tree is a dioecious species, that is, individual plants are either male or female and are indistinguishable during the first 5-8 years, until flowering begins. We recently identified a region of the date palm genome linked to gender, which showed that the date palm employs an XY system of gender inheritance similar to that of humans. Methods and Technology: As part of a development plan we recently released a draft sequence of the date palm genome (Khalas female). In our findings, we identified sequence variations on four contigs that were strongly linked to gender and validated them in a large pedigree. We identified an additional 20 cont...
Antagonism between the HIV-1 Reverse-Transcriptase Mutation K65R and Thymidine-Analogue Mutations at the Genomic Level

Prior virologic and biochemical studies have shown phenotypic antagonism between K65R and multiple thymidine-analogue mutations (TAMs) in site-directed mutants tested in vitro. We hypothesized, on the basis of this observed antagonism, that K65R and T215Y/F with multiple TAMs would not be selected on the same human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genome in vivo. We searched a large database of patient genotypes (n=59,262) for the frequency of K65R in combination with >or=3 TAMs as determined by standard population sequencing. K65R and multiple TAMs were rarely detected ( or=3 TAMs (n=21) were further analyzed by use of single-genome sequencing. K65R was never found on the same genome with T215F/Y and >or=2 other TAMs, except in the presence of the Q151M multiple nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)--resistance complex. These results indicate that antagonism between the K65R and T215Y/F pathways of NRTI resistance occurs at the genomic level. Therapy with NRTI combinations that select both pathways simultaneously may delay the emergence of NRTI resistance and prolong treatment response.
Statistical process simulation for CAD/CAM

The authors formulate necessary conditions for predictive process simulation: physically-based models and tuning to manufacturing data, which are essential for CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) applications. They illustrate these predictive capabilities by applying the statistically based IC fabrication simulator FABRICS to the outcome of an industrial, scaled-down CMOS fabrication process. From the accuracy of the results, it is evident that the process simulation system based on physical models can be tuned to a desired accuracy. >
STUDIES ON GONOCOCCUS INFECTION : II. FREEZE-FRACTURE, FREEZE-ETCH STUDIES ON GONOCOCCI

Gonococci have been studied by electron microscopy after freeze-cleavage, freeze-etching and the findings correlated with those obtainable through thin sectioning and negative staining. The outer membrane of the cell wall is composed of round to hexagonal subunits 80 A in diameter. This membrane is also punctuated by 80-A holes visible on the exterior of the organism and extending into the substance or through the outer membrane. Pili coursing over the surface of the organisms appear to maintain a close anatomical relationship with the cell wall. In some instances, the surfaces of the organisms are virtually covered by a layer of pili.
Isozyme Variability in Four Diploid Stone Fruits Compared with Other Woody Perennial Plants

The level of isozyme variability at 12 loci in peach apricot, almond, and plum was found to be related to their mating behavior and germ plasm base
Parties, Term Limits, and Representation in the U.S. States

This research examines how severing the electoral connection influences legislative behavior. Unlike previous studies of legislative shirking, we argue for a more nuanced conceptualization that takes account of members’ electoral circumstances (beyond a dichotomous measure of term limited/nonterm limited) as well as the nature of the votes under consideration. This enables us to incorporate expectations of party influence into our model of legislative shirking. Our research demonstrates shirking among legislators leaving public office as they are no longer susceptible to party pressure, while those who face term limits and are seeking another public office may remain adherent to the party on votes most crucial to the party (i.e., procedural votes). Moreover, we find evidence that legislators who are no longer constrained by elections also exhibit a greater level of roll call abstention, although only those leaving public office demonstrate significant increases in abstentions on procedural votes. Thus, we...
Outcomes of Boston keratoprosthesis implantation for failed keratoplasty after keratolimbal allograft.

Purpose To evaluate factors that contribute to keratoplasty failure after keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) and report the outcomes of Boston keratoprosthesis type I (KPro) as salvage therapy. Methods Retrospective noncomparative case series of 7 eyes in 7 consecutive patients with ocular surface disease and limbal stem cell deficiency treated with KPro after failed KLAL. Mechanisms of graft failure, KPro device retention rate, and preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities were studied. Results In the studied cohort, keratoplasty graft failure occurred at an average of 9.9 months (range, 1-17 months) after KLAL. Among the 7 eyes reviewed, 4 had tube shunts, 3 of which contributed directly to endothelial graft failure. One eye failed due to fungal keratitis, 1 eye failed due to immune-mediated endothelial rejection, and 2 eyes failed due to recurrent surface disease. During an average follow-up of 585 days (19.5 months) after KPro, best-corrected visual acuity improved from a median of counting fingers CF@2ft (range, hand motions to 20/400) to a median of 20/400 (range, CF@3ft to 20/25). There was 85.7% (6 of 7) retention of implanted devices at the last follow-up, with 1 eye requiring repeat KPro for corneal melt and implant extrusion after abrupt cessation of immunosuppression. Conclusions Despite successful KLAL outcomes and systemic immunosuppression, patients who undergo ocular surface reconstruction with KLAL are still at risk for subsequent keratoplasty failure. Keratoprosthesis is a viable salvage therapy for visual rehabilitation in these patients. Adequate immunosuppression is important in postoperative management of these patients.
153 LIMITATIONS OF DIPSTICK URINALYSIS IN DETECTING CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT PROTEINURIA IN CHRONIC SPINAL CORD INJURY.

Purpose Proteinuria has been shown to be associated with increased all-cause mortality in the chronic SCI population. This study was designed to assess the accuracy of dipstick urinalysis in predicting clinical proteinuria (> 500 mg/dy). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 219 SCI patients (99.5% male, age 54 [138} 14 years, 58% paraplegic and 42% quadriplegic, duration of injury 21 ± 14 years). Dipstick urinalysis and 24-hour urine collections were performed in each subject. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratios (LRs) of dipstick protein in predicting proteinuria were calculated. Results Any level of dipstick positive proteinuria had a high specificity, PPV, and positive LR for the presence of > 0.5 g/d of proteinuria. However, the sensitivity, NPV, and negative LRs were much lower. Adjusting dipstick protein for urine-specific gravity did not improve the accuracy of dipstick protein for detecting clinically significant proteinuria. Conclusion These data indicate that dipstick protein is a highly specific but relatively insensitive test for detecting clinical proteinuria in SCI patients, even after correction for specific gravity. Dipstick urinalysis failed to identify significant numbers of SCI patients who had clinically significant proteinuria. Future studies will focus on the utility of spot urinary protein creatinine ratios for quantitating proteinuria in this population.
Evaluation of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Computer Adaptive Test.

Purpose The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Computer Adaptive Test (UE CAT) has recently been made available by the National Institutes of Health to measure physical function outcomes in the upper extremity. We hypothesized that the UE CAT would psychometrically outperform the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test (PF CAT) in a hand patient population. Methods The UE CAT, PF CAT, and DASH were each electronically administered to all adult patients who presented to a tertiary hand and upper extremity (nonshoulder) orthopedic clinic. Patient responses were retrospectively studied to determine the validity, reliability, and floor/ceiling effects of all 3 instruments using the Rasch Partial Credit Model. Responder burden and Pearson correlations were calculated for each instrument. Results A total of 379 patients completed the UE CAT, PF CAT, and the DASH. On average, 6 UE CAT, 9 PF CAT, and 30 DASH questions were administered to each patient. All 3 instruments were each highly correlated with each other. Floor effects were low and similar between all instruments; however, ceiling effects were higher in the UE CAT (10.82%) than in the PF CAT (1.32%) or DASH (5.28%). High person reliability (PR) and item reliability (IR) were found for all 3 metrics: UE CAT (α = 0.99; PR = 0.91; IR = 0.94); PF CAT (α = 0.95; PR = 0.89; IR = 0.96); and DASH (α = 0.97; PR = 0.95; IR = 0.99). The UE CAT questions had the best item-fit: only 1 of 15 UE CAT items had poor fit in contrast to 4 of 30 DASH items and 7 of 33 PF CAT items. Conclusions The psychometric properties of the UE CAT compare favorably with the PF CAT and the DASH in nonshoulder upper extremity patients. The relatively large ceiling effect found in the UE CAT could be improved with item bank expansion to include items at the upper end of function. Clinical relevance The UE CAT is a useful patient-reported outcome measure that merits further investigation.
Development of a self-contained carbon dioxide euthanasia trailer for large-scale euthanasia of feral swine

Range expansion of feral swine (Sus scrofa) continues to be pervasive in the United States. Lethal control of feral swine is an accepted management practice throughout the nation. Indirect lethal control measures (e.g., trapping) often require euthanasia and methods used must be humane, safe, and economical. Though cranial gunshot is a widely accepted method of euthanasia, in some cases it is not safe, legal for use, or practical. Alternate means for euthanasia of wildlife research subjects are needed at the Feral Swine Research Facility on the Kerr Wildlife Management Area (KWMA), Hunt, Texas, USA. The American Veterinary Medical Association approves a gradual fill method of carbon dioxide (CO2) euthanasia for some laboratory animals and livestock species, including domestic swine. We manufactured a self-contained CO2 euthanasia chamber on a 4.27-m (14-foot) dump trailer for the euthanasia of feral swine. We conducted 3 euthanasia trials of 5 feral swine during December 2014–February 2015 at the KWMA. Carbon dioxide administration began immediately postloading and commenced for 5 min at an average of approximately 18% chamber volume/minute. Recorded mortality rates were 100%. Results of this study and scalability of our system may have widespread impacts on wildlife euthanasia protocols for wildlife researchers and state game agencies across the nation. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Teaching Research: Encouraging Discoveries

What does it take to turn a learner into a discoverer? Or to turn a teacher into a co-adventurer? A handful of experiences—from teaching a middle-school math class to doing research with undergraduates—have changed the way that I would answer these questions. Some of the lessons I've learned have surprised me.