cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Strains Replacing Traditional Nosocomial MRSA Strains?

Background. Recent studies have suggested that community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is encroaching on health care settings. We describe the epidemiology of hospital-onset community-associated MRSA bloodstream infections using phenotypic and genotypic analysis. Methods. Using an update of an established rule derived from antibiotic susceptibilities, we inferred genotypes (i.e., community [CG] or hospital [HG] ) for 208 MRSA isolates from hospital-onset (>72 h after hospital admission) bloodstream infections during 2000-2006. We compared demographic characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of patients infected with CG or HG strains. Results. Total hospital-onset MRSA bloodstream infection incidence density rates for the periods January 2000-June 2003 and July 2003-December 2006 (0.215 cases per 1000 patient-days and 0.207 cases per 1000 patient-days, respectively) were stable (risk ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.3; P =.79, period 2 vs. period 1). However, the risk that these bloodstream infections were due to CG strains doubled (risk ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.1; P =.01), whereas the risk due to HG strains decreased (risk ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.93; P =.02). After adjustment for comorbidities in multivariate analysis, no significant risk factors for or outcomes of infections due to CG versus HG strains were detected. Patients infected with HG strains showed a trend toward later day of acquisition of a positive blood culture, and those infected with CG strains showed trend toward greater risk of intensive care unit admission. Conclusion. Although total hospital-onset MRSA bloodstream infection rates were relatively stable during 2000-2006, CG strains were responsible for an increasing proportion of cases (from 24% to 49%), suggesting replacement of traditional hospital-associated strains. For most risk factors and outcomes, patients infected with CG and HG strains were similar, suggesting that, thus far, CG strains are behaving like their traditional hospital-associated counterparts.
Accurate testing of analog-to-digital converters using low linearity signals with stimulus error identification and removal

Linearity testing of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) can be very challenging because it requires a signal generator substantially more linear than the ADC under test. This paper introduces the stimulus error identification and removal (SEIR) method for accurately testing ADC linearity using signal generators that may be significantly less linear than the device under test. In the SEIR approach, two imprecise nonlinear but functionally related excitations are applied to the ADC input to obtain two sets of ADC output data. The SEIR algorithm then uses the redundant information from the two sets of data to accurately identify the nonlinearity errors in the stimuli. The algorithm then removes the stimulus error from the ADC output data, allowing the ADC nonlinearity to be accurately measured. For a high resolution ADC, the total computation time of the SEIR algorithm is significantly less than the data acquisition time and therefore does not contribute to testing time. The new approach was experimentally validated on production test hardware with a commercial 16-bit successive approximation ADC. Integral nonlinearity test results that are well within the device specification of /spl plusmn/2 least significant bits were obtained by using 7-bit linear input signals. This approach provides an enabling technology for cost-effective full-code testing of high precision ADCs in production test and for potential cost-effective chip-level implementation of a built-in self-test capability.
Cerebral oximetry monitoring with near infrared spectroscopy detects alterations in oxygenation before pulse oximetry.

Background: The monitoring of oxygenation may be imperative to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. We anecdotally noted that monitoring cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) using near infrared spectroscopy may provide an earlier warning of changes in oxygenation than pulse oximetry. Methods: Patients scheduled for airway laser surgery requiring intermittent periods of apnea were monitored with both a cerebral oximeter and a pulse oximeter. Following inhalational induction and endotracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with propofol. After 3 minutes of ventilation with 100% oxygen, the endotracheal tube was removed and laser surgery performed on the airway during apnea. The time for a 5% and a 10% decrease in the cerebral oximeter and the pulse oximeter was noted. Results: The study cohort included 10 infants and children ranging in age from 1 month to 7 years. The time for a 5% decrease of the rSO2 was 94 + 8 seconds versus 146 + 49 seconds for a 5% decrease of the SaO 2 (P < .0001). During all 42 e...
Actions of the slow channel activator, Bay-K-8644, on the electrical activity of 3-day-old embryonic chick hearts.

SUMMARY 1. In order to assess the effects of Bay-K-8644 on electrical activities of young embryonic chick hearts in which the rising phase of the action potential (AP) depends on tetrodotoxin-insensitive slow Na+ currents, slow AP were recorded in spontaneously beating 3-day-old embryonic chick hearts. 2. Bay-K-8644(10-6 mol/l) caused increases in the maximum rate of rise, amplitude, and duration of the slow AP; there was a slow increase in the spontaneous firing rate. 3. Thus, Bay-K-8644 stimulates Na+ influx through TTX-insensitive slow channels.
Detection of Objects Hidden in Highly Scattering Media Using Time-Gated Imaging Methods

Non-linear ultrafast amplification optical gate has been used to detect back-scattered images of objects hidden in diluted Intralipid solutions.
Deficiency of the Tumor Promoter Gene wip1 Induces Insulin Resistance

Diabetes is a growing health care issue, and prediabetes has been established as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is characterized by deregulated glucose control, and elucidating pathways which govern this process is critical. We have identified the wild-type (WT) p53-inducible phosphatase (WIP1) phosphatase as a regulator of glucose homeostasis. Initial characterization of insulin signaling in WIP1 knockout (WIP1KO) murine embryo fibroblasts demonstrated reduced insulin-mediated Ak mouse transforming activation. In order to assess the role of WIP1 in glucose homeostasis, we performed metabolic analysis on mice on a low-fat chow diet (LFD) and high fat diet (HFD). We observed increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines in WIP1KO murine embryo fibroblasts, and WIP1KO mice fed a LFD and a HFD. WIP1KO mice exhibited glucose intolerance and insulin intolerance on a LFD and HFD. However, the effects of WIP1 deficiency cause different metabolic defects in mice on a LFD and a HFD. WIP1KO mice...
Polymer recycling: Thermodynamics and economics

Polymer recycling must conform to thermodynamic laws and economic restrictions. The objective of polymer recycling is twofold : (1) the reduction of rubbish and the burden of waste polymers on the environment, and (2) the conservation of resources. The environmental burden should be considered as part of the cost for employing polymers. Polymer input to landfills can be reduced by source reduction, materials substitution, recycling, incineration, and/or degradation or reduction to low molecular weight compounds. While the value of separated polymers is considerably greater than that of commingled ones, the separation is often difficult and requires an energy investment for demixing. With present technology, this has not been justified for more than about 25% of the polymer waste feedstock. For the rest, energy recovery through incineration appears to be the thermodynamically and economically sensible route.
A column generation procedure for gang-rip saw arbor design and scheduling

SUMMARY We present a mathematical model for scheduling a computer assisted gang-rip saw system. Such systems are typically used within the furniture manufacturing industry for processing (ripping) lumber. This model uses the concept of column generation of linear programming to design appropriate saw arbors, and to select a set of arbors with their corresponding run time, in order to process a given stream of incoming lumber according to a demand schedule for finished cut widths. Results of a limited computational experiment with this model are discussed.
The Dual Roles of the Government Budget and the Balance of Payments in the Movement from Short-Run to Long-Run Equilibrium

I. Introduction and background, 346.—II. A two-asset model with trade, 349.—III. Instantaneous equilibrium with a flexible exchange rate, 355.—IV. Stock equilibrium with a flexible exchange rate, 357.—V. Monetary and fiscal policy reconsidered, 361.—VI. Stock equilibrium with a fixed exchange rate, 364.—Appendix: Determinant condition for stock equilibrium, 366.
Diagnostic accuracy of cervicovaginal interleukin-6 and interleukin-6:albumin ratio as markers of preterm delivery.

Background: Absence of fetal fibronectin (fFN) in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) of women with symptoms of preterm labor is an excellent predictor of women who will not deliver within 2 weeks of testing. Preliminary studies suggest interleukin (IL)-6 performs similarly to fFN. The positive predictive values of both these assays are poor. Inconsistent specimen collection may explain this poor performance. The objective of this study was to validate the clinical utility of cervicovaginal IL-6 and investigate the utility of the IL-6:albumin ratio to predict delivery within 14 days. Methods: We quantified albumin and IL-6 with the DPC Immulite® in 660 CVF specimens collected for physician-ordered fFN analysis. The clinical utility of IL-6 and IL-6:albumin to predict delivery within 14 days of collection was determined. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios for delivery within 14 days were 65%, 87%, 4.8, and 0.4, respectively, for fFN and 35%, 91%, 3.8, and 0.7 for IL-6, with a 250 ng/L cutoff. With a preterm delivery prevalence of 4.7%, positive and negative predictive values were 19% and 98%, respectively, for fFN and 16% and 97% for IL-6. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.71 and 0.51 for IL-6 and IL-6:albumin, respectively. Odds ratios for delivery within 14 days of collection were 11.8 ( P <0.0001), 5.5 ( P = 0.0001), and 2.4 ( P = 0.06) for fFN, IL-6, and IL-6:albumin, respectively. Conclusions: Cervicovaginal IL-6 may have utility for predicting preterm labor while offering the potential for substantial cost savings. Assay performance characteristics are not improved by normalizing IL-6 to albumin.
The Study of European Political Development

Charles Tilly, ed., The Formation of National States in Western Europe. Studies in Political Development No. 8. Princeton, Princeton University Press, I975, 638 pp., $22-50. Albert 0. Hirschmann, Exit, Voice, and Loyalty: Responses to Decline in Firms, Organizations, and States. Cambridge, Harvard University Press, I970, $2.50 (paper). Charles Tilly, Louise Tilly, Richard Tilly, The Rebellious Century, I830I930. Cambridge, Harvard University Press, I975, 322 pp., $I5.00. Alan Milward and S. B. Saul, The Economic Development of Continental Europe, 1780-1870. London, Allen & Unwin, and Totowa, N.J., Rowman & Littlefield, I973, 535 pp., $ 8.75. Gabriel A. Almond, Scott C. Flanagan, and Robert J. Mundt, eds., Crisis, Choice, and Change: Historical Studies of Political Development. Boston: Little, Brown, I973, 695 pp., $I2.95.
Locally averaged risk

A heuristic method of reducing a class of admissible or Bayes decision rules is given. A new risk function is defined which is called the locally averaged risk. Bayes and admissible rules with respect to the new risk function are calledG-Bayes andG-admissible, respectively. It is shown under general assumptions that the class ofG-Bayes decision rules is a subset of the class of Bayes decision rules and the class ofG-admissible decision rules is a subset of the class of admissible decision rules.
A Numerical Study of the Role of Eddy Fluxes of Momentum in the Development of Atlantic Hurricanes

Abstract The results of numerical integrations of Sundqvist's (1970) symmetric model for hurricane development modified to include parameterized large-scale eddy fluxes of momentum are presented. The initial wind and moisture distributions, and the prescribed eddy fluxes of momentum, were taken from atmospheric observations of Atlantic developing (prehurricane) and non-developing tropical disturbances as composited by McBride (1981a,b) and McBride and Zehr (1981). For the purposes of the present study, the data for individual stages in the evolution of developing and non-developing disturbances were combined to form a single composite developing hurricane and a single composite non-developing disturbance. The data reveal the presence of intense, well organized inward eddy fluxes of momentum in developing Atlantic hurricanes and weak, poorly organized fluxes in non-developing disturbances. In the developing disturbances, the eddy fluxes of momentum are organized such that they act as a forcing function for...
Shape of a Self-Gravitating Fluid

Consider a mass of liquid, incompressible but not necessarily homogeneous in density, that rotates around a fixed axis through its center of mass without any external force. Take the z-axis to be the rotation axis, and assume that the angular velocity is the constant ω The x- and y-axes will be fixed in the fluid mass with the origin at the center of gravity. Denote by p the pressure at a point (x, y, z) of the fluid; the pressure depends only upon the position. The force acting upon an element of volume dτ is
Intracellular calcium in cardiac myocytes: calcium transients measured using fluorescence imaging.

Abstract We have examined the distribution of Ca2+ in voltage-clamped cardiac myocytes under resting conditions and during the Ca2+ transient. We find that the resting Ca2+ level in a quiescent rat myocyte bathed in 1 mM extracellular Ca is relatively low (between 60 and 100 nM) and uniform. At the peak of the Ca2+ transient, Ca2+ can rise to a level as high as 600 nM to 1.0 microM. Furthermore, the magnitude of the Ca2+ transient is dependent on the size of the membrane depolarization. There is good agreement between measurements made using video imaging and those made using a photomultiplier tube for the value of intracellular Ca2+ at the peak of the Ca2+ transient and for the subsequent slow changes in intracellular Ca2+. On repolarization, intracellular Ca2+ falls with a half-time of approximately 100 ms. The uniform distribution of Ca2+ reported in the Ca2+ images of myocytes at rest and at the peak of the Ca2+ transient under normal conditions is in contrast to what is observed during "Ca2+ overload" when subcellular regions of elevated Ca2+ are observed to propagate along the cell. Thus, the measurement of [Ca2+]i in cardiac myocytes with fura-2 has already yielded important new information that was not available using other techniques to measure [Ca2+]i in cardiac ventricular muscle.
Preschool Life Skills Using the Response to Intervention Model With Preschoolers With Developmental Disabilities

Teaching young children key social skills in preschool can increase prosocial behavior and reduce classroom behavior problems. Previous preschool life skills (PLS) programming has taught young children to request teacher assistance and tolerate delays or denials in the delivery of materials, friends
On the so called plasticity of the central nervous system

The taking over of a function of a region of the brain by another region, in case of brain injuries, is discussed in its mathematico-biophysical aspects.
Managing the atazanavir–tacrolimus drug interaction in a renal transplant recipient

Purpose The management of the drug interaction between atazanavir and tacrolimus in a renal transplant recipient is described. Summary A 53-year-old African-American man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) received a renal transplant and was treated in accordance with a corticosteroid-sparing immunosuppressive protocol and maintenance immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. His highly active antiretroviral therapy included atazanavir 400 mg daily, abacavir 600 mg daily, and lamivudine 100 mg daily. Because of the potential for a significant interaction between tacrolimus and atazanavir, the tacrolimus dosage was to be based on serum tacrolimus concentrations. The patient was initially administered one dose of tacrolimus 0.5 mg on the morning of postoperative day 2. Evaluation of the tacrolimus profiles revealed that a higher dosage was necessary because serum tacrolimus levels decreased to subtherapeutic levels by 6 hours after dose administration. In an attempt to minimize tacrolimus toxicity and limit the duration of a subtherapeutic tacrolimus level, dosing was adjusted to 1 mg every 8 hours. After 48 hours of this regimen, peak serum tacrolimus levels were lower, and the drug concentrations remained at a relatively steady level throughout the dosing interval. One final dosage adjustment (1.5 mg every 12 hours) was performed to optimize serum tacrolimus levels and patient compliance. Conclusion In a 53-year-old man with HIV infection who underwent renal transplantation, the drug interaction between atazanavir and tacrolimus was managed by modifying the tacrolimus dosage regimen after determining the patient’s blood tacrolimus concentration profile.
Electronic structure of C5N2, C6N2, and isoelectronic molecules

Density functional calculations (B3LYP/cc-pVTZ) have been used to determine the ground-state energies and bonding in C5N2 and C6N2 and isoelectronic molecules including CnO, CnH2, CnN-. and CnO22+. In general, the odd numbered carbon clusters have triplet ground states and are more cumulenic, whereas the even clusters are singlets in the ground state and acetylenic in structure. Energies and structures of the lowest excited states of different multiplicity have also been calculated, and CASSCF calculations (CASSCF/cc-pVTZ// B3LYP/cc-pVTZ) were employed to estimate the vertical transition energies between the states. The transitions for the C5N2 series are dominated by the 4π → 5π excitation and the transition energies lie in a small range, spanning less than 0.5 eV. The separation between spin states is much greater, 2−4 eV, for the C6N2 series of clusters. The effect of the heteroatoms on the molecular orbital structure of each series of target molecules is discussed.
Protease inhibitor therapy improves protein catabolism in prepubertal children with HIV infection.

UNLABELLED Past studies in adults have reported that loss of lean tissue mass (LTM) is associated with accelerated rates of protein catabolism. To date, studies of protein kinetics from pediatric patients infected by HIV have not been published; however, poor linear growth and weight loss are well-documented. The first aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that protein catabolism is high in pediatric patients with HIV. Protease inhibitors (PI) have proven to be effective therapy for pediatric HIV patients. One action of these drugs is that of lowering the viral burden, and several studies suggest that these drugs result in increased growth and weight velocity. Our second aim was to determine whether PI therapy improves protein catabolism. METHODS We studied eight children infected with HIV (ages 2.9-6.2 years, Tanner stage I, CD4 counts 100,000-300,000, 5 F/3 M) and eight healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Measures of protein turnover were conducted using the stable isotope [1-(13C)]leucine. Body composition was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for determination of LTM, and indirect calorimetry for measurement of resting energy expenditure. Children with HIV infection were studied at baseline and after 6 weeks of PI therapy; control children were studied only once. RESULTS Protein catabolism, represented as leucine rate of appearance (Ra) in the fasted state, was higher in the HIV-infected children at baseline compared to control children. After 6 weeks of PI therapy, leucine Ra decreased, but not to the range found in control children. Leucine Ra correlated with viral burden. LTM significantly improved in all patients. CONCLUSION These results suggest that similar to HIV-infected adults, HIV-infected children have higher than normal protein catabolism. Furthermore, our measures suggest that short-term PI therapy results in improved protein catabolism and LTM.
Numerical Modeling of Monopropellant Decomposition in a Micro-Catalyst Bed

The modeling and simulation of the chemical decomposition of monopropellant hydrogenperoxide in 1-D and 2-D fl ows in aM EMS catalyst bed is described. Such ap rocess can be used to provide a micro-propulsion mechanism required for next-generation small-scale satellites (‘nanosats’). Numerical simulations are performed for realistic operating parameters designed to provide thrust levels on the order of 100-500 µN. The outcome of the results is an optimal catalyst chamber length required for complete monopropellant decomposition. The heat release rate associated with the decomposition is modeled by first-order kinetics and the reaction rate obeys the temperature-dependent Arrhenius law. Estimates for the critical length required for complete monopropellant decomposition are obtained as functions of the Damkohler number (Da), and the Zeldovich number (Ze). Critical lengths predicted by as implified 1-D model are 3-4 times larger than that obtained for flows in a MEMS-scale catalyst bed. This is because the wall effects and the diamond geometry in the catalyst bed greatly increase the local resident time and speed up the decompositoion of hydrogen peroxide.
A Club to Beat Down the Tariff: The Political Economy of Tax Swaps and the Interest Group Origins of the 16th Amendment

Historical interpretations of the 16th Amendment usually attribute its genesis to a progressive intellectual movement aimed at addressing growing wealth inequality and the claimed excesses of 19th century “laissez-faire.” This article presents an alternative theory rooted in an interest group explanation of the income tax movement. Drawing upon an implicit recognition of Tullock’s dual-rent characteristic of the tariff, a group of mostly Democratic free-traders pursued a “tax swap” at the constitutional level in a conscious attempt to undermine protectionist rent extraction during the Payne-Aldrich Tariff revision of 1909. Though neglected in a historical literature that is overwhelmingly disposed to the progressive interpretation, the “tax swap” strategy is extensively referenced in the legislative history of the income tax movement. Empirical evidence from the stock market further validates this alternative thesis. Publicly traded import-competing firms are shown to have been acutely sensitive to the income tax’s advance through Congress, whereas firms with little political investment in the protective tariff system were not. These findings call for a revision of conventional accounts of the income tax’s origins and alter our understanding of its political economy on a constitutional level, particularly with respect to its unanticipated effects on the federal tax base and subsequent deployment as a revenue extraction device.
Lower Cambrian trilobites, zonation, and correlation of the Puerto Blanco Formation, Sonora, Mexico

-The Lower Cambrian sequence south of the town of Caborca in northwestern Sonora, Mexico, has yielded the trilobites Nevadia ovalis n. sp. and Judomia orbis n. sp., plus an incomplete fallotaspid cephalon. The Nevadella Zone of Fritz (1972) can now be recognized in the Puerto Blanco Formation, and fossils from the middle part of the formation strongly suggest the presence of the Fallotaspis Zone. The new fossils permit improved correlation of the Mexican sequence to sections in the United States and to Lower Cambrian stages of China and the Soviet Union.
On-Resonance Fluorescence, Resonance Rayleigh Scattering, and Ratiometric Resonance Synchronous Spectroscopy of Molecular- and Quantum Dot-Fluorophores.

Existing studies on molecular fluorescence have almost exclusively been focused on Stokes-shifted fluorescence spectroscopy (SSF) in which the emitted photon is detected at the wavelengths longer than that for the excitation photons. Information on fluorophore on-resonance fluorescence (ORF) and resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) is limited and often problematic due to the complex interplay of the fluorophore photon absorption, ORF emission, RRS, and solvent Rayleigh scattering. Reported herein is a relatively large-scale systematic study on fluorophore ORF and RRS using the conventional UV–vis extinction and SSF measurements in combination with the recently reported ratiometric resonance synchronous spectroscopic (R2S2, pronounced as “R-Two-S-Two”) method. A series of fundamental parameters including fluorophore ORF cross sections and quantum yields have been quantified for the first time for a total of 12 molecular and 6 semiconductor quantum dot (QD) fluorophores. All fluorophore spectra comprise a we...
Survival after Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

This retrospective analysis details the experience of a tertiary care center with survival and results for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Between August 1990 and June 1999, 23 patients were treated for recurrent GBM with SRS using either modified 6-MV linear accelerator (linac) or γ-knife. Twenty-two patients (96%) had an initial histological diagnosis of GBM, while 1 patient had an initial diagnosis of anaplastic astrocytoma that was biopsied at recurrence and found to have upgraded to GBM. The median Karnofsky performance score at the time of SRS was 80; the median age was 53. The median-treated tumor volume was 9.9 cm3, with a dose of 15 Gy delivered to the 60% isodose line. Median progression-free survival was 4.7 months. Median survival time after SRS was 10.3 months. No prognostic factors were found to be significant. Patients with a KPS of 80 or higher had longer median survival times than those with lower KPS scores, but this was not found to be statistically significant. Our results suggest that for selected patients with recurrent GBM, SRS appears to be an appropriate salvage therapy.
Dystonia and Writer’s Cramp Triggered by Exercise

An 11-year-old girl with a gait disturbance and foot dystonia, especially after exertion at the end of the day, and handwriting difficulty with cramps after a short school exercise, was evaluated at the Neuropaediatric Unit, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Ion Exchange Transformation of Magic-Sized Clusters

Ultrasmall semiconductor clusters are exciting materials because of their molecularly precise structures and their unique optical spectra. “Magic-sized” CdSe clusters are transformed into their Cu2Se counterparts by means of ion exchange. We leverage the molecularly precise structure and high sensitivity of these clusters to investigate the mechanism of cation exchange. We optically identify a metastable intermediate in the solid-state transformation. Isolation and characterization of this intermediate provide insight into the dynamic structural rearrangement of the cationic sublattice in the course of cation exchange and the role of ligand passivation. Such understanding of the dynamics of ion exchange at the solid–liquid interface could help engineer improved materials for solid-state electrolytes and energy storage devices.
Repair shielding of platinum-DNA lesions in testicular germ cell tumors by high-mobility group box protein 4 imparts cisplatin hypersensitivity

Cisplatin is the most commonly used anticancer drug for the treatment of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). The hypersensitivity of TGCTs to cisplatin is a subject of widespread interest. Here, we show that high-mobility group box protein 4 (HMGB4), a protein preferentially expressed in testes, uniquely blocks excision repair of cisplatin-DNA adducts, 1,2-intrastrand cross-links, to potentiate the sensitivity of TGCTs to cisplatin therapy. We used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to knockout the HMGB4 gene in a testicular human embryonic carcinoma and examined cellular responses. We find that loss of HMGB4 elicits resistance to cisplatin as evidenced by cell proliferation and apoptosis assays. We demonstrate that HMGB4 specifically inhibits repair of the major cisplatin-DNA adducts in TGCT cells by using the human TGCT excision repair system. Our findings also reveal characteristic HMGB4-dependent differences in cell cycle progression following cisplatin treatment. Collectively, these data provide convincing evidence that HMGB4 plays a major role in sensitizing TGCTs to cisplatin, consistent with shielding of platinum-DNA adducts from excision repair.
Understanding Diversity: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Through experiences training teachers across the country, the author gains insight into the necessity to accommodate diverse Native American learners. Sensitivity to Native American learning styles and values enables the author to better meet individual needs and learn valuable lessons in diversity. The author tells the story of her experiences and the lessons she has learned from diverse learners.
Fast TDDB for early reliability monitoring

This work presents a new experimental setup to perform highly accelerated Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (TDDB) in constant voltage stress (CVS) mode with capability of collecting failure distributions in sub millisecond regime. The new apparatus is capable of collecting failure times down to tens of microseconds and we demonstrate that power law dependence with respect to gate voltage down to hundreds of microseconds is valid irrespective of technology. We argue that the implementation of fast TDDB setup for early reliability evaluation would complement the use of voltage ramped stress (VRS), shorten the time for learning cycles, and provide early guidance for reliability assessments.
The Identity of Muslims of Russia

This chapter offers a discussion of some fundamental questions of Muslim and Russian identity as they emerge from the discourse on Russia’s Islam. It conducts an analysis of key concepts such as the Russian idea, Eurasianism, jadidism, their historical and ideational heritage, and their (re)elaborations by Muslims in contemporary Russia.
Integrating Intrusion Response Functionality into the MANET Specific Dynamic Intrusion Detection Hierarchy Architecture

In this paper, our interest is intrusion response in mobile ad hoc networks (MANET). All intrusion response systems (IRS) presuppose an underlying intrusion detection system (IDS). We propose improvements to an existing dynamic and hierarchical IDS architecture for MANETs, proposed by Sterne et al. Our improvements are designed to enhance its ability to form an underlying base IDS for an imagined IRS. The enhancements are chosen to overcome the lack of resiliency in the selected architecture, by adding backup cluster heads and a backup root node. Additionally, we also propose revisions designed to avoid giving the root node too much authority over intrusion response, by distributing that power among cluster heads. The root node acts, rather, as an attack information database. The cluster heads, we propose, would make use of a MANET specific intrusion response algorithm proposed and described by Kaur et al.
Internal-Conversion Penetration Effects in M 1 Transitions of Cs 133

Internal-conversion-coefficient and directional correlation measurements were used to determine the penetration parameter $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ for the 81-, 161-, and 303-keV transitions of $^{133}\mathrm{Cs}$. The following internal-conversion coefficients were measured: ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{K}(356)=0.020\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{K}(303)=0.039\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{K}(161)=0.21\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{K}(81)=1.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$, and ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{L+M+N}(81)=0.314\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020$. Existing $L$-, $M$-, and $N$-shell relative intensities of the 81-keV transition were used with ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{L+M+N}(81)$ to deduce the following subshell coefficients: ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{{L}_{\mathrm{I}}}(81)=0.196\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{{L}_{\mathrm{II}}}(81)=0.029\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{{L}_{\mathrm{III}}}(81)=0.022\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004$, and ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{{M}_{\mathrm{I}}}(81)=0.044\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.009$. The $\frac{K}{(L+M)}$ conversion ratios of the 276- and 161-keV transitions were measured as 4.75\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15 and 3.75\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25, respectively. The following directional correlation functions were measured: $W(356\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}81\ensuremath{\gamma})=1+(0.0355\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0037){P}_{2}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})+(0.000\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.008){P}_{4}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})$, $W(276\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}161\ensuremath{\gamma})=1\ensuremath{-}(0.420\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.009){P}_{2}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})\ensuremath{-}(0.028\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010){P}_{4}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})$, $W(276\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}161{{e}_{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}})=1\ensuremath{-}(0.256\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020){P}_{2}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})\ensuremath{-}(0.090\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.025){P}_{4}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})$. The following directional correlation coefficients were also measured: ${A}_{2}(276{{e}_{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{-}161\ensuremath{\gamma})=\ensuremath{-}0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1$ and ${A}_{2}(303{{e}_{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{-}81\ensuremath{\gamma})=0.003\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.008$. Using the above body of data, the following penetration parameters were determined: $\ensuremath{\lambda}(81)=2.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.3$, $\ensuremath{\lambda}(161)=41\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6$, and $\ensuremath{\lambda}(303)=\ensuremath{-}{{2.0}_{\ensuremath{-}3.1}}^{+3.3}$. The retardation factors for the $M1$ components of the 81- and 161-keV transitions were reevaluated as \ensuremath{\sim}420 and \ensuremath{\sim}230, respectively.
Determination of Crystal Structures

In the early chapters of this book we examined techniques for describing and studying the periodic arrays of atoms in matter which we call crystals. We showed that using radiation with wavelengths of the order of magnitude of the interatomic spacing, we could produce a diffraction pattern from the crystal, a pattern which contained the detailed structural information we need to describe that atomic arrangement. We showed in Chap. 5 that only a limited number of symmetries were possible for periodic atomic arrangements, and indicated how the diffraction pattern could be used to narrow the possible choices. It became obvious, however, that more sophisticated techniques would be required to extract that information with increasing complexity of the crystal — and the corresponding increase in complexity of the reciprocal space diffraction pattern. In this chapter we will survey many of the modern techniques used by crystallographers to determine atomic arrangements in periodic solids. It must be emphasized that the resultant structural determination usually refers to the average atomic arrangement. Deviations from that average, the defects such as strain, stacking faults, local order, etc. which make up such an important part of the field of materials science, are discussed in the next chapter.
Partial characterization of transfer RNA genes isolated from Neurospora crassa.

Purified DNA sequences that code for tRNA in Neurospora crassa were isolated and partially characterized. The tRNA cistrons comprise about 0.3 percent of the N. crassa genome. The tRNA:tDNA hybrids showed a buoyant density in cesium sulfate of 1.48 g cm-3 and sedimented in an intermediate position between native DNA and tRNA of N. crassa as expected. Te 50 of hybridized tRNA:tDNA molecules, reassociated tDNA: native DNA and homoduplexes of native DNA were 83.0°C, 88.5°C and 89.5°C respectively from thermal stability studies using hydroxyapatite chromatography. The isolated tRNA cistrons react almost completely with unlabeled DNA and tRNA of N. crassa or tRNA of the slime mutant of N. crassa; but react poorly with either ribosomal RNA or ribosomal RNA cistrons of N. crassa and tRNA of Escherichia coli. It appears that tRNA genes of N. crassa are repeated.
STEM Teachers’ Preparedness for English Language Learners

The growth of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the K-12 education system has sparked discussions regarding STEM teachersâ€™ ability to meet the needs of these learners. STEM teachers have reported that they do not feel prepared to meet ELL studentsâ€™ needs and often lack professional development opportunities to develop the necessary skills to meet these needs. (August & Shanahan, 2010; Ballantyne, Sanderman, & Levy, 2007; Janzen, 2008, U.S. Department of Education, NCES, 2001). However, STEM teachersâ€™ preparation for ELLs, their participation in ELL specific professional development activities, and the degree of inclusion of ELL students in STEM disciplines is relatively unexplored. The most recent School and Staffing Survey Teacher Questionnaire was used to analyze STEM teachersâ€™ credentialing related to ELLs, their participation in ELL specific professional development activities, and the degree of ELL student participation in STEM classrooms. It was found that very few STEM teachers had ELL credentialing. While more than half indicated having ELLs in their service load, less than 25 percent participated in any ELL specific professional development activities.
Molecular Transport across Lipid Membranes Controls Cell-Free Expression Level and Dynamics

Summary Essential steps toward synthetic cell-like systems require controlled transport of molecular species across the boundary between encapsulated expression and the external environment. When molecular species (e.g. small ions, amino acids) required for expression (i.e. expression resources) may cross this boundary, this transport process plays an important role in gene expression dynamics and expression variability. Here we show how the location (encapsulated or external) of the expression resources controls the level and the dynamics of cell-free protein expression confined in permeable lipid vesicles. Regardless of the concentration of encapsulated resources, external resources were essential for protein production. Compared to resource poor external environments, plentiful external resources increased expression by ~7-fold, and rescued expression when internal resources were lacking. Intriguingly, the location of resources and the membrane transport properties dictated expression dynamics in a manner well predicted by a simple transport-expression model. These results suggest membrane engineering as a means for spatio-temporal control of gene expression in cell-free synthetic biology applications and demonstrate a flexible experimental platform to understand the interplay between membrane transport and expression in cellular systems.
Population-based cancer predisposition testing as a component of newborn screening: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

10021Background: The role of population-based newborn genetic testing to identify infants at high risk of childhood-onset cancers has not been studied, despite the availability of cancer surveillan...
Infrastructural semantics: postal networks and statistical accounts in Scotland, 1790–1845

Our research combines GIS with computational semantics and network analysis to explore historical connections between language and infrastructure. Our focus is Scotland in the nineteenth century, a...
Assessing blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) propagation and pollination services in the presence of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in Utah tart cherries.

Osmia lignaria is a commercially available, native solitary bee species recognized for its propensity to forage upon and pollinate tree fruit crops such as apple, almond and cherry. This study evaluated the implementation of O. lignaria co-pollination with honey bees in central Utah commercial tart cherry orchards during 2017 and 2018 bloom. Three paired 1.2 ha sites were selected for evaluation of cherry fruit set and yield with and without managed O. lignaria releases alongside the standard honey bee hive stocking rate of 2.5 hives/ha. Osmia lignaria supplementation did not measurably increase cherry fruit set, fruit per limb cross-sectional area or fruit weight. The lack of differences in yield is likely a consequence of local saturation of pollinator services supplied by managed honey bees throughout experimental orchards, such that no additive benefit of managed O. lignaria releases were measurable. An increase in managed O. lignaria populations was achieved in 2017 but not 2018, possibly due to unknown changes to orchard management or environmental factors. While flying O. lignaria in Utah tart cherries may support sustainable in-field bee propagation, their subsequent impacts on tart cherry yield were not detected when paired with standard stocking densities of honey bees.
Compositional Visual Generation and Inference with Energy Based Models.

A vital aspect of human intelligence is the ability to compose increasingly complex concepts out of simpler ideas, enabling both rapid learning and adaptation of knowledge. In this paper we show that energy-based models can exhibit this ability by directly combining probability distributions. Samples from the combined distribution correspond to compositions of concepts. For example, given a distribution for smiling faces, and another for male faces, we can combine them to generate smiling male faces. This allows us to generate natural images that simultaneously satisfy conjunctions, disjunctions, and negations of concepts. We evaluate compositional generation abilities of our model on the CelebA dataset of natural faces and synthetic 3D scene images. We also demonstrate other unique advantages of our model, such as the ability to continually learn and incorporate new concepts, or infer compositions of concept properties underlying an image.
Radon induced pulmonary lesion and expression of P53 and Bcl-2,Bax in mice

Objective To establish the mice model of lung injury induced by radon,and to observe the changes of pulmonary lesion at different doses and to analyze the influence of radon exposure on P53 and Bcl-2、Bax expression in lung tissue.Methods Mice were exposed to radon of 30 and 60 WLM,respectively.Apoptosis was detected by terrainal deoxynucleotidy transferse-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL).The expressions of P53,Bcl-2 and Bax protein were observed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Results Compared with those in the control group,the apoptotic indexes increased significantly in the 30 and 60 WLM groups(t=18.11,-10.30,P＜0.05).The protein expression of P53 was significantly increased(t=-11.08,P＜0.05).The expression levels of P53 and Bax were remarkably inereased(t=-7.00,-2.52,P＜0.05),while the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased in the 60 WLM group(t=4.36,P＜0.05).But Bcl-2,Bax expression was decreased in both 30 WLM and 60 WLM groups(t=2.78,4.07,P＜0.05).Conclusions Radon could induce pulmonary lesion of mice.It may be involved in the regulation of apoptosis of pulmonary lesion by the P53,Bcl-2、Bax pathway. Key words: Radon; Lung lesion; Apoptosis; P53 protein; Bcl-2 protein; Bax protein
Extracellular vesicles influence the pulmonary arterial extracellular matrix in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Objective Abnormal pulmonary vasculature directly affects the development and progression of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH). Though overarching structural and cellular changes in CDH-affected pulmonary arteries have been documented, the precise role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the pulmonary artery (PA) pathophysiology remains undefined. Here, we quantify the structural, compositional, and mechanical CDH-induced changes in the main and distal PA ECM and investigate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) as a therapy to ameliorate pathological vascular ECM changes. Methods Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rodents were administered nitrofen to induce CDH-affected pulmonary vasculature in the offspring. A portion of CDH-affected pups was treated with intravenous infusion of MSC-EVs (1 × 1010 /mL) upon birth. A suite of histological, mechanical, and transmission electron microscopic analyses were utilized to characterize the PA ECM. Results The CDH model main PA presented significantly altered characteristics-including greater vessel thickness, greater lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression, and a relatively lower ultimate tensile strength of 13.6 MPa compared to control tissue (25.1 MPa), suggesting that CDH incurs ECM structural disorganization. MSC-EV treatment demonstrated the potential to reverse CDH-related changes, particularly through rapid inhibition of ECM remodeling enzymes (LOX and MMP-9). Additionally, MSC-EV treatment bolstered structural aspects of the PA ECM and mitigated pathological disorganization as exhibited by increased medial wall thickness and stiffness that, while not significantly altered, trends away from CDH-affected tissue. Conclusions These data demonstrate notable ECM remodeling in the CDH pulmonary vasculature, along with the capacity of MSC-EVs to attenuate pathological ECM remodeling, identifying MSC-EVs as a potentially efficacious therapeutic for CDH-associated pulmonary hypertension.
Universally Stable Cache Networks

We consider a cache network in which intermediate nodes equipped with caches can serve content requests. We model this network as a universally stable queuing system, in which packets carrying identical responses are consolidated before being forwarded downstream. We refer to resulting queues as M/M/1c or counting queues, as consolidated packets carry a counter indicating the packet’s multiplicity. Cache networks comprising such queues are hard to analyze; we propose two approximations: one via M/M/∞ queues, and one based on M/M/1c queues under the assumption of Poisson arrivals. We show that, in both cases, the problem of jointly determining (a) content placements and (b) service rates admits a poly-time, 1 1/e approximation algorithm. Numerical evaluations indicate−that both approximations yield good solutions in practice, significantly outperforming competitors.
Modeling Human Movement Behavior Among Nursing Profession

The work of nurses is often associated with elevated anxiety, negative affect, and fatigue, all of which may impact both the quality of patient care and their own well-being. It is critical to understand behavioral patterns, such as human movement, that may be associated with these workplace challenges of nurses. These movement behaviors include location-based movement patterns and dynamical changes of movement intensity. Particularly, we investigated these movement-related patterns for 75 nurses, using wearable sensor recordings, collected over a continuous period of ten weeks. We first discover the location of movement patterns from the Bluetooth proximity data using topic models. We then extract the heart rate zone features from PPG readings to infer the intensity of physical movement. Our results show that the location movement patterns and dynamical changes of movement intensity offer key insights into understanding the workplace behavior of the nursing population in a complex hospital setting.