cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ecuadorian Army: Neglecting a Porous Border While Policing the Interior

This article challenges two prominent explanations for military behavior: militaries, like other bureaucracies, will seek to maximize their budgets; and in the interest of maintaining professionalism, militaries will perform sovereignty missions—external defense and counterinsurgency—more intensively than policing functions. Running counter to these expectations, since 2000, Ecuador’s army has neglected its professional, lucrative mission of northern border defense, instead focusing on police work. The analysis applies organization theory to argue that the army’s minimal border defense efforts have been a way to maintain predictability for patrols on the ground, the part of the army that most directly performs the army’s core function of security. Specifically, the article traces how a contradiction has emerged in the army’s border mission. The contradiction has meant anything but predictability for the work of troops patrolling the border, compromising the mission.
Remote Fiber Optic AC Magnetometer

Fiber optic AC magnetic field sensors have been reported utilizing the Faraday effect [1], the magnetostrictive effect [2] and the Lorentz force effect [3]. In general, these sensors have exhibited either large bandwidth and low resolution or medium-to-high resolution but with strong in-band variations in the frequency response. In some cases active elements were required in the transducer either for magnetic biasing or for interferometer stabilization. In this paper we describe a magnetostrictive sensor for the measurement of AC magnetic fields. The transducer is totally passive in nature, shows flat (± 3 dB) response over the frequency range 1 kHz - 45 kHz, and exhibits resolution of 1.8 × 10-7 G/√Hz over the entire frequency range.
The NBBS access node

Networking Broadband Services (NBBS) is an advanced wide-area-networking architecture that provides a rich set of services to support emerging applications for which quality of service and bandwidth reservation are critical, as well as legacy applications. The advanced features provided by the NBBS architecture require that each network node maintain a fully replicated topology database. As the size of the network increases, the network control costs at each network node become prohibitively high. The NBBS access node is a low-cost end node that introduces a hierarchical structure to the NBBS architecture, holding down network control costs while allowing the network to increase in size. The access node contains a subset of NBBS services. It is restricted to the periphery of the network and does not perform intermediate-node switching functions. It provides access to the NBBS backbone network by negotiating a relationship with an immediately attached network node (server network node) to obtain full NBBS services. In this paper, we discuss the requirements for the NBBS access node, examine the relationship between the access node and the server network node, and provide an overview of the access node architecture.
Evidence that the hypothalamus mediates endotoxin stimulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion.

The site of action of Escherichia coli endotoxin in inducing ACTH secretion was studied in vivo and in vitro. Hypophysectomized rats, bearing two to three transplanted pituitaries under the kidney capsule and “primed’ with exogenous ACTH, responded to 2.0–7.5 μg/100 g BW ip or iv endotoxin with a severalfold increase of plasma corticosterone. This response was markedly reduced by hypothalamic lesions and completely abolished by removing the entire forebrain. Endotoxin added directly to cultured rat adenohypophyseal cells in a concentration up to 10 μg/ml did not induce significant ACTH secretion. We conclude that endotoxin-induced ACTH secretion from heterotopically transplanted pituitaries is mediated primarily by the hypothalamus, presumably through hypothalamic CRF that reaches the transplanted pituitaries via the systemic circulation (Endocrinology 102: 947, 1978)
Genetic and pharmacological disruption of the TEAD–YAP complex suppresses the oncogenic activity of YAP

The Hippo tumor suppressor pathway restricts organ size in Drosophila and mammals by antagonizing the oncoprotein Yki/YAP (Zeng and Hong 2008; Pan 2010; Zhao et al. 2010; Halder and Johnson 2011). Central to the Hippo pathway is a kinase cascade leading from the protein kinase Hpo/Mst to Yki/YAP. The Hippo kinase cascade, in turn, is regulated by a complex network of proteins, which most notably includes the Neurofibromin 2 (NF2)/Merlin tumor suppressor. Consistent with the critical role of Hippo signaling in normal tissue homeostasis, the YAP oncoprotein is overexpressed or hyperactivated in a wide spectrum of human cancers due to YAP locus amplification or genetic/epigenetic inactivation of upstream tumor suppressors. Small molecule inhibitors of YAP will not only provide important tools for pharmacological manipulation of Hippo signaling, but also bear tremendous potential for developing therapeutic drugs against human cancers caused by defective Hippo signaling. As a transcriptional coactivator, YAP has been reported to bind to several DNA-binding transcription factors (for review, see Pan 2010). Among the reported YAP partners, the TEAD/TEF transcription factors are best characterized (Vassilev et al. 2001; Chen et al. 2010; Li et al. 2010). Genetic studies in Drosophila revealed an interesting property of its single TEAD ortholog, Scalloped (Sd): While Sd is required for tissue overgrowth driven by hyperactivated Yki, Sd (but not Yki) is largely dispensable for normal tissue growth (Huang et al. 2005; Wu et al. 2008). Thus, Sd/TEAD may belong to a growing list of genes that contribute to “non-oncogene addiction”—genes that are not mutated in cancers but are critically required for cancer growth (Luo et al. 2009). The dispensability of Sd for normal growth in Drosophila suggests that the mammalian TEAD factors may be ideal targets for selective inhibition of oncogenic growth driven by YAP hyperactivation with minimal effects on normal tissue homeostasis. Although previous studies have shown that the TEAD factors are required for YAP's oncogenic activity in cell cultures (Zhao et al. 2008), whether the TEAD factors (or any of the other reported YAP partners) are required for YAP-mediated tumorigenesis has not been determined in intact mammalian tissues. It also remains to be seen whether inhibition of the mammalian TEAD factors, like loss of Drosophila Sd, has minimal impact on normal tissue homeostasis and physiology. Such information will shed light on the “therapeutic window” of pharmacological strategies aimed at disrupting the TEAD–YAP complex as a selective means against YAP-driven tumorigenesis. Using a combination of genetic suppression in transgenic mice and discovery of lead compounds with in vitro and in vivo activities, we provide here proof of principle that inhibiting TEAD–YAP interactions is a promising and pharmacologically viable strategy against the YAP oncoprotein.
Electronic states and potential energy curves of SbF2 and SbF2

Abstract The X 2 B 1 ground and the 4 A 2 , 2 A 1 (I), 2 A 1 (II), 2 A 2 , 2 B 2 (I), 2 B 2 (II), 4 B 1 , and 2 B 1 (II) excited states of SbF 2 together with the 1 A 1 , 3 B 1 , 1 B 1 electronic states of the SbF 2 + ion have been investigated. We employ relativistic ab initio complete active space self-consisted field (CASSCF) followed by multi-reference singles and doubles configuration interaction (MRSDCI) methods which include up to 1.8 million configurations. The potential energy curves, spectroscopic properties, the adiabatic ionization energy, and the dissociation energies were computed.
Temporal and spatial variation in the long-term functional organization of fish assemblages in a large river

We examined abundances of fishes by ecological categories for variation with time (years) and longitudinal river distance (km) in the Wabash River, a large US Midwestern river. An ordination resulted in significant correlations with time for an axis that represented increases in surface-feeding invertivores and species that prefer sand substrates. We found increased abundances of planktivores and species with high tolerance to silt in downstream river sites. We found significant changes in abundance for the majority of ecological categories in comparisons of upstream–downstream locations. There was a general decrease in abundances of taxa in ecological categories that tend to inhabit upstream reaches: species that prefer rubble substrates, inhabit fast, and moderate current velocity habitats, and that have low silt tolerance with time. These abundance changes suggest that the upstream river experienced increased sedimentation during 1974–1998. The use of ecological categories provided information for likely habitat changes, such as increased sedimentation, that were not apparent in previous taxonomic analyses. We suggest that combinations of anthropogenic impacts including hydrologic alterations and agricultural activities in the Wabash River resulted in ecosystem changes and subsequent changes in abundance of fishes by ecological categories.
Perceptions of family members of children with cleft lip and palate in hyderabad, India, and its rural outskirts regarding craniofacial anomalies: a pilot study.

Objective : This pilot study aimed to understand cultural perspectives on cleft anomalies in the community of Hyderabad, India, and its rural outskirts. Design : Interviews focusing on perceptions of cleft lip and palate were conducted using a 21-item interview guide approved by the director of the Gosla Srinivas Reddy Institute of Craniofacial Surgery (GSR). Settings : Interviews were conducted at GSR, a specialty surgical center located in Hyderabad, India. Patients and Participants : All patients who presented to GSR with either cleft lip, cleft palate, or cleft lip and palate at the time of this study were included. Results : Of the 23 families interviewed, 12 mothers believed the cleft was caused by an eclipse, and two believed the scientific explanation their physician offered. Fourteen families were offered no explanation for the cleft lip and/or palate at the time of their first physician visit. No families practiced non-Western methods for treatment of the cleft. One family identified beliefs held in the community that their child with a cleft lip was bad luck. Conclusion : A commonly held belief in this community in India is that cleft lip, cleft palate, or cleft lip and palate are caused by an eclipse. Physicians appear to be providing families with insufficient education on cleft impairments. Data generated from studies similar to this can be used to design educational protocols that address this gap in community understanding of orofacial clefting.
An intelligent Locally Sensitive Hashing based algorithm for data searching

The rapid growth of information nowadays makes efficient information searching increasingly important for a massive database with tremendous volume of information. locally sensitive hashing (LSH) is an efficient method for searching similar records. This paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of LSH in a massive database and Smith-Waterman algorithm. It reveals the strengths of LSH and Smith-Waterman algorithm in the field of database searching and querying. More importantly, this paper presents an intelligent searching algorithm called LSH-SmithWaterman that intelligently integrates LSH and Smith-Waterman algorithm to utilize their strengths and exploit their fullest capacities. Simulation results show the superiority of LSH-Smith-Waterman algorithm compared to LSH in information searching. It dramatically reduces the memory and time consumption and performs accurate searching.
Adjusting muscle function to demand: joint work during acceleration in wild turkeys

We measured the net work performed at hind limb joints in running turkeys to determine the source of mechanical power for acceleration. We tested the hypothesis that net mechanical work per step increases in proportion to acceleration at all four major hind limb joints (hip, knee, ankle and tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint). This hypothesis was based on the idea that all hind limb muscles should contribute mechanical work to maximize performance during accelerations, and a previous study that indicated the mechanical power output of the entire turkey hind limb musculature was remarkably high. We used high-speed video and force-plate measurements to measure joint moment, velocity and power output during single foot-contacts of running accelerations. By measuring steps in which the animals were relatively more or less motivated to accelerate, we obtained data for a range of accelerations, all at approximately the same running speed. Net joint work per step increased at the hip and ankle as a function of acceleration. Hip net work per unit body mass was 0.12+/-0.09 J kg(-1) averaged over the five lowest accelerations (-0.22+/-0.08 m s(-2)), and 0.87+/-0.20 J kg(-1) for the five highest accelerations (4.86+/-0.27 m s(-2)). Ankle work was -0.21+/-0.11 J kg(-1) for the lowest accelerations and 0.71+/-0.28 J kg(-1) for the highest. The high work output at the ankle is consistent with the idea that elastic mechanisms function to increase muscle work during acceleration. The work performed at the knee and tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint was independent of acceleration in a step. These results support the idea that hip and ankle extensors contribute significantly to the work necessary to accelerate the body. We also measured the change in joint moment and angular excursion with acceleration to determine whether the mechanism for increasing work output at a joint involved an increase in muscle force or muscle shortening. The increase in joint work at the hip and ankle resulted almost entirely from an increase in joint angular excursion during stance. Hip extension increased by more than threefold from the lowest to the highest accelerations, and the angular excursion of the ankle increased from -24.8+/-4.7 degrees (net flexion) at the lowest accelerations to 33.0+/-12.8 degrees (net extension) at the highest accelerations. Mean stance joint moment was unchanged with acceleration at the ankle and increased by approximately 35% at the hip across the range of accelerations. These patterns of joint moment and excursion indicate that turkeys increase mechanical work for acceleration primarily by increasing muscle shortening, rather than muscle force.
Ca2+/Calmodulin–Dependent Protein Kinase Modulates Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Phosphorylation and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Leak in Heart Failure

Abnormal release of Ca from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) may contribute to contractile dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis in heart failure (HF). We previously demonstrated decreased Ca transient amplitude and SR Ca load associated with increased Na/Ca exchanger expression and enhanced diastolic SR Ca leak in an arrhythmogenic rabbit model of nonischemic HF. Here we assessed expression and phosphorylation status of key Ca handling proteins and measured SR Ca leak in control and HF rabbit myocytes. With HF, expression of RyR2 and FK-506 binding protein 12.6 (FKBP12.6) were reduced, whereas inositol trisphosphate receptor (type 2) and Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) expression were increased 50% to 100%. The RyR2 complex included more CaMKII (which was more activated) but less calmodulin, FKBP12.6, and phosphatases 1 and 2A. The RyR2 was more highly phosphorylated by both protein kinase A (PKA) and CaMKII. Total phospholamban phosphorylation was unaltered, although it was reduced at the PKA site and increased at the CaMKII site. SR Ca leak in intact HF myocytes (which is higher than in control) was reduced by inhibition of CaMKII but was unaltered by PKA inhibition. CaMKII inhibition also increased SR Ca content in HF myocytes. Our results suggest that CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of RyR2 is involved in enhanced SR diastolic Ca leak and reduced SR Ca load in HF, and may thus contribute to arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction in HF.
Crystals field energy levels and transition line strengths of neodymium in trigonal Na3[Nd(oxydiacetate)3]·2NaClO4·6H2O

Abstract Locations and assignments of 119 crystal-field levels are reported for Nd3+ in the trigonal Na3[Nd(oxydiacetate)3]·2NaClO4·6H2O levels span 34 of the 37 J-multiplet manifolds split out of the 4f3 electronic configuration of Nd3+ between 0 and 40000 cm−1, and they were located and assigned from axial and orthoaxial (σ- and π-polarized) absorption measurements performed on single crystals at temperatures between 4.2 and 300 K. The energy level data are analyzed in terms of a parameterized model Hamiltonian for the 4f3 electronic configuration, assumed to be perturbed by a crystal field of trigonal dihedral (D3) symmetry. Parametric fits of calculated to empirical energy level data yields rms deviations (between calculated and observed energies) of ≈ 14 cm−1 for 119 levels and ≈ 12 cm−1 for the subset of 71 levels that derive from multiplet manifolds with J ⩽ 9/2. The Hamiltonian parameter values obtained from these energy level analyses are reported and are compared with results obtained from similar analyses of Nd3+ in other crystals and of other Ln3+ ions in the Na3[Ln(oxydiacetate)3]. 2NaClO4·6H2O system. In addition to energy level locations and assignments, quantitatively determined line strengths are reportedfor 47 trans low-temperature π-polarized orthoaxial absorption spectra. All of these transitions originate in the ground crystal-field level of the 4I 9 2 (ground) multiplet, and each occurs via a predominantly electric-dipole mechanism.
Comparison and Validation of Methods To Quantify Cry1Ab Toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis for Standardization of Insect Bioassays

Standardization of toxin preparations derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) used in laboratory bioassays is critical for accurately assessing possible changes in the susceptibility of field populations of target pests. Different methods were evaluated to quantify Cry1Ab, the toxin expressed by 80% of the commercially available transgenic maize that targets the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). We compared three methods of quantification on three different toxin preparations from independent sources: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and densitometry (SDS-PAGE/densitometry), and the Bradford assay for total protein. The results were compared to those obtained by immunoblot analysis and with the results of toxin bioassays against susceptible laboratory colonies of O. nubilalis. The Bradford method resulted in statistically higher estimates than either ELISA or SDS-PAGE/densitometry but also provided the lowest coefficients of variation (CVs) for estimates of the Cry1Ab concentration (from 2.4 to 5.4%). The CV of estimates obtained by ELISA ranged from 12.8 to 26.5%, whereas the CV of estimates obtained by SDS-PAGE/densitometry ranged from 0.2 to 15.4%. We standardized toxin concentration by using SDS-PAGE/densitometry, which is the only method specific for the 65-kDa Cry1Ab protein and is not confounded by impurities detected by ELISA and Bradford assay for total protein. Bioassays with standardized Cry1Ab preparations based on SDS-PAGE/densitometry showed no significant differences in LC50 values, although there were significant differences in growth inhibition for two of the three Cry1Ab preparations. However, the variation in larval weight caused by toxin source was only 4% of the total variation, and we conclude that standardization of Cry1Ab production and quantification by SDS-PAGE/densitometry may improve data consistency in monitoring efforts to identify changes in insect susceptibility to Cry1Ab.
Approximate covariance functions for gray-level Gibbs random fields

In this paper, we depart from the usual engineering approach for estimating the means and correlations of gray-level Gibbs random field (GRF) image models using Monte Carlo simulation and show that it is possible to obtain analytical estimates based on the mean-field approximation of statistical physics. In particular, we give a closed-form formula for the covariance matrix of a gray-level GRF model in the case where the coupling between gray levels is quadratic. >
Semantic constraints on lexical categories

Abstract Children are prodigious word learners, able to gain substantial information about a word's meaning on the basis of even a single encounter with the word in context. Two experiments are reported which test the hypothesis that the notion “possible word meaning” plays a role in constraining the inferences that adult language users make about new words encountered in context. The results indicate that subjects applied implicit knowledge of constraints on possible word meanings in making and evaluating hypotheses about unfamiliar words encountered in context and suggest that implicit knowledge of both universal and language-specific constraints on possible word meanings may contribute to the remarkable speed with which children and adults acquire new words.
POLLINATOR SELECTIVITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EVOLUTION OF DIOECY AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM

Pollinator selectivity is thought to influence the evolution of separate sexes in plants because of its potential to limit plant reproductive success. Selective visitation could also constrain or promote the phenotypic divergence of the sexes. In this study, I explored the causes and consequences of selectivity by generalist pollinators of a gynodioecious wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) and thus provide insight into potential pollinator-mediated selection for dioecy and sexual dimorphism. I found that flowers of F. virginiana show pronounced sexual dimorphism in petal length, stamen length, nectar and pollen production, and that this results in dramatic and consistent levels of sex-differential visitation by ants, bees, and flies. I performed manipulations of hermaphrodite flowers to understand the basis of selectivity and found that much of bee and fly preference for hermaphrodite flowers derived from their strong preference for longer petals, but also from a more subtle preference for pollen-filled anthers. These studies also revealed that other traits contribute to the observed discrimination against females. A stronger relationship existed between bee visitation and pollen receipt in females than between bee visitation and pollen removal from hermaphrodites. An analysis of natural variation in petal and stamen length confirmed the central role of petal length and also showed a lack of an effect of vestigial stamen length in pollination success of females. It also revealed a significant effect of stamen length, but not of petal length, on pollen removal. The data suggest that pollinator selectivity may affect the evolution of floral sexual dimorphism, both by exerting selection that could lead to the maintenance of stamens in females and by exerting selection to increase petal length in females.
Commentary: future research directions in pediatric obesity research.

research on critical periods in development and early introduction of carbohydrates that has immediate implications on pediatric obesity. Are high carbohydrate diets protective for obesity, or do they lead to obesity? There is often a wide gap between basic science and clinical science, and clinical science can benefit from clinical investigators paying closer attention to advances in basic science. A number of basic science areas are relevant to obesity treatment interventions, including factors that influence craving and satiety, individual differences in the reinforcing value of food, and environmental variables that influence the reinforcing value of physical activity, memory and relapse, behavioral momentum and maintenance, or the role of neurotransmitters regulating intake. The majority of pediatric obesity interventions have been with obese preadolescent children with mild obesity and without significant comorbidities. Behavioral interventions represent an important therapeutic modality for this population, but more aggressive treatments may be needed for those who are more obese, and those with significant comorbidities, such as sleep apnea, where large weight losses are needed. One type of aggressive interventions is represented by very low-calorie diets or protein-sparing modified fasts. These interventions have generally produced large weight losses in adults, with poor maintenance. The other type of aggressive intervention is pharmacological treatments, which have been associated in adults with either small weight changes, or when weight changes are large, other physiological side effects. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Vol. 24, No. 3, 1999, pp. 251–252
A POSTRACIAL SOCIETY OR A DIVERSITY PARADOX?: Race, Immigration, and Multiraciality in the Twenty-First Century

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Southern states decreed that one drop of African American blood made a multiracial individual Black, and even today, multiracial Blacks are typically perceived as being Black only, underscoring the enduring legacy and entrenchment of the one-drop rule of hypodescent. But how are Asians and Latinos with mixed ancestry perceived? Based on analyses of census data and in-depth interviews with interracial couples with children and multiracial adults, I find that the children of Asian-White and Latino-White couples are much less constrained by strict racial categories. Racial identification often shifts according to situation, and individuals can choose to identify along ethnic lines, as White, or as American. Like their Irish and Italian immigrant forerunners, the Asian and Latino ethnicities of these multiracial Americans are adopting the symbolic character of European, White ethnicity. We appear to be entering a new era of race relations in which the boundaries of Whiteness are beginning to expand to include new non-White groups such as Asians and Latinos, with multiracial Asians and Latinos at the head of the queue. However, even amidst the new racial and ethnic diversity, these processes continue to shut out African Americans, illustrating a pattern of “Black exceptionalism” and the emergence of a Black–non-Black divide in the twenty-first century.
Screening Rhodium Metallopeptide Libraries “On Bead”: Asymmetric Cyclopropanation and a Solution to the Enantiomer Problem

Searching with a beady eye: A high-throughput, on-bead screen of rhodium metallopeptide catalysts was developed in a 96-well format for asymmetric cyclopropanation. Different sequences of natural L-amino acids have been identified that produce opposite product enantiomers. In addition to styrene derivatives, high enantioselectivity is observed for vinyl ether and vinyl amine derivatives.
ISSUES IN DESIGNING AN ASSESSMENT OF BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

This paper reports on a collaborative project in progress to develop a standardised clinical assessment of British Sign Language development for use with deaf children. The need for such an assessment is highlighted following a survey of professionals working in this area (Herman, in press). The development of the assessment battery will be described in the context of research into the assessment of sign language development. Issues in selection of the standardisation population will be presented. Finally the need for collaboration between different professionals working in this area, in particular the key role of the deaf BSL user will be emphasised.
Combining expert systems and the Bayesian approach to support forecasting

An approach to integrating expert system models (for information regarding the present and future problem states) with a Bayesian forecasting model (for information based on the historical data) is presented. Using this approach, past, present, and future information can be processed coherently in an automated system to support forecasting in general. It is shown that this approach is a practical way to provide support to both qualitative and quantitative information processing. >
The Electrolytic Reduction of Amides I . N,N‐Dimethylvaleramide and Acetanilide

The electrolytic reductions of N,N‐dimethylvaleramide to N,N‐dimethylamylamine and of acetanilide to ethylaniline in sulfuric acid solutions were studied at cathodes of cadmium, tin, lead, mercury, zinc, aluminum, bismuth, copper, nickel, iron, and cobalt. The best yields of N,N‐dimethylamylamine were obtained at a lead cathode. Cadmium and zinc showed some activity. The best yield of ethylaniline was, again, obtained at a lead cathode. The only other active cathode was cadmium. The influence of the physical condition of the surface of the cathode is discussed.
Induction of the Cytochrome P450 Gene CYP26 during Mucous Cell Differentiation of Normal Human Tracheobronchial Epithelial Cells

In this study, the expression of CYP26 is examined in relation to retinoid-induced mucosecretory differentiation in human tracheobronchial epithelial (HTBE) cells and compared with that in human lung carcinoma cell lines. In HTBE cells, retinoic acid (RA) inhibits squamous differentiation and induces mucous cell differentiation as indicated by the suppression of transglutaminase I and increased expression of the mucin gene MUC2. The latter is accompanied by increased expression of CYP26 mRNA. RA is required but not sufficient to induce RARbeta, CYP26, and MUC2 mRNA because induction is only observed in confluent but not in logarithmic cultures, suggesting that additional factors are critical in their regulation. CYP26 mRNA can be induced by the RAR-selective retinoid 4-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-benzoic acid (TTAB) but not by the RXR-selective retinoid SR11217 or the anti-activator-protein 1-selective retinoid SR11302. RARalpha-, beta-, and gamma-selective retinoids are able to induce CYP26; this induction is inhibited by the RARalpha-selective antagonist Ro41-5253. TTAB is able to induce CYP26 mRNA expression in only a few of the lung carcinoma cell lines tested. The lack of CYP26 induction in many carcinoma cell lines may relate to previously reported defects in the retinoid-signaling pathway. The induction of CYP26 correlated with increased metabolism of RA into 18-hydroxy-, 4-oxo-, and 4-hydroxy-RA. The latter metabolite was shown to be able to induce MUC2 and MUC5AC expression in HTBE cells. Our results demonstrate that in normal HTBE cells, CYP26 expression is closely associated with mucous cell differentiation and that many lung carcinoma cells exhibit increased RA metabolism and a defective regulation of CYP26.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: A Seasonal Alert

Rocky Mountain spotted fever occurs during seasonal tick activity. A history of exposure to tick-containing habitats within the 3- to 12-day incubation period is a key epidemiological factor. The signs of fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia at onset of infection are difficult to distinguish from those of self-limited viral infections. Rash usually appears later and, if present, progresses through a sequence of stages and distribution that are never pathognomonic. The effects of disseminated Rickettsia rickettsii infection of endothelial cells include increased vascular permeability, edema, hypovolemia, hypotension, prerenal azotemia, and, in life-threatening cases, pulmonary edema, shock, acute tubular necrosis, and meningoencephalitis. In severe cases, fluid management is a challenge. The clinical diagnosis, which is difficult, is rarely assisted by laboratory findings because antibodies are usually detected only in convalescence, and immunohistologic methods for detection of rickettsiae are unavailable in most clinics. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice except for pregnant or allergic patients, who are treated with chloramphenicol.
Evaluation of Laboratory Methods for the Classification of Oxacillin-Resistant and Oxacillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the oxacillin disk diffusion test and the methicillin and oxacillin agar screen tests as predictors of oxacillin resistance as defined by the reference broth microdilution method. A total of 444 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus collected from individual patients over a four-year period were tested by (1) the oxacillin disk diffusion test, with particular attention to the presence of fine growth of a resistant subpopulation within the zone of inhibition (Ox Grow interpretive criteria); (2) the agar screen method using agar plates with 4% NaCl and either 6 mg/L oxacillin or 10 mg/L methicillin; and (3) the oxacillin and methicillin broth microdilution test methods with 2% NaCl supplementation. Overall, 62 (14%) isolates were resistant and 382 (86%) isolates were susceptible to oxacillin with the use of the reference broth microdilution system. The results indicate that the disk diffusion test with the use of the Ox Grow criteria had a high sensitivity (94%) and negative predictive value (98%) but a low specificity (67%) and positive predictive value (32%) when compared with the reference broth dilution test. Similarly, the agar screen tests had a high sensitivity (95-97%) and negative predictive values (99%) but low specificity (64-74%) and positive predictive values (30-37%). These data indicate that the agar screen tests and the oxacillin disk test with the use of the Ox Grow interpretive criteria may be useful as screening tests for detecting resistance to the penicillinase-resistant penicillins but that all resistant isolates should be confirmed by the reference broth dilution method because of the large number of false-resistant screening test results.
Materials for Consideration in Standardized Canister Design Activities.

This document identifies materials and material mitigation processes that might be used in new designs for standardized canisters for storage, transportation, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel. It also addresses potential corrosion issues with existing dual-purpose canisters (DPCs) that could be addressed in new canister designs. The major potential corrosion risk during storage is stress corrosion cracking of the weld regions on the 304 SS/316 SS canister shell due to deliquescence of chloride salts on the surface. Two approaches are proposed to alleviate this potential risk. First, the existing canister materials (304 and 316 SS) could be used, but the welds mitigated to relieve residual stresses and/or sensitization. Alternatively, more corrosion-resistant steels such as super-austenitic or duplex stainless steels, could be used. Experimental testing is needed to verify that these alternatives would successfully reduce the risk of stress corrosion cracking during fuel storage. For disposal in a geologic repository, the canister will be enclosed in a corrosion-resistant or corrosion-allowance overpack that will provide barrier capability and mechanical strength. The canister shell will no longer have a barrier function and its containment integrity can be ignored. The basket and neutron absorbers within the canister have the important role of limiting themore » possibility of post-closure criticality. The time period for corrosion is much longer in the post-closure period, and one major unanswered question is whether the basket materials will corrode slowly enough to maintain structural integrity for at least 10,000 years. Whereas there is extensive literature on stainless steels, this evaluation recommends testing of 304 and 316 SS, and more corrosion-resistant steels such as super-austenitic, duplex, and super-duplex stainless steels, at repository-relevant physical and chemical conditions. Both general and localized corrosion testing methods would be used to establish corrosion rates and component lifetimes. Finally, it is unlikely that the aluminum-based neutron absorber materials that are commonly used in existing DPCs would survive for 10,000 years in disposal environments, because the aluminum will act as a sacrificial anode for the steel. We recommend additional testing of borated and Gd-bearing stainless steels, to establish general and localized corrosion resistance in repository-relevant environmental conditions.« less
FOOD POISONING SYNDROMES

SUMMARY Despite our society's advances in sanitation, food preservation, and hygiene, the prevalence of foodborne disease remains high (12.6 million cases per year in the United States). Although there is a constant need for education of food handlers and consumers, there is also a need for continued vigilant monitoring of coastal waters, meat packing facilities, and imported foods. As long as antibiotics are used in poultry and cattle feeds, one can expect the incidence of antibiotic-resistant foodborne pathogens to rise. There are several promising areas of research in the field of foodborne illnesses. Molecular biologists are actively characterizing the genes that enable invasive enteric pathogens such as Salmonella and Yersinia to enter tissues, and the bacterial toxins associated with secretory diarrheas continue to be the subject of intense scrutiny. Epidemiologists are implementing new techniques such as DNA fingerprinting and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis for tracing pathogens in disease outbreaks. Similarly, the use of computers in the food industry facilitates the tracing of contaminated foods. Although the rates of foodborne illness may not decrease significantly during the next decade, we can expect more rapid identification and tracing of outbreaks as well as an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of the foodborne diseases.
Design and implementation of a sinusoidal flux controller for core loss measurements

In this paper, design and implementation of a sinusoidal flux controller has been proposed for a core loss tester for eliminating the higher order harmonics from the flux passing through the core. The core loss test is performed with a toroidal transformer that consists of a main and sense windings wound on a toroidal core. The flux through the core is calculated with the numerical integration of the sense coil voltage. The controller commands the voltage applied to the main winding to keep the sense coil voltage thus the flux waveform sinusoidal. A single-phase SiC inverter operating at 150 kHz has been developed to generate the waveforms, an LC filter is used between the converter and the toroidal transformer to smooth the pulsating inverter output voltages. To be able to achieve zero steady state error and fast tracking as well as being robust to the periodic errors, a new controller is proposed. The proposed controller includes the periodic, conventional feedback and feedforward controllers and coordinates them. The designed controller has been simulated and it has been found that the flux waveform tracks the reference fast enough with a satisfactory steady state error. The system has been tested through experiments and experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results.
Fungal growth responseo thermal gadients in convection incubators.

There is obvious similarity between the urediniospores described and the characteristic aeciospores of the genus, especially in spore wall color and markings, and pore number and position. True peridial cells are not present but the stalked colorless cells described, but not designated, have thick hyaline walls and coarse sculpturing suggestive of peridial cells. These characters support a proposal that the uredinia have their origin in roestelia in spite of their parasitizing the telial host. The presence of the hyaline cells; the rare teliospores and presence of mesospores all indicate that the species is unstable and probably in a state of active evolution. Gaumann refers to and illustrates thick-walled urediniospores as amphispores and suggests them as a possible means of overwintering. These have not been seen in the Canadian material. The uredinia of G. gaeumannii ssp. albertensis are small and easily overlooked.
EARTH'S CLIMATE AND SOLAR ENERGY, . . . CONFIRMED PAUL KAZUO KURODA'S 1945 INSIGHT INTO THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD

Early 20th Century discoveries by Einstein and Aston explained variations observed later in abundances of elements and isotopes [3-7], rest masses of atoms [8,9], climate- changing solar eruptions [10], and life's origin and evolution [11] in terms confirming Kuroda's 1945 insight into the beginning of the world (page2): “The sight before my eyes was just like the end of the world, but I also felt that the beginning of the world may have been just like this.”
Choosing to Live or Die: Online Narratives of Recovering from Methamphetamine Abuse

The goal of this study is to explore motivating factors for recovering from methamphetamine abuse. The source of data was 202 anonymous letters and stories submitted to an online support platform for methamphetamine users. Qualitative data were analyzed in Dedoose software using grounded theory methodology. Ten primary motivating factors for recovering from methamphetamine abuse were identified and mapped onto four constructs from the Health Belief Model: (1) perceived susceptibility (learning from others and learning from self); (2) perceived severity (fear of death and declining health); (3) perceived benefits (reconnecting with family, reconnecting with society, and recovering self-esteem); and (4) cues to action (hitting rock bottom, finding God, and becoming pregnant). By using data from an online support group and categorizing emerging themes within a theoretical framework, findings from this study provide a comprehensive understanding of factors involved in recovery from methamphetamine abuse and offer further insights in developing theoretically informed interventions for methamphetamine users. This study suggests the utility of online platforms for obtaining anonymous but unique experiences about drug abuse and recovery. Findings may benefit healthcare professionals, counselors, and researchers by helping to develop theoretically informed interventions for methamphetamine abuse.
Epidemiology, treatment, and economics of patients presenting to the emergency department for skin and soft tissue infections

ABSTRACTObjectives: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most common bacterial diseases and represent a significant disease burden. The purpose of this study was to describe the real-world management of patients with SSTIs presenting to the emergency department (ED).Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients identified with a primary diagnosis of SSTI determined by ICD-9 codes were assessed from index presentation for up to 30 days. Records were reviewed 30 days prior to inclusion to ensure index hospitalization was captured. For recurrent visits, a similar strategy was implemented 30 days afterward.Results: Of 446 encounters screened, 357 were included; 106 (29.7%) were admitted to the hospital and 251 (70.3%) were treated outpatient. Of patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score two or greater, 60.9% were treated as inpatients, whereas admission rates were 30.1% and 14.1% for patients with a CCI score of one and zero, respectively. Inpatients had an averag...
Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastographic Evaluation of the Rotator Cuff Tendon.

Objectives (1) Assess the association between the B-mode morphologic appearance and elasticity in the rotator cuff tendon using shear wave elastography (SWE). (2) Assess the association between SWE and symptoms. Methods Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained. A retrospective review identified 21 studies in 19 eligible patients for whom SWE was performed during routine sonographic evaluations for shoulder pain. Evaluations were compared with 55 studies from 16 asymptomatic volunteers and 6 patients with asymptomatic contralateral shoulders. Repeated studies were accounted for by resampling. Proximal and distal tendon morphologic characteristics were graded from 1 to 4 (normal to full-thickness tear), and average shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements were obtained at both locations. In 68 examinations, deltoid muscle SWV measurements were available for post hoc analysis. Results The morphologic grade and SWV showed weak-to-moderate negative correlations in the proximal (P < .001) and distal (P = .002) rotator cuff tendon. A weakly significant SWV decrease was found in the proximal tendon in symptomatic patients (P = .049); no significant difference was seen in the distal tendon. The deltoid muscle SWV showed weak-to-moderate negative correlations with the morphologic grade in the proximal (P = .004) and distal (P = .007) tendon; the deltoid SWV was also significantly lower in symptomatic shoulders (P = .001). Conclusions Shear wave elastography shows tendon softening in rotator cuff disease. It captures information not obtained by a morphologic evaluation alone; however, a poor correlation with symptoms suggests that SWE will be less useful in workups for shoulder pain than for preoperative assessments of tendon quality. Deltoid muscle softening seen in morphologically abnormal and symptomatic patients requires further exploration.
Response to Name in Infants Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Prospective Study

Objective To examine longitudinal patterns of response to name from 6-24 months of age in infants at high and low risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Study design A response to name task was tested at 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months of age in 156 infant siblings of children with ASD (high-risk) or typical development (low-risk). At 36 months of age, participants were classified into 1 of 3 outcome groups: group with ASD (n = 20), high-risk group without ASD (n = 76), or low-risk group without ASD (n = 60). Differences in longitudinal performance were assessed using generalized estimating equations, and sensitivity and specificity for identifying ASD were calculated. Differences in age 36-month functioning were examined between infants who developed ASD and repeatedly vs infrequently failed to respond to name. Results At 9 months of age, infants developing ASD were more likely to fail to orient to their names, persisting through 24 months. Sensitivity/specificity for identifying ASD based on at least 1 failure between 12 and 24 months were estimated at .70 in this sample. One-half of the infants who developed ASD had repeated failures in this timeframe, and demonstrated lower age 36-month receptive language, and earlier diagnosis of ASD than infants with ASD who had infrequent failures. Conclusions In addition to recommended routine broad-based and ASD-specific screening, response to name should be regularly monitored in infants at risk for ASD. Infants who consistently fail to respond to their names in the second year of life may be at risk not only for ASD but also for greater impairment by age 3 years.
Erratum to: Non-invasive measures of coronary microcirculation: Taking the long road to the clinic

Reference 12 of the original editorial was cited in error. The correct reference is: Mohy-ud-Din H, et al. Quantification of intramyocardial blood volume with 99mTc-RBC SPECT-CT imaging: A preclinical study. J Nucl Cardiol 2017;1–16.