cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Degradation of Fonofos in Soil from Two Southwest Kansas Fields

I studied degradation properties of soil from two southwest Kansas fields in which poor control of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica vergifera vergifera Leconte, occurred after several years of continuous use of fonofos. Bioassays with the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and residue analysis of sterilized and nonsterilized soil from both locations treated with fonofos suggest that enhanced degradation was responsible for rapid breakdown of the toxicant. Implications of this finding for growers and extension personnel concerned with corn rootworm control are discussed.
Characterisation of a phenomenological model for commercial pneumatic muscle actuators

This study focuses on the parameter characterisation of a three-element phenomenological model for commercially available pneumatic muscle actuators (PMAs). This model consists of a spring, damping and contractile element arranged in parallel. Data collected from static loading, contraction and relaxation experiments were fitted to theoretical solutions of the governing equation for the three-element model resulting in prediction profiles for the spring, damping and contractile force coefficient. For the spring coefficient, K N/mm, the following relationships were found: K = 32.7 − 0.0321P for 150 ≤ P ≤ 314 kPa and K = 17 + 0.0179P for 314 ≤ P ≤ 550 kPa. For the damping coefficient, B Ns/mm, the following relationship was found during contraction: B = 2.90 for 150 ≤ P ≤ 550 kPa. During relaxation, B = 1.57 for 150 ≤ P ≤ 372 kPa and B = 0.311 + 0.00338P for 372 ≤ P ≤ 550. The following relationship for the contractile force coefficient, F ce N, was also determined: F ce = 2.91P+44.6 for 150 ≤ P ≤ 550 kPa. ...
Recognition of the T-Arm of tRNA by tRNA (m5U54)-Methyltransferase Is Not Sequence Specific†

tRNA (m5U54)-methyltransferase (RUMT) catalyzes the methylation of U54 of tRNAs. In contrast to enzymes which recognize a particular tRNA, RUMT recognizes features common to all tRNAs. We have shown that these features reside in the T-arm of tRNA and constructed a minimal consensus sequence for RUMT recognition and catalysis (Gu et al., 1991b). Here, we have mutated each conserved T-loop residue and conserved T-stem base pair to bases or base pairs which are not observed in Escherichia coli tRNA. The substrate specificity of RUMT for 30 in vitro synthesized T-arm mutants of tRNAPhe and 37 mutants of the 17-mer analog of the T-arm derived from tRNA1Val was investigated. A 2-5 base pair stem was essential for recognition of the T-arm by RUMT, but the base composition of the stem was unimportant. The 7-base size of the T-loop maintained by the stem was essential for RUMT recognition. For tRNA, most base substitutions in the 7-base loop did not eliminate RUMT activity, except for any mutation of the methyl acceptor U54 and the C56G mutation. The effect of base and base pair mutations on Kcat or the rate of methylation by RUMT was more striking than the effect on the Kd for binding to RUMT. In comparison with mutations in the T-loop of intact tRNA, base mutation in the T-loop of the 17-mer T-arm had a more deleterious effect on binding and methylation. Surprisingly, recognition of tRNA by RUMT appears to reside in the three-dimensional structure of the seven-member T-loop rather than in its primary structure.
Carbon dioxide laser endoscopic diverticulotomy versus open diverticulectomy for Zenker's diverticulum.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To compare open and CO 2 laser-assisted endoscopic surgical management of Zenker's diverticulum. Study Design: A retrospective review of 49 consecutive surgically treated patients with Zenker's diverticulum was conducted. Methods: Patients' records were reviewed and analyzed for patient age and sex, size of diverticulum, incision time (time recorded from start of incision to surgical completion of case), length of hospital stay, complications, and follow-up management. A postoperative questionnaire inquiring about swallow function was conducted by mail or telephone. Swallow function was assessed on a fourpoint scale. Results: Various procedures performed included endoscopic CO 2 laser-assisted diverticulotomy (n = 24) and open diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy (n = 28). The average incision time of laser endoscopic cases (47 min) was significantly shorter (P <.001) than that of open diverticulectomy cases (170 min). Length of hospital stay did not significantly vary between the two groups. Five patients (21%) initially treated with laser endoscopic diverticulotomy demonstrated symptomatic persistent Zenker's diverticulum; three underwent repeat operation. No open cases required repeat operation. One endoscopic case was aborted secondary to esophageal injury from placement of the endoscope. Postoperative fever was seen in two (8%) endoscopic cases and four (14%) open approach cases. No major complications (recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, mediastinitis, or death) were encountered. More than 90% of respondents in each treatment group reported normal or near-normal swallow function. Conclusion: Laser endoscopic management is a reasonable and safe method for surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum in comparison with the open technique. Employment of the endoscopic approach reduces operative time and the complexity of postoperative care. Practitioners should be aware that the endoscopic approach may result in a higher failure rate.
In vitro percutaneous absorption of genistein from topical gels through human skin.

The objective of this study was to formulate genistein as a topical gel with various penetration enhancers for increased permeation and retention in human skin. The high performance liquid chromatography assay method was validated for precision and reproducibility. The intra-day and inter-day precision as represented by the coefficient of variation (CV) of the peak areas were <0.44% and <0.67%, respectively. Further, the reproducibility was demonstrated by the CV of the assay at different genistein concentrations, which were <1.64%. Genistein was subjected to various stress conditions to obtain basic information on the appropriate pH and aqueous vehicle for formulating topical gels. Genistein was highly stable under neutral and oxidative conditions, but degraded to highly polar and nonpolar compounds under basic and acidic conditions, respectively. Menthol produced a 9- and 22-fold increase in the flux and skin retention of genistein, respectively, after 24 h of gel application as compared with the contro...
Group Additivity vs Ab Initio

An extension of the concept of response reactions (RERs) is presented that allows the generation of thermochemical data from group additivity (GA) and ab initio methods using precisely the same stoichiometric and mathematical procedures. This goal is achieved by (i) reformulating the ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis in terms of GA reactions, (ii) realizing that the modified OLS analysis is equally applied to both GA and ab initio methods, and (iii) proving that the errors (residuals) may be uniquely partitioned into a sum of contributions associated with GA RERs. These new findings provide a remarkable interpretation and direct comparison of the accuracies and capabilities of the GA and ab initio methods.
On the shoulders of giants...

Abstract : In a letter dated February 5, 1676 (dated 1675 using the Julian calendar), Sir Isaac Newton opined to Robert Hooke, If I have seen further [than you and Descartes], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. 1 That comment is frequently cited by physicians and surgeons who wish to recognize the debt owed to our predecessors whose efforts have brought us to our present state of enlightenment and understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of surgical disease. Many surgical greats were available for selection as the surgical giants for this supplement of the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. The four selected giants, whose contributions have had major influence on the organization and delivery of combat casualty care, were involved in wars of the early and mid-19th century (William Beaumont and Jonathan Letterman, respectively) and the twoworldwars of the 20th century (George Crile,World War I, and Edward D. Churchill, World War II) (Fig. 1). Each of the four was an experienced clinical surgeon of his time, and each appreciated the importance of scientific study to advance surgical care and improve patient outcomes.
Special article: a brief history of pneumonectomy☆

The ineluctable conclusion to be drawn from this article is that thoracic surgery could not develop without endotracheal ventilation. What is astounding is that this technique, known since the 16th century and perfected in the late 19th century, was ignored and in fact rejected by surgeons [4]. The negative effect that Sauerbruch had on the development of thoracic anesthesia was well stated by Comroe: "An impressive piece of hardware, backed by a highly prestigious designer, can hold back progress for decades" [49]. Before the formation of the AATS, there was no forum for the discussion of methods for solving the problems of pulmonary resection and anesthesia. Experience gained in the animal laboratory was largely ignored and not applied to pneumonectomy in humans. Ligation of the pulmonary artery does not initiate the clinical course of massive pulmonary embolism. In the absence of infection, concern about the postpneumonectomy space is groundless. Preresection phrenic nerve crush and pneumothorax are unnecessary, as are attempts to stabilize the postpneumonectomy mediastinum by adjusting intrapleural pressure or by thoracoplasty. It behooves thoracic surgeons to heed Comroe's comment: "Finally, what are we, with our infinite wisdom and magnificent technical advances, doing today that will appear primitive, curious or even stupid 50 years from now?"
Identification and characterization of the gene encoding the major structural protein of insect iridescent virus type 22

Abstract The major structural protein (MSP-apparent molecular weight 49,000) of insect iridescent virus type 22 (isolated from blackflies- Simulium spp.) was resolved from disrupted, purified virus particles by SDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose by Western blotting. The portion of the blot containing the MSP was identified and excised. Tryptic peptides, generated by digestion in situ , were purified by HPLC. Three of these peptides were sequenced and an oligonucleotide gene probe was designed using one of them. A Sal I clone of IV22 DNA was identified as MSP-specific by hybridization. DNA from this and an overlapping DNA clone was sequenced and a large open reading frame was positively identified as the MSP coding sequence by comparison with the tryptic peptide sequences. The molecular weight of the predicted protein product of this gene is 51,993, comparable with the apparent weight obtained by SDS-PAGE. In infected Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf) cells MSP is synthesized from 12 hr postinfection onwards. The identification of this gene and analysis of its expression opens the way to elucidating the control of late gene expression in an insect iridescent virus.
Age and interval for screening mammography: Whom do you believe?

The purpose of this article is to help the clinician understand the benefits and limitations of screening mammography in the 40-49 age group. Since the benefit of screening mammography is well established in the literature for the 50-59 age group, comparison of the relevant issues is focused on similarities and differences between these two age groups. The incidence of breast cancer, the effectiveness of mammography, and the growth rates of tumors influence the benefit derived from screening. Available data suggest that mammography is equally effective in both age groups, with similar detection rates of minimal cancer (27 vs. 25%). The difference in estimated annual incidence between the 40-49 and the 50-59 age group is only 8%. Since tumor growth rate seems to be faster in the younger age group, screening should be performed annually, starting at 40 years of age, if it is to provide a benefit.
Has hair cell loss MET its match

Humans, like all animals, depend on sensory systems to perceive different aspects of the physical world. One of the most remarkable achievements of evolution has been the development of sensory cells that are specialized to detect unique aspects of this world such as a single photon or a single molecular odorant. Similarly, our ability to perceive sound is mediated through the vibration of exquisitely sensitive stereociliary bundles located on the luminal surfaces of mechanosensory hair cells. A deflection of a little as 1 nM at the tip of the stereociliary bundle is sufficient to elicit a change in the resting potential and synaptic activity of the cell (1). Unraveling the molecular mechanisms that mediate the perception of physical stimuli has been one of the most exciting and rewarding endeavors in modern biology. The characterization of the phototransduction cascade has not only provided insights into the function of the visual system but also contributed profoundly to our understanding of G protein-coupled receptor signaling (2). Surely similar insights regarding mechanotransduction will be obtained once the molecular pathways underlying this sensory modality have been revealed. However, the limited number of mechanosensory hair cells present in any single organism has impeded our ability to dissect the molecular basis of mechanotransduction. Although ≈30 million photoreceptors can be obtained from a single rodent retina, both cochleae from the same animal contain <20,000 mechanosensory hair cells (3, 4). The relative scarcity of these cells emphasizes not only their exceptional level of efficiency but also another daunting aspect of inner ear biology: In mammals, mechanosensory hair cells are generated only during embryogenesis. Over time, and with marked influences from environment and genetic makeup, mechanosensory hair cells are …
Weaning of the neurologically impaired patient

Many studies have been published on weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, but few have addressed the unique needs of patients with neurologic impairment. Typically, neuroscience patients remain intubated because of concerns over airway protection or neuromuscular weakness. This article discusses special weaning considerations for this patient population. Neurologic-specific weaning trends from a comprehensive ventilator weaning program are also presented.
Decomposition algorithms for minimal cut problems

Consider a network G(N. A) with n nodes, where node 1 designates its source node and node n designates its sink node. The cuts (Zi, =), i= 1…, n - 1 are called one-node cuts if 1 ϵ Zi,. n q Zi, Z1-− {1}, Zi ϵ Zi+1 and Zi and Zi+l differ by only one node. It is shown that these one-node cuts decompose G into 1 m n/2 subnetworks with known minimal cuts. Under certain circumstances, the proposed one-node decomposition can produce a minimal cut for G in 0(n2 ) machine operations. It is also shown that, under certain conditions, one-node cuts produce no decomposition. An alternative procedure is also introduced to overcome this situation. It is shown that this alternative procedure has the computational complexity of 0(n3).
Renal oncocytoma associated with diffuse lymphoma

Abstract We report on a sixty-six-year-old man with a poorly differentiated, diffuse lymphomain whom bilateral multiple renal masses developed six months after starting chemotherapy. Computerized tomography and selective renal arteriograms were suggestive of either recurrence of lymphoma or renal cell carcinoma. Kidney biopsy revealed renal oncocytomas, benign renal tumors. The patient was spared further courses of cytotoxic therapy.
Abstract PL04-04: Population impact: Using modeling to evaluate contributions of screening, treatment, and biology on disparities in breast cancer outcomes

Purpose: U.S. Black women have higher breast cancer mortality rates than White women despite lower incidence. The disparity is growing and the reasons for this disparity remain uncertain. The aim of this study is to investigate how much of the mortality disparity can be attributed to racial differences in natural history, uptake of mammography screening and use of adjuvant therapy. Methods: Two simulation models use common national race- and age-specific data for incidence, screening and treatment dissemination, stage distributions, survival and competing mortality from 1975 to 2010. Treatment effectiveness and mammography sensitivity are assumed to be the same for both races. We sequentially substituted Black parameters into the White model to identify parameters that drive the higher mortality for Black women in the current time period (2004–2006). Results: Both models accurately reproduced observed breast cancer incidence, stage and tumor size distributions and breast cancer mortality for White women. The higher mortality for Black women could be attributed to differences in natural history parameters (26–44%), use of adjuvant therapy (11–19%) and uptake of mammography screening (7–8%), leaving 38–46% unexplained. Conclusion: Black women appear to have benefited less from cancer control advances than White women, with a greater race-related gap in the use of adjuvant therapy than mammography screening. However, a greater portion of the disparity in breast cancer mortality appears to be due to differences in natural history and undetermined factors. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):PL04-04.
Deceased donor kidney and liver transplantation to nonresident aliens in the United States.

BACKGROUND Policies governing the allocation of deceased donor organs to nonresident aliens (NRAs) have existed from the early days of transplantation. However, there is a paucity of research describing this population. The aim of the present study is to examine characteristics and allocation patterns for NRAs compared to U.S. citizens in the context of the two most common forms of solid organ transplantation. METHODS The study included kidney and liver transplant candidates and deceased donor transplant recipients from 1988-2005 in the United States. We describe demographic characteristics, insurance coverage, geographic variability, and donor relationship based on citizenship and residency status. We additionally examined the association of citizenship with time to transplantation utilizing survival models. RESULTS From 1988-2005, there were 2724 solitary kidney and 2072 liver NRA candidate listings with United Network for Organ Sharing. NRA recipients had more self-pay (liver 36% and kidney 22%) and foreign sources (liver 26% and kidney 13%) of insurance coverage. Transplants to NRAs were more frequent than deceased donations deriving from NRAs for both organs. Adjusted models indicated that NRA kidney candidates received transplants at the same rate as U.S. citizens while liver NRA candidates received transplants more rapidly during the pre-Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD; adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.2, confidence interval [CI] 1.2-1.3) and post-MELD (AHR 1.5, CI 1.3-1.7) eras. CONCLUSIONS NRAs are demographically and socioeconomically diverse and have historically had a more rapid progression on the waiting list to receive a liver transplant. Further discussion and investigation concerning the ethical, economic, and public health ramifications of transplantation to NRA patients are warranted.
Abstract A44: Proprotein convertase furin in rhabdomyosarcoma progression: A potential target for pediatric sarcomas therapy?

To improve therapies for embryonal pediatric tumors such as rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, we have selected, by in vivo phage display, for peptides that bind to RMS with high specificity. We have shown that coupling of doxorubicin to RMS-P3, our lead RMS-targeting peptide, increases its therapeutic impact in a xenograft mouse model for RMS. We have identified furin as potential target for RMS binding peptide RMS-P3. Furin is a member of the proprotein convertases (PC), a family of ten serine proteases, which convert inactive proproteins into their active form. We have found consistent expression of furin in a panel of RMS cell lines and in RMS biopsies at the mRNA level. To elucidate the contribution of furin to RMS growth we have generated a panel of RMS cell lines either overexpressing furin, or a specific intrinsic PC inhibitor called α1-PDX, as well as RMS cell lines were expression of furin has been stably reduced by shRNA. These cells have been tested for their growth, migration and invasion potential in vitro as well as for their growth in vivo as subcutaneous xenografts. The results suggest a direct correlation between furin activity and RMS cells migration and invasive properties in vitro as well as RMS tumor growth in vivo. Interestingly, alveolar RMS cells display a higher furin activity compared to embryonal RMS cells. Alveolar RMS cells growth in vivo cannot be further enhanced by furin overexpression, in contrast to embryonal RMS cells, suggesting a causal link between high furin activity and alveolar RMS malignant phenotype. Among the known furin substrates, which are processed and activated by furin, and involved in tumor growth, migration and invasion, we found a direct correlation between furin activity and IGFR1 activation. Our results suggest that furin plays a relevant role in RMS progression through enhanced activation of the IGF1R pathway, among others, and that it might represent a viable target for therapeutic intervention in RMS. This warrants further studies in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for RMS based both on specific inhibition of its activity and on targeted drug delivery by furin targeting peptides. Citation Format: Patricia Jaaks, Valentina D9Alessandro, Beat W. Schafer, Michele Bernasconi.{Authors}. Proprotein convertase furin in rhabdomyosarcoma progression: A potential target for pediatric sarcomas therapy? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr A44.
Urban crime: Issues and policies

Abstract Research suggests that some social and criminal justice policies can affect the crime rate. This article considers the major criminal justice and social policy issues related to urban crime, such as drugs, domestic violence, property values, and the underground economy. Family disruption, drugs, limited economic opportunities, and unoccupied and unsupervised youth are all found to be associated with urban crime. The article concludes that major reductions in crime are likely to result only from increased economic and social opportunities for families and youth, particularly for young males. Intensive programs directed at families and at‐risk youth are more likely to lower crime than are programs directed at people already heavily involved in illegal activities. It costs less to keep young people in education and training programs than to imprison them, and such programs are more likely to produce productive and well‐adjusted adults.
New directions in international development research: a focus on children

Most international development research has either ignored children or relegated them to a secondary status. This is unfortunate because children represent one of the most vulnerable groups in most societies. In contrast to previous studies, this paper proposes a framework for examining children from a global perspective. It argues that children's quality of life is influenced by a variety of factors at the international, national, and local levels. Perhaps most important, the global debt crisis has forced poor countries to implement austerity measures (e.g., cuts in health and education spending) designed to facilitate debt repayment. These policies take resources away from children and affect national governmental strategies, which, in turn, influence phenomena at the community, village, and even household levels. To illustrate these issues, part of the paper focuses on events in Zambia, a country that has experienced substantial hardship in recent years. Such difficulties have harmed the health and edu...
Spray-deposited CuInSe2 nanocrystal photovoltaics

Photovoltaic devices (PVs) were fabricated by spray-coating an ink of copper indium diselenide (CIS) nanocrystals as the light-absorbing layer. Without high-temperature post-deposition annealing, PVs were made on glass and plastic substrates with power conversion efficiencies of up to 1.9% and 1.1%, respectively, under AM1.5 illumination. The mild processing conditions also enabled fabrication of alternative device structures that are not compatible with conventional high-temperature PV processing, including substrate and superstrate designs, and devices with transparent back contacts of conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) and plastic substrates. Device performance is observed to be limited by poor charge extraction from the nanocrystal films, with the highest efficiencies being obtained from PVs with relatively thin absorber layers. To improve light absorption without sacrificing internal quantum efficiency, stacked PVs were fabricated, which exhibited improved short-circuit current and power conversion efficiency compared to stand-alone single junction devices.
Advances in contrast enhancement for optical coherence tomography.

Contrast in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images is often limited, particularly when pathological tissue is morphologically or optically similar to normal tissue. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing methods for enhancing OCT contrast. In general, contrast can be enhanced by the administration of passive or targeted exogenous contrast agents, or by exploiting linear and nonlinear techniques for sampling the endogenous molecular composition of tissue. Many exogenous agents, in addition to being targeted to specific cells and tissues, can also serve as multifunctional agents, delivering or facilitating therapy as well as providing enhanced contrast for imaging and localization. This paper and presentation will discuss novel OCT contrast enhancing methods designed to selectively identify tissues of interest. *
Critical-path-based message logging for incremental replay of message-passing programs

Debugging long-running, nondeterministic message-passing parallel programs requires incremental replay, the ability to exactly replay selected parts of an execution. To support incremental replay, we must log enough messages and checkpoint processes often enough to allow any requested replay to complete quickly. We present an adaptive tracing strategy to keep the message-logging overhead down. We let the user specify a bound on the maximum time any replay request is allowed to take. Our algorithm tracks what each process's critical path will be during a replay and logs enough messages to ensure the critical path will never exceed the bound. Overhead is kept low by not logging messages that can be recomputed during a replay. Experiments indicate that we log about 0.1-5% of the messages while still providing a reasonable bound on any replay. >
Repair and reorganization of minced cardiac muscle in the adult newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)

Studies of the response of adult mammalian and amphibian ventricle to injury have indicated the formation of a connective tissue scar in the place of the wounded or amputated muscle. It has been demonstrated that amphibian myocytes adjacent to a wound surface, unlike mammalian myocytes, have a proliferative capacity. In the present study, a minced cardiac muscle graft was placed into the adult newt ventricle in order to increase the number of myocytes near a wound surface. With such an increased number of reactive myocytes, it was thought a new wall consisting primarily of muscle might be formed. One-sixteenth to one-eighth of the ventricular apex was removed, minced and returned to the amputation surface of the ventricle. General histological and autoradiographic studies were conducted on two sham-operated animals and on five experimental animals which were killed at 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 70 days after surgery. Major events of the repair and reorganization of minced cardiac muscle included blood clot formation followed by necrosis of the blood clot and much of the muscle graft. By ten days, an apparent coalescence of muscle fragments and continuity of ventricular and graft lumina were observed, although the graft area never formed an integrated unit with the wounded ventricular wall. The peak of mitotic activity (3.19%) and thymidine labeling (28.1%) of graft cells, including many cells which resembled cardiac myocytes, was observed at 20 days. At 30 days, the graft was observed as a continuous wall composed primarily of muscle fibers. Several 30-, 50- and 70-day grafts had rhythmic contractions. These results suggest that amphibian cardiac muscle has histogenetic and proliferative capacities not attributable to mammalian cardiac muscle.
Information mining over heterogeneous and high-dimensional time-series data in clinical trials databases

An effective analysis of clinical trials data involves analyzing different types of data such as heterogeneous and high dimensional time series data. The current time series analysis methods generally assume that the series at hand have sufficient length to apply statistical techniques to them. Other ideal case assumptions are that data are collected in equal length intervals, and while comparing time series, the lengths are usually expected to be equal to each other. However, these assumptions are not valid for many real data sets, especially for the clinical trials data sets. An addition, the data sources are different from each other, the data are heterogeneous, and the sensitivity of the experiments varies by the source. Approaches for mining time series data need to be revisited, keeping the wide range of requirements in mind. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for information mining that involves two major steps: applying a data mining algorithm over homogeneous subsets of data, and identifying common or distinct patterns over the information gathered in the first step. Our approach is implemented specifically for heterogeneous and high dimensional time series clinical trials data. Using this framework, we propose a new way of utilizing frequent itemset mining, as well as clustering and declustering techniques with novel distance metrics for measuring similarity between time series data. By clustering the data, we find groups of analytes (substances in blood) that are most strongly correlated. Most of these relationships already known are verified by the clinical panels, and, in addition, we identify novel groups that need further biomedical analysis. A slight modification to our algorithm results an effective declustering of high dimensional time series data, which is then used for "feature selection." Using industry-sponsored clinical trials data sets, we are able to identify a small set of analytes that effectively models the state of normal health
Overcoming the challenges of implementing a multi-mission distributed workflow system

A multi-mission approach to solving the same problems for various projects is enticing. However, the multi-mission approach leads to the need to develop a configurable, adaptable and distributed system for meeting unique project requirements. That, in turn, leads to a set of challenges varying from handling synchronization issues to coming up with a smart design that allows the “unknowns” to be decided later.
Teaching Poverty With Geographic Visualization and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A Case Study of East Buffalo and Food Access

Although various methods have been used to teach about poverty in the social work classroom (e.g., quantitative, historical, and qualitative), the use of geographic visualization and geographic information systems (GIS) has become a relatively new method. In our analysis of food access on the East Side of Buffalo, New York, we demonstrate the unequal access that predominately African American areas of Buffalo have to grocery stores when compared to communities with a smaller proportion of African American residents. We attempt to demonstrate how geovisualization can be used to teach poverty to social work students differently than traditional methods. We note three specific advantages for its use in teaching about poverty. First, spatial information encourages ecological and systems thinking. Second, geovisualization can aid social workers in identifying specific community needs to stakeholders, because maps are accessible and easily understood. Finally, new GIS technologies are accessible to the student ...
Cracking the egg: Virtual embryogenesis of real robots

All multicellular living beings are created from a single cell. A developmental process, called embryogenesis, takes this first fertilized cell down a complex path of reproduction, migration, and specialization into a complex organism adapted to its environment. In most cases, the first steps of the embryogenesis take place in a protected environment such as in an egg or in utero. Starting from this observation, we propose a new approach to the generation of real robots, strongly inspired by living systems. Our robots are composed of tens of specialized cells, grown from a single cell using a bio-inspired virtual developmental process. Virtual cells, controlled by gene regulatory networks, divide, migrate, and specialize to produce the robot's body plan morphology, and then the robot is manually built from this plan. Because the robot is as easy to assemble as Lego, the building process could be easily automated.
Boryl-mediated reversible H2 activation at cobalt: catalytic hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and transfer hydrogenation.

We describe the synthesis of a cobalt(I)–N2 complex (2) supported by a meridional bis-phosphino-boryl (PBP) ligand. Complex 2 undergoes a clean reaction with 2 equiv of dihydrogen to afford a dihydridoboratocobalt dihydride (3). The ability of boron to switch between a boryl and a dihydridoborate conformation makes possible the reversible conversion of 2 and 3. Complex 3 reacts with HMe_2N–BH_3 to give a hydridoborane cobalt tetrahydridoborate complex. We explore this boryl–cobalt system in the context of catalytic olefin hydrogenation as well as amine–borane dehydrogenation/transfer hydrogenation.
The Future of Inclusive Educational Practice: Constructive Tension and the Potential for Reflective Reform

(1998). The Future of Inclusive Educational Practice: Constructive Tension and the Potential for Reflective Reform. Childhood Education: Vol. 74, Continuing Tensions in Education, pp. 302-308.
Variation and Trends in ED Use of Radiographs for Asthma, Bronchiolitis, and Croup in Children

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were (1) to determine trends in radiograph use in emergency department (ED) care of children with asthma, bronchiolitis, and croup; and (2) to examine the association of patient and hospital factors with variation in radiograph use. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study of National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data between 1995 and 2009 on radiograph use at ED visits in children aged 2 to 18 years with asthma, aged 3 months to 1 year with bronchiolitis, and aged 3 months to 6 years with croup. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and adjusted for all factors studied. RESULTS: The use of radiographs for asthma increased significantly over time (OR: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.09; P CONCLUSIONS: The ED use of radiographs for children with asthma increased significantly from 1995 to 2009. Reversing this trend could result in substantial cost savings and reduced radiation. Pediatric-focused EDs used significantly fewer radiographs for asthma, bronchiolitis, and croup. The translation of practices from pediatric-focused EDs to all EDs could improve performance.
The Effect of Foot Orthoses on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

In a retrospective review of 102 patients treated for chondromalacia patellae and patellofemoral pain syndrome/retropatellar dysplasia (PFPS/ RPD), the effectiveness of semiflexible foot orthoses was investigated. The combined disorders were diagnosed in 89.3% of the patients. Subjects were 46 women and 54 men, aged 12 to 87 years (mean, 37.9 years; SD, 15.9), who exhibited excessive forefoot varus or rearfoot varus. The initial screening and clinical diagnosis were based on an examination by an orthopedist. Particular attention was directed to patellar crepitation, patellofemoral malalignment, Q-angle measurements, limitation of range of motion, and knee effusion. Patients were evaluated for the onset and duration of patellofemoral pain and degree of knee joint disease. Semiflexible orthoses for each subject were fabricated, based on a clinical lower extremity biomechanical examination. At their follow-up visit, 76.5% were improved and 2% were asymptomatic, showing a significant decrease in the level of pain with orthoses intervention (chi-square P < .001). Although multiple treatment modalities are used for these patients, the results suggest that the use of semiflexible orthoses is significant in reducing symptoms of PFPS/RPD. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(4): 264-271, 2003)
Superoxide from Glucose Oxidase or from Nitroblue Tetrazolium

Glucose oxidase reduces nitroblue tetrazolium, or ferricytochrome c, faster anaerobically than aerobically. This result is inconsistent with the conclusion that GO2 can reduce O2 to O2- which is then responsible for the reduction of NBT and of cytochrome c. Nevertheless, the aerobic reductions are partially inhibitable by superoxide dismutase. A scheme of reactions is proposed which explains why these electron acceptors cause an O2- production which does not occur in their absence when O2 is the sole electron acceptor.
Can disease specific measures for systemic lupus erythematosus predict patients health related quality of life

Disease specific measures like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) and Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) are primarily based on physician assessment of disease severity along with blood tests pertinent to SLE. These are primarily used for research purposes and do not quantify the social impact of the disease or measure function and well being from the patients perspective. We wish to study the degree of correlation between the SLEDAI, SLICC and patient reported health related quality of life (HRQOL), to see if these measures can be used to gauge the disease impact from the patient's perspective. The aim of the study was, therefore, to assess the correlation between SLICC, SLEDAI and HRQOL in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. We utilized the University of Chicago SLE database to obtain SLEDAI, SLICC and MOS SF-36 scores. A physician not directly involved in their care assessed SLEDAI, SLICC and SF-36 at the same visit. STATA-7SE software was used to obtain the two summary scores [physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS)]. Multiple linear regression and correlation coefficients were obtained to assess the direction and relationship between HRQOL and these disease specific measures. On multivariate regression models, both SLICC and SLEDAI were predictive of the PCS scores (beta SLICC = - 1.036, P = 0.025, 95% CI - 1.9, -0.13: beta SLEDAI = - 0.322, P = 0.012, 95% CI -0.57, -0.07. R2= 0.14). Neither SLICC nor SLEDAI were predictive of MCS scores (beta SLICC =-0.015, P=0.97, 95% CI -1.03, 1.001: beta SLEDAI=-0.19, P=0.174, 95% CI -0.47, 0.08. R2 = 0.02). The correlation coefficients between SLEDAI and PCS, MCS were -0.29 and -0.15, respectively. The correlation coefficients between SLICC and PCS, MCS were -0.27 and -0.02, respectively. The conclusions are that SLEDAI and SLICC are poor indicators of HRQOL of patients with SLE.
IMRT fluence map editing to control hot and cold spots

Manually editing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fluence maps effectively controls hot and cold spots that the IMRT optimization cannot control. Many times, re-optimizing does not reduce the hot spots or increase the cold spots. In fact, re-optimizing only places the hot and cold spots in different locations. Fluence-map editing provides manual control of dose delivery and provides the best treatment plan possible. Several IMRT treatments were planned using the Varian Eclipse planning system. We compare the effects on dose distributions between fluence-map editing and re-optimization, discuss techniques for fluence-map editing, and analyze differences between fluence editing on one beam vs. multiple beams. When editing a beam's fluence map, it is essential to choose a beam that least affects dose to the tumor and critical structures. Editing fluence maps gives an advantage in treatment planning and provides controlled delivery of IMRT dose.
How to draw a Tait-colorable graph

Presented here are necessary and sufficient conditions for a cubic graph equipped with a Tait-coloring to have a drawing in the real projective plane where every edge is represented by a line segment, all of the lines supporting the edges sharing a common color are concurrent, and all of the supporting lines are distinct.
Utility of Ultrastructural Studies of Cardiac Biopsy Specimens

In this introduction, ultrastructural features of normal and hypertrophic cardiac myocytes are described and a short sum- mary of the session is provided.
Spectral analysis of episodic rhythmic variations in the cutaneous electrogastrogram

The cutaneous recording of gastric electrical activity is called the electrogastrogram (EGG). Gastric electrical dysrhythmic events associated with abnormal conditions of the stomach may be detected from the EGG. An adaptive spectral analysis method based on autoregressive moving average (ARMA) modeling has previously been developed. The ability of the previous method to detect gastric dysrhythmic events from the EGG is studied. A series of bench tests simulating typical problems with the analysis of nonstationary electric potentials was conducted. The application of the adaptive spectral analysis method to dysrhythmic events and rhythmic variations of the gastric slow wave is presented. The adaptive spectral analysis approach provides several advantages: narrow frequency peaks permitting more precise frequency identification, determination of changes in frequency components at any time point, and enhanced interpretation of cutaneous EGG recordings. >
Psychosocial approaches to pain management: An organizational framework

Many different psychosocial treatments for pain have been described in the literature. All of these treatments have at least some evidence supporting their efficacy. However, each treatment is based on a theory or model that is most useful only for that particular intervention. An overarching model or framework that includes all of the factors hypothesized to play a role in the effects of these treatments would be useful for (1) understanding the similarities and differences between existing and future psychosocial pain treatments, (2) guiding the psychosocial evaluation of patients with chronic pain, and (3) giving clinicians greater flexibility for including psychosocial interventions that have proven efficacy, but that may not be explained by their preferred (but perhaps limited) model. This article proposes an initial version of such a framework, with the hope that it will increase our understanding of the role that psychosocial factors play in the experience of pain and its negative effects on functioning, and informs future research seeking to identify the common and specific factors associated with psychosocial pain treatments.
Artificial Immune System based image pattern recognition in energy efficient Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

In wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs), low cost complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera sensors may only produce low resolution images due to hardware limitations. However, super-resolution images may be constructed from these low resolution images in a multiple sensor network, improving object pattern recognition success rates. There is a critical image recognition challenge in these reconstructed super-resolution images for accuracy, complexity and limited energy resource in wireless sensor networks. Artificial immune systems (AIS), in particular those possessing algorithmic efficiency for image pattern differentiation, categorization and recognition, have potential advantages in low-cost automated monitoring and object detection applications. In this paper, we study the application of AIS for distributed and collaborative image pattern recognition in wireless multimedia sensor networks possessing energy efficient image communications and in-situ image content processing. Our contributions are two fold. First, we propose an innovative approach involving dimension reduction to accelerate the AIS algorithm within an environment of low cost computing and efficient data transmission among the wireless sensor nodes. Second, a sleep control algorithm is proposed to reduce the image redundancies in order to achieve energy efficiency while guaranteeing the object recognition success rate in dynamic WMSN topology. Simulation results have demonstrated that the proposed approaches gain significant performance improvements in energy efficiency and in-network image content processing for WMSN. The algorithmic and simulation works are validated with the field data in collaborations between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Raytheon Company.
Effects of converter type, reset method, and core material and magamp regulator performance

The magnetic amplifier (magamp) regulator's inherent line rejection and loop performance are examined. Specifically, it is shown how the line to output rejection is affected by the reset method, core material and the driving converter topology. Equations describing magamp performance are derived and verified by measurements. Most of the tests were conducted with the magamp control loop open in order to isolate the magamp modulator rejection. >
cmpRTCP: Concurrent Multi-Path Real-Time TCP

In this paper, we propose a new transport protocol, the Concurrent Multi-Path Real-time Transmission Control Protocol (cmpRTCP), that has been designed to handle real-time streams (like video and audio) over IP-networks. cmpRTCP has been designed with a congestion controller and a real-time scheduler embedded in its core to intelligently exploit the availability of multiple paths between multi-homed hosts for concurrent transmission of unicast real-time streams. Experimental results show that this is a best effort protocol that tries to maximize the amount of data that is successfully delivered to the destination in a timely manner under varying drop and delay conditions of the network.
EVIDENCE FROM AN EXPERIMENT ON CHARITY TO WELFARE RECIPIENTS: RECIPROCITY, ALTRUISM AND THE EMPATHIC RESPONSIVENESS HYPOTHESIS*

This article investigates the determinants of generosity in an experiment on charity to real-life welfare recipients. It tests the effects of various measures of unconditional altruism and conditional or reciprocal altruism. The results show strong support for conditional or reciprocal altruism. However, people who are self-reported unconditional altruists make offers that are highly elastic with respect to the apparent worthiness of the recipient. One interpretation of this is that self-reported unconditional altruists have combined desires to help others and to reciprocate; unconditional altruism and reciprocal altruism may not be independent motives. I refer to this combination as empathic responsiveness.