cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A self-assembled nanofiber catalyst for ester hydrolysis

Catalytic particles based on supramolecular systems have demonstrated significant improvement in the field of catalysis. In this work, histidine-functionalized self-assembling peptide amphiphiles (PAs) were synthesized in order to form self-assembly high-aspect-ratio nanofibers with internal order that can present imidazolyl groups capable of ester hydrolysis. Self-assembly of the molecules making up the catalytic particle was studied by transmission electron microscopy and circular dichroism. The reactive sites were designed with histidine residues to catalyze the hydrolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenyl acetate (DNPA). Enzymatic hydrolysis of DNPA was observed in the presence of the nanofibers by UV−vis spectroscopy and the Michaelis−Menten enzyme kinetics model. Significantly faster hydrolysis rate was observed in the presence of self-assembled nanofibers relative to spherical aggregates expected to have less order as well as single molecule catalysts.
Haploidentical related-donor hematopoietic cell transplantation in children using megadoses of CliniMACs-selected CD34 + cells and a fixed CD3 + dose

Haploidentical related-donor hematopoietic cell transplantation in children using megadoses of CliniMACs-selected CD34 + cells and a fixed CD3 + dose
Neutron-Proton Elastic Scattering from 70 to 400 GeV/c

The authors have measured neutron-proton elastic scattering cross sections for four-momentum transfers .17 {le} -t {le} 3.5(GeV/c){sup 2}. The logarithmic slope parameter is found to be consistent with existing proton-proton parameterizations. The data also exhibit a dip in the cross section near -t {approx} 1.4(geV/c){sup 2} for incident neutron momenta above 200 GeV/c. Differences between n-p and p-p cross sections are noted in the region .7 {le} -t {le} 1.4(GeV/c){sup 2}.
Searching for knowledge in a world flooded with facts

The wide availability of computer technology and large electronic storage media has led to an enormous proliferation of databases in almost every area of human endeavour. This naturally creates an intense demand for powerful methods and tools for data analysis. Current methods and tools are primarily oriented toward extracting numerical and statistical data characteristics. While such characteristics are very important and useful, they are often insufficient. A decision maker typically needs an interpretation of these findings, and this has to be done by a data analyst. With the growth in the amount and complexity of the data, making such interpretations is an increasingly difficult problem. As a potential solution, this paper advocates the development of methods for conceptual data analysis. Such methods aim at semi-automating the processes of determining high-level data interpretations, and discovering qualitative patterns in data. It is argued that these methods could be built on the basis of algorithms developed in the area of machine learning. An exemplary system utilizing such algorithms, INLEN, is discussed. The system integrates machine learning and statistical analysis techniques with database and expert system technologies. Selected capabilities of the system are illustrated by examples from implemented modules.
Newcastle Disease Virus Expressing a Dendritic Cell-Targeted HIV Gag Protein Induces a Potent Gag-Specific Immune Response in Mice

Viral vaccine vectors have emerged as an attractive strategy for the development of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine. Recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rNDV) stands out as a vaccine vector since it has a proven safety profile in humans, it is a potent inducer of both alpha interferon (IFN-α) and IFN-β) production, and it is a potent inducer of dendritic cell (DC) maturation. Our group has previously generated an rNDV vector expressing a codon-optimized HIV Gag protein and demonstrated its ability to induce a Gag-specific CD8(+) T cell response in mice. In this report we demonstrate that the Gag-specific immune response can be further enhanced by the targeting of the rNDV-encoded HIV Gag antigen to DCs. Targeting of the HIV Gag antigen was achieved by the addition of a single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody specific for the DC-restricted antigen uptake receptor DEC205 such that the DEC205 scFv-Gag molecule was encoded for expression as a fusion protein. The vaccination of mice with rNDV coding for the DC-targeted Gag antigen induced an enhanced Gag-specific CD8(+) T cell response and enhanced numbers of CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells in the spleen relative to vaccination with rNDV coding for a nontargeted Gag antigen. Importantly, mice vaccinated with the DEC205-targeted vaccine were better protected from challenge with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the HIV Gag protein. Here we demonstrate that the targeting of the HIV Gag antigen to DCs via the DEC205 receptor enhances the ability of an rNDV vector to induce a potent antigen-specific immune response.
Pressure‐volume‐temperature properties of blends of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene ether) with polystyrene

The pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) properties of blends of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) (PPO) with polystyrene (PS) have been studied experimentally in both the glassy and melt states at 0, 20, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100% PPO content. In all compositions a strong glass transition was observed varying linearly with composition. For all but the 40% PPO composition this was the only transition, indicating molecular compatibility of the components in these blends. The 40% PPO composition showed a very weak second transition near the glass transition of pure PS. A small amount of phase separation may have occurred in this blend. The data for the glassy and melt states were fitted to an empirical equation of state based on the Tait equation. The volume of the melts at constant pressure and temperature showed a virtually linear dependence on composition. Any negative excess volume of mixing compatible with the data would have to be very small, smaller than expected from previous measurements in the glassy state. Various properties relating to the glassy and melt states and to the glass transition were evaluated and are discussed as a function of composition. It was found that most properties of the glasses could not be modeled by simple functions of composition.
Minimization of Heat Load Due to Secondary Reactions in Fuel Rich Environments

The demand for increased thrust, higher engine efficiency, and reduced fuel consumption has increased the turbine inlet temperature and pressure in modern gas turbine engines. The outcome of these higher temperatures and pressures is the potential for unconsumed radical species to enter the turbine. Because modern cooling schemes for turbine blades involve injecting cool, oxygen rich air adjacent to the surface, the potential for reaction with radicals in the mainstream flow and augmented heat transfer to the blade arises. This result is contrary to the purpose of film cooling. In this environment there is a competing desire to consume any free radicals prior to the flow entering the rotor stage while still maintaining surface temperatures below the metal melting temperature.This study evaluated various configurations of multiple cylindrical rows of cooling holes in terms of both heat release and effective downstream cooling. Results were evaluated based on a new Wall Absorption parameter which combined the additional heat available from these secondary reactions with the length of the resulting flame to determine which schemes protected the wall more efficiently. Two particular schemes showed promise. The two row upstream configuration reduced the overall augmentation of heat by creating a short, concentrated reaction area. Conversely, the roll forward configuration minimized the local heat flux enhancement by spreading the reaction area over the surface being cooled.© 2014 ASME
Drogue Parachute Effects on the Orion Crew Module Stability

A forced oscillation test of the Orion Crew Module (CM) was conducted in the Langley 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel. The objective of the test was to quantify the rate damping characteristics of the CM-drogue chute system. Numerous configurations were tested to measure the influence of the chutes on the CM dynamic aerodynamics and, conversely, the influence of the CM on drogue performance. Results show that the CM-drogue system is well-damped at all combinations of frequency, amplitude, and Strouhal number. The wake of the CM significantly reduces the drogue chute riser line force, and the drogues have little upstream influence on the CM aerodynamics. These results are being used to improve simulation model fidelity of CM flight with drogues deployed, which has been identified by the project as key to a successful Orion Critical Design Review.
Risks and outcomes of spinal deformity surgery in Chiari malformation, Type 1, with syringomyelia versus adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract Background context Chiari malformation, Type 1, with syringomyelia (CIM+SM) is often associated with spinal deformity. The safety of scoliosis surgery this population is controversial and has never been directly compared with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and subjective outcomes of spinal deformity surgery between patients with Chiari malformation Type 1–associated scoliosis and a matched AIS cohort. Study design This study is based on a retrospective matched cohort analysis. Patient sample Patients with CIM+SM and treated with spinal fusion for spinal deformity were identified in the surgical records of a single institution and were matched, 1:1, with AIS patients undergoing spinal fusion at the same institution. Outcome measures The outcome measures were neurological monitoring data quality and integrity, radiographic parameters, and Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire-22 (SRS-22) scores. Methods A clinical database was reviewed for patients undergoing spinal reconstruction for CIM+SM-associated spinal deformity at our institution from 2000 to 2012. Thirty-six CIM+SM patients were identified and matched to an AIS cohort (1:1) based on age, gender, major curve magnitude, fusion length, and revision status. Demographics, deformity morphology, surgical details, neuromonitoring data, and preoperative and postoperative SRS-22 scores were recorded at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Changes in SRS-22 scores were compared within and between groups. Complications and neurological monitoring data issues were compared between groups. Results Mean age was 14.5±5 years (CIM+SM: 14.6±5; AIS: 14.4±5), and 42% of patients were male. Preoperative mean major coronal Cobb measured 58°±25° versus 57°±17° (p=.84) with mean kyphosis 52°±17° versus 41°±20° (p=.018). An average of 10.4±2.6 vertebral levels were fused (10.4±2.8 vs. 10.4±2.3, p=.928). No differences existed in surgical approach (p=.336), estimated blood loss (680±720 vs. 660±310 mL, p=.845), or duration of surgery (6.0±2.2 vs. 5.6±2 hours, p=.434). Complication rate was comparable between the two groups (33% vs. 14%, p=.052). Chiari malformation, Type 1, with syringomyelia experienced more neurological complications (11% vs. 0%, p=.04) and neuromonitoring difficulties (28% vs. 3%, p=.007) than the AIS cohort. Mean curve correction was comparable at 2 years (58% CIM+SM vs. 64% AIS, p=.2). At follow-up, both CIM+SM and AIS groups demonstrated improved cumulative SRS-22 outcome subscores (CIM+SM: +0.4, p=.027; AIS: +0.3, p Conclusions Although CIM+SM patients undergoing spine reconstruction can expect similar deformity corrections and outcome scores to AIS patients, they also experience higher rates of neuromonitoring difficulties and neurological complications related to surgery. Surgeons should be prepared for these difficulties, particularly in children with larger syrinx size.
Orientation of human optokinetic nystagmus to gravity: a model-based approach

Optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) was induced by having subjects watch a moving display in a binocular, head-fixed apparatus. The display was composed of 3.3 degrees stripes moving at 35 degrees/s for 45 s. It subtended 88 degrees horizontally by 72 degrees vertically of the central visual field and could be oriented to rotate about axes that were upright or tilted 45 degrees or 90 degrees. The head was held upright or was tilted 45 degrees left or right on the body during stimulation. Head-horizontal (yaw axis) and head-vertical (pitch axis) components of OKN were recorded with electro-oculography (EOG). Slow phase velocity vectors were determined and compared with the axis of stimulation and the spatial vertical (gravity axis). With the head upright, the axis of eye rotation during yaw axis OKN was coincident with the stimulus axis and the spatial vertical. With the head tilted, a significant vertical component of eye velocity appeared during yaw axis stimulation. As a result the axis of eye rotation shifted from the stimulus axis toward the spatial vertical. Vertical components developed within 1-2 s of stimulus onset and persisted until the end of stimulation. In the six subjects there was a mean shift of the axis of eye rotation during yaw axis stimulation of approximately 18 degrees with the head tilted 45 degrees on the body. Oblique optokinetic stimulation with the head upright was associated with a mean shift of the axis of eye rotation toward the spatial vertical of 9.2 degrees. When the head was tilted and the same oblique stimulation was given, the axis of eye rotation rotated to the other side of the spatial vertical by 5.4 degrees. This counterrotation of the axis of eye rotation is similar to the "Muller (E) effect," in which the perception of the upright is counterrotated to the opposite side of the spatial vertical when subjects are tilted in darkness. The data were simulated by a model of OKN with a "direct" and "indirect" pathway. It was assumed that the direct visual pathway is oriented in a body, not a spatial frame of reference. Despite the short optokinetic after-nystagmus time constants, strong horizontal to vertical cross-coupling could be produced if the horizontal and vertical time constants were in proper ratio and there were no suppression of nystagmus in directions orthogonal to the stimulus direction. The model demonstrates that the spatial orientation of OKN can be achieved by restructuring the system matrix of velocity storage. We conclude that an important function of velocity storage is to orient slow-phase velocity toward the spatial vertical during movement in a terrestrial environment.
The intersection of defendants' race, gender, and age in prosecutorial decision making

A growing body of research examined the ways in which various legal and extralegal factors influence prosecutors' charging decisions. Though the results of these studies were mixed, some researchers reported that extralegal factors had little or no effect on important decisions such as case rejection and dismissal. The majority of this research, however, suffered from a considerable shortcoming—that is, most studies considered the direct effects of measures such as age, race, and gender, but failed to consider the potential interactions that might occur between these factors. Consequently, the present research employed a nationally representative sample of felony drug defendants to address this issue by examining whether or not age and gender condition the effect of race on prosecutors' decisions to dismiss criminal charges. Implications of the findings are discussed in the context of theory, research, and policy.
Iterative learning control of a camless valve actuation system with internal feedback

This paper presents the iterative learning control of an electro-hydraulic fully flexible engine valve actuation system. The specific camless system has a unique hydro-mechanical feedback mechanism that simplifies the external control to the choice of triggering timings for three two-state valves. All the critical parameters describing the engine valve event, i.e. lift, duration, timing, and seating velocity, can be continuously varied by controlling these timings. Initial testing of a prototype experimental setup reveals that the performance of the system (transient tracking and steady-state variability) is influenced purely by the state of the system when the internal feedback mechanism is activated. This feature, along with the cyclic nature of the engine valve operation, motivates the development of a iterative-learning-based feedback and feed-forward controller to identify and set the optimal operating point in real time using the output of the previous cycle and the desired performance. The learning control implementation presented here is unique in that, instead of calculating a control signal (sequence) for each cycle, it sets the triggering timings for each of the on-off valves, which directly affect the initial conditions for the internal feedback loop. Experimental results demonstrate that the controller is able to minimize lift and closing time errors while satisfying the seating velocity constraint even during aggressive transient operation.
Change in corpus allatum function during metamorphosis of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta: Regulation at the terminal step in juvenile hormone biosynthesis

Changes in activity of the corpora allata (CA) during larval-pupal-adult development of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta were studied by transplantation assays, measurements of in vitro juvenile hormone (JH) and JH acid synthesis, and determination of JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activities. The data from these assays demonstrate that the CA cease to secrete JH by day 4 of the last larval instar (wandering stage). With regard to JH synthesis, they remain inactive throughout the prepupal, pupal, and most of the pharate adult periods. CA of females, but not of males, resume JH synthesis shortly before eclosion. The biochemical basis of the inactivation process is the loss of JHAMT activity. However, prepupal CA produce JH acids, as shown by enzyme and in vitro assays. Pupal and pharate adult CA do not synthesize JH acids although levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity seem to remain relatively high. Radiolabeled JH was recovered from hemolymph of allatectomized prepupae that had been injected with radiolabeled JH acid. These results provide further evidence that certain peripheral tissues (eg, imaginal discs) convert JH acid secreted by the prepupal CA to JH and, thus, that JH acid is a prohormone in the prepupal period. The CA change from hormone secretion to prohormone secretion during larval-prepupal transformation, a unique functional alteration in an endocrine gland.
SURFACE AREA OF MONTMORILLONITE FROM THE DYNAMIC SORPTION OF NITROGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE

Surface area determinations were made on a montmorillonite with various cations emplaced on the exchangeable sites, utilizing nitrogen and carbon dioxide as adsorbates at 77°K and 195°K, respectively, in a dynamic system. From the fraction of a Mississippi montmorillonite less than about 1 µ in size, samples were prepared by replacing the original exchangeable cations with Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Mg++, Ca++, Ba++, and NH/, forming a series of homoionic montmorillonite species. Surface areas from 3-point B.E.T. plots (half-hour adsorption points), with nitrogen as the adsor-bate, ranged from 61 m2/g for Li-montmorillonite to 138 m2/g for Cs-montmorillonite, thus reflecting a certain degree of nitrogen penetration between layers. Complete penetration should theoretically resuit in a surface area of over 300 m2/g for this clay with a nitrogen monolayer between each pair of platelets. The experimental data indicate that the extent of penetration is time-dependent and is also a function of the interlayer forces as governed by the size and charge of the replaceable cation. This finding negates the generally accepted concept that nitrogen at 77°K does not penetrate the layers and provides a measure only of the externa! surface of expandable clay minerais. A further measure of the variation of interlayer forces is provided by the adsorption of carbon dioxide at 195°K. Surface area values ranged from 99 m2/g for Li-montmorillonite to 315 m2/g for Cs-montmorillonite. Although the carbon dioxide molecule is larger than the nitrogen molecule, its greater penetration apparently is a resuit of its being kinetically more energetic (with a larger diffusion coefficient) at its higher adsorption temperature. Similar differences have been found with both adsorbates in the study of microporous substances, such as coal, where activated diffusion is of considerable significance.
Constructing end-to-end paths for playing media objects

This paper describes a framework for constructing network services for accessing media objects. The framework, called end-to-end media paths, provides a new approach for building multimedia applications from component pieces. Based on input from the user and resource requirements from the media object, the system first discovers the sequence of nodes (end-to-end path) that both connect the source device to the sink device and possess sufficient resources to play the object. It then configures the individual nodes along this path with the modules (path segment) that implement the service.
Bubbles in the Pericardium

BACKGROUND Purulent pericarditis is a rare but life-threatening illness. Often, it may be masked by the primary infectious etiology like pneumonia, endocarditis, or CNS infection, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Echocardiography is the modality of choice for estimating the presence and size of pericardial effusion and detecting presence of tamponade. CASE REPORT We present a case of a young man with acute respiratory illness in whom clinical exam, electrocardiography, and classic echocardiographic findings played a key role in diagnosis. An echo-dense effusion (rather than echo-free space) appearing like "bubbles" within the pericardial space was seen and a purulent nature of the fluid was strongly suspected. Prompt institution of antimicrobial therapy and timely pericardial drainage resulted in complete clinical recovery of the patient. CONCLUSIONS In this case, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment of effusion with pericardial drainage and antibiotics resulted in complete recovery from this otherwise devastating infection.
Composite Structure of Tropopause Polar Cyclones

Tropopause polar vortices are coherent circulation features based on the tropopause in polar regions. They are a common feature of the Arctic, with typical radii less than 1500 km and lifetimes that may exceed 1 month. The Arctic is a particularly favorable region for these features due to isolation from the horizontal wind shear associated with the midlatitude jet stream, which may destroy the vortical circulation. Intensification of cyclonic tropopause polar vortices is examined here using an Ertel potential vorticity framework to test the hypothesis that there is an average tendency for diabatic effects to intensify the vortices due to enhanced upper-tropospheric radiative cooling within the vortices. Data for the analysis are derived from numerical simulations of a large sample of observed cyclonic vortices over the Canadian Arctic. Results show that there is on average a net tendency to create potential vorticity in the vortex, and hence intensify cyclones, and that the tendency is radiatively driven. While the effects of latent heating are considerable, they are smaller in magnitude, and all other diabatic processes have a negligible effect on vortex intensity.
Common genetic variation in the GAD1 gene and the entire family of DLX homeobox genes and autism spectrum disorders.

Biological and positional evidence supports the involvement of the GAD1 and distal-less homeobox genes (DLXs) in the etiology of autism. We investigated 42 single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes as risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a large family-based association study of 715 nuclear families. No single marker showed significant association after correction for multiple testing. A rare haplotype in the DLX1 promoter was associated with ASD (P-value = 0.001). Given the importance of rare variants to the etiology of autism revealed in recent studies, the observed rare haplotype may be relevant to future investigations. Our observations, when taken together with previous findings, suggest that common genetic variation in the GAD1 and DLX genes is unlikely to play a critical role in ASD susceptibility.
Molecular Evolution of the Yap/Yorkie Proto-oncogene and Elucidation of its Core Transcriptional Program

Throughout Metazoa, developmental processes are controlled by a surprisingly limited number of conserved signaling pathways. Precisely how these signaling cassettes were assembled in early animal evolution remains poorly understood, as do the molecular transitions that potentiated the acquisition of their myriad developmental functions. Here we analyze the molecular evolution of the proto-oncogene yes-associated protein (Yap)/Yorkie, a key effector of the Hippo signaling pathway that controls organ size in both Drosophila and mammals. Based on heterologous functional analysis of evolutionarily distant Yap/Yorkie orthologs, we demonstrate that a structurally distinct interaction interface between Yap/Yorkie and its partner TEAD/Scalloped became fixed in the eumetazoan common ancestor. We then combine transcriptional profiling of tissues expressing phylogenetically diverse forms of Yap/Yorkie with ChIP-seq validation to identify a common downstream gene expression program underlying the control of tissue growth in Drosophila. Intriguingly, a subset of the newly identified Yorkie target genes are also induced by Yap in mammalian tissues, thus revealing a conserved Yap-dependent gene expression signature likely to mediate organ size control throughout bilaterian animals. Combined, these experiments provide new mechanistic insights while revealing the ancient evolutionary history of Hippo signaling.
Identification and characterization of murine SCD4, a novel heart-specific stearoyl-CoA desaturase isoform regulated by leptin and dietary factors

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. Thus far, three isoforms of SCD (SCD1, SCD2, and SCD3) have been identified and characterized. Regulation of the SCD1 isoform has been shown to be an important component of the metabolic actions of leptin in liver, but the effects of leptin on SCD isoforms in other tissues have not been investigated. We found that although the mRNA levels of SCD1 and SCD2 were not affected by leptin deficiency in the hearts of ob/ob mice, the SCD activity and levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were increased, implying the existence of another SCD isoform. This observation has led to the cDNA cloning and characterization of a fourth SCD isoform (SCD4) that is expressed exclusively in the heart. SCD4 encodes a 352-amino acid protein that shares 79% sequence identity with the SCD1, SCD2, and SCD3 isoforms. Liver X receptor α (LXRα) agonists and a high carbohydrate fat-free diet induced SCD4 expression, but unlike SCD1, SCD4 expression was not repressed by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids. SCD4 mRNA levels were elevated 5-fold in the hearts of leptin-deficient ob/ob mice relative to wild type controls. Treatment of ob/ob mice with leptin decreased mRNA levels of SCD4, whereas levels of SCD1 and SCD2 were not affected. Furthermore, in the hearts of SCD1-deficient mice, SCD4 mRNA levels were induced 3-fold, whereas the levels of SCD2 were not altered. The current studies identify a novel heart-specific SCD isoform that demonstrates tissue-specific regulation by leptin and dietary factors.
Plasma arginine and citrulline concentrations in critically ill children: strong relation with inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The amino acid arginine plays a key role in many metabolic processes in health and disease. Low arginine concentrations are found in various illnesses in children. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the relation between plasma concentrations of arginine (and precursor amino acids) and severity of inflammation in critically ill children. DESIGN: This was an observational cohort study in children with viral respiratory disease (n = 21; control group), accidental or surgical trauma (n = 19), or sepsis (n = 19) who were admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. RESULTS: Plasma arginine and citrulline concentrations were lower in subjects with sepsis and trauma than in those with viral disease (arginine: 33 +/- 4, 37 +/- 4, and 69 +/- 8 micromol/L, respectively, P < 0.01 for both; citrulline: 10 +/- 1, 14 +/- 1, and 23 +/- 2 micromol/L, respectively, P < 0.01 for both) and correlated strongly and inversely with severity of inflammation as indicated by plasma CRP concentration (r = -0.645 and r = -0.660, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). During recovery, plasma arginine and citrulline concentrations increased and were strongly related to the reduction in inflammation as shown by the inverse correlation between arginine and citrulline concentrations and the CRP concentration on days 3 (r = -0.832 and r = -0.756, P < 0.001 for both) and 7 (r = -0.784 and r = -0.694, P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma concentrations of arginine and citrulline are low during the acute phase of critical illness in children and normalize again during recovery. Plasma arginine and citrulline are strongly related to the severity of inflammation indicated by plasma CRP concentrations.
A Fast and Stable Penalty Method for Rigid Body Simulation

Two methods have been used extensively to model resting contact for rigid-body simulation. The first approach, the penalty method, applies virtual springs to surfaces in contact to minimize interpenetration. This method, as typically implemented, results in oscillatory behavior and considerable penetration. The second approach, based on formulating resting contact as a linear complementarity problem, determines the resting contact forces analytically to prevent interpenetration. The analytical method exhibits an expected-case polynomial complexity in the number of contact points and may fail to find a solution in polynomial time when friction is modeled. We present a fast penalty method that minimizes oscillatory behavior and leads to little penetration during resting contact; our method compares favorably to the analytical method with regard to these two measures while exhibiting much faster performance both asymptotically and empirically.
Meeting report on the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation 14th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s 14th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery was held on 9 and 10 September in Jersey City, NJ, USA. This annual meeting highlights novel therapeutic approaches supported by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation in development for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
An Order-Disorder Theory of Stress Strain Behaviour of Glassy Polymers

The stress strain behaviour of glassy polymers deformed in uniaxial tension is viewed as an order disorder transition in which flow results from increased orientation of polymer segments responding to an external strain field. In our treatment, we envisage the polymer chain to be composed of rods of length, P, linked together end-to-end by universal joints. P is of the order of a persistence length, the length over which local main chain motions damp out. (in the theoretical development, the actual value of P never enters). Let the order parameter that characterizes the lining up of the ith segment with the external strain field and b $$M_i = \cos \theta _i $$ (1) with θi the angle between the ith segment and the applied field. Now Mi is assumed to be a monotonic function of the applied strain, i.e. increasing the strain results in increasing order in the glass.
Communication Through Soil in Wireless Underground Sensor Networks – Theory and Practice

Wireless Underground Sensor Networks (WUSNs) constitute one of the promising application areas of the recently developed wireless sensor networking techniques. WUSN is a specialized kind of WSN that mainly focuses on the use of sensors at the subsurface region of the soil, that is, the top few meters of the soil. For a long time, this region has been used to bury sensors, usually targeting irrigation and environment monitoring applications, although without wireless communication capability; WUSNs promise to fill this gap and to provide the infrastructure for novel applications. The main difference between WUSNs and the terrestrial WSNs is the communication medium. In fact, the differences between the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in soil and in air are so significant that a complete characterization of the underground wireless channel was only available recently. This chapter presents advanced channel models that were developed to characterize the underground wireless channel considering the characteristics of the propagation of EM waves in soil and their relation with the frequency of these waves, the soil composition, and the soil moisture. Additional important aspects such as the burial depth, the reflection, the refraction, and multi path fading effects on the EM waves are also considered. The results from the field experiments in conjunction with the simulation results, both considering the path loss and the bit error rate, prove the feasibility of WUSNs. The chapter concludes with an outlook on potential research topics that are essential for the realization of WUSNs.
Approach to the Patient with Nephrotic Syndrome

A 50-year-old woman with no significant past medical history acutely develops bilateral lower extremity pitting edema. A thorough evaluation of cardiac and hepatic functions is unremarkable; however, urinalysis reveals significant proteinuria. Further testing shows an elevated serum creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL, low serum albumin level of 2.2 g/dL, and hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol 385 mg/dL, triglycerides 480 mg/dL, LDL 245 mg/dL, and HDL 44 mg/dL). Urinary protein measures 5.2 g in a 24-h collection. The clinical diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is made.
Crescendo no ministério: treinamento para o serviço diaconal

O artigo apresenta as imagens com as quais o ministerio diaconal e identificado, distingue entre a vocacao para a diaconia e para o diaconato e caracteriza os instrumentos necessarios para que o ministerio diaconal possa realizar seu proprium, com sensibilidade, acao e espiritualidade. A seguir, acentua a necessidade de preparo e identifica as formas de resistencia a diaconia, na sociedade, na Igreja e na pessoa que abraca o ministerio diaconal.
Helicobacter bilis and Helicobacter trogontum: infectious causes of abortion in sheep:

The aim of our study was to determine the association of Helicobacter spp. that had flexispira morphology with ovine abortion, and to understand the importance of these organisms as a cause of ovine abortion in New Zealand. A retrospective diagnostic survey was carried out on laboratory submissions from ovine abortion outbreaks. A comparison was made of the proportion of laboratory submissions where Helicobacter spp. were detected from flocks that had no other agent identified (group A) with a group that had a known cause of abortion identified (group B). This latter group was considered to be a negative control, given the premise that Helicobacter spp. were not causing abortions and that Helicobacter spp. should be present at a lower rate in the group. Where no diagnosis had been made, aborted material was positive for Helicobacter spp. with flexispira morphology in 8 submissions (20%, 8/40) from 5 of the 31 survey farms (16%, 5/31). Helicobacter spp. were not detected in any of the 18 submissions from the 17 control farms (group B). Helicobacter spp. were confirmed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of 3 of the Helicobacter spp. isolated by culture from the livers of aborted sheep fetuses, and 7 of the 8 where samples were positive in a Helicobacter PCR assay. The Helicobacter spp. were identified as Helicobacter trogontum (Flexispira taxon 5 genotype) and Helicobacter bilis (Flexispira taxon 8 genotype). The findings support Helicobacter spp. being a probable causative agent of ovine abortions in New Zealand.
Identification of cystine calculi in mink.

SummaryOne hundred forty small (0.3 to 3.1 mm dia.) calculi were obtained from the bladder of a male mink on autopsy. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of these stones indicated that they were almost entirely composed of cystine.
Simplified Model Development and Trajectory Determination for a UAV using the Dubins Set

In this paper, a simplified aircraft system model is developed correctly emulating the nonlinear dynamics of complex aircraft models under closed-loop control. The simplified model is based on Dubins models used in optimization algorithms for trajectory control of multiple Unmanned Aeriel Vehicles (UAVs). Algorithms optimizing area coverage for reconnaissance based on UAV capabilities, fuel remaining, and time constraints require simple aircraft models providing ecient solutions in near real-time. However, the simplified models should accurately predict UAV dynamics for proper prediction. For this study, a realistic UAV simulation is developed including nonlinear aerodynamics and kinematics. A UAV autonomous navigation algorithm for waypoint-to-waypoint navigation is derived and integrated in the complex UAV simulation. A simplified system model based Dubins model is developed closely matching the full nonlinear UAV simulation. A Rhumb-line navigation algorithm including a velocity-hold and altitude-hold control system is used for closed-loop control. A navigation system utilizing trajectory planning with Dubins curves is also developed. Both control laws are implemented in a simplified Dubins model and tuned to match the full nonlinear simulation under autonomous control including provisions for head and tail wind conditions. Computer simulations are performed demonstrating waypointto-waypoint navigation with desired final heading trajectories for both the full nonlinear UAV model and the simplified Dubins simulation. Simulation time history analysis is used to verify the accuracy of the simplified model compared to the full nonlinear simulation model.
A 26-year-old woman with a lump in her chest.

Computed tomography revealed a necrotic mass and bony destruction of the inferior sternum, but no pulmonary parenchymal lesions. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Application of Laser Scattering on Detection of Subsurface Damage in Silicon Wafers

Silicon is widely used in semiconductor industry. Over 90% of all semiconductor devices are manufactured upon silicon substrates (wafers). Many manufacturing processes are needed for the wafer preparation. In order to ensure high quality silicon wafers, the damaged layer induced by each manufacturing process must be reduced or eliminated by its subsequent processes. So, it is critical to assess subsurface damage (SSD). As a nondestructive measurement method, laser scattering is preliminarily applied to measure SSD in silicon wafers. Optical transmission properties of silicon wafer are measured first to make sure that silicon wafers have the appropriate optical transmission properties for laser scattering. Photomicrographs and scatter images are obtained on sample wafers with different depth of subsurface damage. The correlation between photomicrographs and scatter images is discussed. The results from this study show that laser scattering can potentially be applied to measure subsurface damage across whole silicon wafers.© 2003 ASME
Scheduling Insecticide Applications for Peach Tree Borer Control

Research was conducted in Texas to determine whether effective control of the peach tree borer ( Sanninoidea exitiosa (Say)) could be obtained using a single spray application to peach tree trunks in the fall. The most effective single treatments consistently provided 72% to 78% control. Apparently a large number of larvae were killed after they became established in the trees. Control was improved with two-application schedules which combined treatments applied in June or July and September.
A reanalysis of the reported observation of the ΛΛ4H hypernucleus

A re-analysis of the previously published data of hypernuclear experiment E906 shows that instead of the reported observation of the decay of ΛΛ 4 H hypernucleus, it is more probable that the decay of ΛΛ 7 He was observed. We also present evidence for coincident decay of 3 pairs of single hypernuclei, Λ 3 H with Λ 4 H and Λ 3 H with Λ 3 H and Λ 4 H with Λ 4 H and extract relative branching ratios for all observed production products. There is no evidence for other double or single lambda hypernuclei at the detection sensitivity of the experiment.
Analysis of the Utilization of Antiepileptic Drugs in Our Hospital from 2005 to 2012

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the utilization and tendency of antiepileptic drugs in our hospital. METHODS:The utilization of antiepileptic drugs in our hospital from 2005 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively by defined daily doses(DDD)recommended by WHO. RESULTS:The consumption sum of tipiramate and carbamazepine were decreasing during 2005-2012,while those of oxcarbazepine and levetiracetam were increasing. Top 2 drugs in the list of DDDs were carbamazepine and phenobarbital during 2005-2012,and that of oxcarbazepine increased year by year and leaped into the first place in 2012. During 2005-2012, the DDC of antiepileptic drugs was stable,but the variation of RM about antiepileptic drugs was different. CONCLUSIONS:The traditional antiepileptic drugs are dominant in our hospital,but the market potential of new antiepileptic drugs such as oxcarbazepine and levetiracetam will be huge as we know them more and more.
Larval aggression is independent of food limitation in nurseries of a poison frog

Aggression between nurserymates is common in animals and often hypothesized to result from proximate resource limitation. In numerous terrestrial frogs, larvae develop in phytotelmata, tiny water bodies where resources are scarce and competition, aggression, and cannibalism are all common between individuals sharing these nurseries. In some species, mothers provision phytotelm-bound young with trophic eggs, a strategy that compensates for low nutrient availability and could allow mothers to reduce costly aggression and cannibalism among nurserymates. We tested this hypothesis using strawberry poison frog (Oophaga pumilio) tadpoles, staging secondary depositions in arenas occupied by residents that had either been food deprived or fed ad libitum. Resident tadpoles were nearly all aggressive and most killed intruders, but aggression was unrelated to resident food deprivation. Unlike most related frogs studied, O. pumilio residents did not cannibalize their victims. This result supports the hypothesis that proximate food limitation and aggression can be independent. Aggression and cannibalism are common in the resource-limited nurseries in which many young animals develop. An intuitive hypothesis for this is that individuals are aggressive because they are hungry. Although this hypothesis has usually been supported in birds, we found no support for it in a test we conducted in a terrestrial frog that feeds its young with trophic eggs. Resident tadpoles fed ad libitum were just as aggressive to staged intruders as those that were food-deprived, and were just as likely to kill intruders. Residents did not cannibalize their victims. These results suggest that hunger-independent aggression in young animals is taxonomically widespread, and demonstrates an important ecological constraint on parents: they cannot prevent fatal aggression, they cannot “feed” tadpoles to older siblings, and thus, they cannot use occupied rearing sites.
Abstract IA02: Biology of the PD-1 pathway

The PD-1 co-inhibitory pathway is a key regulator of the critical balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals needed for effective immune responses to microbes and tumors, as well as self-tolerance. This pathway consists of the inhibitory Programmed Death (PD)-1 receptor and its two ligands, PD-L1 (B7-H1; CD274) and PD-L2 (B7-DC; CD273). PD-1 is inducibly expressed on T cells, and its ligands have distinct expression patterns. PD-L1 is broadly expressed on hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, whereas PD-L2 is inducibly expressed primarily on DCs and macrophages. In this talk, mechanisms by which the PD-1:PD-L pathway regulates optimal immune homeostasis and tolerance will be discussed. In addition, the functions of the PD-1 pathway in controlling humoral immune responses will be discussed, and compared to the functions of CTLA-4 in regulating humoral immunity. Citation Format: Arlene H. Sharpe. Biology of the PD-1 pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA02.
Analysis of the Modeling Methodologies for Predicting the Strength of Air-Jet Spun Yarns:

The scope, usability, limitations and predictive power of four modeling methodologies are analyzed in this paper: mathematical models, empirical models, computer simulation models, and artificial neural network models. The predictive power of each of the four is estimated by comparing predicted yarn strength with experimentally obtained strengths for yarns spun using different process conditions and material parameters.
Do students need detailed feedback on programming exercises and can automated assessment systems provide it

This paper examines the degree to which binary instant feedback on computer programming exercises, provided by an Automated Assessment (AA) system, benefits students. It also offers an approach to providing improved feedback. Student behavior in an undergraduate computer science class was studied. Students were assigned exercises requiring the generation of programs that met given specifications. We employed an AA system that evaluated the correctness of student code by executing it on a set of test cases. Students promptly received binary ("Correct"/"Incorrect") feedback, and they could repeatedly resubmit solutions in response. We found that more than half of the students failed to achieve correct solutions within a reasonable time. A small group of students were also found to have plagiarized solutions. This result led us to investigate ways in which AA systems for programming exercises might provide more rich and detailed feedback. We propose the development of clustering algorithms that group solutions based on how similarly incorrect they are. For the exercises we considered, there were, on average, 64 incorrect submissions, but there were only 8-10 distinct logical errors. This means that, if all incorrect submissions were automatically grouped into 8-10 clusters, a human instructor would only have to produce detailed feedback once for each cluster. That feedback could then be automatically delivered in response to each submission that fell within that cluster. We provide evidence that such an approach would result in substantial labor savings, while providing instant detailed feedback to students.
Simpler standard errors for two-stage optimization estimators

Aiming to lessen the analytic and computational burden faced by practitioners seeking to correct the standard errors of two-stage estimators, I offer a heretofore unexploited simplification of the conventional formulation for the most commonly encountered cases in empirical application—two-stage estimators that involve maximum likelihood or pseudomaximum likelihood estimation. With the applied researcher in mind, I focus on the two-stage residual inclusion estimator designed for nonlinear regression models involving endogeneity. I demonstrate the analytics and Stata and Mata code for implementing my simplified standard-error formula by applying the two-stage residual inclusion method to the birthweight model of Mullahy (1997, Review of Economics and Statistics 79: 586–593) using his original data.