cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Governance and the Small, Religiously Affiliated Social Service Provider

Religiously affiliated providers of social services are becoming increasingly important in the transformation of social welfare policy in the United States. This article focuses on governance issues and challenges facing these small service providers. Using perspectives from the organization and management literatures and examples from prior research, the article makes three general observations. First, predictable patterns of governance exist, depending on the types of structural relationships religiously affiliated agencies have with their religious bases. Second, governance will be affected by particular characteristics of both small and religious organizations. Third, growth presents critical challenges to the ability of these providers to maintain their indigenous religious cultures. Hypotheses are offered to stimulate further research in each of these areas.
SuperCam: A 64 pixel SIS receiver array for submillimeter-wave astronomy

We report on the development of SuperCam, a 64 pixel imaging spectrometer designed for operation in the astrophysically important 870 micron atmospheric window. SuperCam is being used to answer fundamental questions about the physics and chemistry of molecular clouds in the Galaxy and their relationship to star and planet formation. SuperCam's key project is a fully sampled Galactic plane survey covering over 500 square degrees of the Galaxy in 12CO(3-2)
Less is More: Compact Matrix Decomposition for Large Sparse Graphs.

Given a large sparse graph, how can we find patterns and anomalies? Several important applications can be modeled as large sparse graphs, e.g., network traffic monitoring, research citation network analysis, social network analysis, and regulatory networks in genes. Low rank decompositions, such as SVD and CUR, are powerful techniques for revealing latent/hidden variables and associated patterns from high dimensional data. However, those methods often ignore the sparsity property of the graph, and hence usually incur too high memory and computational cost to be practical. We propose a novel method, the Compact Matrix Decomposition (CMD), to compute sparse low rank approximations. CMD dramatically reduces both the computation cost and the space requirements over existing decomposition methods (SVD, CUR). Using CMD as the key building block, we further propose procedures to efficiently construct and analyze dynamic graphs from real-time application data. We provide theoretical guarantee for our methods, and present results on two real, large datasets, one on network flow data (100GB trace of 22K hosts over one month) and one on DBLP (200MB over 25 years). We show that CMD is often an order of magnitude more efficient than the state of the art (SVD and CUR): it is over 10X faster, but requires less than 1/10 of the space, for the same reconstruction accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate how CMD is used for detecting anomalies and monitoring timeevolving graphs, in which it successfully detects worm-like hierarchical scanning patterns in real network data.
Tutorial on fundamentals of radiation physics:: interactions of photons with matter

Abstract We review the status of theoretical and experimental work on the basic photon–atom processes, focusing on a single photon interacting with an isolated atom. We consider both the general situation, recent work, current issues, and future opportunities. The basic processes are (1) photoabsorption, resulting in excitation and single or multiple ionization, (2) photon scattering, both elastic and inelastic, and (3) pair production processes. We consider the interplay of theory and experiment in describing the observables in these processes, and what happens in proceeding from exclusive to more inclusive descriptions. We consider the progression from classical to quantum, and from nonrelativistic to relativistic, description. We consider the progression from dipole to full multipole description of radiation. We consider the progression in the description of atomic structures and their interactions, from charge distributions of electrons around point Coulomb nuclei, with bound or continuum electrons in such fields, to correlated structures, and also with correlated continuum interactions. In photoabsorption recent work has focused on the adequate description of correlations, the role of higher multipole and relativistic effects, high energy behavior, and multiple ionization processes. In photon scattering recent work has focused on the importance of effects beyond independent particle approximation at low energies (correlation and exchange), the observation of the infrared rise for soft final photons, the validity of impulse and incoherent scattering factor approximations, and multiple ionization processes.
Self-avoiding walk on critical percolation cluster

Abstract We consider the asymptotic behavior of long self-avoiding walks and chains on critical percolation clusters, pointing out various potentially important (but often neglected) subtle features of the problem. We also present the results of our exact enumeration for a three-dimensional lattice which address some of these points.
Immunohistochemical Visualizations of Prolactin, Growth Hormone, and a Substance Resembling Placental Lactogen in the in Situ and Ectopic Pituitary in the Hamster*

The effects of transplanting neonatal adenohypophyseal tissue into the hamster cheek pouch on the presence of intracellular materials related to PRL in the allografts were examined using immunohistochemistry. In situ pituitary and placental tissue were used as control. Cells with antirat PRLreactive sites were scarce in the grafts, and radioimmunoassayable serum PRL was not detectable in hypophysectomized hosts with grafts. Antirat GH- and antihuman placental lactogen (hPL)-reactive sites were visualized in the grafts and in situ pituitary tissue. Intracellular material in hamster placental tissue was visualized with anti-hPL only. Results of various immunohistochemical procedures using in situ pituitary tissue and antirat GH and anti-hPL antisera indicated that three cell types could exist: 1) a cell type visualized with only antirat GH, 2) a cell type visualized with only anti-hPL, and 3) a cell type, the most frequently observed, visualized with both antisera. The physiological significance of this int...
The scattering of thermal phonons by mobile dislocations

Abstract Thermal conductivity measurements on deformed LiF crystals from 0.04–0.8 K indicate a strong frequency dependent dynamic scattering of slow transverse phonons by dislocations. Heat pulse experiments at 3.6 K verify both the strength and polarization dependence of the scattering mechanism.
Fetal fibronectin testing for reducing the risk of preterm birth

Background Fetal fibronectin (FFN) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein localized at the maternal-fetal interface of the amniotic membranes, between chorion and decidua, where it is concentrated in this area between decidua and trophoblast. In normal conditions, FFN is found at very low levels in cervico-vaginal secretions. Levels greater than or equal to 50 ng/mL at or after 22 weeks have been associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In fact, FFN is one of the best predictors of preterm birth in all populations studied so far, and can help selecting which women are at significant risk for preterm birth. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of management based on knowledge of FFN testing results for preventing preterm birth. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (January 2008), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2007) and all references in identified articles. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials of pregnant women between the gestational ages of 22 and 34 weeks screened with FFN for risk of preterm birth. Studies included are based exclusively on knowledge of FFN results versus no such knowledge, and we have excluded studies including women with only positive or only negative FFN results. Data collection and analysis All four authors assessed studies for inclusion and quality and extracted data. Main results We identified 13 trials, of which five were eligible for inclusion. The five included studies randomized 474 women, of which 235 were randomized to knowledge and 249 to no knowledge of FFN. Preterm birth less than 37 weeks was significantly decreased with management based on knowledge of FFN results (15.6%) versus controls without such knowledge (28.6%; risk ratio 0.54; 95% confidence interval 0.34 to 0.87). All other outcomes for which there were available data (preterm birth at less than 34, 32, or 28 weeks; gestational age at delivery; birthweight less than 2500 grams; perinatal death; maternal hospitalization; tocolysis; steroids for fetal lung maturity; and time to evaluate) were similar in the two groups. No other maternal or neonatal outcome was available for meaningful analysis. Authors' conclusions Although FFN is commonly used in labor and delivery units to help in the management of women with symptoms of preterm labor, currently there is not sufficient evidence to recommend its use. Since this review found an association between knowledge of FFN results and a lower incidence of preterm birth before 37 weeks, further research should be encouraged.
Biochemical and electron microscopic observations of vaccinia virus morphogenesis in HeLa cells after hydroxyurea reversal.

Abstract Examination of thin sections of S3 HeLa cells propagated in suspension cultures and infected with vaccinia virus in the presence of hydroxyurea (HU) showed accumulation of immature virus particles. Upon removal of the drug the typical cytoplasmic development of virions was observed, confirming the usefulness of HU for separating early and late events in the replication cycle of poxvirions in spinner cultured cells and for studying viral morphogenesis under quasisynchronous conditions. Six hours after HU reversal, cytoplasm prepared by lysis of cells in Nonidet P-40 was fractionated by sucrose density centrifugation. Particles obtained by the fractionation procedure were negatively stained and their morphology characterized as follows: fraction I contained complete virions and cores with lateral bodies; fraction II contained particles 2300 × 3000 A in size which resembled viral cores but lacked some of the surface layers found on such subviral particles prepared in vitro; fraction III contained spherical particles 2600–2800 A in diameter and tubular structures of varying lengths and 1300 A in diameter; fraction IV yielded particles which morphologically resembled viral cores but had irregular surfaces and appeared damaged; their sedimentation behavior during density gradient centrifugation and subsequent isolation suggested that they may be membrane bound in the cytoplasm and were mechanically released during isolation. When cytoplasmic samples were centrifuged in velocity gradients under conditions where subviral and viral particles were pelleted, progeny DNA was found throughout the gradient. In sucrose gradients prepared in 10−3M phosphate buffer, pH 7.2, this DNA could be resolved into three classes. A minor fraction (10% or less of the radioactivity) remained at the top of the gradient, major components sedimented at 50–100 S (about 30–40%), the third > 100 S (10–15%). The remainder of the radioactivity was in the pellet. When the 50–100 S fraction was analyzed in alkaline gradients, the denatured DNA sedimented at about 30 S. Early after HU reversal (1–3 hr), before significant assembly of viral DNA into DNase resistant structures had occurred, 85–90% of the newly synthesized viral DNA could be recovered in the form of virosomes. Thin sections of viral DNA protein complexes when examined in the electron microscope were found to be heterogeneous in composition. Irregular ovoid bodies, 0.8–1.0 μm by 0.5 to 0.7 μm in size and filamentous material often in large aggregates composed of fibrils about 20 A in diameter comprised the major components observed in virosome preparations.
Large Increases in Photocurrents and Solar Conversion Efficiencies by UV Illumination of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Ultraviolet (UV) treatment of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) containing tetra-n-butylammonium iodide electrolyte increases photocurrents dramatically. The effect remains after cessation of UV illumination. Depending upon the photosensitizing dye, the increase in photocurrent can be as much as 2 orders of magnitude. The photocurrent increase more than compensates for slight decreases in photovoltage and fill factor, resulting in overall solar conversion efficiency increases up to 45× for some dyes. The primary effect of the UV treatment appears to be a positive shift in the conduction band of the nanocrystalline titanium dioxide, which promotes electron injection from the dye. The dyes and the solar cells are both found to be stable to this treatment. This effect offers the ability to tune the properties of the semiconductor to match the requirements of a specific dye, thus providing a versatile analytical tool for characterizing DSSCs while also enabling the use of new classes of sensitizing dyes. Thi...
Material Studies of Lipid Vesicles in the Lα and Lα-Gel Coexistence Regimes

In this work, we utilize micropipette aspiration and fluorescence imaging to examine the material properties of lipid vesicles made from mixtures of palmitoyloleoylphosphocholine (POPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). At elevated temperatures/low DPPC fractions, these lipids are in a miscible liquid crystalline (Lα) state, whereas at lower temperatures/higher DPPC fractions they phase-separate into Lα and gel phases. We show that the elastic modulus, K, and critical tension, τc, of Lα vesicles are independent of DPPC fraction. However, as the sample temperature is increased from 15°C to 45°C, we measure decreases in both K and τc of 20% and 50%, respectively. The elasticity change is likely driven by a change in interfacial tension. We describe the reduction in critical tension using a simple model of thermally activated membrane pores. Vesicles with two-phase coexistence exhibit material properties that differ from Lα vesicles including critical tensions that are 20–40% lower. Fluorescence imaging of phase coexistent POPC/DPPC vesicles shows that the DPPC-rich domains exist in an extended network structure that exhibits characteristics of a solid. This gel network explains many of the unusual material properties of two-phase membranes.
Friction and wear of highly-elastic solids

Abstract It is shown that the normal forces set up by large shear deformations make sliding impossible when a critical compressive deformation, of the order of 10%, is imposed on a sliding block of highly-elastic material. When the compressive load is maintained constant, rather than the deformation, the way in which the compressive stress is distributed leads to sliding only by means of slip bands which originate at the leading edge of the block and then pass through the contact zone from front to back, as found by Schallamach1. Thus, a discontinuity is predicted in frictional sliding as the compressive stress is increased from zero, and this occurs at a critical value which depends upon the coefficient of friction, the shear modulus of the material, and the detailed shape of the contact zone. Corresponding changes in wear behavior are inferred.
DISULFIRAM INHIBITS TNF-α-INDUCED CELL DEATH

Disulfiram, a clinically employed alcohol deterrent, was recently discovered to inhibit caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. Using LLC-PK1 cells and murine liver as models, we examined if the drug inhibited TNF-alpha-induced cell death. Disulfiram produced dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced cell death as well as caspase-3-like activity. Disulfiram retained 80% of its effect when added 4 h after TNF-alpha. Disulfiram protected the cells from cytokine-induced death for at least 6 days. The cells rescued by the drug preserved the ability to proliferate. The cells died spontaneously after exposure to TNF-alpha for just 70 min. Co-administration of 15 microM disulfiram and TNF-alpha for 70 min prior to their removal abolished TNF-alpha-induced killing, and this was associated with restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential and suppression of reactive oxygen species. Treatment of mice with TNF-alpha and D-galactosamine for 5 h markedly increased hepatic DNA fragmentation and caspase-3-like activity. Disulfiram at 0.6 mmol/kg abolished these effects. We conclude that disulfiram is a potent inhibitor of TNF-alpha-induced cell death in vitro. The underlying mechanisms include stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential, suppression of reactive oxygen species, and inhibition of caspase-3-like activity. We further conclude that disulfiram inhibits DNA fragmentation in vivo in association with the blockade of caspase-3-like activity.
Tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists enhance stress-induced c-fos in rat locus coeruleus

These experiments tested the hypothesis that substance P neurotransmission at tachykinin NK1 receptors in the locus coeruleus is involved in stress-induced activation of the locus coeruleus, using c-fos as an index of activation. Selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists administered systemically did not result in substantial locus coeruleus c-fos expression. Restraint stress resulted in a large number of locus coeruleus c-fos expressing cells. Administration of two selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists prior to restraint resulted in an increase in the number of locus coeruleus c-fos expressing cells, compared to restraint alone. These results suggest that the enhanced c-fos expression observed in response to tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists combined with stress, could be due to the blockade of tachykinin NK1 receptor-mediated activity at sites other than the locus coeruleus, resulting in an overall activation of the locus coeruleus.
Highly permeable open-pore polyurethane columns for liquid chromatography

Novel highly permeable polyurethane chromatogrphic columns have been prepared by thein Situ polymerization of toluene-carbon tetrachloride solutions of a polyol and an isocyanate which have been drawn into narrow-bore glass tubing. The agglomerated spherical polyurethane particles are bonded to each other in a rigid monolithic structure and are very homogeneous: depending on plymerization conditions, particles 1 to 10 μm in diameter can be prepared. Even though the columns are filled with very small particles, they show extremely high permeabilities. For example, 1-m 2.3-mm-I.D. columns exhibit less thant 100 p.s.i. inlet pressure at a 1.0 ml flow-rate with most solvents. Owing to the high capacity of the plyurethane columns, high-speedc analytical separations have been performed at 3 p.s.i. inlet pressure and preparative-scale separations have been performed on milligram quantities in less than 1 h.
On the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for the Poisson distribution with unknown parameter

Abstract In this paper a goodness-of-fit test is introduced for testing the null hypothesis that a set of data is from a Poisson distribution with parameter λ. This test is compared to the chi-square test, by means of computer simulation, and it is found to have a better power and a better nominal level.
Inactivation of human α-1-proteinase inhibitor by gas-phase cigarette smoke

Direct exposure of human alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor to the gas-phase smoke from one cigarette results in an initial rapid loss of elastase inhibitory capacity, the amount of which is dependent upon the age of the smoke. This short-term inactivation is not seen when the protein is exposed to aqueous extracts of cigarette smoke (as had been done in the past). Both exposure regimens result in a slow inactivation occurring over several days. We suggest that the short-term inactivation may be due to a peroxynitrate (or a similar reactive species) that is formed from radicals in the gas phase but is unstable in aqueous solution.
Environmental Detectives—the development of an augmented reality platform for environmental simulations

The form factors of handheld computers make them increasingly popular among K-12 educators. Although some compelling examples of educational software for handhelds exist, we believe that the potential of this platform are just being discovered. This paper reviews innovative applications for mobile computing for both education and entertainment purposes, and then proposes a framework for approaching handheld applications we call “augmented reality educational gaming.” We then describe our development process in creating a development platform for augmented reality games that draws from rapid prototyping, learner-centered software, and contemporary game design methodologies. We provide a narrative case study of our development activities spread across five case studies with classrooms, and provide a design narrative explaining this development process and articulate an approach to designing educational software on emerging technology platforms. Pedagogical, design, and technical conclusions and implications are discussed.
New experimental design method for highly nonlinear and dimensional processes

A novel nonlinear experimental design scheme to identify the optimum of a multidimensional system was computationally evaluated. The method, a hybrid neural network-genetic algorithm coupled with a fuzzy clustering technique, was developed to accumulate former experimental knowledge and suggest optimal operating conditions for future experimentation. Because of the uncertainty associated with complex systems, several response surfaces with various degrees of complexity and dimensionality were used as case studies for evaluating the new methodology to gain insight into the challenges that may be presented by arbitrary experimental optimization problems in practice. The long-term objective of this work is to develop an experimental design scheme that will discover the best process operating conditions for any difficult process optimization problem in as few experiments as possible. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm performance is not significantly affected by parameters such as the number of experiments in a batch of experimentation and convergence criteria for the genetic algorithm as well as for various noise levels below 15%. However, higher noise levels, complexity, and dimensionality decrease its performance. Even at higher levels of noise, complexity, and dimensionality, though, the new approach finds significantly better solutions than those found with traditional statistical experimental design methods, with similar or only slightly more experiments. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Staging of thymic epithelial neoplasms: thymoma and thymic carcinoma

Thymic epithelial neoplasms are uncommon tumors that have been the subject of interest in the last few decades with regard to their histogenesis, histopathologic classification, treatment and prognosis. These tumors are a group of heterogenous neoplasms that are often difficult to subtype and the value of such subclassification with regard to prognosis remains obscure. One factor, however, that appears strongly associated with clinical behavior is tumor staging. The focus of this review will be an overview of the different staging systems for thymic epithelial neoplasms that have been presented in the literature over the years. Particular emphasis is paid to the latest developments in this context.
Sex Chromatin Mass in Living, Cultivated Human Cells

Cells taken from human skin were observed with a phase contrast microscope before and after Feulgen staining. Living cells with the sex chromosome karyotypes XX and XXY (but not XO or XY) manifested, in late interphase, an object that corresponded in number, location, and shape to the sex chromatin mass found in the same cells after staining.
ABNORMALITIES IN VENTRICULAR ACTIVATION AND REPOLARIZATION IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND NORMAL SIBLINGS

ABNORMALITIES IN VENTRICULAR ACTIVATION AND REPOLARIZATION IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND NORMAL SIBLINGS
What is the inpatient cost of hospital complications or death after lobectomy or pneumonectomy

Background No information exists evaluating the costs of complications or death after lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Methods We analyzed hospital costs for 294 patients who underwent lobectomy (n = 268) or pneumonectomy (n = 26) from January 2005 through September 2007. The patients were categorized into two groups on the basis of clinical outcomes: uncomplicated versus complications or death. A cost prediction model was constructed with linear regression using uncomplicated patients only. The model was applied to the complications or death group to predict the expected cost as if they had no complication. The risk-adjusted cost of complications or death was quantified by the difference between the observed cost and the expected cost. Results There were 241 patients in the uncomplicated group (19 pneumonectomy), and 53 patients had complications or death (7 pneumonectomy). Length of stay was shorter for uncomplicated versus complications or death for both lobectomy and pneumonectomy. Pneumonectomy was costlier than lobectomy. Experiencing complications or death was costlier than costs associated with uncomplicated cases. The actual cost for uncomplicated cases was $18,380. The expected cost for complications or death was similar to that for uncomplicated cases regardless of the number of complications or death. The mean risk-adjusted cost of complications (95% confidence interval) increased by the number of complications: $11,693 ($4,430 to $18,957), $26,673 ($12,320 to $41,025) and $128,450 ($93,971 to $162,930) for 1, 2, and 3 complications, respectively. It was $49,823 ($23,187 to $76,459) for death. Conclusions Patients experiencing complications or death have a similar perioperative risk profile as patients without complications. Hospital death or postoperative complications after lobectomy or pneumonectomy are economically costly. Decreasing inpatient death or complications would result in substantial cost-of-care savings.
Valve-like action of segment of aorta communicating between chambers of left atrium and left ventricle.

SummaryThe valve-like action of a simple segment of aorta leading from the left atrium into the cavity of the left ventricle has been demonstrated. Orthograde flow from a reservoir of saline through the aortic tube into the left ventricle has been shown to occur in the living animal. No regurgitation has been observed. This observation has been documented by means of pressure determinations obtained within the portion of aorta lying in the left ventricle and that in the left atrium. An average systolic pressure of 104 mm Hg was observed in the ventricular portion and an average mean pressure of 12 mm Hg in the atrial portion. This demonstration of orthograde flow during diastole without retrograde flow during ventricular systole is felt to constitute evidence of an effective valve-like action.
Role of Telemetry Monitoring in the Non-Intensive Care Unit.

To determine the outcomes of patients admitted to a non-intensive care telemetry unit and to assess the role of telemetry for guiding patient management decisions, data from 2,240 patients admitted to a telemetry unit were collected prospectively during 7 months. Physicians recorded the outcomes (intensive care unit transfer and mortality) and assessed whether telemetry assisted in guiding patient management. Indications for admission to the telemetry unit included chest pain syndromes (55%), arrhythmias (14%), heart failure (12%), and syncope (10%). Telemetry led to direct modifications in management in 156 patients (7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9% to 8%). Telemetry was perceived as useful but did not alter management for 127 patients (5.7%; 95% CI 4.7% to 6.6%). Two hundred forty-one patients were transferred to an intensive care unit from the telemetry unit (10.8%; 95% CI 9.5% to 12%). Nineteen patients (0.8% of all admissions; 95% CI 0.5% to 1.2%) were transferred because of an arrhythmia identified by telemetry. Routine transfer after cardiac revascularization or surgery accounted for 134 transfers; clinical deterioration accounted for 88 transfers. There were 20 deaths in the unit (0.9%; 95% CI 0.5% to 1.3%): 4 of the 20 deaths occurred while patients were being monitored. The role of telemetry in guiding patient management may be overestimated by physicians, since it detected significant arrhythmias that led to change in medications or urgent interventions in a small fraction of patients.
Is the hemidesmosome a half desmosome? An immunological comparison of mammalian desmosomes and hemidesmosomes

Although the mammalian epidermal basal cell hemidesmosome bears some superficial resemblance to one half of a desmosome at the ultrastructural level, examination of the structure of the electron-dense submembranous plaques of the hemidesmosome and desmosome reveals that they differ with respect to their overall morphology and dimensions. Based on these findings, we wondered whether components of the desmosome are present in the hemidesmosome. In order to determine this we prepared a number of stratified squamous epithelial tissues for indirect immunofluorescence using antibody preparations directed against known desmosome components including desmoplakin and certain glycoproteins. These antibody preparations do not show reaction with hemidesmosomes by indirect immunofluorescence criteria. We have also utilized bullous pemphigoid (BP) autoantibodies that have been shown to recognize hemidesmosomes in mammalian skin cells [Mutasim et al., J. Invest. Derm., 84:47-53, 1985]. Double label indirect immunofluorescence observations of neonatal mouse skin prepared using desmoplakin antibodies and BP autoantibodies reveal that hemidesmosomes that are stained by the BP autoantibodies are not recognized by the desmoplakin antibodies. We confirmed these findings at the ultrastructural level by indirect immunogold localization of desmoplakin antibodies and BP autoantibodies. Therefore, the hemidesmosome does not appear to be one half of a desmosome and may possess a very different molecular organization relative to the desmosome. We raise the possibility that the variability between the hemidesmosome and desmosome that we detect at the morphological and immunological level may reflect the functional differences of these two types of junctions.
Carbon filament implants used as a substrate for regenerating spinal cord axons

In the present study, we evaluated the ability of carbon filaments to function as ascaffold for the regrowth ofinjured axons in the rat spinal cord. Through different axonal tracing methods, severed spinal axons were observed growing on and between carbon filaments implanted into completely transected rat spinal cords. In addition, somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded across the lesion site in these animals.
Postfault Control Strategy for the Hexagram Inverter Motor Drive

This paper discusses the fault tolerance ability of the hexagram inverter motor drive. Due to its unique interconnecting nature, the hexagram inverter can tolerate one leg failure without modifying the power circuit topology. In the event of one leg failure, the control circuit can reconfigure the trigger signals to maintain a smooth torque operation at a reduced power level. When a leg fails within the inner interconnecting loop, no special postfault strategy is needed; the hexagram inverter can still work properly. When a leg fails outside of the interconnecting loop, a new postfault control strategy is initiated, which controls the two remaining phase currents to maintain an operation with smooth torque. The simulation and experimental results have shown that the hexagram inverter can maintain its operation with smooth torque after a fault.
Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas: tumor growth rates and recommendations for treatment

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are increasingly diagnosed in the modern era. More frequent use of radiography and advances in imaging techniques have led to larger numbers of cystic lesions being identified.1–4 For decades, it has been clear that correctly differentiating between a cystic neoplasm and a pseudocyst is vital to avoid incorrect treatment.5 More recently, as the divergent natural histories and malignant potentials of different cystic neoplasms have been elucidated, differentiating between mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), serous cystadenomas, and other less common tumors has become increasingly important.6–9 As opposed to pancreatic pseudocysts, serous and mucinous cystic tumors have an epithelial lining. The epithelium of IPMNs and MCNs is made up of columnar mucin-producing epithelium. However, MCNs, which occur almost exclusively in women, are devoid of communication with the ductal system and are supported by ovarian-type stroma, whereas IPMNs arise in the main pancreatic duct or its major branches. In contrast, serous cystic tumors are lined by an inconspicuous single layer of either cuboidal or flattened cells. The cytoplasm of the cells is either clear or eosinophilic and the nuclei are usually centrally located, small, and hyperchromatic. Mitoses are conspicuously absent. Most serous cystadenomas are microcystic, forming an honeycomb-like appearance, but macrocystic variants have been described.10–12 The overwhelming majority of these tumors are benign, with only a handful of case reports of serous cystadenocarcinomas.13–18 Resection is generally carried out for symptoms, large size, or the inability to distinguish a serous cystic neoplasm from a mucinous lesion, which has greater malignant potential. Some authors have recommended resection for all cystic neoplasms of the pancreas,14,15,19 whereas others (including our group) advocate a more selective approach.4,20 Our study had three specific aims: to describe a large single-center experience with serous cystadenoma of the pancreas, including presenting signs and symptoms and methods of diagnosis; to analyze serial radiography in available patients to determine the rate of growth; and to make recommendations for the accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment of patients with this neoplasm.
Hydrocephalus in CINCA syndrome treated with anakinra

Introduction: Chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular (CINCA) syndrome is a rare congenital autoinflammatory disease characterized by neonatal-onset chronic meningitis, hydrocephalus, sensorineural hearing loss, persistent urticarial rash, deforming arthritis, and recurrent fever. This clinical entity is believed to result from dysregulation of cytokine production. No recommended treatment protocol exists so far for CINCA syndrome. Case report: We report a 7-year-old child affected with CINCA syndrome in whom no therapy had resulted effective. Anakinra, an interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, was administered in a 1-year period with complete inflammatory symptom remission and dramatically ameliorated laboratory tests. This optimal response has been supported by the demonstration of a stabilized hydrocephalus upon magnetic resonance imaging and by an overall improvement of the neurodevelopmental issues. Discussion: This paper emphasizes and discusses the medical approach with anakinra in CINCA syndrome presenting with hydrocephalus in which a consistent control of the neurological picture can be obtained.
Detecting aberrant signal transduction pathways from high-throughput data using GIST algorithm

It is biologically important to integrate high-throughput data to identify aberrant signal transduction pathways in cancer research. The high-throughput data acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Project offer a comprehensive picture of the genomic and transcriptional changes across hundreds of tumor samples. In this paper we propose a novel method, namely Gibbs sampler to Infer Signal Transduction pathways (GIST), to detect aberrant pathways that are highly associated with biological phenotypes or clinical information. GIST endeavors to estimate the edge probability by using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method (i.e., a Gibbs sampling strategy). Through the sampling process, GIST is able to infer the correct signal transduction direction because the sampled edge probabilities are jointly determined by gene expression data and network topology. We first tested the efficacy of the GIST algorithm on yeast data and successfully uncovered several biologically meaningful signaling pathways. A case study on TCGA ovarian cancer data was further designed, aiming to unravel diverse signaling pathways associated with the development of ovarian cancer. The experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of applying GIST to identify and prioritize important signaling pathways in ovarian cancer for further biological validation.
Evaluating diagnostic criteria: A latent class paradigm

Abstract A latent class analysis paradigm for evaluating and developing diagnostic criteria was presented. How latent class analysis statistically models the conceptual structure of diagnostic systems was demonstrated. These models were then used to study the Taylor and Abrams diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. The findings of this analysis were used in reanalyzing a previous study, yielding improved results. Finally, the nature of internal and external construct validity, and the particular appropriateness for diagnostic research of models with discrete variables was discussed.
Soft Tissue Masses: The Underutilization of Sonography.

For the evaluation of soft tissue masses, sonography (US) has proved to be very accurate in confirming the presence or absence of a lesion, with a very high negative predictive value. Many soft tissue masses result from trauma, inflammation, infection, or cystic changes and are not true neoplasms. In the proper clinical context, US can diagnose a muscular tear, hernia, myositis ossificans, or rhabdomyolysis. Retained foreign bodies are readily identified and localized with US. US differentiates between cellulitis and abscess and can diagnose masses resulting from tendinitis, tenosynovitis, or bursitis. It is the modality of choice for diagnosing cysts, including intact or ruptured BakerOs cysts and ganglion cysts in the distal extremities. Among benign neoplasms, lipomas and hemangiomas display a wide spectrum of echogenicity. US can diagnose nerve sheath tumors by demonstrating the connection between the mass and the normal nerve. Except for some well-differentiated liposarcomas, which may appear echogenic, the vast majority of malignant tumors in the soft tissues are hypoechoic. Real-time US is ideal for guiding large-core needle biopsy of soft tissue sarcomas. US is extremely sensitive in detecting early recurrences after surgical excision, which are readily confirmed by US-guided fine-needle aspiration. Any nonpalpable mass visualized by US can be conveniently localized pre- or intraoperatively with US guidance. Provided the examination is done by a well-trained operator using state-of-the-art equipment, the cost-effectiveness of US justifies its use as a first-line examination technique in many situations involving soft tissues, with magnetic resonance imaging being the problem-solving tool and staging procedure.
Gender differences in the risk for delinquency among youth exposed to family violence

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this research was to illuminate gender differences in adolescent delinquency against a backdrop of childhood exposure to both marital violence and physical child abuse. Specifically, analyses were performed to trace the unique effects of exposure to either form of family violence (marital or child) on the violent and nonviolent delinquency of boys and girls. Method: This is a prospective study of 299 children who were interviewed with their mothers in 1991 about forms of abuse in the family. Approximately 5 years later a search of juvenile court records was performed for these same children. Details on the nature of the crimes were collected. Outcome variables included: (1) whether there was ever an arrest; and (2) whether there was ever an arrest for a violent crime. Results: Preliminary analyses indicated no gender differences in overall referral rates to juvenile court, although boys were more likely than girls to be referred for property, felony, and violent offenses. Exposure to marital violence in childhood predicted referral to juvenile court. Girls with a history of physical child abuse were arrested for violent offenses more than boys with similar histories, but the context of violent offenses differed dramatically by gender: Nearly all referrals for a violent offense for girls were for domestic violence. Conclusions : Although boys and girls share similar family risk factors for delinquency, girls are more likely than boys to be arrested for violent offenses in the aftermath of child physical abuse. These findings suggest that it takes more severe abuse to prompt violence in girls than is necessary to explain boys’ violent offending.
Characterization of ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase from a starch-deficient mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.)

Abstract A starch-deficient mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) has only ∼5% of ADPglucose pyrophsophrylase activity but accumulates ∼40% of starch as the wild-type. ADPglucose pyrophosphyrlase from the mutant and wild-type leaves was partially purified and characterized. The activity of each enzyme was inhibited by an antibody raised against purified spinach-leaf ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase. When analyzed by Western-blot hybridization after SDS-PAGE, the partially purified mutant enzyme was deficient in the larger of the two subunits observed in the wild-type enzyme. However, by Western-blot hybridization after native PAGE, the mutant enzyme demonstrated two equally stained cross-reactive bands instead of a single band for the wild-type enzyme. Of the mutant enzyme activity, > 95% was found in the lower band. The mass of the native enzyme from either wild-type or mutant was ∼210 kD, as determined by gel filtration, and those of the subunits were ∼ 54 and 48 kD for the wild-type enzyme and 48 kD for the mutant enzyme. The mutant ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase, just as the wild-tpe enzyme, was activated allosterically by 3-P-glycerate and inhibited by P i . However, the mutant enzyme required higher concentrations of 3-P-glycerate for maximal activation and was more sensitive to inhibition by P i than the wild-type enzyme. In the presence of saturating concentrations of 3-P-glycerate, the K m values for the mutant enzyme for ATP, Glc-1-P, and Mg 2+ were ∼6-, ∼5-, and ∼2-fold higher, respectively, than those of the wild-type enzyme. Changes in the kinetics of the mutant enzyme may be due to a deficiency of one of the two subunits, and/or modification of the remaining subunit.
An agent architecture for long-term robustness

This paper describes an architecture for enabling robust autonomous decision making and task execution. A key feature of the architecture is that agent behavior is constrained by sets of agent societal laws similar to Asimov's laws of robotics. In accordance with embedded philosophical principles, agents use decision theory in their negotiations to evaluate the expected utility of proposed actions and use of resources. This results in planning and task execution that is dynamic, rational, distributed, occurs at multiple levels of granularity, and can be trusted. We report on our initial investigations of agent architectures that embody philosophical and social layers. Our investigations have included the effect of misinformation among cooperative agents in worth-oriented domains, and active countermeasures for dealing with the misinformation. We examine the agents" use of philosophical principles for mission preeminence and rational progress towards goals.
School Zone Speed Limit Dissenters: An Informal Look

Present data for 60 30-min. observations confirm prior studies' report of a compliance rate of about 10% with the 20-mph speed limit posted in a school zone. Also, women driving vans were least compliant.
Unsaturated flows in soils with self-similar hydraulic conductivity distribution

In this article, we are concerned with the statistics of steady unsaturated flow in soils with a fractal hydraulic conductivity distribution. It is assumed that the spatial distribution of log hydraulic conductivity can be described as an isotropic stochastic fractal process. The impact of the fractal dimension of this process, the soil pore-size distribution parameter, and the characteristic length scale on the variances of tension head and the effective conductivity is investigated. Results are obtained for one-dimensional and three-dimensional flows. Our results indicate that the tension head variance is scale-dependent for fractal distribution of hydraulic conductivity. Both tension head variance and effective hydraulic conductivity depend strongly on the fractal dimension. The soil pore-size distribution parameter is important in reducing the variability of the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and of the fluxes.
Optimizing bipolar electrocoagulation for endoscopic hemostasis: assessment of factors influencing energy delivery and coagulation.

Background Few data inform decisions on the optimal bipolar electrocoagulation (BPEC) technique. Objectives To assess how technical factors influence energy delivery and coagulation. Design Prospective, randomized study in experimental models: meat, live pig mesenteric arteries. Interventions Standard and prototype BPEC probes were applied at varying durations (2, 10, and 20 seconds), application forces (5, 75, and 150 g), and watt settings (10, 15, and 20 W). BPEC devices were applied to arteries with 40 g versus no additional force. Main Outcome Measurements For the meat model: energy delivered, impedance, coagulation and cavitation depth, and coagulation surface area. For the mesenteric arteries: hemostasis. Results The energy delivered increased with duration and force ( P 300 ohms within approximately 5 seconds at 20 W and approximately 10 seconds at 15 W), with a coincident drop in power. Coagulation depth and surface area correlated with energy delivered (r = 0.70-0.97). Only duration was associated with the coagulation depth ( P P Limitations The accuracy of these models in predicting clinical results is uncertain. Conclusions Increasing BPEC duration increased the energy delivered and the coagulation, whereas increasing the watt setting did not because of a rapid rise in impedance. Optimal BPEC technique included a lower watt setting (eg, 15 W), a longer duration (eg, approximately 10-12 seconds), and tamponade of the bleeding site.