cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comb-shape step formation on Si(001)-2 × 1 surface

Abstract We report about the formation of grating-like 2 × 1 and 1 × 2 domain structures, where stripe-shape mounds and troughs with monoatomic step height difference appear alternately and cover the entire terrace part with quite uniform periodicity, on Si(001) wafer which has very small miscut angle and high P dopant concentration. The mechanism of the formation of such stripe-shape domains was considered as the combination of the very wide terrace width, and the segregation of the dopant P in the surface cleaning process. The former is due to the expansion of 2 × 1 single domain which contains surface tensile stress perpendicular to the dimer rows formed by dimers. The latter increased the surface stresses by replacing the SiSi dimers with PP or PSi dimers which have a shorter dimer bond length.
TU-C-I-611-03: Computed Tomography — What systems deliver vs. What clinicians Need

Computed tomography is the most important modality for many patients, since CT is the first and only examination they have before therapy or for followup. As the technology evolves, we observe changes the range of CT applications and its clinical utilization. We are in the midst of rapid expansion of clinical CTimaging use, due to increased speed and coverage, necessitating an evaluation of its current and potential future contributions. The needs of clinical medicine not yet met by CT, but potentially achievable in screening, diagnosis, therapy and followup are valid goals for technology developers. Despite intrinsic limitations due to use of ionizing radiation and substantial fixed costs, CT has room for growth and its technological evolution is not near the end.
Urine Output Predicts Serum Gentamicin Concentration in Preterm Infants 1086

There are no reliable predictors of gentamicin (G) levels in premature infants. As G is excreted by the kidneys, we hypothesized G levels can be predicted by urine output. We conducted a retrospective study of neonates(gestational age (GA)=30-36wks, n=18) who received G therapy (3 mg/kg/day). Infants with a diagnosis of acute tubular necrosis, asphyxia, hypotension or who received vasopressor support or indomethacin were excluded. We collected data on GA, body weight, urine output (UOP, cc/m2/hr), fluid intake and output(I/O), G intervals/route, body surface area, G levels and day of life G levels drawn. Data were analyzed by student's test, chi square test, correlation coefficient as appropriate. Results showed urine output ≥2 and ≤4.0 cc/k/hr predicted therapeutic G levels (peak= 5-10 mcg/mL) in premature infants (sensitivity 0.69, specificity 1 and positive predictive value 1). Urine output >4 cc/k/hr resulted in levels < 5 mcg/mL. There were significant inverse correlations between peak G levels and UOP (Fig 1) and balance of I/O (Fig 2). We conclude that urine output, 24hrs prior to G level measurement, is a non-invasive, highly predictive parameter of adequacy of dose. We also conclude that the inverse correlation of peak G levels with urine output reflects the change in volume of distribution (balance of I/O).
Toward better research on—and thinking about—evaluation influence, especially in multisite evaluations

Evaluation is typically carried out with the intention of making a difference in the understandings and actions of stakeholders and decision makers. The author provides a general review of the concepts of evaluation “use,” evaluation “influence,” and “influence pathways,” with connections to multisite evaluations. The study of evaluation influence and influence pathways is briefly discussed. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Level sets of infinite length

The geometry of level sets plays an important role in the analysis of various function-theoretic problems. Often, however, the level sets are so complicated that one must either choose sets associated with special levels (see [3], [4]) or resort to the approximation of level sets by shorter curves (see[l, pp. 550-553]). In [3] and [4], there are some weak estimates on the length e(r, R) of the sets {z: l f (z ) I = R, Izt < r} associated with a function [ meromorphic in the plane. For such an / we do not know whether the quantity ca(r, R) can be bounded in terms of Nevanlinna's characteristic function T without reference to exceptional levels. But the following is implicit in the results in [3, pp. 121-123] and [4, p. 44]: I / [ is meromorphic in lzl-<2r and f (0 )= 1, then each subinterval [a,/3] of (O, oo) contains a set I of measure ([3a)/2 such that the inequality
Temperature effects in metal-clad semiconductor nanolasers

As the field of semiconductor nanolasers becomes mature in terms of both the miniaturization to the true sub-wavelength scale, and the realization of room temperature devices, the integrated treatment of multi- ple design aspects beyond pure electromagnetic consid- eration becomes necessary to further advance the field. In this review, we focus on one such design aspect: tempera- ture effects in nanolasers. We summarize recent efforts in understanding the interplay of various temperature- dependent parameters, and study their effects on opti- cal mode and emission characteristics. Building on this knowledge, nanolasers with improved thermal perfor- mance can be designed, and their performance evaluated. Although this review focuses on metal-clad semiconduc- tor lasers because of their suitability for dense chip-scale integration, these thermal considerations also apply to the broader field of nanolasers.
Pulmonary complications in cancer patients

Pulmonary complications of cancer and cancer therapy represent a broad spectrum of disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieve an optimal outcome.
Constrictive pericarditis: new aspects

The current status of constrictive pericarditis is reviewed with regard to its etiology, physical signs, electrocardiographic findings, and hemodynamic features. Angiographic aspects are also presented. The role and limitations of M-mode echocardiography in this disease are emphasized. The value of other noninvasive studies such as measurement of systolic time intervals, myocardial scanning, and high-speed echocardiography is described. Emphasis is placed on the invasive and noninvasive methods that may be useful in separating restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis. Methods of treatment, indications for pericardial resection, and the current operative results are commented on briefly.
Synthesis of D(—)β-Hydroxybutyric Acid-14C

Abstract D(—) β -hydroxybutyric acid- 14 C was synthesized from 14 CO 2 and acetate-1- 14 C using Hydrogenomonas H16 . The labeled substrate is first incorporated into poly- β -hydroxybutyric acid, which is easily isolated, purified, and degraded to D(—)β-hydroxybutyric acid. Using acetate-1- 14 C as substrate, the overall conversion of substrate to the desired product is approxmately 60%. This method affords a simple, inexpensive means of synthesizing D(—) β -hydroxybutyrie acid labeled with carbon-14 in specific positions of the molecule. It is equally adaptable to the synthesis of 14 C-crotonic acid ( trans isomer).
Field lessons: The whys and hows of interview-based fieldwork

Face-to-face interviews with political actors can serve many research purposes, but there is an art to securing and carrying them out. This article reviews some of these purposes, and then proposes a set of ‘10 commandments’ of good interviewing. In doing so, the author draws on lessons learned from fieldwork stints in various contexts, notably among labor and party activists and government officials in France, Italy and Spain.
In situ polymerization of polyester-based hybrid systems for the preparation of clay nanocomposites

Abstract Polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate/styrene) were prepared by in situ polymerization in the presence of Cloisite 20A, and were then used to synthesize unsaturated polyester-based thermoplastic/thermoset hybrids with improved properties. This approach allows for an increased degree of dispersion and delamination of the silicate layers as well as the presence of thermoplastic chains within the thermoset resin, which improve the physical properties of the system. During curing, methyl methacrylate promotes the conversion of styrene inside the clay galleries and also in the thermoplastic-rich phase. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a fine intercalated/exfoliated structure in the nanocomposites. Fracture tests showed that a combination of clay and thermoplastic resulted in a synergistic improvement of the fracture toughness of the nanocomposite while stiffness was maintained at the level of the unmodified polyester. The hybrid systems exhibited spherical domains of thermoplastic-rich phase dispersed in the thermoset matrix. The clay was present only in the thermoplastic-rich phase with a portion congregated at the interface between the thermoset and thermoplastic domains. Interestingly, morphological studies showed that the clay layers surrounded microgels of thermoset contained within the thermoplastic domains. Such microgels of thermoset are thought to be fewer and smaller in the hybrid systems without clay, leading to smaller and more compliant dispersed phase domains at the same thermoplastic content and reduced fracture toughness.
From governance to competitiveness: a diachronic analysis of the community college discourse of local

The purpose of this analysis was to understand how organizational logics of a fundamentally local institution – the US community college – change with shifts in sociospatial scalar relations. Data included a 3.26-million word, diachronic corpus consisting of 165 issues of the Community College Journal from 1960 to 2011. Textual prominence, collocation analysis, and concordance analysis suggest that the community college shifted from a commitment to local democracy to an emphasis on competitiveness in a global economy. Rank order correlations and log-likelihood statistics identify significant trends.
Integrating Religion and Spirituality Into Treatment for Late-Life Anxiety: Three Case Studies

Abstract Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common in older adults and, although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an efficacious treatment for late-life GAD, effect sizes are only moderate and attrition rates are high. One way to increase treatment acceptability and enhance current cognitive behavioral treatments for GAD in older adults might be to incorporate religion/spirituality (R/S). The cases presented here illustrate the use of a 12-week modular CBT intervention for late-life anxiety, designed to allow incorporation of R/S elements in accordance with patient preferences. The three women treated using this protocol chose different levels and methods of R/S integration into therapy. All three women showed substantial improvement in worry symptoms, as well as a variety of secondary outcomes following treatment; these gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. These preliminary results suggest that the incorporation of R/S into CBT might be beneficial for older adults with GAD. Strengths, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Pleiotrophin induces transdifferentiation of monocytes into functional endothelial cells

Objective— Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a cytokine that is expressed by monocytes/macrophages in ischemic tissues and that promotes neovascularization, presumably by stimulating proliferation of local endothelial cells. However, the effect of PTN on monocytes/macrophages remains unknown. We investigated the role of PTN in regulating the phenotype of monocytes/macrophages. Methods and Results— RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed that the expression of PTN by monocytic cells led to a downregulation of CD68, c-fms , and CD14 monocytic cell markers and an upregulation of FLK-1, Tie-2, vascular endothelial-cadherin, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, endothelial NO synthase, von Willebrand factor, CD34, GATA-2, and GATA-3 endothelial cell markers. Fibrin gel assays showed that the treatment of mouse and human monocytic cells with PTN led to the formation of tube-like structures. In vivo studies showed that PTN-expressing monocytic cells incorporated into the blood vessels of the quail chorioallantoic membrane. The intracardial injection of PTN-expressing monocytic cells into chicken embryos showed that cells integrated only into the developing vasculature. Finally, the injection of PTN-expressing monocytes into a murine ischemic hindlimb model significantly improved perfusion of the ischemic tissue. Conclusions— PTN expression by monocytes/macrophages led to a downregulation of their monocytic cell markers and an upregulation of endothelial cell characteristics, thus inducing the transdifferentiation of monocytes into functional endothelial cells.
Health Literacy Now: Developing a Web Site for Communicating Clearly with Patients

Approximately 78 million adult Americans suffer from the consequences of low health literacy, including poor health outcomes, frequent emergency visits, and hospitalizations. This article discusses the development of the Health Literacy Now Web site for improving communication between health care providers and patients with low health literacy. The Web site promotes health literacy through three interrelated components: clear health information on chronic diseases and their management, tools to improve the health literacy environment of a clinical setting, and development of a health literacy manual to provide a step-by-step guidance for health care providers to communicate effectively with their patients. The article describes the need for this Web site, the methods used to develop it, and its application in both the inpatient and outpatient settings for improving patient-provider communication.
Non-invasive magnetic resonance thermometry using thulium-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetate (TmDOTA-)

Non-invasive thermometry is pivotal to the future advances of regional hyperthermia as a cancer treatment modality. Current magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry methods suffer from poor thermal resolution due to relatively weak dependence of chemical shift of the 1 H water signal on temperature. This study evaluated the feasibility of using thulium-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetate (TmDOTA-) for MR thermometry. TmDOTA- is non-toxic and the gadolinium complex of DOTA4- is widely used as a MR contrast agent. The results demonstrate that the temperature dependence of the TmDOTA- proton shifts are about two orders of magnitudes higher than the water proton and, thus, provide excellent accuracy and resolution. In addition, TmDOTA - proton shifts are insensitive to the paramagnetic complex concentration, pH, Ca2+ or presence of plasma macromolecules and ions. Because hyperthermia is known to produce changes in tissue pH and other physiological parameters, these properties of TmDOTA- greatly si...
Toxic effect of phenytoin on developing cortical neurons in culture

Studies were undertaken to determine the effect of chronic phenytoin exposure on developing neurons. Cerebral cortex from 16-day fetal mice was utilized to prepare primary dissociated cell cultures. Phenytoin was added to the cultures 10 days after plating and the cultures were harvested on day 17. Cortical cultures were assayed for neuronal cell number by phase microscopy and for high-affinity uptake of 3H-labeled gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by both radioautography and scintillation spectrometry. Neuronal cell counts demonstrated a highly significant decrement in the number of neurons in cultures exposed to phenytoin at 15, 25, and 50 micrograms/ml. 3H-GABA-labeled neurons constituted 13% of the neurons present in both control and phenytoin-exposed cultures. These data indicate that phenytoin is toxic to cortical neurons in culture and that GABAergic neurons are affected to the same extent as the total neuronal population.
Management of cryptococcosis: how are we doing?

In a new research article published in PLoS Medicine, Francoise Dromer and colleagues [1] report on a French national prospective study (the “CryptoA/D” study) of the factors influencing clinical presentation and outcome of patients with cryptococcosis (an infection caused by the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans). This is just the type of prospective study that is needed to help us understand how we are doing in the management of a life-threatening infection. Often our randomized, blinded, and controlled studies do not reflect actual outcomes in the general medical community, because study participants are biased by a series of entry criteria and other issues. Thus, prospective studies to collect real-time data during clinical management become important gauges in how successful we are and may help us define what we need to improve.
Effect of mobility and count of base-stations on the anonymity of Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) can be deployed to serve mission-critical applications in hostile environments such as battlefield and territorial borders. In these setups, the WSN may be subject to attacks in order to disrupt the network operation. The most effective way for an adversary to do so is by targeting the Base-Station (BS), where the sensor data are collected in the field. By identifying and locating the BS, the adversary can launch attacks to damage or disrupt the operation of the BS. Therefore, maintaining the BS anonymity is of utmost importance in WSNs. While a number of techniques have been proposed in the literature to boost BS's anonymity, no study has exploited the impact of the number of deployed BS and the BS mobility to boost anonymity. This paper fills this gap. We first compare the BS anonymity of one stationary BS to multiple stationary BS under different network topologies. Our results show that having more base-stations can boost both the average and max anonymity of BS nodes. Then we allow some of the base-stations to be mobile, and can move to the lowest anonymity region. Our results show that having one mobile BS can help further increasing the anonymity of the BS; however it is not the case when having more than one BS.
Relationship between drug use and prefrontal-associated traits

The prefrontal cortex plays an important role in the strategic and emotional regulation of behavior. Both cognitive and neuroimaging studies have implicated prefrontal cortex in processes of reward and addiction. Prefrontal-associated neurobehavioral traits may be measured psychometrically with the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), so it was hypothesized that self-ratings on this instrument would correlate with parameters of psychoactive drug use in a community sample. Modest but significant correlations were found for various parameters of tobacco use, even after controlling for demographic variables. Significant differences were noted in the mean scores when non-users were compared with users of cannabis, major stimulants (e.g. cocaine, amphetamine), and dissociative hallucinogens (e.g. phencyclidine, ketamine) and polysubstance use, particularly with the Disinhibition subscale. Smokers rated greater dysfunction than non-smokers on all three subscales, with ex-smokers showing intermediate ratings between the two. Polysubstance users showed greater dysfunction on the Disinhibition subscale compared to non-polysubstance users. In summary, this study further supports a relationship between prefrontal dysfunction and drug use in normal individuals, convergently with other methodologies for studying addiction.
Optical processor for recognition of three-dimensional targets viewed from any direction

A procedure is presented for generating a small bank of optical correlation filters that can recognize a large number of perspective views of an object. The method applies to general kinds of image distortions in addition to those generated by different perspective views. The holographic filters are also invariant to image intensity and position (translation invariance). The method of design is to decompose the entire set of object variations into a set of eigenimages. These eigenimages contain complete information about the target set. An iterative procedure combines the eigenimages with different relative phases, so that complete target information can be extracted in an optical implementation. An example illustrates that a set of only 20 holographic filters recognizes a three-dimensional target over a continuous range of viewing angles.
Time-series model to predict impact of H1N1 influenza on a children's hospital

The spring of 2009 witnessed the emergence of a novel influenza A(H1N1) virus resulting in the first influenza pandemic since 1968. In autumn of 2010, the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza strain re-emerged. We performed a retrospective time-series analysis of all patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1 influenza who presented to our institution during 2009. Cases of influenza were assembled into 3-day aggregates and forecasting models of H1N1 influenza incidence were created. Forecasting estimates of H1N1 incidence for the 2010–2011 season were compared to actual values for our institution to assess model performance. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals calculated around our model's forecasts were accurate to ±3·6 cases per 3-day period for our institution. Our results suggest that time-series models may be useful tools in forecasting the incidence of H1N1 influenza, helping institutions to optimize distribution of resources based on the changing burden of illness.
A Test of Alternative Hierarchical Models of Psychological Climate: PCg, Satisfaction, or Common Method Variance?

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the construct validity of the James and James hierarchical model of psychological climate. Their hypothesis, that a general factor—representing an appraisal of the work environment as personally beneficial or detrimental (PCg)—underlies climate perceptions, was pitted against two alternative explanations. Although the results are somewhat supportive of the James and James model, the data also indicate that PCg may be an artifact of common method variance.
Trends in myocardial infarction rates and case fatality by anatomical location in four united states communities, 1987 to 2008 (from the atherosclerosis risk in communities study)

Although the incidence of and mortality after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is decreasing, time trends in anatomical location of STEMI and associated short-term prognosis have not been examined in a population-based community study. We determined 22-year trends in age- and race-adjusted gender-specific incidences and 28-day case fatality of hospitalized STEMI by anatomic infarct location among a stratified random sample of 35- to 74-year-old residents of 4 communities in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. STEMI infarct location was assessed by 12-lead electrocardiograms from the hospital record and was coded as anterior, inferior, lateral, and multilocation STEMIs using the Minnesota code. From 1987 to 2008, a total of 4,845 patients had an incident STEMI; 37.2% were inferior STEMI, 32.8% were anterior, 16.8% occurred in multiple infarct locations, and 13.2% were lateral STEMI. For inferior, anterior, and lateral STEMIs in both men and women, significant decreases were observed in the age-adjusted annual incidence and the associated 28-day case fatality. In contrast, for STEMI in multiple infarct locations, neither the annual incidence nor the 28-day case fatality changed over time. The age- and race-adjusted annual incidence and associated 28-day case fatality of STEMI in anterior, inferior, and lateral infarct locations decreased during 22 years of surveillance; however, no decrease was observed for STEMI in multiple infarct locations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that there is room for improvement in the care of patients with multilocation STEMI.
Polyurethane rubber as a MEMS material: characterization and demonstration of an all-polymer two-axis artificial hair cell flow sensor

Characterization and utilization of a two-part room temperature curing polyurethane elastomer as a MEMS material is presented. Chemical resistance, thermal degradation, elastic modulus, and adhesion are tested and compared to the performance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Polyurethane elastomer is found to exhibit excellent elastic and adhesion performance, with reduced solvent resistance when compared to PDMS. A two-axis artificial hair cell (AHC) is fabricated with carbon impregnated polyurethane force sensitive resistors (FSRs) at the base of a vertical polyurethane cantilever hair. The FSRs transduce the motion of the cilium into a change in resistance via a half-bridge. Device sensitivity is found to be 245 ppm resistance change per micron (ppm/um) of tip deflection.
The Transcriptional Regulator VqmA Increases Expression of the Quorum-Sensing Activator HapR in Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera. A number of environmental stimuli regulate virulence gene expression in V. cholerae, including quorum-sensing signals. At high cell densities, quorum sensing in V. cholerae invokes a series of signal transduction pathways in order to activate the expression of the master regulator HapR, which then represses the virulence regulon and biofilm-related genes and activates protease production. In this study, we identified a transcriptional regulator, VqmA (VCA1078), that activates hapR expression at low cell densities. Under in vitro inducing conditions, constitutive expression of VqmA represses the virulence regulon in a HapR-dependent manner. VqmA increases hapR transcription as measured by the activity of the hapR-lacZ reporter, and it increases HapR production as measured by Western blotting. Using a heterogenous luxCDABE cosmid, we found that VqmA stimulates quorum-sensing regulation at lower cell densities and that this stimulation bypasses the known LuxO-small-RNA regulatory circuits. Furthermore, we showed that VqmA regulates hapR transcription directly by binding to its promoter region and that expression of vqmA is cell density dependent and autoregulated. The physiological role of VqmA is also discussed.
Distributing simulation work based on component activity: a new approach to partitioning hierarchical DEVS models

In this paper, we propose a new Generic ModelPartitioning (GMP) algorithm for hierarchical, modularDiscrete Event System Specification (DEVS) models. TheGMP algorithm decomposes a given hierarchical modelinto a set of partition blocks and provides reasonablesolutions for distinct partitioning problems based on acost analysis methodology. The proposed algorithmminimizes model decomposition during the partitioningprocess and guarantees incremental quality ofpartitioning (QoP) improvements until a best partitioningis attained. Since a cost measure is a parametric method,subject to certain axioms, the proposed algorithm isgeneric and applicable any family of models providedthere is a way to manipulate the appropriate costinformation. An application to partial differentialequation simulation using activity as the cost measure isdiscussed.
Abolishing Ambiguity: Soviet Censorship Practices in the 1930s

After reading Andrei Platonov's 1929 story Usomzivshiisia Makar, Joseph Stalin reportedly reacted by calling it "an ambiguous work" (dvusmyslennoeprolzvedenie). Leopold Averbakh later wrote about Platonov's story: "There is ambiguity (dvusznyslennost') in it. ... But our era does not tolerate any ambiguity."' Both reactions point to an obsession with reducing signs to a single meaning, an undercurrent of Soviet culture in the 1930s.2 Censorship practices offer a rare glimpse at how the Soviet regime attempted to achieve "onemeaningness" (odnoznachnost'). While it is true that throughout the Soviet era censorship was primarily concerned with excising what was deemed heretical, during the 1930s, with outright heresy effectively effaced from public discourse, the abolition of ambiguity became an important secondary mode. Much of the available literature on European and especially Russian censorship has defined censorship as the repression of the inherently and essentially free word.3 The binary pairing of censorship and cultural production has generated further binaries of writers vs. censors and is ultimately embedded in a dichotomy of state vs. society. While the state/ society dichotomy has been questioned in other areas of historical research, the binary
DECtalk and VeriVox: intelligibility, likeability, and rate preference differences for four listener groups.

The intelligibility, likeability, and speech presentation rates for two types of popular synthesized speech, DECtalk™ and VeriVox™, were investigated across four age groups ranging from 6–85 years ...
A deterministic logical semantics for pure Esterel

Esterel is a synchronous design language for the specification of reactive systems. There exist two main semantics for Esterel. On the one hand, the logical behavioral semantics provides a simple and compact formalization of the behavior of programs using SOS rules. But it does not ensure deterministic deadlock-free executions, as it may define zero, one, or many possible behaviors for a given program and input sequence. Since nondeterministic programs have to be rejected by compilers, this means that it defines behaviors for incorrect programs, which is awkward. On the other hand, the constructive semantics is deterministic (amongst other properties) but at the expense of a much more complex formalism. In this work, we build and thoroughly analyze a new deterministic semantics for Esterel that retains the simplicity of the logical behavioral semantics from which it derives. It defines, at most, one behavior per program and input sequence. We further extend this semantics with the ability to deal with errors so that incorrect programs are no longer (negatively) characterized by a lack of behavior, but (positively) by the existence of an incorrect behavior. In our view, this new semantics, with or without explicit errors, provides a better framework for formal and automated reasoning about Esterel programs.
Genes 'for' Phenotypes: A Modern History View

We attempt to improve the understanding of the notion of a gene being 'for' a phenotypic trait or traits. Considering the implicit functional ascription of one thing being 'for' another, we submit a more restrictive version of 'gene for' talk. Accordingly, genes are only to be thought of as being for phenotypic traits when good evidence is available that the presence or prevalence of the gene in a population is the result of natural selection on that particular trait, and that the association between that trait and the gene in question is demonstrably causal. It is therefore necessary to gather statistical, biochemical, historical, as well as ecological information before properly claiming that a gene is for a phenotypic trait. Instead of hampering practical use of the 'gene for' talk, our approach aims at stimulating much needed research into the functional ecology and comparative evolutionary biology of gene action.
Health Literacy and Health-Related Quality of Life Among a Population-Based Sample of Cancer Patients

Health-related quality of life is an important outcome in cancer care. A few studies indicate that health literacy influences cancer patients' health-related quality of life, but additional investigation is needed. The authors examined the relation between health literacy and health-related quality of life among cancer patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with cancer patients in Wisconsin during 2006-2007. Data on sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, health-related quality of life, and health literacy were obtained from the state's cancer registry and a mailed questionnaire. Regression analyses were used to characterize the association between health-related quality of life and health literacy. The study sample included 1,841 adults, newly diagnosed with lung, breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer in 2004 (response rate = 68%). Health-related quality of life was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Adjusting for confounders, higher health literacy was associated with greater health-related quality of life (p < .0001). Controlling for covariates, we found significant differences between those in the highest and lowest health literacy categories (p < .0001) and in the physical (p < .0001), functional (p < .0001), emotional (p < .0001), and social (p = .0007) well-being subscales. These associations exceeded the minimally important difference threshold for overall health-related quality of life and functional well-being. Health literacy is positively and independently associated with health-related quality of life among cancer patients. These findings support adoption of health literacy best practices by cancer care systems.
Identification of a micro opiate receptor signaling mechanism in human placenta

BACKGROUND Previous studies report that genes in the morphine biosynthetic pathway have been found in placental tissue. Prior researchers have shown that kappa opioid receptors are present in human placenta. We determined if a µ opiate receptor was present and which subtype was expressed in human placenta. We also sought to demonstrate a functional µ opiate receptor in human placenta. MATERIAL/METHODS Polymerase chain reactions as well as DNA sequencing were performed to identify the µ opiate receptor subtypes present in human placenta. The functionality of the receptor was demonstrated by real time amperometric measurements of morphine induced NO release. RESULTS The µ4 opiate receptor sequence was present as well as the µ1 opioid receptor transcript. The addition of morphine to placental tissue resulted in immediate nitric oxide release and this effect was blocked by naloxone. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, an intact morphine signaling system has been demonstrated in human placenta. Morphine signaling in human placenta probably functions to regulate the immune, vascular, and endocrine functions of this organ via NO.
INHIBITION OF GROWTH AND ACID PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY OF SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE BY VANADATE

Addition of sodium orthovanadate to the growth medium of Schizophyllum commune caused a decrease in the radial growth rate of surface colonies. Acid phosphatase activity was not significantly affected by the addition of vanadate except at high concentrations. Similarly, no differences were found in the isozyme patterns of acid phosphatase between controls and vanadate-grown colonies. In contrast, acid phosphatase extracted from colonies was very sensitive to inhibition by vanadate; 0.1 mM vanadate inhibited 90% ofthe enzyme activity. The differences may relate to transport of vanadate into the fungal cells.
MyPart: Personal, Portable, Accurate, Airborne Particle Counting

In 2012, air pollution in both cities and rural areas was estimated to have caused 3.7 million premature deaths, 88% of those in at risk communities. The primary pollutant was small airborne particulate matter of 10 microns or less in diameter which led to the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In response, we developed MyPart, the first personal, portable, and accurate particle sensor under $50 capable of distinguishing and counting differently sized particles. We demonstrate how MyPart offers substantial enhancements over most existing air particle sensors by simultaneously improving accessibility, flexibility, portability, and accuracy. We describe the evolution and implementation of the sensor design, demonstrate its performance across twenty everyday urban environments versus a calibrated instrument, and conduct a preliminary user study to report on the overall user experience of MyPart. We also present a novel smart-phone visualization interface and a series of simple form factor adaptations of our design.
Crystallization of Photosystem II for Time-Resolved Structural Studies Using an X-ray Free Electron Laser

Photosystem II (PSII) is a membrane protein supercomplex that executes the initial reaction of photosynthesis in higher plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. It captures the light from the sun to catalyze a transmembrane charge separation. In a series of four charge separation events, utilizing the energy from four photons, PSII oxidizes two water molecules to obtain dioxygen, four protons, and four electrons. The light reactions of photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) result in the formation of an electrochemical transmembrane proton gradient that is used for the production of ATP. Electrons that are subsequently transferred from PSI via the soluble protein ferredoxin to ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase that reduces NADP+ to NADPH. The products of photosynthesis and the elemental oxygen evolved sustain all higher life on Earth. All oxygen in the atmosphere is produced by the oxygen-evolving complex in PSII, a process that changed our planet from an anoxygenic to an oxygenic atmosphere 2.5 billion years ago. In this chapter, we provide recent insight into the mechanisms of this process and methods used in probing this question.
Eosinophilic rheumatic disorders

Almost any rheumatic disorder can occasionally be characterized by the presence of eosinophilia, but there are only a few in which eosinophilia is a defining characteristic. These include eosinophilic fasciitis as well as toxin-induced disorders such as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome and toxic oil syndrome. The epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis of these conditions are reviewed in this article, and a rational approach to management of these entities is discussed.
Efficient Method Based on Optimization and Simulation for the Probabilistic Strength Computation of the Ship Hull

The accurate computation of the strength of a ship hull is vital for ensuring its reliability. Taking into account the uncertainties in the material properties and fabrication details requires a probabilistic approach for the determination of the strength of the ship hull. This study proposes an efficient approach for the determination of the probabilistic strength of the ship hull. First, a novel deterministic method for the fast and accurate calculation of the strength of the ship hull is presented. In this method, stresses in the hull section are determined using the constitutive models of the stiffened panels. These models take into account the various possible failure modes and initial imperfections. The ultimate strength is found by an optimization search algorithm. The method is shown to be as accurate as the rigorous incremental curvature method but with significantly less computational time. The method is then applied with a Latin-hypercube sampling simulation, and the output sample is tested against several potential distributions. The best-fit probability distribution of the ultimate strength of the ship hull is provided.
The generalized Schur algorithm for the superfast solution of Toeplitz systems

We review the connections between fast, O(n2), Toeplitz solvers and the classical theory of Szego polynomials and Schur's algorithm. We then give a concise classically motivated presentation of the superfast, O(nlog 2 2 n), Toeplitz solver that has recently been introduced independently by deHoog and Musicus. In particular, we describe this algorithm in terms of a generalization of Schur's classical algorithm.
Call to modernization: distributed interactive simulation (DIS)--an answer

The recent profound change in the geo-political alignment of nations, fall of Soviet Communism, economic reform at home, lessons learned from Operation DESERT STORM, and increased reliance on the military to execute Operations Other Than War (OOTW), has resulted in a Modernization renaissance throughout the Department of the Defense. Focused by a diminished strategic threat and reduced budget, the Army must tackle the challenge of realism and accurate Comand and Control capabilities across the entire spectrum of the Synthetic Environment. To accomplish this, as the DoD lead for DIS, it has formulated many new modernization strategies during the last three years to ensure its premier status as the world’s Dominant Landforce into the 21s1 Century. Responding to the National Military Strategy, the Army has established five modernization objectives that are necessary to ensure future sustainment of the warfighting force over the next decade.
There be dragons: The dangerous pedagogy of the first person

This article is an essay exploring the unique pedagogical challenges of an approach to journalistic writing instruction which not only allows—but actually might even encourage—students to consider using a first-person narrator. While some of the pitfalls of the technique are discussed, the central argument is that the first-person voice, rather than being off-limits in the classroom, can be both appropriate and persuasive. Specific instructional examples are also provided.
Humanitarian Open Source Software in Computing Education

Empowering students to become socially responsible professionals is a desirable result of computing education. Humanitarian Free and Open Source Software (HFOSS) projects provide an opportunity for computing educators to inspire their students to tackle global humanitarian challenges while also learning about software engineering.
Detection of drugs in a bloodstain. I: diphenylhydantoin.

The blood of individuals differs in many ways. Forensic scientists have taken advantage of identifiable genetic differences that have permitted calculations to be made regarding the individuality of a particular blood specimen in the general population.
Covert secret key generation

We investigate the possibility of covert and secret key generation over a discrete memoryless channel model with one way public discussion. Protocols are required to conceal not only the key but also whether a protocol is being implemented. For some models, we show that covert secret key generation is possible and characterize the covert secret key capacity in special cases; in particular, the covert secret key capacity is sometimes equal to the covert capacity of the channel, so that secrecy comes “for free.” Our main contribution is the analysis of a protocol that exploits the likelihood encoder to circumvent source coding with side information and privacy amplification.
Transcallosal, Transchoroidal Resection of a Recurrent Craniopharyngioma

Objective To demonstrate the transchoroidal approach for the resection of a recurrent craniopharyngioma. Design Video case report. Setting Microsurgical resection. Participant The patient was a 27-year-old woman with a history of a craniopharyngioma, resected twice during the year prior to presentation to our unit. Both operations were done via the left anterolateral corridor, and afterward, she was blind in the left eye and was treated with Desmopressin (DDAVP) for diabetes insipidus (DI). Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed progression of the tumor residual, and she was referred for further surgical intervention. Main Outcome Measures Pre- and postoperative MRIs measured the degree of resection. Results For this, her third surgery, a transcallosal, transchoroidal approach, was chosen to offer the widest possible exposure. Given her history, an aggressive total resection was the best strategy. The patient was placed supine with the head neutral. A right frontal craniotomy allowed access to the interhemispheric fissure. By opening the corpus callosum, the left lateral ventricle was entered. The transchoroidal approach started with dissection of the tenia fornicis to open the choroidal fissure. After this, sufficient exposure to the posterior parts of the tumor was gained. Resection proceeded to the bottom of the tumor, exposing the basilar apex and interpeduncular cistern, and continued back anteriorly. In the end, a microscopic total resection was achieved. With a long hospital stay to treat her brittle DI, the patient slowly returned to neurological baseline. Conclusion The transchoroidal approach is an effective way to remove large tumors in the third ventricle. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/2-Aqjaay8dg .
Multistakeholder Dynamic Optimization for Acknowledged System-of-Systems Architecture Selection

Architecture selection for acknowledged System-of-Systems in a dynamic environment, with multiple conflicted and independent stakeholders involved, remains a difficult problem. This paper presents a multistakeholder dynamic optimization method that combines approximate dynamic programming and a transfer contract coordination mechanism through a value function approximation. The method solves a multistage architecture selection problem with an embedded formal, but simple, transfer contract coordination mechanism addressing the resource conflict among the stakeholders. A naval warfare scenario application demonstrates that the solution from the proposed method is close to the optimized solution in an ideal centralized case with an omniscient manager. While initial results show promise, a series of additional investigations on the mathematical formulation, solution strategies, and application tailoring are suggested with an eye toward solidifying the basis for practical use in the selection of the best architecture over a finite horizon for a given resource budget.
Toward an Equitable and Livable Street

Prytherch concludes by reflecting on the need to critically reassess law on and design of the everyday street, engaging critical mobilities theory with the legal and engineering practices that produce actual roadways. This chapter argues for deeper understanding of both social justice principles and the tools required for manifesting them in space. This begins with rethinking the legal and design geographies of the public street for a more just and sustainable city. And looking beyond contemporary street fights, the concluding chapter speculates on next steps in the struggle to redefine the American street of the future.
Transcription drives DNA replication initiation and termination in human cells

The locations of active DNA replication origins in the human genome, and the determinants of origin activation, remain controversial. Additionally, neither the predominant sites of replication termination nor the impact of transcription on replication-fork mobility have been defined. We demonstrate that replication initiation occurs preferentially in the immediate vicinity of the transcription start site of genes occupied by high levels of RNA polymerase II, ensuring co-directional replication of the most highly transcribed genes. Further, we demonstrate that dormant replication origin firing represents the global activation of pre-existing origins. We also show that DNA replication naturally terminates at the polyadenylation site of transcribed genes. During replication stress, termination is redistributed to gene bodies, generating a global re- orientation of replication relative to transcription. Our analysis provides a unified model for the coupling of transcription with replication initiation and termination in human cells.
Cutaneous consequences of accelerated thyroid function.

Abstract General and specific cutaneous findings associated with hyperthyroidism are reviewed. Familiarity with these findings may aid the practitioner in the early diagnosis of thyroid diseases. Several normally idiopathic cutaneous diseases can occasionally be controlled if underlying thyroid disease is considered as a cause, and appropriate testing performed.