cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Stability of Single vs. Double Plating of Distal Humerus Fractures in Simulated Osteoporotic Bone

Background: Using low density foam (osteoporotic) bone models, we compared the stiffness and strength of locked plating between the standard double-plate orthogonal fixation of extra-articular distal humerus fractures and a single posterolateral plate or a single medial plate. The use of a single plate would confer several clinical advantages, and we hypothesized that there would be no significant difference between double plating and a single, posterolateral plate. This is believed to be an improvement over previous work that showed a difference when non-locking plates were tested. Methods: An extra-articular transverse fracture was created on eleven left foam humeri. Each specimen was tested in a random order under all three fixation conditions: double plating (90-90), a single posterolateral plate (PL), and a single medial plate (M). For each condition, stiffness was measured under simulated flexion, extension, and torsion loads. Strength was then tested by increasing the flexion load on each construct until failure occurred. Results: The double plated 90-90 configuration was significantly stiffer than both single plate constructs in flexion, extension and torsion (p<0.01). The single PL plate was stiffer than the single M plate in extension and flexion (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two in torsion (p=0.73). Compared to the PL constructs, greater loads were required to cause failure in the 90-90 specimens (p<0.01). Medial plated specimens twisted excessively during failure tests, but no frank failure occurred. Conclusions: 90-90 plating was biomechanically superior in fixing extra-articular, supracondylar fractures in osteoporotic bone models, likely due to increased symmetry eliminating bending of the plates. Failure strength is greater in the 90-90 constructs because they have more screws bearing the load in the proximal humerus. Future tests and analysis should focus on quantifying clinically relevant fixation as well as fracture site motion when the fractures are well reduced and compressed, in order to compare the possible clinical advantages of single-plating to the biomechanical superiority of double-plating.
Three bulk density measurement methods provide different results for commercial scale harvests of willow biomass chips

Abstract Bulk density is a key attribute of biomass feedstocks that affects both conversion processes and logistics. Reported bulk density for fresh willow chips ranges between 195 and 393 kg m−3 and it is unknown if standardized methods using several kg of chips scale effectively to collection vehicles that contain several Mg. The objective of this study was to compare three bulk density methods for 53 commercially harvested willow loads and compare bulk density in three different collection wagons. An ISO standard ‘bucket’ method was compared to actual and effective bulk density measurements. Mean as-received bulk density using the standard ISO method was 262 kg m−3 (σ = 25) and was not correlated with wagon load measurements of actual or effective bulk density. The actual bulk density in a small (10 m3) collection vehicle was 302 kg m−3 (σ = 32), which was significantly greater than the 214 kg m−3 (σ = 28) that was measured in two larger (30 m3) collection vehicles. In addition, actual bulk density in wagons was higher than the effective bulk density (247 kg m−3 (σ = 24)) observed for the truck deliveries. Collection wagon geometry and design impacted these results, which may have implications for modeling these systems. The variation in bulk density values is important to understand and represent in modeling of harvesting and logistics systems in order to capture what is actually occurring in commercial scale operations.
Evaluation of excited state bond weakening for ammonia synthesis from a manganese nitride: stepwise proton coupled electron transfer is preferred over hydrogen atom transfer.

Concepts for the thermodynamically challenging synthesis of weak N–H bonds by photoinduced proton coupled electron transfer are explored. Upon irradiation with blue light, ammonia synthesis was achieved from the manganese nitride (tBuSalen)MnN (tBuSalen = (S,S)-(+)-N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine) in the presence of 9,10-dihydroacridine and a ruthenium photocatalyst in iPrOH solution. Although in one case the ruthenium complex bears a remote N–H bond that weakens to 41 kcal mol−1 upon irradiation, control experiments with the N-methylated analog demonstrate the ruthenium complex serves as a photoreductant rather than hydrogen-atom transfer catalyst in aprotic solvents. Luminescence quenching experiments support a ruthenium(II)/(III) cycle rather than a ruthenium(I)/(II) alternative. Identification of the manganese complex following ammonia synthesis was also accomplished.
Secretomes from metastatic breast cancer cells, enriched for a prognostically unfavorable LCN2 axis, induce anti-inflammatory MSC actions and a tumor-supportive premetastatic lung

Cancer metastasis is responsible for the clear majority of cancer-related deaths. Survival and expansion of cancer cells at secondary sites requires that these premetastatic microenvironments be primed by primary tumor cells and their secreted factors. Efforts to date have been limited by immune-deficient in vivo models and/or the need for finely-tuned analysis time points that reduce contributions from early-disseminating cancer cells. In this regard, we developed a tumor cell-free syngeneic breast cancer model for characterizing tumor cell secretome-mediated reprogramming of premetastatic tissues. We demonstrate that secretomes from metastatic breast cancer cells differentially regulate the lung and brain, promoting a tumor-supportive lung microenvironment with both elevated CD73 expression and decreased TNFα expression. Using in vitro models of CD73-positive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and macrophages/monocytes, we tested whether MSCs can mediate anti-inflammatory effects of metastatic breast cancer cells. Notably, conditioned media from metastatic Py230 cells reprogrammed the secretomes of MSCs toward an anti-inflammatory state. Mining transcriptome data from Py8119 and Py230 cells revealed a lipocalin 2 (LCN2) axis that is selectively expressed in the metastatic Py230 cells, predicts poor breast cancer patient survival and is elevated in circulating serum of mice chronically treated with conditioned media from Py230 cells. Taken together, these results establish the utility of an immune-competent tumor cell-free model for characterizing the mechanisms of breast cancer cell priming of the premetastatic niche, demonstrate that MSCs can mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of metastatic breast cancer cells and substantiate LCN2 as a promising therapeutic target for blocking breast cancer progression.
16p11.2del and Δdisc1 mutant mice exhibit distinct alterations in neural pIGF-1Rβ, and related kinase activity

In the human population, copy number variation (CNV) of the 16p11.2del gene locus, and mutation of the disc1 gene underlie a broad range of developmental neuropsychiatric defects. Genome wide association studies revealed that 16p11.2del CNV is linked to autism and schizophrenia, while disc1 mutation (Δdisc1) is associated with schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. The pathophysiology of the neuropsychiatric diseases caused by these mutations is as a result of the dysregulation of gene products encoded by the 16p11.2 gene locus and disc1 gene. Specific gene products affected in 16p11.2del CNV and disc1 gene mutation include kinases – ErK1/2 and GSK3β respectively – that directs neuronal development and synaptogenesis. Thus, disease progression involves erroneous cortical lamination (16p11.2del) and loss of dendritic spines (Δdisc1) that recapitulate behavioral phenotypes of human neurological disorders. Although Erk1/2 and GSK3 activity is directed by upstream IGF-1R phosphorylation (pIGF-1R), the fate of pIGF-1Rin both mutations is still poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that downstream dysregulation of ErK1/2 and GSK3β in the mutant brain might involve a significant alteration in the pattern of upstream pIGF-1R kinase signaling. Our results demonstrate that upregulated ErK1/2 activity in the brain of 16p11.2del mice is accompanied by an increased neural expression of pIGF-1R in the hippocampus and cortex. Additionally, we found that the upregulation of basal GSK3activity in the Δdisc1 mutant brain is linked to a significant loss of pIGF-1R, and suppression of downstream Akt phosphorylation. In addition to these mutant-specific alterations in pIGF-1R signaling, certain phenotypes were shared by both mutant strains in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Similar to disc1 mutation, 16p11.2del CNV was also associated with the suppression of Akt phosphorylation and increased basal GSK3 activity in the hippocampus. On the other hand, like the 16p11.2del CNV, the Δdisc1 mutant exhibits an increase in cortical and hippocampal ErK1/2 activity. Taken together, we conclude that an erroneous regulation of neural pIGF-1Rβ and related kinases is a shared phenotype for 16p11.2del CNV and disc1 gene mutation. Thus, there is a need for multi-target approach to modulate pIGF-1R, in addition to GSK3β or ErK1/2.
Haemodynamic determinants of improved aerobic capacity after tricuspid valve surgery in Ebstein anomaly.

Background Although tricuspid valve surgery improves functional capacity in patients with Ebstein anomaly, it is not always associated with improvement in aerobic capacity. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of improved aerobic capacity after tricuspid valve surgery in adults with Ebstein anomaly with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Methods Retrospective study of patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to Ebstein anomaly that had tricuspid valve surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester (2000–2019) and had preoperative and postoperative cardiopulmonary exercise tests and echocardiograms. The patients were divided into aerobic capacity(+) and aerobic capacity(-) groups depending on whether they had postoperative improvement in %-predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2). Results Of 76 patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to Ebstein anomaly, 28 (37%) and 48 (63%) were in aerobic capacity(+) and aerobic capacity(-) groups, respectively. The average improvement in peak VO2 was 2.1±1.4 mL/kg/min and −0.9±0.4 mL/kg/min in the in aerobic capacity(+) and aerobic capacity(-) groups, respectively. Although both groups had similar severity of residual tricuspid regurgitation, the aerobic capacity(+) group had more postoperative improvement in right atrial (RA) function, left atrial (LA) function and left ventricular preload and stroke volume. Of the preoperative variables analysed, RA reservoir strain (relative risk 1.12; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.18); LA reservoir strain (relative risk 1.09; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.14) and LV stroke volume index (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) were predictors of postoperative improvement in peak VO2. Conclusions One-third of patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to Ebstein anomaly had postoperative improvement in aerobic capacity, and atrial function indices were the best predictors of postoperative improvement in aerobic capacity. These data provide new insight into the haemodynamic determinants of exercise capacity and lay the foundation for further studies to determine whether postoperative improvement in aerobic capacity translates to improved long-term survival, and whether timing of tricuspid valve surgery based on these echocardiographic indices will improve long-term outcomes.
Who Mismanages Student Loans and Why

With a license to use individually identifiable information on student loan borrowers, we find that a majority of distressed student borrowers manage their debt sub-optimally and that suboptimal debt management is associated with higher loan delinquency. Cross-sectional analysis indicates that loan (mis)management varies significantly across student gender, ethnicity, and age. We test several potential selection-based explanations for such demographic variation in student loan management, including variation in students’ overconfidence, consumption preferences and discount rates, and aversion to administrative paperwork. Motivated by federal and state allegations against student loan servicers, we also test for the presence of treatment effects. Overall, the empirical evidence supports the conclusion that loan servicers’ differential treatment across borrowers play an important role in student loan outcomes.
The relationship between systemic inflammation and increased left ventricular mass is partly mediated by noncalcified coronary artery disease burden in psoriasis.

Objective Increased left ventricular (LV) mass is an important precursor to heart failure. Inflammation plays an important role in increasing LV mass. However, the contribution of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) to the inflammation-LV mass relationship is unknown. In subjects with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, we evaluated if systemic inflammation assessed by plasma glycoprotein A (GlycA) associated with LV mass measured on coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Additionally, we analyzed whether this relationship was mediated by early CAD assessed as noncalcified coronary burden (NCB). Methods We performed an observational longitudinal study of 213 subjects with psoriasis free of known cardiovascular disease, 189 of whom were followed over one year. All participants had GlycA measurements by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and LV mass and NCB quantified by CCTA. Results The cohort had a mean age of 50.3 (±12.9) years and 59% were male. There was moderate psoriasis severity and low cardiovascular risk. LV mass increased by GlycA tertiles [1st tertile:24.6 g/m2.7(3.8), 2nd tertile:25.5 g/m2.7(3.8), 3rd tertile:27.7 g/m2.7(5.5), p<0.001]. Both GlycA (β=0.24, p = 0.001) and NCB (β=0.50, p<0.001) associated with LV mass in models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, hypertension therapy, lipid therapy, biologic therapy for psoriasis, waist:hip ratio, psoriasis disease duration and severity. In multivariable-adjusted mediation analyses, NCB accounted for 32% of the GlycA-LV mass relationship. Finally, over one year, change in NCB independently associated with change in LV mass (β=0.25, p = 0.002). Conclusions Both systemic inflammation and coronary artery NCB were associated with LV mass beyond cardiovascular risk factors in psoriasis. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of the inflammatory-LV mass relationship was mediated by NCB. These findings underscore the possible contribution of early coronary artery disease to the relationship between systemic inflammation and LV mass.
Vascular Actions of Hypothermia in Brain Trauma

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States each year. Currently, there are no approved therapies to treat the devastating consequences of severe TBI. Therapeutic hypothermia has a history of showing efficacy both in animal models and clinical studies. Potential mechanisms by which hypothermia may improve traumatic outcome include targeting vascular alterations such as by reducing the incidence of blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. In addition, therapeutic hypothermia promotes normal vascular reactivity and reduces a variety of inflammatory processes that are activated by trauma-induced cerebrovascular damage. Ongoing research in the laboratory and clinic is demonstrating that therapeutic hypothermia may indeed protect specific populations of severe TBI patients by targeting vascular perturbations including altered BBB function.
Delayed Recognition of POEMS (P5.041)

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of POEMS syndrome and review the literature BACKGROUND: POEMS syndrome which often involves multiple organs is an uncommon reason for neuropathy. However peripheral neuropathy is frequently the overriding symptoms in POEMS patients. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report and literature review RESULTS: 45 year old woman started to experience ascending numbness and paraesthesia in lower extremities 8 months ago. She then developed leg weakness and fell frequent. She was diagnosed with GBS on EMG/NCS and CSF study. She got some improvement with IVIG and prednisone treatment. However symptoms relapsed within a few weeks. She was treated with PLEX then cytoxan with no appreciable benefit. She gradually developed dyspnea, swelling, hypotension and was readmitted. She required mechanical ventilation and pressors before she was transfer to our hospital. At admission, she was quadriparesis and reflexes were absent. Pitting edema were detected on the exam. EMG/NCS showed severe predominant axonal polyneuropathy with active degeneration. On MRI study, abnormal enhancement was shown on thoracic spine, conus and nerve roots. Bone marrow biopsy showed significant amount of lambda light chain restricted plasma cells (16%). Lab tests showed M-protein, elevated VEGF, endocrinopathy (hypogonadism and hypothyroidism) and thrombocytosis. The diagnosis of POEMS is made based on constellation of polyneuropathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, elevated VEGF, edema, endocrinopathy and thrombocytosis. She was treated with weekly Velcade over the course of 6 months and received rehabilitation. She was weaned from a ventilator then started to ambulate with assistant 6 months after discharge from the hospital. Repeat EMG continues to show severe axonal neuropathy; however spontaneous muscle activity is reduced. She had autologous stem cell transplantation 20 months later. She remains stable without exacerbation of symptoms at her follow-up clinic visits. CONCLUSIONS : POEMS syndrome can present with polyneuropathy which resembles GBS or CIDP. Further evaluation of neuropathy should be actively pursued; especially for patients who do not respond to treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Greenberg has received personal compensation for activities with Chugai, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., Sanofi-Aventis, Diogenix, Biogen Idec, Amplimmune, Acorda, and MSAA. Dr. Greenberg has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for JAMA Neurology. Dr. Greenberg holds stock and/or stock options in DioGenix, Inc, which sponsored research in which Dr. Greenberg was involved as an investigator. Dr. Greenberg has received research support from Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation, Accelerated Cure Project, and Biogen Idec. Dr. Vernino has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for JAMA Neurology.
Molecular recognition in zeolite thin film sensors. Growth of oriented zeolite films

Summary We describe chemical sensors based on selective sorption in zeolite thin films on piezoelectric devices. Zeolite crystals with different pore sizes were coupled onto the gold electrodes of quartz crystal microbalances (QCM), via molecular attachment on the surface. A self-assembled monolayer of thiol-alkoxysilane coupling agent on the gold surface was used to attach the zeolite crystals to the QCM, and the resulting films were coated with thin glass layers. The sorption behavior and selectivity of the devices was determined via dynamic vapor sorption isotherms, and nitrogen sorption isotherms at liquid nitrogen temperature. Uptake of molecules small enough to enter the zeolite pores can be one hundred times greater than that of molecules with kinetic diameters greater than the pores. The selective adsorption can be tailored by variation of the zeolite composition, pore sizes, and other parameters. The selectivity of these stable films was further controlled by ion exchange into the film. We will compare the above films with recently discovered, oriented zeolite films grown on organic multilayers on gold . 1
The intersection of race and gender: an examination of sentencing outcomes in North Carolina

This study examines the intersection of offenders’ race and gender in the sentencing process using data on felony cases sentenced in North Carolina. Analyses examine the likelihood that charges were reduced in severity between initial filing and conviction, the likelihood of imprisonment, and the length of sentence imposed, and test whether race affects punishment similarly for men and women. Results indicate that status characteristics predict both reductions in charge severity and the severity of the final sentence, and that racial disparity is conditional on gender. However, the results are not entirely consistent with predictions derived from the extant literature. Gender significantly predicts case outcomes at each stage, but black men were not uniformly disadvantaged, and black women received the least severe treatment in two out of four analyses. Theoretical implications for the intersection of race and gender in sentencing theories are discussed.
Coordination and Synchronization: Designing Practical Detectors for Large-Scale Distributed Systems

Online detectors are important to achieving coordination and synchronization in large-scale distributed applications that run in peer-to-peer systems, the Grid, PlanetLab, and large-scale, enterprise-like server farms. Detectors can be used to monitor the up/down status of hosts, the malicious behavior among processes, and the availability behavior among hosts, and to estimate the number of hosts in a distributed system. We discuss a variety of online detectors that exist for these different problems with an emphasis on practical solutions that satisfy two characteristics: They have been implemented and validated in experimental evaluation or practice, and they are based on novel ideas and on strong theory. The goal of this article is to enable practitioners to understand these protocols so they can be implemented easily or adapted for various distributed systems. This article aims to provide the starting researcher an overvew, and a good feel for the area of detectors to enable additional learning in this interesting field. Keywords: distributed systems; detection; crash-stop; byzantine; availability; system size estimation; scalability; fault-tolerance
Risk, commitment, and project abandonment

This article deals briefly with the most loathsome of business topics — the admission of failure. Rather than actively encouraging project “Anti-champions”, many organizations experiencing financial duress inadverdently stifle opposing opinion. In some cases recognition is delayed until it is too late. This is unfortunate since failure can be managed like any other business situation. Companies with CEOs that foster open communications between finance and operations are more likely to avoid escalating commitment to failed projects.
Captive subjects: Pharmaceutical testing and prisoners

The debate about using prison inmates for medical testing has again surfaced. A federal panel of medical advisors from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences has recommended that the government loosen restrictions limiting testing of pharmaceutical agents on prisoners [1]. Current regulations, passed in 1978, allow prison inmates to participate in federally financed biomedical research if the experiments pose no more than “minimal” risks to the subjects. The IOM report advises, however, that experiments with greater risk be permitted if they have the potential to benefit prisoners. Additionally, while current regulations only cover federally funded prison research, the new recommendations also advise the inclusion of privately funded research. The new recommendations would include individuals on probation and parole—increasing the overall number of “prisoners” effected by these regulations from 2 million to nearly 7 million. The current regulations (regarding the use of prisoners as subjects in pharmaceutical research) were created in response to revelations of harmful and coercive practices that occurred in prison research conducted during the1950s and through 1970. This was a period of increased awareness of abuse in prisons, and with it came revelations regarding the treatment of the subjects in the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male. The climate was right for increased oversight and regulation. A recent New York Times editorial, written in response to the IOM report, further discusses this context and highlights specific instances and institutions where abuse was rampant [2].
Multi-observer assessment of problem behavior in adjudicated youths : Patterns of discrepancies

ABSTRACT Discrepancies between juvenile offenders and their parents' profiles on the CBCL and the YSR were examined. These instruments were completed by 51 adolescent-parent dyads currently receiving probation services from the juvenile justice system. Contrary to previous studies with both clinic and non-clinic populations, parents of juvenile offenders scored significantly higher than their adolescents on both Internalization and Externalization subscales. This negative view by the parent is also reflected in significantly lower Competence sub-scales scores. Overall, parents scored their children's behavior more negative but fewer positive traits of the adolescents' behavior. An unexpected finding was the higher than expected frequency of above average inter-observer correlations between parents and juvenile offenders. Findings may be congruent with the fundamental attribution error; parents attribute their children's negative behavior to individual traits. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Action of trypsin on the eggs of Dendraster excentricus

Abstract Crystalline trypsin in 3 × 10−8 M concentration and higher, elicits fertilization membranes in the unfertilized eggs of Dendraster excentricus. These membranes are adequate in artificial parthenogenesis. If the action of trypsin on these eggs is continued for two or three hours the result is first, digestion of the membranes, followed later by reduction of the egg to amoeboid form. When fertilized, some of the partially digested eggs segment and form irregular cell masses, thus demonstrating that, in response to trypsin, there is first the cortical reaction giving rise to the fertilization membrane, and second, the progressive digestion and disintegration of the cytoplasm. Chymotrypsin causes rounding of the unfertilized eggs and, in rare instances, a few membranes, but the enzyme is not an adequate parthenogenetic agent. Fertilization of the egg renders the cytoplasm resistant to trypsin. The facts lead to the suggestion that fertilization liberates trypsin inhibitors in the cytoplasm.
Effect of commercially available pantyhose on venous return in the lower extremity

Although compression stockings have long been recognized as a physiologically significant tool for the promotion of venous return from the lower extremity, the role of nonprescription, commercially available support hose has not been assessed in this regard. The present study involved 100 consecutive women with no known prior history of vascular disease, who responded to an advertisement for free evaluation of the venous status of their legs. The subjects, all of whom wore commercial support hose routinely, were screened for the presence of venous disease by means of Doppler ultrasonography, phleborheography, and a detailed history focusing on risk factors and unrecognized symptoms of venous disease. Photoplethysmography (PPG) was then used to evaluate the efficiency of venous return from the lower extremity with and without the support hose in place. Worsening of PPG results occurred in 43% of the women with commercial stockings in place, whereas 23% improved and 34% showed no change. Women 50 years of age and older had a somewhat higher tendency toward poorer PPG results while wearing the support hose. Furthermore, measurements in women who showed evidence of venous disease by an abnormality in one or more of the screening tests were significantly different from the overall group (p = 0.025): 61% exhibited worsening of PPG results when wearing stockings, only 14% showed improvement, and 25% were unchanged. These results suggest that the use of a commercial support hose may be particularly deleterious to older women and is contraindicated in those with evidence of venous disease in the lower extremity.
TREATMENT OF ACUTE HÆMORRHAGE OF PITUITARY TUMOURS

Abstract Sudden headache, visual loss, and mental change developed in three patients with unsuspected pituitary tumours. In each case stereotaxic transnasal cannulation of the intra-sellar mass demonstrated a liquid haematoma under moderate pressure which could be easily aspirated. Restoration of vision and relief from neurological disturbances was prompt. Radiation therapy was then administered to prevent recurrence.
PRESERVING THE PEACE AND MAINTAINING ORDER: DECONSTRUCTING THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN WEST BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

(2001). PRESERVING THE PEACE AND MAINTAINING ORDER: DECONSTRUCTING THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN WEST BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND. Urban Geography: Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 100-105.
New type of human blood stem cell: a double-edged sword for the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic islet insulin-producing cells. Autoimmunity and shortage of insulin-producing cells are 2 key issues for the treatment of T1D. To cure T1D in a comprehensive manner, both issues need to be addressed simultaneously. Not only must the islet cells be replaced, the patient's immune system also must be dealt with. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and self-tolerance through their inhibitory impacts on autoreactive effector T cells. We identified a novel type of stem cells from human umbilical cord blood, designated cord blood stem cells (CB-SC), which may be able to address immune modulation of the autoimmune process and allow for β-cell replacement. We are the first group using CB-SC to correct functional defects of CD4 + CD62L + Tregs, leading to a reversal of overt diabetes in an autoimmune-caused diabetic NOD mouse model. Notably, treatment with CB-SC-modulated CD4 + CD62L + Tregs (mCD4CD62L Tregs) simultaneously can overcome the autoimmunity via systemic and local immune modulations and the shortage of insulin-producing cells via stimulating the β-cell regeneration. These new stem cells will offer a promising avenue for the development of powerful autologous therapeutic products for prevention and reversal of T1D.
Minput: enabling interaction on small mobile devices with high-precision, low-cost, multipoint optical tracking

We present Minput, a sensing and input method that enables intuitive and accurate interaction on very small devices -- ones too small for practical touch screen use and with limited space to accommodate physical buttons. We achieve this by incorporating two, inexpensive and high-precision optical sensors (like those found in optical mice) into the underside of the device. This allows the entire device to be used as an input mechanism, instead of the screen, avoiding occlusion by fingers. In addition to x/y translation, our system also captures twisting motion, enabling many interesting interaction opportunities typically found in larger and far more complex systems.
Hypothesis: taste disorders in patients with liver disease may be mediated in the brain: potential mechanisms for a central phenomenon.

Patients with liver disease experience alterations in the sense of taste. There is increasing evidence to suggest that some of the symptoms associated with liver disease (e.g., pruritus) are mediated in the brain. A hypothesis for a brain-mediated mechanism underlying taste alterations in hepatic disorders is presented in this paper.
On the design of experiments in the presence of fixed covariates

Abstract We consider the problem of constructing D-optimal designs with covariates that are fixed and specified in advance. Specifically, we present methods for computing (truncated) optimal designs when nuisance parameters exist and interest focuses on a subset of the parameters in a linear model. Relationships between truncated optimal designs and optimal designs when nuisance parameters do not exist are characterized.
Variables associated with friendship in an adult population

Abstract The relative importance of variables related to interpersonal attraction was assessed among a noncollegiate population of middle-class, middle-aged adults. Respondents included 36 pairs of close friends, SO pairs of acquaintances, and 40 pairs who were not friends. Data analysis included a discriminant analysis to distinguish the three groups and the content analysis of an open-ended question about attraction. Being perceived as polite and friendly and having similar values, interests, and background were found to be very influential predictors of friendship. Residential proximity and working together showed very modest relationships to friendship. Physical appearance was not at all related to friendship. The current research, coupled with prior findings, indicates that important differences exist between late-adolescent and young adult collegiate populations compared with middle- and later-adult noncollegiate populations in the factors predicting friendship.
Positive antiglobulin reactions with thawed deglycerolized red blood cells.

. Four units of thawed deglycerolized RBC were found to exhibit positive direct antiglobulin reactions and could therefore not be cross-matched. Subsequent screening of 109 randomly processed thawed RBC suspensions from the Missouri-Illinois Red Cross Blood Center discovered 5.5% with positive antiglobulin reactions, the RBC coats consisting primarily of C4b, with traces of C3d. Special studies were carried out on blood freshly obtained from donors of 3 of the original units plus 1 unit discovered on screening to have strong antiglobulin positivity. Abnormalities were demonstrable in each of the 4 donor samples; one showed a strongly positive direct antiglobulin test, sera from the other 3 donors contained elevated cold agglutinins. In vitro studies with normal RBC suspended in the 3 cold agglutinin sera (fortified with CPD) demonstrated that during the glycerolization-freezing-deglycerolization procedures, the RBC became coated primarily with C4b. It is suggested that donor sera should be screened for elevated cold agglutinins before units are assigned for frozen storage.
Generation of field-aligned currents in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling in a MHD plasma

Abstract From numerical modeling, the ionospheric closure of the Region I field-aligned currents is found to be governed by the vorticity of the ionospheric convection while the closure of Region II currents is governed by the ionospheric conductivity gradients. From the MHD equations, it is found that the magnetospheric generation of the Region I field-aligned currents is likely to be dominated by J · ( ω × V ) V 2 A which depends on the angular acceleration (ω × V) in the MHD momentum equation where ω( = Δ × V ) is the vorticity, V is the flow velocity, VA is the Alfven speed and J is the current density. The Region II currents are commonly accepted as generated by 2 J · Δ⊥ B B . One part of the Region I currents, termed “source” current, originates from the dynamo regions (i) on open field lines and (ii) on closed field lines in the antisunward flow region of the plasma sheet. The other part, termed “response” current, originates from the motor region in the sunward flow region of the plasma sheet. Vorticity can be generated by the J × B force through the field-aligned currents called for by the ionosphere except possibly in the low-latitude boundary layer where the vorticity may be generated by the viscous force to produce field-aligned currents.
The effect of Systox on ionic fluxes in excised barley roots.

The influence of various concentrations of the thiol isomer of Systox on ionic fluxes in excised barley roots was investigated. For purposes of comparison, treatments with DNP alone, or in combination with the Systox isomer, were included.
L-shell X-ray production cross sections in 20Ca, 26Fe, 28Ni, 29Cu, and 32Ge by 0.75 to 4.5 MeV 7Li+ ions

Abstract L-shell X-ray production cross sections are presented for selected elements with X-ray energies between 341 and 1188 eV. X-ray measurements were made using both a windowless Si(Li) and a windowless high purity Ge detector. The efficiency of the Si(Li) detector was determined by comparing bremsstrahlung spectra from electron bombardment of thin foils of aluminum, silver, and gold with theoretically determined bremsstrahlung spectral distributions. The efficiency of the Ge detector was determined by normalizing K-shell X-ray measurements to the Si(Li) detector. The measurements are compared to the first Born and the ECPSSR theories. The ECPSSR theory is shown to be in much closer agreement with the data.
The structure, bonding and chemistry of grain boundaries in Ni3Al

Abstract Grain boundaries in B-free and B-doped Ni-rich Ni 3 Al (76 at.% Ni) were examined using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), and annular dark field (ADF) imaging in a UHV scanning transmission electron microscope, as well as conventional electron microscopy techniques. Ni enrichment is seen in a 0.5–1.0 nm wide region at large angle boundaries, both in the absence and in the presence of B. EELS shows that B segregation varies along the interface, and examination of the Ni L 2.3 edge shows that the B-rich regions have a bonding similar to that in bulk Ni 3 Al. These results demonstrate that B segregation increases the cohesive strength of the boundary by making the bonding at the boundary similar to that in bulk Ni 3 Al. Small-angle boundaries were examined to address the question of why Ni enrichment at grain boundaries occurs. The interface structure in [001] twist and [001](110) tilt boundaries consists of periodically spaced pairs of a /2〈110〉 partial dislocations, linked by an antiphase boundary (APB). An analysis of the separation of the partials gives APB energies which are lower than in bulk Ni 3 Al. EELS and ADF imaging demonstrate that the APBs are Ni-rich. The observations on the APB chemistry and energy lead to the conclusion that Ni enrichment occurs to lower boundary energy by decreasing the number of high-energy bonds across the APB. Ni enrichment at large-angle boundaries plays a similar role.
Procedures and Methods Used in Identifying Cows in Large Herds

Summary It is not my intent to leave you with the impression that we are doing a perfect job of identification. Nevertheless, we are less concerned with the accuracy of identification in large herds than in others. Effective identification, like public relations, is not something that is accomplished once and for all; it must be worked at constantly.
Picture archiving and communication system bandwidth and storage requirements

The purpose of this work was to determine the requirements for image storage and network bandwidth for a total digital department in a moderate sized academic radiology department. Data from the radiology information system was combined with image production information to produce a model of image acquisition. Destinations of images to reading rooms were studied to determine the final distributions of film. All findings were used to model the flow of data that would be expected if the images in the department were completely digital. Using today's standards, the department would produce approximately 15.7 Gbytes of data per day or 3.5 Tbytes of data per year if all acquisitions were digital. The peak acquisition rate would be 1.8. Gbytes per hour with a sustained rate greater than 1 Gbyte per hour for most of the working day. The anticipated bandwidth for the total digital department exceeded the capabilities of the existing picture archiving and communication system equipment. A distributed networked archive solution was shown to optimized access to images by radiologists and referring clinicians.
Access pricing and exclusionary behavior

Abstract When a regulated, upstream monopolist vertically-integrates downstream, a price squeeze or non-price discrimination becomes a concern. The access pricing rule that protects against this type of exclusionary behavior is unique and is a form of the efficient component pricing rule.
Effect of fiber orientation on the structural behavior of FRP wrapped concrete cylinders

In this study, 27 concrete cylinders with a diameter of 152.4 and a height of 304.8 mm were prepared. Among them, 18 cylinders were wrapped using two layers of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) with six fiber orientations; six cylinders were wrapped using four layers of FRP with fibers in axial or hoop direction only; the remaining three cylinders were used as control. The FRP used was E-glass fiber reinforced ultraviolet (UV) curing vinyl ester. Fifteen coupon specimens were prepared to experimentally determine the tensile strength of the FRP with fibers oriented at 0°, 45°, and 90° from the loading direction. Co-axial compression tests were conducted on the wrapped cylinders and control cylinders. The test results were compared with existing confinement models. It is found that the strength, ductility, and failure mode of FRP wrapped concrete cylinders depend on the fiber orientation and wall thickness. Fibers oriented at a certain angle in between the hoop direction and axial direction may result in strength lower than fibers along hoop or axial direction. A larger database is desired in order to refine the existing design-oriented confinement models.
Feature Mapping and Fusion for Music Genre Classification

We propose a feature level fusion that is based on mapping the original low-level audio features to histogram descriptors. Our mapping is based on possibilistic membership functions and has two main components. The first one consists of clustering each set of features and identifying a set of representative prototypes. The second component uses the learned prototypes within membership functions to transform the original features into histograms. The mapping transforms features of different dimensions to histograms of fixed dimensions. This makes the fusion of multiple features less biased by the dimensionality and distributions of the different features. Using a standard collection of songs, we show that the transformed features provide higher classification accuracy than the original features. We also show that mapping simple low-level features and using a K-NN classifier provides results comparable to the state-of-the art.
Deflagration suppression using expanded metal mesh and polymer foams

Abstract Expanded metal mesh and polymer foams of appropriate pore or cell size and sufficient surface area per unit volume can suppress deflagrations of gas/vapor–air mixtures. This paper reviews the requirements that have been established for use of these materials in military aircraft fuel tanks. Extensions and generalizations of these requirements for other applications have been developed and incorporated into the 2008 edition of the NFPA 69 Standard for Explosion Prevention. The new NFPA 69 requirements for testing, evaluating, and installing these materials are summarized here along with an explanation of the basis and rationale for these requirements.
AN IDIOTYPIC NATURAL AUTOANTIBODY NETWORK IN HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME (HUS).† 1020

Introduction: We hypothesized that immune-mediated events rather than direct toxin injury might be involved in the pathogenesis of HUS associated with shiga-like toxin (SLT) producing E. coli.Purposes: Our objectives were to learn whether antibodies (AB) exist to the SLT glycolipid receptor Gb3, to define the occurrence and relationship between such anti-Gb3 ABs (α-Gb3) and anti-idiotypic ABs to them (α-α-Gb3), and to evaluate children infected with E. coli O157:H7 for these ABs.Methods: ELISAs were used for detecting α-Gb3 orα-α-Gb3 in sera from normal adults [n=15] and from children with E. coli O157:H7 associated with [n=24] or without [n=38] development of HUS. Results: Normals have both α-Gb3 and α-α-Gb3; levels of these ABs are correlated [r=0.9654]. The relationship between these antibodies in E. coli O157:H7 infection is shown below: Table Conclusions:(1) Autoantibodies to Gb3 are normally found. (2) α-Gb3 exists in balance with α-α-Gb3. (3) Children with HUS during the acute phase have significantly decreased levels of these ABs. We hypothesize that these ABs are low because α-α-Gb3 binds to SLT leaving α-Gb3 available to bind to Gb3 of endothelial cells and induce vascular injury. [Supported in part by NIH-PO1 HD-13021]
Use of abnormal and health psychology as topics in a classroom format to reduce alcohol and other drug abuse among college students at risk

This study was done to assess whether classes containing topics derived from two college courses, Abnormal Psychology and Health Psychology, could be used in a class room format to reduce alcohol and other drug abuse among at-risk college students. Topics covered included stress and stress management, alcohol and other drug use and abuse, chronic illnesses and psychological disorders that develop from an unhealthy lifestyle, and factors that play a role in good health and well-being. Students were enrolled in a semester-long course for college credit as an alternative to punitive sanctions for on-campus alcohol violations and other drug violations. The Midwest Institute on Drug Use Survey and the CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey were administered on the first and last days of class. Analysis indicated a significant self-reported reduction in drug use and associated negative symptoms and behavioral effects. Women were more likely to report reductions in drug use than men.
Optimizing Leakage Energy Consumption in Cache Bitlines

As technology scales down into deep-submicron, leakage energy is becoming a dominant source of energy consumption. Leakage energy is generally proportional to the area of a circuit and caches constitute a large portion of the die area. Therefore, there has been much effort to reduce leakage energy in caches. Most techniques have been targeted at cell leakage energy optimization. Bitline leakage energy is critical as well. To this end, we propose a predictive precharging scheme to reduce bitline leakage energy consumption. Results show that energy savings are significant with little performance degradation. Also, our predictive precharging is more beneficial in more aggressively scaled technologies.
Rape and physical violence: comparison of assault characteristics in older and younger adults in the National Women's Study.

This study compared characteristics of recently occurring assaults against younger adults (age 18–34 years) with those of distant-past assaults against older adults (age 55–89 years) when they were younger. Responses of a subset of participants in the National Women's Study were the source of data for this study. With the exception of perceived life threat during assault (more prevalent in younger women), assault characteristics did not vary greatly by age in terms of proportions reporting that they had seen the perpetrator before; the event was one in a series; they or the perpetrator were under the influence of a substance; they actually experienced injury; and they reported the assault to authorities. Consistent with previous research, younger women reported greater prevalences of assault than older women.