cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-driven, variational model reduction of high-dimensional reaction networks

Abstract In this work we present new scalable, information theory-based variational methods for the efficient model reduction of high-dimensional deterministic and stochastic reaction networks. The proposed methodology combines, (a) information theoretic tools for sensitivity analysis that allow us to identify the proper coarse variables of the reaction network, with (b) variational approximate inference methods for training a best-fit reduced model. This approach takes advantage of both physicochemical modeling and data-based approaches and allows to construct optimal parameterized reduced dynamics in the number of variables, reactions and parameters, while controlling the information loss due to the reduction. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our model reduction method on several complex, high-dimensional chemical reaction networks arising in biochemistry.
Invisible walls: measuring the impact of organized violence on urban expansion

Abstract In this paper, we examine the relationship between built-up area residential density and organized violence. Security for most of human history has been one of the driving factors for city development and growth; this remains true today. What is new, is that the prevalence of organized violence is associated with increased population density in adjacent built-up areas. Throughout history, those fleeing organized violence have sought refuge in areas that provided “pockets of safety” or a measure of “relative security.” We first observed this phenomenon in Colombia when we found that after decades of organized violence between guerilla groups and the Colombian national government, its cities were denser than cities in neighboring countries. Drawing on data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, we found that in a representative sample of 200 global cities, cities with frequent organized violence were also associated with denser residential built-up areas as well. We conclude that organized violence creates an invisible wall that contains the outward expansion of cities adjacent to organized conflict.
Online HIV information seeking and pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness among people who use drugs.

Abstract People who use drugs (PWUD) remain at high risk for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), both from injection and from sexual risk-taking. In 2016, 9% of 39,782 new HIV diagnoses occurred among people who inject drugs in the United States. Reaching PWUD with accurate information about and motivation for initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains challenging and remains the first crucial step in the knowledge-attitude-behavior change continuum. This study seeks to contribute to closing this information gap by examining the HIV information-seeking behaviors among PWUD who are not on PrEP, so as to identify potential strategies to increase adoption of HIV prevention such as PrEP as part of overall health and related to risk-taking behaviors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2016 among HIV-negative PWUD (n = 400), 57.3% of whom reported injecting at least once in a week, chronically maintained on methadone treatment (MMT) at a large addiction treatment program. The study found that the number of hours spent online by people who use drugs was comparable to the general population. Awareness about PrEP and the seeking of HIV-related information was low in this population. Looking for sex partners online, perception of risk, having multiple partners were associated with seeking HIV information. Although using injection drugs was related to high perception of risk of acquiring HIV, it was not associated with seeking HIV information online. It is imperative to further understand the online HIV information seeking behavior of this population and provide targeted information in order to increase awareness and knowledge about HIV-related risk and methods of prevention, including information about PrEP.
Propranolol and parathyroid hormone synergistically improve bone volume fraction by suppressing resorption

Abstract Although the non-selective β-blocker, propranolol, improves bone density with PTH treatment in mice, the mechanism of this effect is unclear. To address this, we used a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches to address how propranolol influences bone remodeling in the context of PTH treatment. In vitro, propranolol amplified the acute, PTH-induced, intracellular calcium signal and elevated Igf1 expression in osteoblasts. In vivo, intermittent PTH and propranolol had synergistic effects in the trabecular bone of the distal femur. The most striking finding was a complete suppression of PTH-induced bone resorption. Despite this, PTH-induced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) mRNA and protein levels were unaltered by propranolol. Interestingly, propranolol suppressed differentiation of primary osteoclasts, suggesting a novel direct influence of propranolol on osteoclasts in vivo. Taken together, this work suggests combining propranolol with PTH could be beneficial to patients with extremely low bone density.
Understanding Variation in Availability and Provision of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: A Qualitative Study of Department of Veterans Affairs Gynecologists

Abstract Background Approximately one-half of women undergoing hysterectomy in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system receive minimally invasive hysterectomies (MIH), with Black women less likely than White women to receive MIH. We sought to characterize gynecologists’ perspectives on factors contributing to the availability and provision of MIH and on the role of race/ethnicity in decision making. Methods Between October 2017 and January 2018, we conducted 16 in-depth semistructured telephone interviews with Department of Veterans Affairs gynecologists exploring practice characteristics and barriers and facilitators to providing MIH, including clinical and nonclinical characteristics of patients impacting surgical decision making. We identified key themes using simultaneous deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Results Gynecologists identified provider-, facility-, and patient-level barriers and facilitators to MIH. Provider-level factors included gynecologists' skills and training in MIH, and facility factors included access to qualified surgical assistants, availability of surgical equipment, and operating room resources, particularly time. On the patient level, clinical characteristics, including uterine size, were the most common determinants of surgical approach, but nonclinical factors such as patients’ attitudes toward surgery also contributed. Race/ethnicity was identified by a minority of respondents as influencing hysterectomy route through clinical presentation and surgical attitudes. Conclusions Given the range of factors identified, efforts to promote MIH in the Department of Veterans Affairs will likely require a multipronged approach that includes support for MIH training, increased access to surgical assistants with MIH skills, and reduced barriers to obtaining equipment. Patient perspectives are needed to more fully capture nonclinical patient-level contributors to MIH and differences in MIH between Black and White Veterans.
The Effect of Virtual Nursing and Missed Nursing Care

This article describes the impact of a Virtually Integrated Care team on missed nursing care as defined by the MISSCARE survey. This multisite project reported that the most common missed cares and reasons for missed cares were consistent with other reported results in earlier literature. However, when evaluating missed cares that were directly impacted by the virtual nurses' roles and responsibilities, 1 of the 2 sites demonstrated a decrease in missed nursing care during the project. The virtual nurses with in the team were constantly monitoring care, and even though the second site did not demonstrate a similar finding, the authors felt it was due to the virtual nurses bringing a heightened awareness of missed cares to the team.
Treeview and Disentangled Representations for Explaining Deep Neural Networks Decisions

With the advent of highly predictive but opaque deep learning models, it has become more important than ever to understand and explain the predictions of such models. Many popular approaches define interpretability as the inverse of complexity and achieve interpretability at the cost of accuracy. This introduces a risk of producing interpretable but misleading explanations. As humans, we are prone to engage in this kind of behavior [11]. In this paper, we take the view that the complexity of the explanations should correlate with complexity of the decision. We propose to build a Treeview representation of the complex model using disentangled representations, which reveals the iterative rejection of unlikely class labels until the correct association is predicted.
Robotic-assisted tracheobronchoplasty: Quality of life and pulmonary function assessment on intermediate follow-up

Abstract Objective The initial description of robotic tracheobronchoplasty for the treatment of tracheobronchomalacia demonstrated feasibility, safety, and short-term symptomatic and functional improvement. The purpose of the current study was to demonstrate intermediate outcomes in postoperative pulmonary function and quality of life after robotic tracheobronchoplasty. Methods We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected clinical data from 42 patients who underwent robotic tracheobronchoplasty from May 2016 to December 2017. The Institutional Review Board or equivalent ethics committee of the Northwell Health approved the study protocol and publication of data. Patient written consent for the publication of the study data was waived by the Institutional Review Board. Results A total of 42 patients underwent robotic tracheobronchoplasty during the study period. Median total follow-up is 40 months. There was 1 death since surgery from an unrelated disease. Significant decreases in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score (preoperative mean: 64.01, postoperative mean: 38.91, P = .002), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire symptom score (preoperative median: 82.6, postoperative median: 43.99, P Conclusions Robotic tracheobronchoplasty is associated with low intermediate-term mortality. Robotic tracheobronchoplasty results in significant improvement in quality of life and postoperative pulmonary function. Longer-term follow-up is necessary to continue to elucidate the effect of robotic tracheobronchoplasty on halting pathologic progression of tracheobronchomalacia and to determine the long-term impact of tracheobronchoplasty on symptomatic and functional improvement.
Rock Music: An Auditory Assessment of Knapping

We explore and describe the auditory landscape that emerges from stone tool making. Using two trained musicians, we identify the pitches and octaves produced from percussion knapping. We also analy...
Isolation and Chemical Characterization of a Novel Thymic Hormone that Synergizes with GRF and TRH in Enhancing Release of Growth Hormone and Prolactin

During the course of recent studies, we have discovered a major thymus-brain connection. Our current research indicates that the thymosins and the endocrine thymus may play a broader role in the physiology of the body. The question of whether the thymus plays a more general role by controlling the aging of other organ and endocrine systems has been debated for some time. Now it appears that the thymus may accomplish control over immunity and perhaps other systems by influencing the functioning of T-cells and by feedback loops to the brain. We have found that a number of novel thymosin peptides in TF5 can alone and/or in combination with pituitary releasing factors stimulate the release of neuropeptides such as ACTH (Healy et al., 1983), LRF (Rebar et al., 1981), GH (Spangelo et al.,1987; Badamchian et al., 1990, 1991); PRL (Spangelo et al., 1987); β-END (Farah et al., 1987), and TSH (Goya et al., 1988), thus establishing a direct link between the endocrine thymus and neuroendocrine system. This new thymus brain link opens up a number of interesting questions with regard to the physiology of aging. It is possible that the decreased production of hormones of the thymus, which occurs before the onset of puberty, may provide a first signal to other endocrine and neuroendocrine systems to begin the process of slowing down. Our current studies suggest that these bioactive peptides, for which we have suggested the name immunotransmitters (Hall et al., 1985), may hold a vital key to our understanding of the physiological process of aging and diseases associated with this process.
Electrochemical potential control of charge state and fluorescence of nitrogen vacancy centers in nanodiamonds

We use spectro-electrochemical microscopy to demonstrate that the equilibrium charge state and fluorescence of nitrogen vacancy centers in nanodiamonds can be dynamically controlled by externally applied potentials.
New insights into the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation in preterm infants.

Chronic lung disease (CLD) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are associated with a significant inflammatory response of the airways and the interstitium of the lungs. Besides inflammatory cells, various cytokines, lipid mediators, proteolytic enzymes and toxic oxygen radicals may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Intrauterine exposure to chorioamnionitis or proinflammatory cytokines has been shown to induce a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response in the fetus. In this subgroup, antenatal infection may prime the lung such that minimally injurious postnatal events provoke an excessive inflammatory response in the airways and the pulmonary tissue. Inflammation and lung injury most certainly affect normal alveolization and pulmonary vascular development in preterm infants with CLD.
Two Degree of Freedom Robot Adaptive Controller

This paper combines the simple technique for adaptive robot control proposed by Bar-Kana and Guez and the exploratory lerning schedule proposed by Selinsky and Guez into a unified two degrees of freedom (DOF) robot controller, thereby improving the performance of both approaches. We first briefly summarize both approaches. We then propose our new 2 DOF controller and explain our motivation for its design. Next we present the main theorem and conclude with a two-joints rigid manipulator example.
Autonomous navigation using received signal strength and bearing-only pseudogradient interpolation

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) interacting with an a priori distributed wireless sensor network (WSN) in a region can address the three-tier challenge of navigating in unknown environments: (i) identifying target locations, (ii) planning paths to the targets, and (iii) efficiently executing the navigation paths to the targets. This paper presents low-complexity algorithms to address the second-tier and third-tier challenges, i.e., efficiently planning and executing paths to target locations. These novel approaches use only the information inherent in WSNs, i.e., received signal strength (RSS). The objective is to have the AMR navigate to a target location by: (i) producing an RSS-based artificial magnitude distribution in the navigation region, (ii) using particle filtering based bearing estimation for orientation information, and (iii) using interpolated pseudogradient for efficient path planning and navigation. Here, the AMR does not require: (i) the global location information for itself or the WSN, (ii) a priori information of the direction of a target location, or (iii) sophisticated ranging equipment for prior mapping. The AMR relies only on local, neighborhood information and low-cost wireless directional antennas for navigation. Real-world and simulation experiments, using a variety of node-densities, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. The low-cost, low-complexity advantages of the WSN-AMR interactive navigation provide for efficient map-less and ranging-less navigation methods. Efficient WSN-assisted AMR navigation by only 1 modality, received signal strength.Novel use of standard artificial potential field for way-point estimation.Introducing implicit surfaces for inter-node pseudogradient interpolation in WSN.Novel use of standard particle filtering for RSS-based WSN-node bearing estimation.Extensive simulation and hardware experimental validation.
Advanced assessment of the power quality events

This paper introduces a new concept of advanced power quality assessment. The concept is implemented using the software for event detection, classification and characterization. The role of the modeling and simulation in the power quality assessment is also discussed. The use of the field recorded data and simulated data in the equipment performance analysis is outlined. All the mentioned approaches are suggested for power quality assessment use when setting up and verifying power quality contracts.
Numerical differentiation for adaptively refined finite element meshes

Postprocessing of point-wise data is a fundamental process in many fields of research. Numerical differentiation is a key operation in computational electromagnetics. In the case of data obtained from a finite element method with automatic mesh refinement much work needs still to be done. This paper addresses some issues in differentiating data obtained from a finite element electromagnetic code with adaptive mesh refinement, and it proposes a methodology for deriving the electric field given the magnetic field on a mesh of linear triangular elements. The procedure itself is nevertheless more general and might be extended for numerically differentiating any point-wise solution based on triangular meshes.
Failure of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses to increase luteinizing hormone beta messenger ribonucleic acid in GnRH-deficient female rats

Gonadotropin subunit gene transcription and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels are differentially regulated by GnRH pulse frequency and amplitude in the male rat. The rapid changes of subunit mRNA levels and LH and FSH secretion during the estrous cycle, particularly the rapid rise in LH-beta subunit mRNA on proestrus afternoon, suggest that physiological changes in the pattern of GnRH action may also be important in female rats. However, in the absence of a GnRH-deficient female model the role of varying GnRH stimulation remains to be determined. We have characterized a GnRH-deficient model by administering the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) to ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Initial experiments showed that PBZ given 24 h earlier abolished the afternoon LH surge in OVX estradiol (E2) replaced rats whereas LH responses to exogenous GnRH were preserved. A PBZ regimen of 15 mg/kg ip at OVX followed by 10 mg/kg at 24 h and 5 mg/kg at 48 h prevented the increase in alpha, LH-beta, and FSH-beta mRNAs a...
Molecular Rydberg transitions: Field effects in the vacuum ultraviolet

Abstract Magnetic-field (Zeeman) and electric-field (Stark) effects provide much information on excited electronic states. The experimental approach is similar in both cases: an external field is imposed; the changes of energy and intensity of a spectroscopic line are measured; and these changes are used to infer excited- and ground-state properties. Since the field-induced changes are small (e.g. ΔE≈1−10cm−1), the technique is applicable only to sharp line-spectra (i.e. to atoms and small molecules). Technological advances have now made possible the measurement of subtle shape-changes, a circumstance which opens up field-effect studies of the broad bands which characterize large molecules. Such magnetic field1,2) and electric field3,4) studies exist. The techniques are commonly referred to as “magnetic circular dichroism” (MCD) and “electrochromism”, respectively. We prefer the name “electric linear dichroism” (ELD) for the latter technique. ELD5,6) and MCD7,8,9) studies in the VUV are also available. Our interest resides in molecular Rydberg states, which usually lie in this region. These states, at low-energy are heavily mixed with valence states and, at high-energy, are precursors to cationic states. Our intent is to categorize these states and to understand the transition from strong core-coupling (valence) to weak core-coupling (Rydberg) to zero core-coupling (continuum). • MCD studies of spherical and symmetric-top molecules should yield: • (a) the electronic magnetic moment of excited states, whence one can infer angular momentum,. • (b) the mechanism which confers “allowedness” on nominally-forbidden transitions (e.g. vibronic coupling), • (c) the operative spin-orbit coupling regime (e.g. various Hund cases, Ω c ω ,etc.), • (d) a magnetic-field-induced intensity, and detection of otherwise unobservable transitions. ELD studies should yield: • (d) field-induction of intensity, • (e) electric-dipole transition polarization for Cmv (m⩾2) molecules, • (f) permanent electric dipole moments of excited states, whence their charge transfer nature may be inferred, • (g) electric polarizability which, for H-like atoms, is proportional to r3 (or n6) and is a measure of orbital size (and, hence, valence/Rydberg mixing).
Dentoalveolar procedures for the anticoagulated patient: literature recommendations versus current practice.

Purpose To evaluate the current practice of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Michigan regarding perioperative warfarin therapy and dentoalveolar surgery in defined procedure risk groups. Materials and Methods Surveys were distributed to all surgeons (n = 188) registered with the Michigan Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Low/moderate/high surgery risk groups were defined based on retrospective data accumulated for procedures on pretransplant liver failure patients. We requested the surgeon’s maximum tolerated International Normalized Ratio (INR) for each risk group. In addition, surgeons were asked if their routine practice for each group included continuation or discontinuation of therapeutic warfarin perioperatively. Results A 72.6% response rate was achieved. The average maximum INR cutoff values for the various risk groups were: low, 2.68; moderate, 2.28; and high, 2.01. Routine discontinuation of warfarin occurred in these groups 23.6%, 48.8%, and 70.5%, respectively. Using a paired t test, these results showed statistically significant differences in patient management practices (P < .001) between the low, moderate, and high risk groupings. Conclusion Lack of uniformity exists regarding warfarin therapy and dentoalveolar surgery. No studies to date involve significant numbers of moderate/high risk procedures to provide evidence-based support of safety with maintenance of therapeutic INR. For moderate or high risk procedures, the majority of surgeons prefer warfarin discontinuation with minimally therapeutic or subtherapeutic levels, a practice that secondarily increases risk for thromboembolism. Based on these preliminary data, we believe a prospective trial to elucidate stronger management guidelines for both the moderate and high risk surgery population is indicated.
The Crisis in the Churches: Spiritual Malaise, Fiscal Woe

America's churches have fallen on hard times. But this crisis, says Wuthnow, is more than economic; it is at bottom spiritual. He points to both the failure of the clergy to confront their financial problems head-on, and their neglect of the real spiritual needs of their predominantly middle-class congregations. He offers specific suggestions for more effective ministry.
Healing of Venous Ulcers of Long Duration with a Bilayered Living Skin Substitute: Results from a General Surgery and Dermatology Department

Background. A laboratory-grown bilayered living skin substitute (LSS) has been shown to accelerate the healing of venous ulcers. However, issues related to optimal wound bed preparation prior to the application of LSS have not been addressed. Objective. When combined with standard compression therapy and near elimination of wound exudate, bioengineered skin can achieve complete closure of venous ulcers which have been present for more than a year and which are difficult to heal. Methods. In the general surgery (center A) and dermatology (center B) departments at two separate medical centers, LSS was used to treat venous ulcers of more than 1 year's duration and which had been unresponsive to conventional therapy. Wound bed preparation at both centers had as common goals the removal of necrotic tissue, optimal formation of granulation tissue, and elimination of wound exudate. Results. There was great comparability between the two centers in the patients being treated, wound size and duration, and number of LSS applications. Both centers achieved a frequency of complete wound closure of greater than 70% within 6 months. Conclusion. At two separate clinical and specialty sites having a common goal of optimal wound preparation, treatment with LSS was associated with a high rate of complete closure of hard to heal venous ulcers.
An analysis of economic incentives in wetlands policies addressing biodiversity

This paper offers an economic analysis of economic incentives within the Habitat Conservation Plan and Wetlands Mitigation Bank policies. Both policies are relatively new policies for protection and restoration of ecosystems such as wetlands that support biodiversity. The components of the policies such as the measures of success, conversion of biological units into economic units, and timing of the actions by policymakers and landowners influence the incentives to carry out protection and restoration. A stochastic optimal control model is developed which incorporates ecological uncertainty of wetlands restoration. The model helps in examining the decisions of how much to invest in a wetlands mitigation bank or habitat conservation plan. The model is calibrated with data from California bioeconomic parameters. Numerical simulation of the model provides a sensitivity analysis of how model parameters of restoration costs, stochastic biological growth, discount rate, and the market value of credits affect the trajectory of investment and the optimal stopping state of wetlands quality when the investment ends. The analysis reveals that more restoration will occur when there is a reduction in restoration costs, an increase in biological uncertainty or an increase in the value of wetlands credits. Continued restoration is harder to justify at a higher discount rate and cost.
Shape and stability of self-assembled surface domains.

Top of page The shapes of two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures on surfaces are determined by their boundary energies1, 2, 3 as well as by long-range elastic, electrostatic or magnetic interactions. Although it is well known that long-range interactions can give rise to shape bifurcation4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9—an abrupt change in shape symmetry at a critical size—a general description of the evolution of shape with size, systematically incorporating both the azimuthal dependence of the boundary energy and long-range interactions, has been lacking. Here we show that unconstrained shape relaxation, including previously ignored boundary curvature, leads to a novel, continuous shape change from convex at small size to concave at large size. In addition to demonstrating a method to quantitatively determine the azimuthal dependence of the boundary energy, we show that the energy gain associated with boundary curvature relaxation is a key factor in stabilizing surface nanostructures. For 77 domains on Si(111), boundary curvature reduces the formation free-energy by up to 50%.
A Simultaneous Variable Optical Weight and Delay in a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier for Microwave Photonics

In this paper, we demonstrate how a single semiconductor optical amplifier can serve as a simultaneous variable optical weight and tunable optical delay for microwave photonics. The device weight, or power transmission, and delay can be controlled simultaneously and independently from each other by varying the input optical power and the semiconductor bias current. The dual functionality is achieved by combining the effects of slow and fast light with cross-gain modulation in the semiconductor. We experimentally demonstrate a tunable delay range of 100 ps and RF gain range of $-$ 6 to +3 dB for a 600-MHz microwave signal and show how the weight and delay of the device can be separately tuned. The delay range and bandwidth of the device are limited by the semiconductor carrier lifetime and characteristic of slow and fast light. As a simultaneous optical weight and delay, as well as a wavelength converter, a semiconductor optical amplifier operating in this manner can be a compact and versatile element in microwave photonics, radio-over-fiber, and general analog optical signal processing.
Exploring the role of the modulation spectrum in phoneme recognition.

Objectives: The ability of human listeners to identify consonants (presented as nonsense syllables) on the basis of primarily temporal information was compared with the predictions of a simple model based on the amplitude modulation spectra of the stimuli calculated for six octave-spaced carrier frequencies (250 to 8000 Hz) and six octave-spaced amplitude modulation frequencies (1 to 32 Hz). Design: The listeners and the model were presented with 16 phonemes each spoken by four different talkers processed so that one, two, four, or eight bands of spectral information remained. The average modulation spectrum of each of the processed phonemes was extracted and similarity across phonemes was calculated by the use of a spectral correlation index (SCI). Results: The similarity of the modulation spectra across phonemes as assessed by the spectral correlation index was a strong predictor of the confusions made by human listeners. Conclusions: This result suggests that a sparse set of time-averaged patterns of modulation energy can capture a meaningful aspect of the information listeners use to distinguish among speech signals.
Web information retrieval and filtering course to undergraduates using open source programming

This paper describes how to engage actively students in web information retrieval and filtering course using open source programming. To teach this course, I utilized hands-on lab projects from various open source projects including the Galago search engine. Projects included, but were not limited to, implementing information retrieval (IR) algorithms, collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms, web-based interfaces, and adding features into an open-source search engine. By practicing with real-world open source programming, students found that they better understood how to connect background knowledge to real-world applications in preparation for industry jobs.
Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein-2A-induced ΔNp63α expression is associated with impaired epithelial-cell differentiation

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic γ-herpes virus associated with malignancies that develop in both lymphoid and epithelial cells including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The EBV protein, latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A), is expressed in NPC and can modulate epithelial proliferation, transformation and differentiation, and as such may promote malignancy. A key regulator of epithelial-cell differentiation is the transcription factor p63, a member of the p53 family. This study examines the potential contribution of p63 to LMP2A-mediated inhibition of epithelial-cell differentiation. Stable expression of LMP2A increased the protein level and stability of the ΔNp63α isoform and in two epithelial cell lines, LMP2A interacted with ΔNp63α under stable- and transient-expression systems. LMP2A and ΔNp63α were localized to the cytoplasm and nuclear membrane and co-immunoprecipitated in the same fractions. Following induction of epithelial-cell differentiation by calcium, expression of differentiation markers was impaired in both ΔNp63α- and LMP2A-expressing cells. Induction of p63α, association of p63α with LMP2A and impairment of differentiation required the PY and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signaling motif of LMP2A. By associating with and being regulated by LMP2A, ΔNp63α may function as a unique regulator of LMP2A effects on epithelial differentiation and contribute to EBV-associated epithelial cancers.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Evaluation By Intravenous Angiography

Using perfusion lung scans as a guide, digital video subtraction angiography of the pulmonary arteries was performed in human subjects suspected of having pulmonary embolism. Dogs were employed as a pulmonary embolism model and both routine pulmonary angiography and intravenous pulmonary angiograms were obtained for comparison purposes. We have shown by our preliminary results that the technique is extremely promising as a safe and accurate alternative to routine pulmonary angiography in selected patients.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Renal Doppler evaluation in the child with hypertension: a reasonable screening discriminator?

Hypertension is diagnosed in 1–5% of children, and 5–10% of those hypertensive children have renovascular disease. The gold standard for a diagnosis of renal artery stenosis is arteriography, and Doppler ultrasound (Doppler US) continues to be advocated as a useful screening test. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of Doppler US in children as a screening tool and to better define clinical features of children in whom arteriography should be performed. This retrospective study evaluated the imaging and clinical parameters for all children who had a renal US with Doppler followed by a diagnostic arteriogram for the evaluation of hypertension during a 12-year period at a tertiary children’s hospital. Sixty-two children were included. We evaluated each child’s clinical parameters and placed each child into one of three categories of hypertension: mild, moderate or severe. Eleven of 17 kidneys with proven renal artery stenosis were detected with Doppler US (sensitivity 64%). Six children with renal artery stenosis were missed by Doppler US, four of whom had segmental artery lesions. Of the children with positive renal artery stenosis on arteriography, all but three (79%) were classified as having moderate to severe hypertension. Doppler US is a useful screening examination when evaluating children with hypertension, detecting renal artery stenosis in most affected children. The clinical risk classifications are helpful in guiding which children should proceed with arteriography regardless of the Doppler US results.
Some Effects of Multiple Scattering on Heating Rates in the Ozone Layer

Abstract The effects of multiple scattering on the heating rates in the ozone layer are investigated. Computations are performed for two wavelengths, one rather highly absorbing, λ=3112 A, and one rather weakly absorbing, λ=3323 A, and for three solar elevation angles. These results are compared with heating rates computed on the basis of a Beer's law type of exponential absorption, neglecting all scattering. It is shown that, at the weakly absorbing wavelength, and for small zenith angles, the effect of scattering is such as to increase the heating rate by about 40 per cent. At the more highly absorbing wavelength, scattering effects are small and may safely be neglected.
Exploring Movements and Potential Actuation in Action Origami

As interest in origami-inspired mechanisms continues to grow, there is an increasing need to better understand the fundamental types of motion possible in origami models and how to effectively actuate them. This paper addresses this need with an in-depth study of action origami models and their motion. Approximately 140 action origami models were folded and analyzed. Groupings of action origami models are proposed based on observed fundamental motions from this study. Eleven different motions are outlined and defined with the associated actuation forces that drive them. Considerations for effective placement of actuation forces and back-drivability of each defined motion are included in the discussion.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Synthesis of human coagulation factor XIII in yeast

The active form of coagulation factor XIII, factor XIIIa, is a transglutaminase that covalently cross-links fibrin molecules by joining gamma-glutamyl and epsilon-lysyl primary amino groups. In this paper we report the design of a yeast expression vector called pPH3 which includes the GAL1-GAL10 promoter, multiple cloning sites, the URA3 selectable marker, the 2 mu sequences and the ampicillin-resistance gene. We have placed full-length factor XIII cDNA into the PstI site of this vector, transformed the yeast cells and expressed human coagulation factor XIII which was found to be enzymatically active based on observations that this recombinant factor XIII: (a) showed immunological identity with placental factor XIII; (b) was demonstrated to have transglutaminase activity, and (c) cross-linked fibrin in a manner identical to human placental factor XIIIa-catalyzed polymerization (gamma-gamma dimerization and alpha polymerization).
Institutional Context and Party Power: Member Participation and Leadership Strategy in the Lame-Duck Congressional Era

The authors examine how institutional context affects political decision making in Congress by investigating party leaders’ agenda construction strategies and members’ roll-call participation across regular and lame-duck sessions in the pre-Twentieth Amendment House (1877-1933). The authors find evidence to suggest that party leaders pursued relatively more partisan agendas in lame-duck sessions and did so successfully. Next, we investigate the effects such agendas had on roll-call participation. The authors find that returning (reelected) members significantly decreased their abstention levels, while departing (defeated and retiring) members significantly increased their abstention levels. Yet the authors also find that departing members could be drawn to participate on certain types of roll-call votes even in the face of strong incentives to shirk. Party leaders rely on the generally higher levels of participation by returning members as well as the selective participation of departing members to overco...
Analysis of the Arithmetic Mean CFAR Normalizer for Fluctuating Targets

The analysis of the arithmetic mean constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) normalizing processor for nonfluctuating targets entails consideration ion of the moderately complicated F-distribution. For Swerling 1 targets, the CFAR performance equations are quite simple. The mean signal-to-interference ratio (SIR), ??M, required as a function of probability of detection, PD, false-alarm probabil ity, PFA, and number of normalization cells, M, is given by ??M = (PD/ FA)1/M/ (1-PDl/M). A graph of the CFAR loss, the increased SIR relative to that required when the interference power is known (so that CFAR processing is not required), is given. The data indicate that the CFAR loss, in decibels, is halved when the number of normalization cells is doubled. This result is a special case of the more general gamma density fluctuation model. The more general case is derived and specialized to Swerling 1 and 3 target models.
Intuiting the Process of Another: Symbolic, Rational Transformations of Experience

Abstract In experiential personal construct psychotherapy (Leitner, 1988) the establishment of a ROLE relationship between the therapist and client is of primary importance. This is done through -approaching the process that is the other. In this article the meaning of “approaching the process” is examined in terms of S. K. hanger's concept of nondiscursive, or presentational, symbolism. Patterns of behavior in relationships are seen as symbolic transformations of experience. Observing and experiencing these patterns of behavior are mays therapists can intuit the process of the other and enhance the creation of a ROLE relationship.
When a Talking-Face Computer Agent Is Half-Human and Half-Humanoid: Human Identity and Consistency Preference.

Computer-generated anthropomorphic characters are a growing type of communicator that is deployed in digital communication environments. An essential theoretical question is how people identify humanlike but clearly artificial, hence humanoid, entities in comparison to natural human ones. This identity categorization inquiry was approached under the framework of consistency and tested through examining inconsistency effects from mismatching categories. Study 1 (N = 80), incorporating a self-disclosure task, tested participants’ responses to a talking-face agent, which varied in four combinations of human versus humanoid faces and voices. In line with the literature on inconsistency, the pairing of a human face with a humanoid voice or a humanoid face with a human voice led to longer processing time in making judgment of the agent and less trust than the pairing of a face and a voice from either the human or the humanoid category. Female users particularly showed negative attitudes toward inconsistently paired talking faces. Study 2 (N = 80), using a task that stressed comprehension demand, replicated the inconsistency effects on judging time and females’ negative attitudes but not for comprehension-related outcomes. Voice clarity overshadowed the consistency concern for comprehension-related responses. The overall inconsistency effects suggest that people treat humanoid entities in a different category from natural human ones.
Particle Discrimination by Time-of-Flight Methods

A time-of-flight technique has been used to discriminate between particles of differing masses which are emitted from nuclear reactions. The particles are detected with a silicon junction counter. A two-parameter pulse-height analyzer is used to record both the energy and the flight time of each particle detected. The Argonne tandem Van de Graaff provides a chopped and bunched incident beam. Pulses from the silicon detector are fed into both a fast (200-Mc/sec band width) amplifier and into a conventional charge-sensitive preamplifier with a slower response. The fast side of the circuit feeds into a time-to-pulse-height converter giving a pulse which is a measure of flight time. An energy pulse is provided by the slower circuitry. The experimental data show a time resolution of 2 nsec and an energy resolution of 50 keV for particles with energies between 400 keV and 10 MeV.
Preterm induction of labor: predictors of vaginal delivery and labor curves

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the labor curves of patients who undergo preterm induction of labor (IOL) and to assess possible predictors of vaginal delivery (VD). Study Design Data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Consortium on Safe Labor were analyzed. A total of 6555 women who underwent medically indicated IOL at Results Rates of vaginal live births increased with GA, from 35% (group A) to 76% (group D). Parous women (odds ratio, 6.78; 95% confidence interval, 6.38–7.21) and those with a favorable cervix at the start of IOL (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 2.23–2.48) were more likely to deliver vaginally. Analysis of labor curves in nulliparous women showed shorter duration of labor with increasing GA; the active phase of labor was, however, similar across all GAs. Conclusion Most women who undergo medically indicated preterm IOL between 24 and 36+6 weeks of gestation deliver vaginally. The strongest predictor of VD was parity. Preterm IOL had a limited influence on estimated labor curves across GAs.
Endocrine Activity of Corpora Lutea from First-Service and Repeat-Breeder Dairy Heifers

Summary Comparisons of weight, per cent of functional luteal cells, progesterone concentration, and total progesterone content of corpora lutea were made between seven first-service and seven repeat-breeder dairy heifers and between corpora lutea from two consecutive estrual cycles within these groups. Each heifer was allowed to have at least one normal estrual cycle and on the 14th day after heat the corpus luteum was removed through a supravaginal incision, leaving both ovaries intact. Most of the heifers returned to heat and ovulated within three or four days after the operation, and from them a second corpus luteum was removed on the 14th day, either by operation or slaughter. Differences between first-service and repeat-breeder heifers were statistically nonsignificant for all four variables. The first corpus luteum was significantly heavier than the second for first-service and repeat-breeder heifers combined (P Repeatability from first to second corpora lutea, as estimated by intraclass correlations, was as follows: corpora lutea weights, 0.34, per cent functional cells, 0.16, progesterone concentration, 0.53, and total progesterone content, 0.53. There was a tendency for both first-service and repeat-breeder heifers to develop cystic follicles or to produce twin ovulations following the removal of one or two corpora lutea.
New spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors: patent applications published during 2011–2013

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is one of the more advanced small-molecule targets with regard to clinical development for treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review we continue our analysis of the patent literature covering the time period 2011–2013. The analysis relates to any organization that has filed applications that explicitly discloses SYK as the intended target. In the last 2 years there has been a surge of application with a few new entries in a crowded field with the structural theme of compounds in these applications being a traditional type I ATP competitive inhibitor [1]. This overview of the SYK patent literature and the learning's of the inhibitors substitution patterns would be an important reading for anyone working in the area of SYK inhibitors.
A Gene for Parkinson Disease

Until recently, the possibility that genetic factors contributed significantly to the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD) was accorded relatively short shrift. Few patients with obviously familial PD are seen in common practice, and families with parkinsonism often present with rather atypical features. The discovery that the neurotoxin N-methyltetrahydropyridine (MPTP) rapidly induces an illness similar to sporadic PD added fuel to those arguing that environmental factors must be largely responsible. But more recently, this view has begun to shift because no generally plausible environmental factors emerged and data favoring a genetic component began to mount. 1 Now it is clear that the cause of PD may on occasion be purely genetic and involve autosomal dominant as well as various other inheritance patterns. Moreover, it has become increasingly apparent that even in sporadic cases, the disease most likely reflects some combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental insult. In such instances, the genetic component presumably acts by increasing the vulnerability of dopamine-containing neurons in the nigrostriatal system to injury by 1 or more common, possibly by themselves relatively innocuous, environmental factors. This view has now been substantially reinforced and our ability to understand the pathogenesis of PD dramatically advanced by the recent identification of a gene responsible for PD in 4 unrelated families. 2
Fabrication of microstructures using shrinkable polystyrene films

Abstract This paper demonstrates the combination of reactive ion etching (RIE) and shrinkable polystyrene (PS) films to reduce the feature size of microstructures and to generate microstructures with high aspect ratios on both planar and curved surfaces. A shrinkable PS film is patterned with relief structures using RIE through a physical mask. The patterned surface is heated and shrinks. After shrinking, the size of microstructures decreases by a factor of four to five, and their height increases by a factor of ∼ 20. Thermal shrinkage results in a 100-fold increase in the aspect ratio of the patterned microstructures in the PS film. Microstructures as high as ∼ 126 μm with aspect ratio of ∼9.5 have been generated. The smallest structures fabricated using this strategy are rectangular pits ∼ 1.4 μm × 1.7 μm in size. Fabrication of microstructures on curved surfaces has been demonstrated by folding a patterned PS film and allowing it to shrink in place.