cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelet adenine nucleotide levels in patients with Dacron vascular prostheses.

Abstract Platelet adenine nucleotide levels were determined in 11 patients with Dacron bifemoral aortic prostheses using high performance liquid chromatography. Total platelet and dense granule adenine nucleotide levels were measured in neutralized perchloric acid extracts prepared from gel-filtered platelet suspensions and from platelet supernatants following thrombin-induced release of granule constituents respectively. Dense granule adenine nucleotide levels were significantly decreased in the patient group compared with age and sex-matched controls (p 0.2). Platelet survival measurements were made on 3 patients; when grouped with control subjects, a positive correlation was observed between platelet survival and platelet dense granule ADP(r = 0.96; p
On-board and Off-board performance of hydrogen storage options for light-duty vehicles

Abstract Leading physical and materials-based hydrogen storage options are evaluated for their potential to meet the vehicular targets for gravimetric and volumetric capacity, cost, efficiency, durability and operability, fuel purity, and environmental health and safety. Our analyses show that hydrogen stored as a compressed gas at 350–700 bar in Type III or Type IV tanks cannot meet the near-term volumetric target of 28 g/L. The problems of dormancy and hydrogen loss with conventional liquid H2 storage can be mitigated by deploying pressure-bearing insulated tanks. Alane (AlH3) is an attractive hydrogen carrier if it can be prepared and used as a slurry with >50% solids loading and an appropriate volume-exchange tank is developed. Regenerating AlH3 is a major problem, however, since it is metastable and it cannot be directly formed by reacting the spent Al with H2. We have evaluated two sorption-based hydrogen storage systems, one using AX-21, a high surface-area superactivated carbon, and the other using MOF-177, a metal-organic framework material. Releasing hydrogen by hydrolysis of sodium borohydride presents difficult chemical, thermal and water management issues, and regenerating NaBH4 by converting B–O bonds is energy intensive. We have evaluated the option of using organic liquid carriers, such as n-ethylcarbazole, which can be dehydrogenated thermolytically on-board a vehicle and rehydrogenated efficiently in a central plant by established methods and processes. While ammonia borane has a high hydrogen content, a solvent that keeps it in a liquid state needs to be found, and developing an AB regeneration scheme that is practical, economical and efficient remains a major challenge.
Stability analysis of dual-mode servomechanisms

Dual-mode servomechanisms have several advantages such as light weight and simplicity, but a serious study of the stability problems encountered in such devices has not appeared in the literature. An analytical method is presented here for determining the stability of dual-mode servomechanisms by an extension of the describing function method of analysis. The method is illustrated with examples, and laboratory data are presented. Analysis by describing functions shows that a dual-mode system may be unstable even though its linear and relay modes of operation are stable as systems by themselves, and the mode-switching circuitry is perfect. It is also shown that for certain mode boundary shapes the describing function is a function of frequency as well as amplitude.
Distribution of gaseous products from laser pyrolysis of coals of various ranks

Abstract The irradiation of coal by laser energy is one of the more promising new methods of pyrolyzing coal rapidly at high temperatures. Gaseous products from the laser irradiation of coals of various ranks were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The total gas yield varied inversely with coal rank, showing a four-fold increase between anthracite and lignite. The atomic C-H ratio for the gases was lower than for the corresponding coal. Yields of acetylene, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide generally increased between anthracite and lignite. Changes were most pronounced between anthracite and low-volatile bituminous coal. Liquid products were not detected. The infrared spectrum of the solid residue showed few of the characteristic coal bands.
Sophie Germain and the theory of numbers

Sophie Germain had maintained mathematical contacts for some years with such savants as Lagrange and Legendre; but her mathematical career may be said to date from her first letter to C. F. Gauss, 21 November 1804, signed with the pseudonym LeBlanc. Gauss, one year her junior, had published his first great work, the Disquisitiones Arithmeticae, in 1801, and Germain's letter is concerned chiefly with the famous §357. There Gauss, using his theory of periods of the cyclotomic polynomial f(x) = (xp ')j{x 1), and the trigonometrical sums now called Gauss sums (§ 356), showed that the number field generated by the pth roots of unity, ρ an odd prime, contains the quadratic irrationality |/±/?. He expresses that fact by showing that/(x) splits over the quadratic field generated thereby, i.e. can be written in the form 4f= Y2 + pZ2, Y and Ζ being polynomials with integral coefficients. This is among Gauss's deepest contributions to number theory. Sophie Germain, in her letter, generalizes the foregoing equation to g(x) = (xpS ')l(x 1), s any positive integer, obtaining 4g = Y'2±pZ'2. This, however, is quite obvious from Gauss's result and the manifest fact that/ divides g. A.-M. Legendre consecrates the Kiume Partie of Tome 2 of his Theorie des Nombres (second edition, 1827) to an explication of Gauss's theory of the cyclotomic polynomial, and there (No. 512) he discusses some elementary congruence properties of the coefficients of the polynomials Y and Z. Germain, in a note published in Crelle's Journal of 1831, the year of her death, extends Legendre' s observations of the coefficients of her polynomials Y and Z' Most of the details of the investigations described in Sophie Germain's first
Application of a Relativistic Resonance Formula to the e + e - -->π + π - Experiment

The present data for the reaction ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are analyzed with the aid of a general effective-range resonance formula for the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ meson. It is concluded that (a) ${m}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}=769\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5$ MeV and ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}=109\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10$ MeV provide a reasonable explanation of the present experimental points; (b) the full width at half-maximum regardless of the peak height should give an excellent estimate of the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ width; (c) it is hard to escape ${|{F}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}({{m}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}}^{2}|}^{2}=\frac{{{m}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}}^{2}}{{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}}^{2}}$; (d) the effects of final-state interactions on resonance shape ought to be investigated.
Cognitive complexity and verbal response mode use in discussion

Stiles (1978a) has proposed that intersubjectivity be studied by analyzing utterances for the extent to which the speaker or the hearer is used as the focus, frame of reference or source of experience in the utterance. In this study Stiles' discourse analysis system was used to determine if there are general differences in the way individuals varying in construct system development use their utterances to establish understanding with others. Students varying in cognitive complexity and construct system abstractness discussed a course policy that was relevant to their class. Results showed that construct system development was positively correlated with edification and question response mode use, and negatively correlated with interpretation response mode use.
Enveloped virus- and lectin-induced structural change in erythrocyte lipid bilayer: dependence on species of erythrocyte and on the multivalence of the agglutinin.

Abstract Attachment of influenza virus or concanavalin A (Con A) to avian or amphibian erythrocytes causes the erythrocyte membrane lipid bilayer to become more fluid, as detected by spin-label electron spin resonance. No change in bilayer fluidity occurs upon agglutination of avian erythrocytes pretreated with the microtubule-disrupting drug colchicine or agglutination of mammalian erythrocytes, which lack microtubules. The change in bilayer fluidity upon agglutination of chicken erythrocytes appears to require crosslinking of receptor molecules. The hemagglutinin glycoprotein isolated from influenza virus by treatment with bromelain and the succinylated derivative of Con A bind to receptors, but do not crosslink them and do not cause a change in lipid bilayer fluidity. Multivalent aggregates of influenza virus hemagglutinin, isolated by treatment with Triton X-100 followed by removal of the detergent, are able to induce an increase in erythrocyte lipid bilayer fluidity. Erythrocytes pretreated with succinyl-Con A are agglutinated by antibody to Con A, resulting in an increase in membrane bilayer fluidity. These results support the hypothesis that the fluidity change in the avian erythrocyte membrane induced by virus and lectin attachment involves lateral rearrangement of receptor glycoproteins in the plane of the membrane mediated by microtubule-like systems.
Manipulative treatment for idiopathic impotence in a 24-year-old water polo player

Abstract This case report discusses the manipulative treatment of a 24-year-old water polo player for impotence and its potential causes.
Critical ischemic colitis secondary to incarcerated oesophageal hiatus hernia.

DESCRIPTION A 78-year-old female presented with severe anaemia and melena. She had a history of impending intestinal obstruction of unknown cause 2 months before admission. An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series confi rmed the diagnosis of severe paraesophageal hiatus hernia, demonstrating the stomach and duodenum above the diaphragm ( fi gure 1A ), but no bleeding nor obstruction was found in the upper GI tract. Barium enema and colonoscopy revealed severe stenosis of the transverse colon but no evidence of malignancy ( fi gure 1B ). Angiography showed no abnormality. The patient underwent surgical exploration, revealing a 7 cm-sized mass in the transverse colon located close to the large oesophageal hiatus, which suggested the cause of the lesion to be impending hiatal incarceration of the
The cross-cultural validity of posttraumatic stress disorder: implications for DSM-5.

Background: There is considerable debate about the cross-cultural applicability of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) category as currently specified. Concerns include the possible status of PTSD as a Western culture-bound disorder and the validity of individual items and criteria thresholds. This review examines various types of cross-cultural validity of the PTSD criteria as defined in DSM-IV-TR, and presents options and preliminary recommendations to be considered for DSM-5. Methods: Searches were conducted of the mental health literature, particularly since 1994, regarding cultural-, race-, or ethnicity-related factors that might limit the universal applicability of the diagnostic criteria of PTSD in DSM-IV-TR and the possible criteria for DSM-5. Results: Substantial evidence of the cross-cultural validity of PTSD was found. However, evidence of cross-cultural variability in certain areas suggests the need for further research: the relative salience of avoidance/numbing symptoms, the role of the interpretation of trauma-caused symptoms in shaping symptomatology, and the prevalence of somatic symptoms. This review also indicates the need to modify certain criteria, such as the items on distressing dreams and on foreshortened future, to increase their cross-cultural applicability. Text additions are suggested to increase the applicability of the manual across cultural contexts: specifying that cultural syndromes—such as those indicated in the DSM-IV-TR Glossary—may be a prominent part of the trauma response in certain cultures, and that those syndromes may influence PTSD symptom salience and comorbidity. Conclusions: The DSM-IV-TR PTSD category demonstrates various types of validity. Criteria modification and textual clarifications are suggested to further improve its cross-cultural applicability. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, 1Inc.
Near IR absorption in films of silicon containing oxygen

Abstract A novel reflectance effect has been used to extract new information about oxygen impurity states in silane-vapor-deposited silicon films. A comparison to IR measurements in crystalline silicon yields a substantial wavelength shift of the characteristic 9-μm oxygen transition and may suggest increased film impurity absorption in comparison to the bulk. By combining these experiments with measurements of film oxygen impurity concentration using X-ray emission spectroscopy, values for the oscillator strengths of the prominent oxygen lines in the near IR can be obtained. Interpretation of these data is given.
Estimating the carbon budget and maximizing future carbon uptake for a temperate forest region in the U.S.

Forests of the Midwest U.S. provide numerous ecosystem services. Two of these, carbon sequestration and wood production, are often portrayed as conflicting. Currently, carbon management and biofuel policies are being developed to reduce atmospheric CO2 and national dependence on foreign oil, and increase carbon storage in ecosystems. However, the biological and industrial forest carbon cycles are rarely studied in a whole-system structure. The forest system carbon balance is the difference between the biological (net ecosystem production) and industrial (net emissions from forest industry) forest carbon cycles, but to date this critical whole system analysis is lacking. This study presents a model of the forest system, uses it to compute the carbon balance, and outlines a methodology to maximize future carbon uptake in a managed forest region. We used a coupled forest ecosystem process and forest products life cycle inventory model for a regional temperate forest in the Midwestern U.S., and found the net system carbon balance for this 615,000 ha forest was positive (2.29 t C ha-1 yr-1). The industrial carbon budget was typically less than 10% of the biological system annually, and averaged averaged 0.082 t C ha-1 yr-1. Net C uptake over the next 100-years increased by 22% or 0.33 t C ha-1 yr-1 relative to the current harvest rate in the study region under the optized harvest regime. The forest’s biological ecosystem current and future carbon uptake capacity is largely determined by forest harvest practices that occurred over a century ago, but we show an optimized harvesting strategy would increase future carbon sequestration, or wood production, by 20-30%, reduce long transportation chain emissions, and maintain many desirable stand structural attributes that are correlated to biodiversity. Our results for this forest region suggest that increasing harvest over the next 100 years increases the strength of the carbon sink, and that carbon sequestration and wood production are not conflicting for this particular forest ecosystem. The optimal harvest strategy found here may not be the same for all forests, but the methodology is applicable anywhere sufficient forest inventory data exist.
Arterial Ultrastructure Influences Transport of Locally Delivered Drugs

An incomplete understanding of the transport forces and local tissue structures that modulate drug distribution has hampered local pharmacotherapies in many organ systems. These issues are especially relevant to arteries, where stent-based delivery allows fine control of locally directed drug release. Local delivery produces tremendous drug concentration gradients and although these are in part derived from transport forces, differences in deposition from tissue to tissue imply that tissue ultrastructure also plays an important role. We measured the equilibrium drug uptake and the penetration and diffusivity of dextrans (a model hydrophilic drug similar to heparin) and albumin in orthogonal planes in arteries explanted from different vascular beds. We found significant variations in drug distribution with geometric orientation and arterial connective tissue content. Drug diffusivities parallel to the connective tissue sheaths were one to two orders of magnitude greater than across these sheaths. This diffusivity difference remained relatively constant for drugs up to 70 kDa before decreasing for larger drugs. Drugs also distributed better into elastic arteries, especially at lower molecular weights, with almost 66% greater transfer into the thoracic aorta than into the carotid artery. Arterial drug transport is thus highly anisotropic and dependent on arterial tissue content. The role of the local composition and geometric organization of arterial tissue in influencing vascular pharmacokinetics is likely to become a critical consideration for local vascular drug delivery.
Scar Contracture: Cellular and Connective Tissue Aspects in Peyronie's Disease

ABSTRACTPurpose: The understanding of the mechanism of how the plaque in Peyronie's disease causes functional distortions is presented in terms of scar formation and maturation. The repair process is important for survival. The expected biological response to tissue loss and disruption is scarring but in some situations, such as Peyronie's disease, the resultant scar creates major problems.Materials and Methods: The development of scar involves the deposition of connective tissue which histologically can be studied in patients and in animal models as well as with in vitro models. Abnormal scarring can involve excessive connective tissue deposition. Clinically examples of excess scarring are hypertrophic scars common in healed burn patients and keloid scars seen in patients with this inherited defect in healing. In addition to excessive connective tissue deposition, another aspect of abnormal scarring is scar contracture, when the compaction of the scar tissue distorts the anatomical appearance and functio...
Wire width planning for interconnect performance optimization

In this paper, we study wire width planning for interconnect performance optimization in an interconnect-centric design flow. We first propose some simplified, yet near-optimal wire sizing schemes, using only one or two discrete wire widths. Our sensitivity study on wire sizing optimization further suggests that there exists a small set of "globally" optimal wire widths for a range of interconnects. We develop general and efficient methods for computing such a "globally" optimal wire width design and show rather surprisingly that using only two "predesigned" widths for each metal layer, we are still able to achieve close to optimal performance compared with that by using many possible widths, not only for one fixed length, but also for all wire lengths assigned at each metal layer. Our wire width planning can consider different design objectives and wire length distributions. Moreover, our method has a predictable small amount of errors compared with optimal solutions. We expect that our simplified wire sizing schemes and wire width planning methodology will be very useful for better design convergence and simpler routing architectures.
Wear-Corrosion Comparisons of Passivating vs Nonpassivating Alloys in Aerated 3.5% Aqueous Solutions of Sodium Chloride

Abstract Metals and alloys that have the capability of forming passive films provide good corrosion resistance in many environments. Under localized wear-corrosion conditions, however, they undergo...
Fan Broadband Noise in Anisotropic Turbulence

A model is developed for the acoustic response of a row of blades to anisotropic turbulence. The distortion of the energy spectrum tensorij is calculated using the rapid distortion theory. It is shown thatij strongly depends on the three distor- tion parameters {e1,e2,e3} of the turbulence integral scales. A linear cascade model is used to calculate the acoustic response of the blades. The radiated acoustic power for anisotropic turbulence is compared with that for isotropic turbulence. For ax- isymmetric distortion with stretched axial length scale, the results for the acoustic energy show significant shift toward lower frequencies, a drop in the mid-frequency range, and tending asymptotically toward the isotropic results at high frequency. For a rotor, axially stretched turbulence produces spikes in the spectrum at multiples of the blade passing frequency. The spikes strength strongly depends on the stretching coefficient. Comparison with low speed rotor experiments shows good agreement.
An Experimental Economics Approach to Analyzing Price Discovery in Forward and Spot Markets

Laboratory experiments are used to generate data that facilitate investigation of pricing behavior in forward and spot markets, Results suggest a tendency for prices in a spot market to converge to levels higher than those in a forward market. The difference in these market environments is the supply schedule. Buyers in a spot market are aware that supply is inelastic and become relatively aggressive bidders. Forward markets have a relatively elastic supply schedule and buyers fare better. This may motivate firms to promote forward markets and/or vertically integrate in the procurement of inputs.
Immunosuppression: preliminary results of alternative maintenance therapy for familial hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (FHL).

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) describes a group of disorders with similar clinical features that are associated with a very high mortality rate. Patients with HLH, and particularly the infantile form referred to as familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL), are often treated with multiple courses of epipodophyllotoxins, such as etoposide, for prolonged periods of time. Because of the concern regarding the risk of epipodophyllotoxin-induced acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) we have explored the use of immunosuppression as maintenance therapy for patients with FHL while they await the only known definitive treatment, i.e., bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We report 2 infants with FHL who had significant central nervous system involvement at diagnosis. Both were initially treated with etoposide, methotrexate, and glucocorticosteroids. Once clinical improvement was achieved these patients were successfully maintained in clinical remission of FHL on daily cyclosporine A (CSA) and glucocorticosteroids along with intermittent intrathecal methotrexate for 5 months until appropriate unrelated donors could be identified for BMT.
Revisiting the Sexual Genogram

The sexual genogram is an essential tool for assessing both transgenerational and current issues regarding sexuality. While the original article on constructing a sexual genogram is comprehensive (Hof & Berman, 1986), not much has been written about it since that time. On the 25th anniversary of the sexual genogram, we wanted to revisit it with an eye on contemporary sexual issues. Several updates are suggested, including comprehensive, inclusive questions to elicit information about the diversity of gender expression, sexual orientation, and sexual communication. Additionally, we encourage the use of the sexual genogram in all forms of treatment (individual and couple), as well as integrating a sexual timeline to understand sexual development over the course of the client's lifetime.
Chloride conductance pathways in heart.

Nonelectrogenic movement of Cl- is believed to be responsible for the active accumulation of intracellular Cl- in cardiac muscle. The electro-neutral pathways underlying this nonpassive distributio...
Karl Menger and Taxicab Geometry

(1990). Karl Menger and Taxicab Geometry. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 63, No. 5, pp. 326-327.
Indian Media in Global Context

There is a curious partitioning of media histories of the west from those of other countries. The kind of comparative analysis that would be expected with a set of global technologies and practices is lacking. Although communications media were promoted as a technology of nation building by western powers and received as such by countries such as India, strangely, there is a wide gap between the rhetoric of globality and the literature pertaining to local and national uses of media technologies. My essay situates the history of post-independence media growth in India within this gap, in a preliminary attempt to bridge it.
The Duration from Seeding to Heading(DSH) of Some Core Parent Lines and Its Stability in Japonica Hybrid Rice

It is essential to grasp the DSH of the parent lines for ensuring good coherence of male and female parent in flowering in hybrid rice seed production.But it is difficult to do a generic grasp to DSH,because rice is a sensitive to photoperiod and temperature,and its DSH is always susceptible to the environment and different greatly depending on the genotypes.So in this paper,from the point of view of practical application,the DSH and its stability of some core parent lines of japonica hybrid rice was investigated concretely by the method of seeding and transplanting on different dates in different years and locations respectively.The results showed that:(1) There was no significant difference between the sterile line and its retainer line in DSH;(2) The average DSH of the core parent line 105A,91A,95A,99A,02A,TA,C52,C258,C01 and C418 was 104.7d,105d,104.8d,107.7d,106.8d,106.9d,105.7d,111d,107.1d and 115.6d respectively;(3) There was significant effects and co-effects to DSH from year,location,seeding date and seedling age;(4) In general,C52,99A,TA,02A and 95A were stable in DSH compared with that of 105A,C258,C01,91A and C418.
The Pattern of Visual Fixation Eccentricity and Instability in Optic Neuropathy and Its Spatial Relationship to Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer Thickness.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess whether clinically useful measures of fixation instability and eccentricity can be derived from retinal tracking data obtained during optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with optic neuropathy (ON) and to develop a method for relating fixation to the retinal ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness. METHODS Twenty-nine patients with ON underwent macular volume OCT with 30 seconds of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO)-based eye tracking during fixation. Kernel density estimation quantified fixation instability and fixation eccentricity from the distribution of fixation points on the retina. Preferred ganglion cell layer loci (PGCL) and their relationship to the GCC thickness map were derived, accounting for radial displacement of retinal ganglion cell soma from their corresponding cones. RESULTS Fixation instability was increased in ON eyes (0.21 deg2) compared with normal eyes (0.06982 deg2; P < 0.001), and fixation eccentricity was increased in ON eyes (0.48°) compared with normal eyes (0.24°; P = 0.03). Fixation instability and eccentricity each correlated moderately with logMAR acuity and were highly predictive of central visual field loss. Twenty-six of 35 ON eyes had PGCL skewed toward local maxima of the GCC thickness map. Patients with bilateral dense central scotomas had PGCL in homonymous retinal locations with respect to the fovea. CONCLUSIONS Fixation instability and eccentricity measures obtained during cSLO-OCT assess the function of perifoveal retinal elements and predict central visual field loss in patients with ON. A model relating fixation to the GCC thickness map offers a method to assess the structure-function relationship between fixation and areas of preserved GCC in patients with ON.
Historical Stereotypes of Black Men

Building on our examination of historical portrayals of African Americans as a whole, Chapter 2 explores stereotypes of African-American males in particular. The chapter’s case study provides an in-depth exploration of mass media portrayals of President Barack Obama throughout his first four years as the first Black president of the United States.
Thermal simulation and power map modeling sensitivity study for chipset silicon

This paper describes the thermal characterization and power map methodology on chipset silicon die. The on-die power map affects the overall thermal gradient and heat spreading effect from the die to the package top, which in turns drives the cooling requirements needed to meet package cooling target. This paper demonstrates the power-thermal simulation with different power map resolution and examines its effects on the hot spot on the die.
Electoral Vulnerabilities in the United States: Past, Present, and Future

The purpose of this paper is to put the issues of election integrity that arose in 2016 in context, and to suggest along the way how it is that one should be sanguine about the administration of elections in the United States. First, I identify four integrity-related themes that have arisen in American elections since the 2000 presidential election. Second, I briefly discuss what it means to assess the health of the American electoral system, to help confine the scope of this article. Third, I provide two frameworks for assessing the health of the election system, one that takes the perspective of a typical voter, and the other that focuses on the flow of information conveyed in an election. In each of these assessments, I make reference to research conducted over the past two decades that inform our assessment of the health of the election process. I conclude by bringing this discussion back to the specific case of 2016, providing a preliminary assessment of the health of the election process in the most recent federal election.
What Is the Predictive Value of Animal Models for Vaccine Efficacy in Humans? Consideration of Strategies to Improve the Value of Animal Models

Animal models are an essential feature of the vaccine design toolkit. Although animal models have been invaluable in delineating the mechanisms of immune function, their precision in predicting how well specific vaccines work in humans is often suboptimal. There are, of course, many obvious species differences that may limit animal models from predicting all details of how a vaccine works in humans. However, careful consideration of which animal models may have limitations should also allow more accurate interpretations of animal model data and more accurate predictions of what is to be expected in clinical trials. In this article, we examine some of the considerations that might be relevant to cross-species extrapolation of vaccine-related immune responses for the prediction of how vaccines will perform in humans.
A Visual Latency Estimator for 3D Tele-Immersion

3D Tele-Immersion systems allow geographically distributed users to interact in a virtual world using their "live" 3D models. The capture, reconstruction, transfer, and rendering of these models introduce significant latency into the system. Implicit Latency (l') can be estimated using system clocks to measure the time after the data was received from the RGB-D camera, till the request to render the result. The Observed Latency (l) between a real world event and the event being rendered on the display, cannot be accurately represented by l' since l' ignores the time taken to capture, or update the display, etc. In this paper, a Visual Pattern based Latency Estimation (VPLE) approach is introduced to calculate the real world visual latency of a system without the need for any custom hardware. VPLE generates a constantly changing pattern that is captured and rendered by the 3DTI system. An external observer records both the pattern and the rendered results at high frame rates. l is estimated by calculating the difference between the generated and rendered patterns. VPLE is extended to allow l estimation between geographically distributed sites. Evaluations show that the accuracy of VPLE depends on the refresh rate of the pattern, and is within 4ms. l of a distributed 3DTI system implemented on the GPU is significantly lower than the CPU implementation, and is comparable to video streaming. It is also shown that the l' estimates for GPU based 3DTI implementations are off by almost 100% compared to the l.
Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood asthma: A two-stage instrumental variable analysis to address endogeneity.

Background Several explanations for the inconsistent results on the effects of breastfeeding on childhood asthma have been suggested. The purpose of this study is to investigate one unexplored explanation, which is the presence of a potential endogenous relationship between breastfeeding and childhood asthma. Endogeneity exists when an explanatory variable is correlated with the error term for reasons such as selection bias, reverse causality, and unmeasured confounders. Unadjusted endogeneity will bias the effect of breastfeeding on childhood asthma. Methods To investigate potential endogeneity, a cross-sectional study of breastfeeding practices and incidence of childhood asthma in 87 pediatric patients in Georgia, USA was conducted using generalized linear modeling (GLM) and a two-stage instrumental variable analysis. First, the relationship between breastfeeding and childhood asthma was analysed without considering endogeneity. Second, tests for presence of endogeneity were performed and having detected endogeneity between breastfeeding and childhood asthma, a two-stage instrumental variable analysis was performed. The first stage of this analysis estimated the duration of breastfeeding and the second-stage estimated the risk of childhood asthma. Results When endogeneity was not taken into account, duration of breastfeeding was found to significantly increase the risk of childhood asthma (relative risk ratio (RR) = 2.020, 95% CI (1.143-3.570)). After adjusting for endogeneity, duration of breastfeeding significantly reduced the risk of childhood asthma (RR = 0.003, 95% CI (0.000-0.240)). Conclusions The findings suggest that researchers should consider evaluating how the presence of endogeneity could affect the relationship between duration of breastfeeding and the risk of childhood asthma. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Value-Optimal Sensor Network Design for Steady-State and Closed-loop Systems Using the Generalized Benders Decomposition

The problem of value-optimal sensor network design for linear systems has been shown to be of the nonconvex mixed integer programming class. While the branch and bound search procedure can be used to obtain a global solution, such a method is limited to fairly small systems. The bottleneck is that during each iteration of the branch and bound search, a fairly slow semi-definite programming (SDP) problem must be solved to its global optimum. In this paper, it is demonstrated that an equivalent reformulation of the nonconvex mixed integer programming problem and subsequent application of the generalized benders decomposition (GBD) algorithm will result in massive reductions in computational effort. While the proposed algorithm has to solve multiple mixed integer linear programs, this increase in computational effort is significantly outweighed by a reduction in the number of SDP problems that must be solved.
Septo-optic dysplasia: a literature review.

Background Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a rare disorder characterized by optic nerve hypoplasia with any combination of absent septum pellucidum and/or pituitary dysfunction. SOD may manifest as strabismus, nystagmus, decreased visual acuity, or visual impairment; as an endocrine dysfunction in isolation; or in addition to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, or delayed growth. Method This article reviews the presenting signs and symptoms of SOD, optic nerve hypoplasia, consequences of an absent septum pellucidum, endocrine findings associated with SOD, SOD diagnosis determination, syndromes associated with SOD, and optometry's role in caring for these patients. It also examines two cases that demonstrate the variety and severity of visual and physical impairments associated with SOD. Results SOD has a multi-factorial etiology, including insult during pregnancy (e.g., viral infections, gestational diabetes); vascular disruption; or a genetic mutation. Children with SOD may manifest a variety of visual and/or physical symptoms that range from mild to severe. Conclusions The associated vision, developmental, neurologic, and endocrine disturbances require early diagnosis and management. Optometrists need to be aware of optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and consider this diagnosis in patients with visual acuity loss. A comprehensive eye examination and visual-field assessment should be completed in addition to appropriate referrals for endocrine, developmental, and/or cognitive anomalies.
Surgical Principles in the Treatment of Pediatric Brain Tumors

Contemporary surgical neuro-oncology traces its roots to Harvey Cushing in the study and treatment of brain tumors. Neurosurgical intervention plays a significant role in the management of brain tumors for tissue diagnosis through biopsy, and treatment through resection in most cases of isolated well-circumscribed brain tumors, often in combination with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Neurosurgical consultation is almost always indicated for intracranial mass lesions in pediatric patients, and a general familiarity with principles of surgical management can be useful to the oncologist and radiation oncologist in providing appropriate counseling and creating a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plan. This chapter provides an overview of five important topics of surgical management and provides relevant clinical pearls: surgical approaches to brain tumors, hydrocephalus management, posterior fossa syndrome, steroid administration, and seizure management.
Molecular dynamics study of thrombin capture by aptamers TBA26 and TBA29 coupled to a DNA origami

AbstractThe fabrication of DNA origamis is one of the very few possibilities to create nanostructures with precise atomistic-tailored geometries in a variety of shapes. In addition, these origamis ...
Sea Level Rise and Social Justice: The Social Construction of Climate Change Driven Migrations

One outcome of climate change will be sea level rise. Sea level rise, and subsequent flooding, may cause displacement of certain people and communities. Social science research has argued that disaster outcomes, such as displacement by flooding, are socially constructed—that is, they are the outcomes of decisions made about where to develop, who the state protects, and how communities recover following an environmental hazard. This chapter addresses the idea that sea level rise is intimately linked to questions of social justice using three case studies. First the chapter investigates vulnerability as an outcome of colonization practices in Alaska. Next, the chapter addresses the impacts of cost-benefit analysis for beach nourishment on coastal populations. Finally, the chapter will look at the Isle de Jean Charles example from Louisiana to understand how cost-benefit analysis impacts levee protection decisions. Ultimately the chapter will argue that the suffering caused by sea level rise is a social construct, as well as an outcome of ecological shift. Here we see that habitual marginalization and economic and political systems of disenfranchisement render certain populations invisible or “less valuable” to protect, and that this, in turn, perpetuates cycles of vulnerability under climate change regimes.
Implementing computational models with C and the GNU scientific library on Linux

Several studies have shown that computational modeling and methods is an important component in today's computing education. This tutorial provides a short overview of relevant numerical methods and the GNU Scientific Library (GSL) with programming in the C language using Linux. The tutorial presents a gentle introduction to various programming examples in C and GSL that apply numerical methods used for developing computational models. These are presented by solving several case studies and applying computational techniques for numerically solving mathematical models. C is an important programming language used in high-performance computing. The main software tools and libraries that are used for solving and implementing the mathematical models are: the GNU C compiler, the GNU Scientific Library (GSL), and CodeBlocks on Linux. Educational materials are available using these tools as part of the COMP project. The general goals of this project are to: develop general methods, approaches, and tools for modeling and solving computational models at different levels of abstraction, and to develop a suitable high-level language for modeling high-performance models in scientific applications. The case studies were designed and developed to be of interest to faculty and students of computing (Computer Science, Software Engineering, and related disciplines), mathematics, and the various sciences.
Learning Theories and Educational Paradigms

Theories of learning changed dramatically during the 1980s and 1990s. These changes reflect new beliefs and assumptions about how humans learn and develop understandings of complex phenomena. To a large extent, these new theories expand our understanding of human learning rather than replace traditional theories of learning, which are still relevant in certain situations. Different types of learning exist, and different theories are most appropriate for different learning outcomes and situations. Distinguishing between learning and understanding, similarities and differences between traditional theories of learning and contemporary, constructivist theories of understanding are discussed. In addition, the relationship between theories of learning and different educational paradigms is discussed. Every educational system incorporates a theoretical model of student learning and the nature of knowledge. The implications of these models (which can be implicit or explicit) are examined with regard to understanding how individuals learn both in and outside of school.
The treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with 6-mercaptopurine and thioguanine.

Abstract Fourteen patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia were treated with either 6-mercaptopurine or thioguanine. Nine patients responded and five failed to improve. Eight patients developed side effects, either hematologic or gastrointestinal, of varying degrees of severity; in three the antimetabolite had to be discontinued, while in others adjustment of the dosage or the administration of antacids was sufficient to control side effects. Included in this series are nine patients who failed to respond adequately to corticosteroid therapy; four of these had a good effect from antimetabolite therapy. Although these results indicate that antimetabolites may reverse the course of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the eventual role of these agents in the treatment of this disorder requires further study.
Engaging urban nature: improving our understanding of public perceptions of the role of biodiversity in cities

In recognition of the value of biodiversity for cities and citizens, a number of international programs have been designed to help municipal governments sustain, protect, and augment the biodiversity and ecosystem services within their jurisdictions. A key component of these programs is public engagement, where citizens assume a more active role in maintaining urban biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. Yet, there are few studies which have as their focus public knowledge of the importance of nature, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in cities. To these ends, this study was conducted to develop a better understanding of how the public understands and interacts with urban biodiversity, particularly in comparison to subject matter experts. Using topics generated from expert interviews and the literature, an interview guide was developed for the general public, structured around the general themes of a definition of urban biodiversity, as well as the perceived benefits, costs, and threats related to urban biodiversity. While there were similarities in the responses of citizens and experts, some differences did emerge in terms of accounting for specific urban ecosystems, acceptable interventions to support and enhance biodiversity, and the character and extent of the cultural services derived from urban nature. Insights from this work can be used to inform education and information efforts for the public, as well as raise awareness among city planners and nature professionals of the array of urban ecosystem services recognized and made use of by the public.
Contrary Socializations: Organizational Influence on the Teaching Approaches of Two Beginning Teachers in an External Threat Environment

This study examines the relationship between two first-year teachers and how organizational behavior influences their socialization when implementing an external mandate. The primary interests of this qualitative study are the organization behavior related to socializing newcomers, the manner in which new teaching roles and behaviors are realized, and the potential tension that can exist between what teachers believe their role should be and the role expectations of the organization. The findings suggest that how schools react to external mandates can influence the manner in which new teachers are socialized into their new role, potentially resulting in less desirable teaching practices.
Class Actions, Indivisibility, and Rule 23(b)(2)

The federal class-action rule contains a provision, Rule 23(b)(2), that authorizes class-wide injunctive or declaratory relief for class-wide wrongs. The procedural needs of civil rights litigation motivated the adoption of the provision in 1966, and in the intervening years, it has played an important role in managing efforts to bring about systemic change. At the same time, courts have sometimes struggled to articulate what plaintiffs must show in order to invoke Rule 23(b)(2). A few years ago, the Supreme Court weighed in, stating that the key to this type of class action is the “indivisible” nature of the remedy the plaintiffs seek. Some defendants have encouraged federal courts to adopt an extremely restrictive version of indivisibility, which I term “endpoint indivisibility,” as a standard for applying Rule 23(b)(2). This Article argues that an endpoint indivisibility requirement would be fundamentally inconsistent with the historical models for Rule 23(b)(2). Moreover, such a requirement would have devastating effects on civil rights litigation. An alternative standard, which I term “root-cause indivisibility,” offers a better logical and historical fit.
Transforming the Food System Is the People’s Work: Experiential Knowledge Shows Us the Way

First paragraph: This volume, available online as chapters or in full, is designed to support people’s partici­pa­tion in decision-making in their localities and around their food and food system. It showcases examples that balance efforts of people with pro­cess knowledge (e.g., academics and other profes­sionals) with those who have experiential knowl­edge (i.e., lived experience). The latter are the everyday experts of the title. Their stories, projects, lessons, and challenges run through 28 chapters and demonstrate the editorial collective’s interest in affirming multiple epistemologies and methods. By de-centering the professional experts, the editors fulfill their “call for the recognition and affirmation of Indigenous, local, traditional and other non-mainstream knowledge systems” (p. xix). Instead of reporting knowledge simply based in science and scientism, the editors have brought together a group of author participants who share an under­standing of a broader set of knowledges driven by co-production in nonhierarchical dialogue, includ­ing multiple indigenous epistemologies. If you have read, or written, about how society needs a trans­formation in how we go about addressing social justice and environmental sustainability or regen­eration in the face of mounting global challenges, this book will be a valuable contribution to your reading list and you might find inspiration here. In fact, it would be hard not to. . . .