cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic investigations of avian 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase-inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase expressed in Escherichia coli.

ATIC [5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide transfor­mylase (AICAR Tfase)–inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase (IMPCH)] is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the penultimate and final steps in the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway and thus is an attractive anticancer target. Recombinant avian ATIC has been purified from an Escherichia coli expression system and crystallized in a binary complex with methotrexate (MTX). Crystals were obtained from PEG 4000 or MPEG 5000 buffered at pH 7.0–7.2 and data were collected from a single crystal at 96 K to 2.3 A resolution at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL). The crystals are monoclinic and belong to space group P21, with unit-cell dimensions a = 65.17, b = 105.93, c = 103.47 A, β = 108.27°. Assuming two molecules per asymmetric unit, the Matthews coefficient Vm is 2.63 A3 Da−1 and the solvent volume is 52.9%.
Resolvability for Imprecise Multiattribute Alternative Selection

We consider an alternative selection process that involves multiple and conflicting objectives. A facilitator asks a decision maker (DM), or a decision-making body, questions and obtains responses to help the DM select a most preferred alternative. The DM responses to these questions do not necessarily result in precisely determined parameter values (e.g., weights and value scores corresponding to a given model of preference). The goal of this research is to guide the facilitator in selecting what question to ask next and determining when to terminate the question-response process. We model the facilitator's question selection problem as a Markov decision process and present conditions that guarantee the existence of a question-response policy to identify a most preferred alternative in a finite number of questions. We also present conditions that guarantee the existence of a question-response policy that will identify a most preferred alternative as the number of questions asked goes to infinity. Both of these sets of conditions are easily identified a priori and may be used to aid a facilitator in determining which questions to ask and when to terminate the alternative selection process because identification of a most preferred alternative is not possible.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 detaches cells from extracellular matrices by inactivating integrins

The binding of urokinase plaminogen activator (uPA) to its cell surface receptor (uPAR; CD87) promotes cell adhesion by increasing the affinity of the receptor for both vitronectin (VN) and integrins. We provide evidence that plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 can detach cells by disrupting uPAR-VN and integrin-VN interactions and that it does so by binding to the uPA present in uPA-uPAR-integrin complexes on the cell surface. The detached cells cannot reattach to VN unless their surface integrins are first activated by treatment with MnCl2. Immunoprecipitation and subcellular fractionation experiments reveal that PAI-1 treatment triggers deactivation and disengagement of uPA-uPAR-integrin complexes and their endocytic clearance by the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein. Transfection experiments demonstrate that efficient cell detachment by PAI-1 requires an excess of matrix-engaged uPA-uPAR-integrin complexes over free engaged integrins and that changes in this ratio alter the efficacy of PAI-1. Together, these results suggest a VN-independent, uPA-uPAR-dependent mechanism by which PAI-1 induces cell detachment. This pathway may represent a general mechanism, since PAI-1 also can detach cells from fibronectin and type-1 collagen. This novel "deadhesive" activity of PAI-1 toward a variety of cells growing on different extracellular matrices may begin to explain why high PAI-1 levels often are associated with a poor prognosis in human metastatic disease.
Psalm 29: A Structural Analysis

In 1935, H. L. Ginsberg published an article demonstrating the existence of Canaanite elements in Psalm 29. Among these were: 1) the mention of the benē 'ēlīm related to the assembly of the banu ili in the Ugaritic texts; 2) the glorification of the voice of Yahweh, an adaptation of the praises of Baal, the Canaanite storm god; 3) topographical references to Lebanon, Sirion, and Kadesh, all located in Syria; 4) the first discovery in the Bible of an enclitic mem (vs. 6); 5) the kingship of Yahweh, similar to the formula of Baal's triumph over his foes. Since then, others have developed and supplemented this original investigation, especially with the aid of recent work in Ugaritic. Linguistic and textual problems remain, however. The present paper suggests that a structural analysis of the psalm not only supports the integrity of the present text but also points to some complex and sophisticated techniques of Hebrew poetry.
Comparison of Different Regimens of Prednisone Therapy in Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

. The long-term results of four different regimens of prednisone therapy were compared in 32 children with steroid sensitive, frequently relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome with minimal glomerular lesions on renal biopsy. Prednisone was adminstered according to the following dosage schedules: 1) long-term daily, 2) standard intermittent, 3) standard alternate-day, and 4) short-term daily. Over a mean observation period of 7 years patients without steroid dependency received a cumulative dosage of prednisone of 10 mg/m2/day and those with steroid dependency received 19 mg/m2/day. Relapse free intervals were the longest with long-term daily prednisone therapy compared to the other three regimens. In frequently relapsing patients without steroid dependency the relapse free intervals were similar with either intermittent or alternate-day prednisone therapy (median 75 d); however, they were significantly shorter with short-term prednisone therapy (median 33 d). In frequently relapsing patients with steroid dependency the time of remission was generally shorter than in patients without steroid dependency (median 25d vs. 69d) with no benefit of any of the different forms of short-term treatment.
Lysine-independent turnover of cyclin G1 can be stabilized by B'alpha subunits of protein phosphatase 2A.

Although the cyclin G1 gene is known to be regulated at the transcriptional level by p53, less is understood about the turnover of its protein product. We found that ectopically and endogenously expressed cyclin G1 protein is highly unstable and is degraded by a proteasome-mediated pathway. The N-terminal 137 amino acids of cyclin G1 (cyclin G1-137) are necessary and sufficient for both cyclin G1 ubiquitination and turnover. Interestingly, a mutant cyclin G1 (8KR) in which all lysine residues in this region have been replaced with arginine can be both ubiquitinated in cells and stabilized by a proteasome inhibitor to a similar extent as wild-type cyclin G1-137. Furthermore, the presence of a six-Myc tag at the N terminus of cyclin G1-137 significantly inhibits the protein's turnover, suggesting a role for the extreme N terminus of the protein in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Although we and others previously showed that cyclin G1 protein can bind to MDM2, which functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to p53 and itself, cyclin G1 protein can be degraded in cells without MDM2 and p53. Interestingly, the B′α1 subunit of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A, which binds to cyclin G1, can stabilize cyclin G1 under unstressed conditions and upon DNA damage, as well as inhibit the ability of cyclin G1 to be ubiquitinated. Our results thus indicate that proteasomal turnover of cyclin G1 is regulated by noncanonical processes.
Pockmarks on the Scotian Shelf

Pockmarks are cone-shaped despressions that occur in large numbers across the LaHave clay of the Scotian Shelf. They normally range in diameter from 15 to 45 m and in depth from 5 to 10 m. They were possibly formed by ascending gas or subsurface water leakage from underlying coastal plain sediments.
Melanin pigmentation in a mucoepidermoid tumor of a minor salivary gland

A low-grade mucoepidermoid tumor rich in melanin has been reported. According to the collective personal experience of the authors and a literature review, such lesions are thought to be rare. It is not anticipated that melanocytic participation will alter the prognosis; however, only long-term followup and reports of any similar lesions of salivary gland will assist in clarifying the nature and significance of this lesion.
Reggio Emilia As Cultural Activity Theory in Practice

Abstract This article situates Reggio Emilia's municipally funded early childhood program within the city's cultural traditions of resistance and collaboration and considers what it is about this highly localized program that is appealing and useful to contemporary school reform initiatives. Five features of Reggio Emilia's approach to early education are described: an interpretation of teachers as researchers, curriculum as long-term projects, the role of symbolic languages in child development and advocacy, the role of the environment, and an interpretation of parents as partners in the educational enterprise. Other features of the city's hard work–specifically, its capacity to make ideas visible and its emphasis on relations among adults as well as children–are identified as central to Reggio Emilia's continued influence on the field. The article concludes with a proposal to consider schools as cites where reform initiatives can be informed by principles and practices from Reggio Emilia.
Human HDL cholesterol levels are determined by apoA-I fractional catabolic rate, which correlates inversely with estimates of HDL particle size. Effects of gender, hepatic and lipoprotein lipases, triglyceride and insulin levels, and body fat distribution.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are a strong inverse predictor of atherosclerosis risk, but the physiological determinants of HDL-C levels are poorly understood. We selected 57 human subjects (30 women and 27 men) with a broad range of HDL-C levels and performed turnover studies of apolipoprotein (apo)A-I and apoA-II, the two major apolipoproteins of HDL, to measure the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) and production or transport rate (TR) of these proteins. We also measured several other parameters known to correlate with HDL-C levels to test for their interrelations and to postulate mechanisms of regulation of HDL-C levels. As expected, the women had higher levels of HDL-C (56.7 +/- 21.4 versus 45.1 +/- 16.3 mg/dL, mean +/- SD; P = .03) and apoA-I (147 +/- 32 versus 126 +/- 29 mg/dL, P = .01) than men and did not differ in apoA-II levels (34.5 +/- 7.4 versus 33.3 +/- 7.5 mg/dL, P > .2). The FCR of apoA-I tended to be lower in the women (0.248 +/- 0.077 versus 0.277 +/- 0.069 pools/d, P = .1), although the difference was not statistically significant. The FCR of apoA-II was also lower (0.184 +/- 0.043 versus 0.216 +/- 0.056 pools/d, P = .02). In contrast, the apoA-I TR was equal in women and men (12.0 +/- 1.6 versus 12.1 +/- 2.8 mg/kg per day, P > .2), and there was a trend toward lower apoA-II TR in women (2.19 +/- .62 versus 2.61 +/- 1.06 mg/kg per day, P = .07). Linear regression analysis revealed a strong inverse correlation between HDL-C levels and the FCRs of apoA-I and apoA-II (r = -.81 and -.76, respectively; P < .0001 for both). In contrast, there was little or no association between HDL-C and the TRs of apoA-I and apoA-II (r = .06 and -.35, P = not significant and .01, respectively). In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, apoA-I FCR alone accounted for 66% of the variability in HDL-C; two other variables accounted for an additional 7%. Due to the importance of apoA-I FCR, its determinants were sought among the remaining variables.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Anonymous Biometric Access Control based on homomorphic encryption

In this paper, we consider the problem of incorporating privacy protection in a biometric access control system. An Anonymous Biometric Access Control (ABAC) system is proposed to verify the membership status of a user using biometric signals without knowing his or her true identity. This system is useful in protecting the privacy of authorized users while keeping out potential imposters and attackers. In our proposed system, we employ homomorphic encryption to protect the probe biometric and propose a Secure Similarity Search (SSS) algorithm to authenticate the probe in an anonymous way. We demonstrate our proposed system using a gallery of iris biometrics and show the efficiency of the implemented anonymous biometric matching performed in encrypted domain.
Continuous infusion versus intermittent administration of ceftazidime in critically ill patients with suspected gram-negative infections.

The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime administered by continuous infusion and intermittent bolus over a 4-day period were compared. We conducted a prospective, randomized, crossover study of 12 critically ill patients with suspected gram-negative infections. The patients were randomized to receive ceftazidime either as a 2-g intravenous (i.v.) loading dose followed by a 3-g continuous infusion (CI) over 24 h or as 2 g i.v. every 8 h (q8h), each for 2 days. After 2 days, the patients were crossed over and received the opposite regimen. Each regimen also included tobramycin (4 to 7 mg/kg of body weight, given i.v. q24h). Eighteen blood samples were drawn on study days 2 and 4 to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime and its pharmacodynamics against a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (R288). The patient demographics (means +/- standard deviations) were as follows: age, 57 +/- 12 years; sex, nine males and three females; APACHE II score, 15 +/- 3; diagnosis, 9 of 12 patients with pneumonia. The mean pharmacokinetic parameters for ceftazidime given as an intermittent bolus (IB) (means +/- standard deviations) were as follows: maximum concentration of drug in serum, 124.4 +/- 52.6 micrograms/ml; minimum concentration in serum, 25.0 +/- 17.5 micrograms/ml; elimination constant, 0.268 +/- 0.205 h-1; half-life, 3.48 +/- 1.61 h; and volume of distribution, 18.9 +/- 9.0 liters. The steady-state ceftazidime concentration for CI was 29.7 +/- 17.4 micrograms/ml, which was not significantly different from the targeted concentrations. The range of mean steady-state ceftazidime concentrations for the 12 patients was 10.6 to 62.4 micrograms/ml. Tobramycin peak concentrations ranged between 7 and 20 micrograms/ml. As expected, the area under the curve for the 2-g q8h regimen was larger than that for CI (P = 0.003). For IB and CI, the times that the serum drug concentration was greater than the MIC were 92 and 100%, respectively, for each regimen against the P. aeruginosa clinical isolate. The 24-h bactericidal titers in serum, at which the tobramycin concentrations were
Interleaved dual tag directory scheme for cache coherence

Shared memory multiprocessors generally use caches to improve the performance. This introduces the cache coherence problem. Multiple copies of the data need to be kept consistent by using a suitable mechanism. The paper presents a novel mechanism for organizing the memory modules in order to provide an inexpensive implementation for cache coherence. The interleaved directory scheme uses a unique address mapping to ensure a proper distribution of the directory that holds information regarding cached copies in the system. The memory requirement for the directory is significantly less than current directory schemes and there is no extra interconnect traffic generated by the scheme. >
Adaptive SISO algorithms for iterative detection with parametric uncertainty

The soft-input soft-output (SISO) module is the basic building block of any iterative receiver for a system consisting of a network of finite state machines (FSM). It is a trellis based algorithm that provides soft information on the input and output of an FSM, with linear complexity on the decision delay D (or the observation length N). When parametric uncertainty is present, the need for adaptive SISOs arises. The proposed solutions either oversimplify the parameter model, or result in exponential complexity on D. In this paper, the exact expression for the soft metrics in the presence of parametric uncertainty modeled as a deterministic constant is rederived in a novel way. Based on this expression, suboptimal algorithms with linear complexity on D and N are presented. The applicability of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated with two examples, namely serially concatenated convolutional codes (SCCC) with carrier phase tracking, and trellis coded modulation (TCM) in frequency-selective fading channels.
Deformable registration with spatially varying degrees of freedom constraints

Intra-subject deformable registration applications, such as longitudinal analysis and multi-modal imaging, use a high degree freedom deformation to accurately align soft tissue. However, smoothness constraints applied to the deformation and insufficient degrees of freedom in the deformation may distort the more rigid tissue types such as bone. In this paper, we present a technique that aligns rigid structures using rigid constraints while aligning soft tissue with a high degree of freedom deformation.
Transshipment hubs in the New Panamax Era: The role of the Caribbean

Transshipment hubs are perhaps the most critical component in container shipping networks. Transshipment enables traffic consolidation and the related scale economies in ship size, rationalization of shipping routes and adjustment of ship capacity to traffic density, and expanding the number of ports covered by the shipping network. This paper provides an assessment of the current state of transshipment with a particular reference to the potential impacts of the expansion of the Panama Canal on this activity in the Caribbean basin. While US East Coast ports are expecting an increase in the size of ships deployed on the through-Panama services following the Canal expansion from the current Panamax to post-Panamax ships, it is argued that substituting direct calling by feedering and expanded transshipment activities in Caribbean hubs is more likely. This transformation in service pattern will be gradual, however. In the first period after the expansion the present direct calling is expected to continue, since post-Panamax ships initially deployed on through-Panama services will not differ much than those on through-Suez services already calling the US. The transformation will take place mainly in the second period, 5 to 10 years after the expansion, when larger ships, defined as New Panamax (NPX), which cannot be efficiently handled by US East Coast ports, will be deployed. Accordingly, a substantial growth in transshipment in the Caribbean Region will take place especially during the second period.
An Ecological Study of Aphids on Strawberry in Southern California

Population growth trends of aphids and their natural enemies were studied on a summer planting of ‘Torrey’ variety and a winter planting of ‘Sequoia’ variety strawberries in southern California. Leaflets were sampled at weekly intervals from Sept. 21, 1967, through June 25, 1968, from a summer planting and from Dec. 3, 1968, through June 24, 1969, from a winter planting. The melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover; potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas); and the strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphon frogaefolii (Cockerell) were the most common species present, with the strawberry aphid the most abundant, especially during the spring months. The braconid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) was the most common primary parasite reared from aphid mummies, and Alloxysta bakeri (Kieffer) and Asaphes sp. were the two most numerous hyperparasites. Altogether, 4 primary and 8 secondary parasites were reared from the 3 species of aphids. The pathogenic fungus Entomophthora planchoniana Cornu was a primary mortality factor affecting the aphid populations, especially the strawberry aphid.
Simple Hints on Plotting Graphs in Analytic Geometry

(1917). Simple Hints on Plotting Graphs in Analytic Geometry. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 17-21.
Diagnostic Testing for Fecal Incontinence

Many tests are available to assist in the diagnosis and management of fecal incontinence. Imaging studies such as endoanal ultrasonography and defecography provide an anatomic and functional picture of the anal canal which can be useful, especially in the setting of planned sphincter repair. Physiologic tests including anal manometry and anal acoustic reflexometry provide objective data regarding functional values of the anal canal. The value of this information is of some debate; however, as we learn more about these methods, they may prove useful in the future. Finally, nerve studies, such as pudendal motor nerve terminal latency, evaluate the function of the innervation of the anal canal. This has been shown to have significant prognostic value and can help guide clinical decision making. Significant advances have also happened in the field, with the relatively recent advent of magnetic resonance defecography and high-resolution anal manometry, which provide even greater objective anatomic and physiologic information about the anal canal and its function.
Viscosity and Diffusivity for the Ionic Liquid 1-Hexyl-3-methyl-imidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide with 1-Octene

In order to correlate and predict interfacial mass transfer rates for ionic liquids and organic components, transport properties are required at various temperatures and, importantly, compositions. Here, the viscosity of mixtures of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([HMIm][Tf2N]) with 1-octene to the liquid–liquid saturation limit were measured at four different isotherms [(10, 25, 50, and 75) °C]. The viscosity of a [HMIm][Tf2N] + 1-octene mixture decreases up to 33 % over the pure ionic liquid in the temperature range studied. The computed viscosity deviation (“excess viscosity”) demonstrates a negative trend throughout the composition range and diminishes with increasing temperature. The self-diffusivity of both 1-octene and [HMIm][Tf2N] (cation) were measured at (25 and 50) °C and increased up to 40 % with increasing composition of 1-octene. The self-diffusivities were of the order of (10–11 and 10–10) m2·s–1 for the cation and 1-octene, respectively.
Thermal Cycling and Amorphous-Cyrstalline Transition in the Amorphous C60-Zr40 Alloy System

The transition behavior of the amorphous Cu60Zr40 alloy system during its transition to crystallinity by thermal cycling has been studied. A Differential Scanning Calorimeter (Perkin-Elmer model DSC-2) was used to record, in situ, the onset of thermal evolution of the sample during the course of transition. Analysis of DSC tracings reveal that: a. Transition occurs at a lower temperature than those transformed without thermal cycling, b. The amplitude of the exothermic rise decreases proportionally with increasing numbers of the thermal cycles and c. Details of the profile of the DSC tracing, i.e., the width of the exothermic rise and the presence of the secondary exotherm, are quite different from those transformed without thermal cycling. Preliminary high resolution electron microscopy of thermally cycled samples indicate random distribution of copper-rich precipitates at the early stages of cycling and their coalescence during the final stage of crystallization. For large number of cycles, however, the induced strains from thermal cycles contributes to the image contrast of the quenched solid thus allowing the assessment of the proposed atomic level stresses and strains, via technique of high resolution electron microscopy.
Apprendere dagli studenti prima di entrare in classe. La comunicazione tra studenti delle superiori e insegnanti in formazione iniziale con l'email

Questo articolo presenta uno studio svolto nell’ambito di un progetto di ricerca in cui, nell’arco di un intero semestre accademica, e prevista la comunicazione sistematica per email fra studenti universitari e studenti della scuola superiore. I primi frequentano dei corsi di laurea tenuti da due college nel nordest degli Stati Uniti per poter ottenere l’abilitazione come docenti, mentre i secondi studiano presso delle scuole superiori di secondo livello situate nello stesso territorio. Dallo studio emerge che lo scambio di comunicazione fra i due gruppi, che avviene prima che gli studenti universitari comincino le prime esperienze pratiche in classe, genera una serie di risultati interessanti. Secondo entrambi i gruppi, le comunicazioni: (1) favoriscono le creazione di legami piu personalizzati rispetto a quelli che generalmente si formano nei vincoli organizzativi e nei limiti dei ruoli tipici dei corsi universitari; 2) determinano, in modo piu o meno positivo, le modalita di comunicazione proprie dei partecipanti; (3) favoriscono l’analisi critica e la riflessione; (4) offrono ai partecipanti la possibilita di capire meglio il punto di vista degli altri; e (5) costituiscono una traccia persistente delle interazioni. Gli scambi di email creano una specie di spazio liminale - una zona spazio-tempo intermedio in cui sia i futuri insegnanti che gli studenti svolgono ruoli diversi da quelli abituali - consentendo ai partecipanti al progetto di provare nuovi modi di essere, sviluppare nuovi modi di interagire e sperimentare dei ruoli diversi nell’ottica di capire meglio la loro idea personale di identita professionale.
The temporal relationship of psychosocial stress to cellular immunity and herpes labialis recurrences

This study used a prospective single-subject study design and time series analysis for repeated measures data to investigate the hypothesis that variations in psychosocial stress are associated with changes in cellular immunity in a study subject with recurrent herpes labialis. A study subject who was antibody positive for HSV-1 but reported no clinical manifestations of disease served as a control. Psychosocial stress, as measured by a questionnaire; cellular immunity, as measured by the monoclonal antibodies CD4 (OKT4), which defines the helper/inducer subset of T lymphocytes; and CD8 (OKT8), which defines the suppressor/cytotoxic subset, were measured weekly over the 32-week study period. Analysis of data using bivariate time series (ARIMA) demonstrated significant inverse correlations between stress level scores and percent CD4 helper/inducer T lymphocytes in both subjects. In the study subject with recurrent herpes simplex labialis, a Mann-Whitney U statistic determined that the percent of CD4 in the early stages of a recurrence were significantly lower than the percent of CD4 at other times when blood samples were drawn. The data presented are repeated measures on two individuals with positive antibodies to the herpes simplex virus, one with recurrent herpes and one without a history of recurrent herpes. Relevance for stress research is discussed.
Autoantibodies and Complement in SLE: A Reexamination

Evidence is increasing for correlation of lupus activity with titers of antibody to DN A and with levels of the fourth component of complement. In addition, another immunologic responsivity in active s LE—to extractable nuclear antigens (E N A)—has been defined. E N A antibodies also appear to play a significant role with respect to another syndrome, steroid-responsive mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).
Integrated Administrative Data & Criminal Justice Research

Using integrated administrative data from criminal justice and social service systems can harness information in meaningful ways that transcend traditional “silos” and allow communities to focus collective attention on important social issues that cross systemic boundaries. Despite recent advances in use of integrated administrative data, practical information to promote adoption by new users is lacking. Here we provide an introduction to potential uses of integrated administrative data for criminal justice researchers, including general benefits of using integrated data as well as implications for innovative research design. We describe a case example of data integration through a state data warehouse for a federally funded project on impact of incarceration on families. The project utilizes data from eight agencies (corrections, juvenile justice, mental health, substance use, social services, health, education, and environmental control) and includes development of an Online Analytical Processing cube. We draw from lessons learned to provide specific recommendations for developing researcher-practitioner partnerships that use integrated administrative data to improve translational criminal justice research and evidence-based practice and policy.
The Frequency of Tutor Behaviors: A Case Study

For cross-pollination between ITS authoring tools, it may be useful to know the prevalence of tutoring behaviors crafted with these tools. As a case study, we analyze the problem units of Mathtutor, a web-based intelligent tutor for middle-school mathematics built, as an example-tracing tutor, with the Cognitive Tutor Authoring Tools CTAT. We focus on tutoring behaviors that are relevant to a wide range of tutoring systems, not just example-tracing tutors, including behaviors not found in VanLehn's 2006 taxonomy of tutor behaviors. Our analysis reveals that several tutor behaviors not typically highlighted in the ITS literature were used extensively, sometimes in unanticipated ways. Others were less prevalent than expected. This novel insight into the prevalence of tutor behaviors may provide practical guidance to ITS authoring tool developers. At a theoretical level, it extends VanLehn's taxonomy of tutor behavior, potentially expanding how the field conceptualizes ITS behavior.
Photodocumentation and Image Analysis

Publisher Summary The absolute necessity for maintaining accurate records of experiments performed and the resulting data is indisputable. Electrophoresis gels contain information critical for accurate interpretation of the outcome of a particular experiment. In both analytical and preparative settings, the information obtained by electrophoresis may be invaluable. Gels deteriorate in a relatively short time, however, and the dyes used to stain nucleic acids in gels deteriorate even more rapidly. This mandates archiving the image electronically and/or producing a tangible photographic record, as well as a photographic record of any associated X-ray films generated upon hybridization detection. A variety of systems have gained widespread acceptance and are currently in use to record and analyze the various types of images commonly encountered in a molecular biology setting. These systems fall into two broad categories: digital imaging, in which the image of the gel or X-ray film is analyzed by and stored in a computer and/or on a disk; and the traditional photograph generated on thermal paper or Polaroid film. Useful measurements that are now automated include determination of molecular weight, concentration, relative abundance, integrated optical density (IOD), and image saturation. The computer also provides a means of cataloging stored images, whereas an image analysis system most often consists of a completely self-contained system, such as the fotodyne luminary/FX workstation, which is in constant use in the laboratory for archiving the images.
The Pressure-Volume Index (PVI) with Epidural Mass Expansion

The pressure-volume index (PVI) is intended to provide a measure of the intracranial buffering capacity to be used in predicting the change in ICP course when the craniospinal system is subject to further volume increments. When an intraventricular bolus injection of volume AV is added, rapidly, to the intracranial system, it results in an increase in pressure from a baseline value, Po, to a pressure Pp > Po. It has been shown that the pressure-volume response of the system is nonlinear and can be characterized by a mono-exponential function [2]. In particular, P = Po exp(kΔV), where k = In10/PVI. It follows then that, for a single bolus injection, the value of the PVI is determined as PVI = ΔV/log(Pp/Po).
Estimation of the Coefficient of Variation with Minimum Risk: A Sequential Method for Minimizing Sampling Error and Study Cost.

AbstractThe coefficient of variation is an effect size measure with many potential uses in psychology and related disciplines. We propose a general theory for a sequential estimation of the population coefficient of variation that considers both the sampling error and the study cost, importantly without specific distributional assumptions. Fixed sample size planning methods, commonly used in psychology and related fields, cannot simultaneously minimize both the sampling error and the study cost. The sequential procedure we develop is the first sequential sampling procedure developed for estimating the coefficient of variation. We first present a method of planning a pilot sample size after the research goals are specified by the researcher. Then, after collecting a sample size as large as the estimated pilot sample size, a check is performed to assess whether the conditions necessary to stop the data collection have been satisfied. If not an additional observation is collected and the check is performed a...
On representation of temporal variability in electricity capacity planning models

Abstract This paper systematically investigates how to represent intra-annual temporal variability in models of optimum electricity capacity investment. Inappropriate aggregation of temporal resolution can introduce substantial error into model outputs and associated economic insight. The mechanisms underlying the introduction of this error are shown. How many representative periods are needed to fully capture the variability is then investigated. For a sample dataset, a scenario-robust aggregation of hourly (8760) resolution is possible in the order of 10 representative hours when electricity demand is the only source of variability. The inclusion of wind and solar supply variability increases the resolution of the robust aggregation to the order of 1000. A similar scale of expansion is shown for representative days and weeks. These concepts can be applied to any such temporal dataset, providing, at the least, a benchmark that any other aggregation method can aim to emulate. How prior information about peak pricing hours can potentially reduce resolution further is also discussed.
Acute visual loss after ipilimumab treatment for metastatic melanoma

Ipilimumab, a humanized CLTA-4 antibody is a standard therapy in the treatment of advanced melanoma. While ipilimumab provides an overall survival benefit to patients, it can be associated with immune related adverse events (IrAEs). Here we describe a patient treated with ipilimumab who experienced known IrAEs, including hypophysitis, as well as a profound vision loss due to optic neuritis. There are rare reports of optic neuritis occurring as an adverse event associated with ipilimumab treatment. Furthermore, the patient experienced multiple complications from high dose steroids used to manage his IrAEs. This case highlights the need for recognition of atypical immune mediated processes associated with newer checkpoint inhibitor therapies including ipilimumab.
Influence of Information Framing on Patient Decisions to Treat Actinic Keratosis

Importance Actinic keratosis (AK) is a skin growth induced by UV light exposure that requires long-term management because a small proportion of the disease can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. The influence of how clinicians frame or present information to patients may affect decision making about AK. Objective To evaluate the differences in patients’ decisions on whether to receive treatment for AK related to information presentation or choice framing. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective survey study was performed from June 1 to July 31, 2016, in participants who were able to read English. Participants were recruited through the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Dermatology Clinic and an online survey site. The survey was conducted through an online portal. A total of 571 individuals were recruited. Regression analysis, correlation coefficient analysis, and test-retest validation were conducted. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportions of patients choosing to receive treatment for AK. Analyses were performed to adjust for age, sex, educational level, history of skin cancer, and history of AK. Results Of the 571 recruited participants, 539 (94.4%) returned completed surveys. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 42.9 (17.8) years; 306 (56.8%) were women. The decision to receive treatment for AK varied from 57.7% (n = 311) to 92.2% (n = 497) for the 5 scenarios presented in the questions ( P P ≤ .001). Based on a regression analysis, age, sex, and previous diagnosis of skin cancer were not significantly associated with the participants’ responses. Conclusions and Relevance This study found that patients’ decisions on whether to receive treatment for AK is significantly affected by physician wording, especially with alterations in the presentation of risk of malignant transformation.
Longitudinal associations between maternal feeding and overweight in low-income toddlers

Maternal feeding is a frequent intervention target for the prevention of early childhood obesity but longitudinal associations between feeding and child overweight are poorly understood. This observational cohort study sought to examine the cross-lagged associations between maternal feeding and overweight across ages 21, 27, and 33 months. Feeding was measured by maternal self-report (n = 222) at each age. Child weight and length were measured. Cross-lagged analysis was used to evaluate longitudinal associations between feeding and overweight, adjusting for infant birth weight, maternal body mass index, maternal education, and maternal depressive symptoms. The sample was 50.5% white, 52.3% male and 37.8% of mothers had a high school education or less. A total of 30.6%, 29.2%, and 26.3% of the sample was overweight at each age, respectively. Pressuring to Finish, Restrictive with regard to Amount, Restrictive with regard to Diet Quality, Laissez-Faire with regard to Diet Quality, Responsiveness to Satiety, Indulgent Permissive, Indulgent Coaxing, Indulgent Soothing, and Indulgent Pampering each tracked strongly across toddlerhood. There were no significant associations between maternal feeding and child overweight either in cross-sectional or cross-lagged associations. Our results do not support a strong causal role for feeding in childhood overweight. Future work longitudinal work should consider alternative approaches to conceptualizing feeding and alternative measurement approaches.
Comorbidities in Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritides (SpA) are a group of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases that affect the axial and peripheral skeleton as well as the skin, eye, and gut. Patients with SpA are at increased risk of developing certain comorbidities which may have adverse impacts on health outcomes and management of and may be associated with increased health care costs. Rheumatologists should be aware of comorbid conditions associated in order to provide comprehensive care to SpA patients. Common comorbidities include gastroduodenal ulcers, cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke, osteoporosis and vertebral fractures, sleep apnea, and lung disease.
Abstract 50: Absence of L-selectin Affects the Distribution of B Cell Subsets and Local Immune Response in Apoe-/- Aortas

To date, a significant body of evidence implicates the immune system in atherosclerosis. Multiple cell subsets provide a fine tuning of pro-inflammatory and suppressive arms of the immunological response. Studies report that follicular B cells are pro-atherogenic whereas B1a cells play a protective role via T15/E06 antibody production; yet the other B cell subsets have to be explored in atherosclerosis. Thus far, little information is available on the mechanisms behind the regulation of cell subset specific homing during atherogenesis. L-selectin is a homing receptor modulating leukocyte tethering and rolling. To investigate the role of L-selectin in atherosclerosis, we generated 50 week old L-selectin deficient Apoe -/- ( Sell -/- Apoe -/- ) mice fed a chow diet. A L-selectin deficiency resulted in accelerated atherosclerosis that was accompanied by a 1.3-fold increase in the number of leukocytes within aortas of Sell -/- Apoe -/- mice. In contrast to the elevated total leukocyte cellularity in aortas, Sell -/- Apoe -/- aortas had a 2-fold reduction in B cell content. Importantly, an L-selectin deficiency significantly reduced the percentage and number of B1a and regulatory B (B reg ) cells within Sell -/- Apoe -/- compared to Apoe -/- aortas and spleens. Despite reduced numbers of B1a cells we detected a 3.2-fold increase in the splenic mRNA expression of T15/E06 suggesting that B1a cells are hyperactive, but are still unable to reduce atherogenesis in Sell -/- Apoe -/- mice. To further examine the effects of L-selectin deficiency on aortic wall inflammation, we analyzed lymphocyte activation and found elevated mRNA expression of B and T cell activation markers in Sell -/- Apoe -/- aortas. In line with the increased leukocyte cellularity of the aorta, there was a 1.5-fold increase in aortic CD68 hi macrophages. These data provide evidence for a functional role of L-selectin in atherosclerosis via the regulation of the content of aortic B1a and B reg cells and the modulation of the local immune response within the aorta. However, it also suggests the functions of B1a and B reg cells can be suppressed by additional factors contributing to accelerated atherosclerosis.
Automatic Assertion Generation for Simulation, Formal Verification and Emulation

Verification is a critical step in the Integrated Circuit (IC) design process. In order to verify a design, a set of assertions based on the design, is generated. The design is checked, either using simulation or formal tools, to make sure that the design does not violate any of the generated assertions. If any of the assertions is violated, then a design bug is detected. The quality of the verification is directly connected to the set of assertions and how much of the design functionality they cover. In this paper, we propose a method to automatically generate a set of high-quality design assertions. The method is based on the design description and on Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG). The proposed method generates design assertions that cover 100% of the design input space and could span multiple clock cycles. In our experiment, we generated properties/assertions for a USB2.0 model from OpenCores. These assertions are compact and provide 100% input space coverage of each target node.
Palpating biopsy needles.

A stiffness-sensing piezoelectric microsystem that can be mounted onto conventional biopsy needles distinguishes abnormal tissue from healthy tissue.
Introduction to TBI Model Systems 2012-2017 special section.

The five articles that are contained within this special section represent the growth and productivity of the 2012–2017 grant cycle of the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) programme. Th...
Rectal Prolapse: Current Evaluation, Management, and Treatment of a Historically Recurring Disorder

Although rectal prolapse occurs mostly in elderly females, this disorder affects patients of both genders and all ages. The surgical approach is guided by a thorough history and physical examination, specifically addressing the presence of fecal incontinence or constipation as well as medical fitness. Adjunctive testing may be helpful for patients with lifelong constipation. Surgical treatments vary by approach (transabdominal vs. perineal) and method of rectal fixation and mobilization. Although the transabdominal approach is associated with lower recurrence, it is plagued by more complications, longer hospitalization, and need for general anesthesia. Yet it remains the preferred approach for medically fit patients for initial or recurrent repair.
On theorems of Lie-Kolchin, Borel, and Lang

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews theorems of Lie-Kolchin, Borel, and Lang. It describes two topics, the first one relates to the observation that Kolchin's proof of the Lie-Kolchin theorem can be adapted to yield an extension that has the Borel subgroup conjugacy theorem and the Borel fixed point theorem as quick consequences. The second topic is concerned with the theorem that states that if G is a connected algebraic group and σ is an endomorphism such that G σ is finite, then 1— σ: G→G is a finite morphism. In the former topic, the development is quite elementary. It is understood that M. Sweedler has also found an easy proof of the conjugacy theorem. The latter stated theorem implies Lang's theorem that 1 — σ is surjective in case σ is the Frobenius map for some rational structure on G. The author's development yields a new, especially simple, proof of this theorem in case G is affine.
Deterministic compilation of temporal safety properties in explicit state model checking

The translation of temporal logic specifications constitutes an essential step in model checking and a major influence on the efficiency of formal verification via model checking. We devise a new explicit-state translation of Linear Temporal Logic to automata for the class of LTL specifications that describe safety properties, arguably the most used formal specifications in real-world systems. By exploiting the inherent determinism in safety specifications, we can build deterministic Promela never claims that accept only the bad prefixes of the safety specification. In contrast to previous works, we focus on compilation to never claims rather than simply automata and measure Spin model-checking time separately from compilation time and automata size. An extensive experimental evaluation over a space of configurations demonstrates that our new translation consistently results in better model-checking performance, for a large array of benchmarks, over the best current translation.
Computational Molecular Biomechanics: A Hierarchical Multiscale Framework With Applications to Gating of Mechanosensitive Channels of Large Conductance

Understanding the mechanism of mechanobiological processes at the molecular level is an important challenge in modern biophysics. Despite recent advances in experimental and numerical techniques, the intrinsic multiscale nature of mechanobiological processes makes it difficult to meet such challenge in many systems of interest. Recently, a continuum-mechanics based hierarchical modeling and simulation framework has been established and applied to study the mechanical responses and gating behaviors of a prototypical system, the mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) in bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), from which several putative gating mechanisms have been testified and new insights deduced. This article reviews these latest findings and suggests possible improvements for future modeling work. The computationally efficient and versatile continuum-based protocol is expected to make contributions to a variety of mechanobiology problems
Soot Studies in Gas Turbine Combustors and other Turbulent Spray Flames

Fuel properties, injector design, combustor inlet conditions and gas turbine combustor design are all known to affect soot emissions in continuous combustion. Although the details of the formation and oxidation processes are only poorly understood, emission control technology can be applied, but frequently at the expense of other performance parameters. After a discussion of turbine combustor results, work performed in simplified axisymmetric spray burners will also be reviewed.