cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach to Gross Dissection of the Human Pelvis and Perineum

Progressive curricular changes in medical education over the past two decades have resulted in the diaspora of gross anatomy content into integrated curricula while significantly reducing total contact hours. Despite the development of a wide range of alternative teaching modalities, gross dissection remains a critical component of medical education. The challenge posed to modern anatomists is how to maximize and integrate the time spent dissecting under the current curricular changes. In this study, an alternative approach to the dissection of the pelvis and perineum is presented in an effort to improve content delivery and student satisfaction. The approach involves removal of the perineum en bloc from the cadaver followed by excision of the pubic symphysis, removal and examination of the bladder and associated structures, examination and bisection of the midline pelvic organs in situ, and midsagittal hemisection of the pelvis for identification of the neurovasculature. Results indicate that this novel dissecting approach increases the number of structures identified by 46% ± 14% over current dissecting methods. Survey results indicate that students were better able to integrate lecture and laboratory concepts, understand the concepts, and successfully identify more structures using the new approach (P < 0.05). The concept of anatomic efficiency is introduced and proposed as a standard quantitative measure of gross dissection proficiency across programs and institutions. These findings provide evidence that innovative solutions to anatomy education can be found that help to maintain critical content and student satisfaction in a modern medical curriculum.
Efficiency of BCR: Anti-BCR Interaction Dictates Cellular Outcomes of Signaling in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most prevalent hematologic malignancy in the United States with over 10,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Several markers including Ig V gene mutation status, expression of CD38, ZAP-70 and CD49d, and chromosomal abnormalities associate closely with the biology of the clonal cancer cell and predict prognosis of the CLL patient. Since the demonstration that the degree of somatic mutations in Ig V genes impacts on the prognosis of CLL patients, several investigators have focused on understanding the functional relevance of the BCR expressed by CLL cells. In this study we have assessed cellular outcomes of CLL B cells from 32 cases (equally represented by Ig V gene mutated, M-CLL, and unmutated, U-CLL, cases) triggered through their BCRs by anti-BCR antibodies differing in their ability to bind surface IgM. Specifically, responses to a relatively high affinity bivalent monoclonal anti-IgM antibody (HB57, Ka = 5 × 10 8 M −1 ) conjugated to a dextran backbone (HB57-dextran at 0.1 microgram/ml) were compared with those elicited by polyclonal F(ab)′2 fragments of goat-anti human IgM (GAH-IgM at 10 microgram/ml). The percentages of IgM-expressing clonal CLL cells did not differ significantly between U-CLL and M-CLL cases. HB57-dextran elicited insignificant Ca 2+ flux (mobilization of Indo-1AM) compared with baseline or that elicited by dextran conjugated isotype control mAb, whereas GAH-IgM elicited significant Ca 2+ flux ranging from 1.12–1.83 fold (over unstimulated) in U-CLL cases and 1.11–1.73 fold in M-CLL cases. This induction was independent of percentages of sIgM-expressing CLL cells. Changes in levels of phosphoproteins (phospho-Akt, -Erk and -p38MAP Kinase) induced by both stimuli, determined by phospho-flow, were comparable in the 5 U-CLL and 5 M-CLL cases studied. However, even at the low concentrations tested, the HB57-dextran elicited significant S phase entry ( 3 H-thymidine uptake) in U-CLL cells compared with M-CLL cells (p 2+ flux response elicited by the GAH-IgM did not culminate in increased S phase entry; rather it resulted in an increase in apoptosis of U-CLL cells. Activity of telomerase confers prolonged survival of activated normal cells, and cancer cells from aggressive forms of solid and hematologic cancers exhibit elevated telomerase activity; such elevated telomerase activity is often found in B cells from U-CLL cases compared to M-CLL cases. In this study, HB57-dextran elicited higher telomerase activity (assayed by the telomere repeat amplification protocol), compared to that elicited by the GAH-IgM antibody, in 12/16 U-CLL and only in 2/14 M-CLL. Taken together, the present studies suggest that the quality (e.g., valency, affinity, etc) of antigen encounter with the BCR determines cell fate and longevity in CLL and may shed light on the observed differences in the pathophysiology of the subgroups of CLL cases.
Pathogenic Pathways in Early-Onset Autosomal Recessive Parkinson's Disease Discovered Using Isogenic Human Dopaminergic Neurons

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex and highly variable neurodegenerative disease. Familial PD is caused by mutations in several genes with diverse and mostly unknown functions. It is unclear how dysregulation of these genes results in the relatively selective death of nigral dopaminergic neurons (DNs). To address this question, we modeled PD by knocking out the PD genes PARKIN (PRKN), DJ-1 (PARK7), and ATP13A2 (PARK9) in independent isogenic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines. We found increased levels of oxidative stress in all PD lines. Increased death of DNs upon differentiation was found only in the PARKIN knockout line. Using quantitative proteomics, we observed dysregulation of mitochondrial and lysosomal function in all of the lines, as well as common and distinct molecular defects caused by the different PD genes. Our results suggest that precise delineation of PD subtypes will require evaluation of molecular and clinical data.
Letter to the editor concerning the pharmacological management of behavioral disturbances in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Dear Editor of Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, The journal has recently published two papers, one by Lozupone et al. [1] and another by Nagata et al. [2] which addresses the pharmacologic manage...
Whole Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)-Enriched Diet Is Hepatoprotective in the Obese Zucker Rat, a Model of the Metabolic Syndrome

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a major risk factor of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effect of whole red raspberry (WRR) consumption on lipid metabolism was investigated in the obese Zuck...
Improving Measures of Text Reuse in English Poetry: A TF–IDF Based Method

Text reuse measurement is important for both LIS and literary studies, where it is mainly used to study influence between authors. Although projects such as Tesserae have already adopted computational methods for investigating text reuse in Latin poetry, its potential applications to the rich collections of English poetry have not been realized. This research proposes a modified version of the Tesserae Project’s measure based on the insight embodied in TF–IDF to study English poetry. Using the Irish poet Yeats’ relationship to five English Romantic poets as a test case, three parallel experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the suitability of this method for English poetry. The results show that this new method is effective in measuring text reuse in English poetry, and the TF–IDF based modification is more sensitive to known cases of text reuse than the original method. This method can also be adopted to noncanonical literary works in the future, providing an example of the significance of LIS for digital humanities.
Self-Study: Challenges and Tensions in Supervising and Teaching Graduate Teaching Assistants

This self-study researched my professional development as a teacher educator who was supervising and teaching Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). I chose self-study as my research method primarily...
Sami Al Suwailem, Venture Capital: A Potential Model of Musharakah

In this paper, the author summarizes a collection of articles on venture capital. In general, the author, recording the existing literature, explains how a venture capitalist (firm) reduces the moral hazard arising from the principal-agent problem. Namely, venture capital firms pool the resources of their partners and the funds to help budding entrepreneurs start a new business.
Symbolic regression of uncertainty-resilient inferential sensors for fault diagnostics

Abstract An algorithm is presented for the design of inferential sensors for fault diagnostics in thermal management systems. The algorithm uses input and output sensed system information to improve the detection and isolation of a fault by generating inferential sensors that augment the measured information to: (i) reduce the evidence of uncertainty in the inferred variables, and thus decrease false alarm and nondetection rates; and (ii) provide distinguishable responses to faults, and thus reduce reduce the rate of misdiagnoses. The novelty of the algorithm is its use of genetic programming to evolve explainable inferential sensors that maximize information criteria specific to fault diagnostics. The chosen criteria: (i) least squares regression; and (ii) Ds -optimality (calculated from the Fisher Information Matrix), leverage symbolic mathematics and automatic differentiation to obtain parametric sensitivities of the measured outputs and inferential sensors. The algorithm is included in a standard work for fault diagnostics, where its effectiveness is assessed through k-NN classification and illustrated in an application to an aircraft cross-flow plate-fin heat exchanger.
Does mutual fund ownership reduce stock price clustering? Evidence from active and index funds

The literature is rich with examples of price clustering in financial markets. This study focuses on the relation between mutual fund ownership (both active and passive) and stock price clustering. To the extent that mutual funds are sophisticated investors, we posit that their trades are associated with lower levels of price clustering. We find support for this hypothesis as total, active, and passive mutual fund ownership are negatively related to the degree of price clustering. Surprisingly, price clustering’s association to passive (e.g. index) mutual fund ownership is an order of magnitude greater than to active ownership.
Empirical Evidence: Ownership Form

Microeconomic theory traditionally assumed that firms attempt to maximize profits, that is, firms are single-minded in the pursuit of profits. Accordingly, the theory implicitly assumed that either every individual in the firm was so inclined or that they could be made to act as if they were. These assumptions are due, in part, to a view of the firm whereby the owners occupy the top of the “pyramid.” These owners then elect a board of directors who reflect and carry out the wishes of the owners to maximize profits. The board, in turn, hires managers who carry out the interests of the owners indirectly through the orders of the board: the board fires those managers who do not. Managers give orders to subordinates, who give orders to their subordinates in a manner which assures that the wishes of the owners are carried out.
The Effect of Aging and Ground Texture on the Control of Braking

In the current study the authors examined age-related difference in the use of visual information in regulating braking. Younger and older drivers were presented with computer generated 3-D scenes simulating driving on a roadway towards three red stop signs at a constant speed. The task of the drivers was to control braking and to stop as close as possible to the stop signs. The texture density on the ground, initial time to contact (TTC) and initial distance from the stop signs were manipulated. The authors found that older drivers had larger mean stop distance and lower crash rate than younger drivers. In addition, older drivers, as compared to younger drivers, tended to regulate more frequently at values larger than -0.5 and less frequently at values smaller than -0.5. These results, taken together, suggest that older drivers may use a more conservative strategy to control braking in order to avoid collisions.
TU-AB-303-07: Evaluation of Automatic Segmentation of Critical Structures for Head-And-Neck and Thoracic Radiotherapy Planning

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of commercially available automatic segmentation tools built into treatment planning systems (TPS) in terms of their segmentation accuracy and flexibility in customization. Methods: Twelve head-and-neck cancer patients and twelve thoracic cancer patients were retrospectively selected to benchmark the model-based segmentation (MBS) and atlas-based segmentation (ABS) in RayStation TPS and the Smart Probabilistic Image Contouring Engine (SPICE) in Pinnacle TPS. Multi-atlas contouring service (MACS) that was developed in-house as a plug-in of Pinnacle TPS was evaluated as well. Manual contours used in clinic were reviewed and modified for consistency and served as ground truth for the evaluation. Head-and-neck evaluation included six regions of interest (ROIs): left and right parotid glands, brainstem, spinal cord, mandible, and submandibular glands. Thoracic evaluation includes seven ROIs: left and right lungs, spinal cord, heart, esophagus, and left and right brachial plexus. Auto-segmented contours were compared with the manual contours using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the mean surface distance (MSD). Results: In head- and-neck evaluation, only mandible has a high accuracy in all segmentations (DSC>85%); SPICE achieved DSC>70% for parotid glands; MACS achieved this for both parotid glands and submandibular glands; and RayStation ABS achieved this for spinal cord. In thoracic evaluation, SPICE achieved the best in lung and heart segmentation, while MACS achieved the best for all other structures. The less distinguishable structures on CT images, such as brainstem, spinal cord, parotid glands, submandibular glands, esophagus, and brachial plexus, showed great variability in different segmentation tools (mostly DSC 3mm). The template for RayStation ABS can be easily customized by users, while RayStation MBS and SPICE rely on the vendors to provide the templates/models. Conclusion: Great variability was observed in different segmentation tools applied to different structures. These commercially-available segmentation tools should be carefully evaluated before clinical use.
Chapter 24. Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the various developments in the field of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics. The relationship between the physicochemical properties in a dosage form and the biological response observed following its administration is the subject of biopharmaceutical studies. In a strong correlation between in vitro dissolution studies and in vivo blood levels following oral dosing of four different commercials of warfarin tablets, there were marked intersubject and intrasubject variations in the terminal half-lives of warfarin, which required making some assumptions concerning either constant clearance or constant volumes of distribution. Physiologic factors and drug interactions may also affect the extent of drug absorption. Stimulation of bile flow in the rat increased the gastrointestinal absorption of sulfadiazine. The relative amount of drug absorption from the stomach was shown to be negligible compared to intestinal absorption for digitoxin. Drug transport and availability have also been measured for routes of administration other than oral. The protein binding of diphenylhydantoin was found to decrease in uremic patients. The free metabolite levels of this drug, estimated on the basis of in vitro binding studies, correlates with the in vivo incidence of diphenylhydantoin-induced gingival hyperplasia in man and rat.
Stochastic Dynamic Predictions Using Kriging for Nanoparticle Synthesis

Abstract Kriging is an empirical modeling approach that has been widely applied in engineering for the approximation of deterministic functions, due its flexibility and ability to interpolate observed data. Despite its statistical properties, kriging has not been developed to approximate stochastic functions or to describe the dynamics of systems with multiple outputs. Our paper proposes a methodology to construct approximate models for multivariate stochastic dynamic simulations using kriging, by combining ideas from design of experiments and dynamic systems modeling. We then apply the methodology in the prediction of a dynamic size distribution during the synthesis of nanoparticles.
Interval forecasting. An analysis based upon ARCH-quantile estimators

Abstract In this paper we explore techniques for obtaining interval forecasts based on estimated time-series models for processes which may exhibit autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH). To deal with the available variety of possible interval forecasts, we propose a method for combining these forecasts based on quantile regression techniques. Our approach is practical rather than theoretical, with attention focused directly on obtaining interval forecasts for two U.S. time series: a measure of unemployment and a Treasury bill rate. We evaluate the performance of our procedures using a variety of diagnostics. We find interval estimates which perform reasonably well, judged by both in-sample and out-of-sample criteria. Our experience suggests that a certain amount of care is required in order to obtain useful forecasts.
The synthesis and lanthanide coordination chemistry of 2,6-bis[(dicyclohexyl)phosphino-methyl]pyridine N,P,P′-trioxide: The crystal structure of 2,6-bis[(dicyclohexyl)phosphinomethyl] pyridine N,P,P′-trioxide erbium(III) nitrate

The title ligand is obtained in two steps with high overall yield, and is soluble in aromatic solvents, making its liquid-liquid extraction performance of potential interest. The ligand forms a stable 1:1 coordination complex with Er(NO3)3 and the molecular structure was determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction methods. The Er(III) ion is chelated by one tridentate ligand and three bidentate nitrate groups. The structural results are discussed in the context of complexes formed by related ligands.
The Application of Photosynthetic Materials and Architectures to Solar Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter focusses on the application of photosynthetic materials and architectures to solar cells. Photosynthetic materials and structures deserve investigation because of the promise of harnessing the high efficiency of photosynthesis. Device performance of initial demonstrations of solid-state solar cells with integrated photosynthetic proteins is limited by an inability to absorb enough incident light. The local environment of the solid state is drastically different to that of the aqueous solution, where proteins usually preside. Because the structural stability and hence, functionality of proteins hinge on local environment, it is necessary to inquire whether the harsh environment of solid matter is too destructive for proteins to withstand. Plants survive this damage through an energetically costly and complicated repair process of degradation, resynthesis, and replacement. Separation of the functions of light absorption and exciton dissociation constitutes a significant photosynthetic redesign, unaccompanied by the limitations of traditional organic PV. Finally, the excellent absorption characteristics of chlorosomes and charge-separation characteristics of RCs are tempting, the trade-off between performance and stability may dictate the type of devices that yield high performance and reliability.
PRIMARY NONFAMILIAL HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

In our experience, in half of the cases of primary hemolytic anemia in which there is no family history of anemia, jaundice or splenomegaly, examination of the blood disclosed microspherocytic erythrocytes and increased fragility of erythrocytes. The results of splenectomy in these cases are better than in those in which microspherocytosis is absent. True macrocytosis was observed in only one instance. Females predominated in both groups of cases. Agglutinins and hemolysins have not appeared to play any significant role in the production of the hemolytic syndrome in our cases. We do not feel justified in expressing an opinion as to whether the microspherocytosis indicates a familial or congenital blood disorder. From a practical standpoint, it makes no great difference since splenectomy should be considered seriously in any case of chronic primary hemolytic anemia. It may be of value in some cases of secondary or symptomatic hemolytic anemia.
Endocytosis and Trafficking of Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-A: Potential Role of Short Sequence Motifs

The targeted endocytosis and redistribution of transmembrane receptors among membrane-bound subcellular organelles are vital for their correct signaling and physiological functions. Membrane receptors committed for internalization and trafficking pathways are sorted into coated vesicles. Cardiac hormones, atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) bind to guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA) and elicit the generation of intracellular second messenger cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP), which lowers blood pressure and incidence of heart failure. After ligand binding, the receptor is rapidly internalized, sequestrated, and redistributed into intracellular locations. Thus, NPRA is considered a dynamic cellular macromolecule that traverses different subcellular locations through its lifetime. The utilization of pharmacologic and molecular perturbants has helped in delineating the pathways of endocytosis, trafficking, down-regulation, and degradation of membrane receptors in intact cells. This review describes the investigation of the mechanisms of internalization, trafficking, and redistribution of NPRA compared with other cell surface receptors from the plasma membrane into the cell interior. The roles of different short-signal peptide sequence motifs in the internalization and trafficking of other membrane receptors have been briefly reviewed and their potential significance in the internalization and trafficking of NPRA is discussed.
Stimulating interest in practical e-commerce programming using barcodes, Amazon web services, Java, and XML

This paper takes the reader through the process of using barcodes in a practical setting involving ISBN lookup of book information using Amazon Web Services. Java and XML processing are used for the examples. While the implementation is fairly specific, the design is general and applicable to other contexts (e.g., ASP, PHP, .NET, etc.) and provides a way to make traditional programming assignments more interesting, valuable, and applicable from a student perspective. Each of the methods can be manually performed in the web browser to see both request and response before automating those actions in program code.
Thinking with Animals: New Perspectives on Anthropomorphism

Thinking with Animals: New Perspectives on Anthropomorphism. Lorraine Daston and Gregg Mitman, eds. New York: Columbia University Press, 2005. 230 pp.
Trademark Functionality Revisited and Revised

Functionality is one of the most important doctrines in modern trademark law, but it is also one of the most confused and unstable. The doctrine’s purpose, it is said, is to police the boundary between trademark, on the one hand, and patent and copyright, on the other, and to prevent trademark law from impeding product market competition. It accomplishes these goals by barring protection for source-identifying product features — so-called trade dress — when those features contribute to the functional performance of the product. For example, modern functionality law would bar protection for the distinctive shape of a wrench if that shape substantially improves the wrench’s leveraging ability, and it would do so even when the defendant’s use of the same shape is likely to cause consumer confusion. Not all trade dress is barred, however, and the challenge of functionality law is to determine which is and which is not — and why. Despite the doctrine’s lengthy history, its critical role in promoting intellectual property policies, and the considerable attention devoted to it in recent decades, courts and commentators still disagree about what functionality means, why functional marks should not be protected, and how far the functionality bar should extend.This Article traces the history of the functionality doctrine, examines the various justifications offered to support it, and critically analyzes its policy foundations. It argues that the muddled state of functionality law today stems from lack of clarity and rigor at the normative level. Courts and commentators do not focus carefully enough on the policy justifications for the rules they adopt; they stress the benefits of a broad functionality bar without adequately considering its costs or appreciating the tricky practical problems involved in formulating administrable rules. In particular, many defenders of a broad functionality bar cite the doctrine’s role in enforcing a supposed “right to copy” any features not protected by patent or copyright. But they invoke this right to copy without explaining how or why the supposed right is capable of trumping trademark policies.This Article takes a critical look at these policy arguments. It subjects the right to copy to a careful analysis and concludes that it is actually not a right at all, but rather a public domain policy that should be balanced against trademark policies to determine the scope of the functionality bar. Combining this public domain policy with the policies served by trademark protection, the Article outlines an analytical approach to designing optimal functionality rules and proposes reforms that alter existing functionality law in significant ways.
Human Carbonyl Reductase Overexpression in the Heart Advances the Development of Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity in Transgenic Mice

Doxorubicinol (dxol) is the major metabolite formed in the hearts of cancer patients being treated with the widely used chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (dox). The well-documented cardiomyopathy associated with dox treatment has been studied in vitro and ex vivo providing evidence that the C-13 hydroxy metabolite, dxol, might play a key role in the development of dox-induced cardiotoxicity. In this report, we have developed transgenic mice with heart-specific expression of human carbonyl reductase (HCBR), an enzyme that metabolizes dox to dxol. Dox was rapidly converted to dxol in the hearts of the transgenic expressers, which led to advanced development of both acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. Acute cardiotoxicity was evident by a 60% increase in serum creatine kinase activity and a 5-fold increase in cardiac damage measured by electron microscopy. Myofibril degeneration was the major damage observed in acute dox toxicity. Electrocardiograph telemetry, survival data, and electron microscopy were monitored during chronic dox-induced cardiotoxicity. HCBR expressers developed cardiotoxicity 6-7 weeks before the nonexpressers. The HCBR expressers survived for 5 weeks compared with 12 weeks for the controls. Electrocardiograph profiles and necropsies showed the cause of death to be the development of cardiomyopathies leading to congestive heart failure. Levels of dxol were four times higher in the HCBR expresser hearts than in the nonexpressers. Electron microscopy data showed swelling and major structural damage of the mitochondria in the HCBR expressers. These data demonstrate that the C-13 hydroxy metabolite of dox advances the development of dox-induced cardiotoxicity in an in vivo system and suggest that heart carbonyl reductase activity may contribute to dox-induced cardiotoxicity in humans.
Procedure to normalize data for benchmarking.

INTRODUCTION: The hospital billing system is usually the source for reporting activity counts used in benchmarking efforts. Because billing is associated with a specific procedure, benchmarking data are often reported as procedure-days, procedure-shifts, or procedure-hours. Normalizing (usually to procedure-days) is required when comparing data for benchmarking purposes. For an institution that uses hourly billing, simply dividing procedure-hours by 24 (or procedure-shifts by 2 or 3) will underestimate the procedure-days reported by a daily billing system, because daily billing systems use the convention that any fractional day of service is rounded up to the next higher day. The purposes of this study were: (1) to simulate sets of data and determine the expected error with conversion by simple division, (2) to derive a more accurate procedure for normalizing benchmarking data, and (3) to compare the new normalization procedure to simple division, using simulated and actual data. METHODS: A reference population of simulated patient data was created using a spreadsheet to generate random start times paired with actual procedure durations (eg, hours of mechanical ventilation) for 5,000 patients. The spreadsheet calculated “true” billable procedure-days and procedure-shifts from the simulated procedure-hours. Next, a resampling procedure was used to simulate the effect of submitting benchmarking data based on various numbers of patients. The resulting sets of data were used to examine the association between sample size and conversion error when converting from procedure-hours to procedure-days and to generate an alternative conversion procedure that uses linear regression to estimate procedure-days from procedure-hours. An additional regression equation was generated from actual patient data, using simultaneously recorded procedure-hours and proceduredays. The set of mean conversion errors for the 2 regression equations was compared using the MannWhitney rank sum test. RESULTS: In general, conversion errors (both systematic and random errors) were smaller with larger sample sizes and with longer service periods, approaching an asymptote at a sample size greater than about 20. Using division, the conversion errors for a sample size of 100 were −16% for hourly reporting, −11% for 8-hour shifts, and −8% for 12-hour shifts. The regression equations for conversion derived from simulated data were as follows. For hourly billing, procedure-days = −0.237 + (0.049) (procedure-hours). For 8-hour shifts, procedure-days = −0.205 + (0.372) (procedure-shifts). For 12-hour shifts, procedure-days = −0.114 + (0.541) (procedure-shifts). Using those regression equations, the conversion errors for a sample size of 100 were 1% for hourly reporting, −0.2% for 8-hour shifts, and −0.2% for 12-hour shifts. The regression equation (for hourly billing) derived from simulated data gave better results than did the equation derived from actual data (median error 0.39 vs −2.92, p = 0.013).
Septic sialoadenitis in equids: A retrospective study of 18 cases (1998–2010)

Summary Reason for performing study Septic sialoadenitis, although uncommonly reported in equids, is a significant cause of pain, inappetence, dysphagia and discomfort. There are currently few reported cases possibly as a result of its infrequent occurrence. Objectives To review cases presenting with sialoadenitis and describe the presenting complaints, results of diagnostic tests, treatment and outcome. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Records were reviewed for equids presenting to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1998 and 2010 for salivary gland swelling. Equids were included if a diagnosis of septic sialoadenitis was made based on a combination of oral examination and/or ultrasonographic findings and/or microbial culture. Data collected included age, breed, presenting complaints, diagnostic results, treatment and outcome. Results Eighteen equids were diagnosed with septic sialoadenitis affecting the parotid gland (11) or the mandibular salivary gland (7). Ultrasound was useful to differentiate whether the mandibular or parotid salivary gland was involved. Affected equids ranged in age from 4 to 30 years (mean 17.7 years). Fourteen of 15 (93.3%) equids that underwent a complete oral examination had dental or other oral abnormalities. Six of 18 cases had evidence of sialolithiasis. Culture of the infected salivary gland or secretions was performed in 9 equids and all yielded growth of Fusobacterium sp. along with other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Infection resolved in 15/18 cases (83.3%) and 2/18 (11.1%) were subjected to euthanasia. Conclusions Dental disease and sialolith formation may play important roles in the development of septic sialoadenitis in equids. Anaerobic infection should be assumed in all cases and affected horses should be treated for this until culture and sensitivity results are available. Prognosis is favourable (83.3%) with appropriate treatment.
HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) presenting as generalized malaise

The syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) was first described by Weinstein in 1982 and is generally thought to represent a variant of the preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome. As with other severe manifestations of preeclampsia-eclampsia, epigastric pain and liver tenderness are commonly recognized presenting symptoms of this syndrome, but an underappreciated presenting symptom is generalized malaise or symptoms similar to a flulike syndrome. Two case examples, a review of one private hospital's recent cases, and data contained in the literature are presented to stress the importance of malaise as a presenting complaint during late pregnancy, with recommendations for screening these patients.
Activating Racial Stereotypes on Survivor: Cook Islands

The study investigated whether dividing Survivor: Cook Islands contestants by race resulted in activation of viewer stereotypes about competence and sociability associated with race. Although measu...
Performances of At-Risk, African American Preschoolers on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III

This study examined the performance of 59 at-risk, African American preschoolers on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III (PPVT-III, Dunn & Dunn, 1997). The subjects were considered at-risk based on low-income status and/or social status variables such as family density and teenage parents. A mean standard score of 91 and a standard deviation of 11 were achieved by these children. Although these scores are below those reported for the PPVT-III standardization sample, the performance spread resulted in a normal distribution of scores. Differences in performance based on gender and income were not apparent, but level of education of the primary caregiver significantly influenced performance. The findings indicate that unlike the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R, Dunn & Dunn, 1981) the PPVT-III is a culturally fair instrument that is appropriate for use with this population.
Validating finite element models of composite aerospace structures for damage detection applications

Carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) composites represent the future for advanced lightweight aerospace structures. However, reliable and cost-effective techniques for structural health monitoring (SHM) are needed. Modal and vibration-based analysis, when combined with validated finite element (FE) models, can provide a key tool for SHM. Finite element models, however, can easily give spurious and misleading results if not finely tuned and validated. These problems are amplified in complex structures with numerous joints and interfaces. A small series of all-composite test pieces emulating wings from a lightweight all-composite Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) have been developed to support damage detection and SHM research. Each wing comprises two CFRP prepreg and Nomex honeycomb co-cured skins and two CFRP prepreg spars bonded together in a secondary process using a structural adhesive to form the complete wings. The first of the set is fully healthy while the rest have damage in the form of disbonds built into the main spar-skin bondline. Detailed FE models were created of the four structural components and the assembled structure. Each wing component piece was subjected to modal characterization via vibration testing using a shaker and scanning laser Doppler vibrometer before assembly. These results were then used to correlate the FE model on a component-basis, through fitting and optimization of polynomial meta-models. Assembling and testing the full wing provided subsequent data that was used to validate the numerical model of the entire structure, assembled from the correlated component models. The correlation process led to the following average percent improvement between experimental and FE frequencies of the first 20 modes for each piece: top skin 10.98%, bottom skin 45.62%, main spar 25.56%, aft spar 10.79%. The assembled wing model with no further correlation showed an improvement of 32.60%.
Comparison of designs for adaptive treatment strategies: baseline vs. adaptive randomization

Clinicians apply adaptive treatment strategies when treating chronic disease: at each patient visit, the clinician decides whether to switch a patient's treatment at that time, given the patient's outcomes to date. Thus, each clinical strategy is based on an adaptive decision rule that determines when (if ever) a patient's treatment is switched. Previously, we defined an adaptive randomization scheme for evaluating such strategies. In this scheme, a patient's treatment may be switched at one of the follow-up times with probability that depends on the patient's observed outcomes under the initial treatment. These randomized switches generate treatment sequences that provide complete or partial data on adaptive treatment strategies of interest. We show that this design equivalently generates strategy-specific studies with drop-out mechanisms determined by the randomized switches. We compare the efficiency of this approach to baseline randomization, where each patient is assigned to one adaptive strategy, and prove that there exists an adaptive design with the same efficiency as baseline randomization. We further exploit the idea of randomized drop-out to obtain causal comparisons beyond the original class of strategies assigned by baseline randomization, illustrating the greater flexibility of the adaptive design for evaluating adaptive treatments. We use the theory of multiple imputation to characterize the potential loss of precision due to drop-out induced by the more flexible design.
Teacher language awareness in content-based activity design

With extensive numbers of English learners in public schools worldwide, content-based language instruction (CBI) is prevalent in the preparation of second language (L2) teaching professionals. This study investigated how aspects of Teacher Language Awareness (TLA) manifest as pre-service L2 teachers develop lesson plans for CBI contexts. The authors examined the interplay between three factors: the participants’ perceived utility of their teacher preparation coursework, the participants’ ability to identify language demands in a content-area text, and the types of pedagogical activities participants suggested for subsequent CBI lessons. Descriptive and qualitative data were obtained by combining a survey with a constructed lesson-planning task. Findings yielded paradoxical results pertaining to participants’ perceptions of language-focused coursework and their ability to apply TLA during CBI lesson plan development.
An analysis of vacuum effects in the sterilization of microorganisms

By using the thermodynamic formulation of the absolute reaction-rate theory, variations in pressure can be incorporated in a rational model for dry-heat sterilization of microorganisms. Coupling this model to observations, a Δ V≠ value of 15 to 651/mole is estimated for the sterilizing reaction. The theoretical Δ V≠ for DNA is about 71/mole.
A circuit for voltage coding synchronizing

The appearance of stationary stripes in a voltage contrast SEM image of a circuit, generally known as voltage coding, is a commonly used technique for tracing circuit lines for failure analysis and for locating nodes for waveform measurements. Maintaining a steady striped image requires synchronizing a pattern generator to the SEM raster scan. A circuit is described which can be attached to any SEM to perform this synchronization, and which has a number of features which extend the usefulness of voltage coding.
A Wireless Body Sensor Network for Different Health Related Applications

We present an application of an open source platform for wireless body sensor network called DexterNet to the problem of monitoring different subjects. The architecture of the system consists of three layers. At the body sensor layer (BSL), the integrated monitoring of a person's activities, geographic location, and air pollution exposures occurs. At the personal network layer (PNL), a wireless mobile device worn by the person summarizes the sensed data, and provides information feedback. The mobile device communicates wirelessly over the Internet with the third global network layer (GNL), in which a web server provides the following four information services: a clinical module that supports the healthcare management of different health problems cases, a personal health module that supports individual prevention of some health symptoms, a community module that supports participatory sensing, and a health research module that supports the collection of anonymous sensor data for research into the risk factors associated with the given health issues. We illustrate the potential for the system to serve as a comprehensive strategy to manage different health cases .
An ultrasonogram display system using a natural color scale

The gray scale display used in B scan ultrasonography limits the perceptibility of clinically useful information. Presentation in color can increase perceptibility, but current color displays have no natural scale and may have the fault of a discrete color spectrum. The continuous heated-object color spectrum solves these problems. To produce a display using this spectrum, we have built an inexpensive system to adapt the scan converter output of a gray scale ultrasonograph to a commercial color television.
Internal conversion coefficients for magnetic multipoles for z=39

Results of new internal conversion calculations for two values of gamma-energy equal to 0.05 mc2 and 0.15 mc2 are presented and compared with earlier works ofRose, andSliv andBand in the case of Y87. Matrix-elements for the surface current model and the no-penetration model are presented. Differences were found between present calculations and the earlier works fork equal to 0.05 mc2 and in particular for theK shell. It is suggested that these differences are partly due to the screening model used and possibly also due to the mesh-size employed. New calculations are based on the non-relativistic Hartree-Fock potential in the Slater exchange approximation. The earlier work was based on the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac model. Our calculated eigenvalues agree extremely well with the experimental electron binding energies. A large number of points (2500) were used to minimize any errors due to mesh-size effects.
The theory of reasoned action applied to brand loyalty

The theory of reasoned action is applied to reconceptualize brand loyalty. According to the theory of reasoned action, the antecedents of purchase behaviour are attitudes towards the purchase and subjective norm. If the antecedents of purchase behaviour are integrated to predict and measure brand loyalty, the prediction and measurement of brand loyalty will be more stable over time and accurate. This paper aims to integrate three aspects of brand loyalty, and to investigate the relationships among several antecedents of behavioural brand loyalty by introducing the theory of reasoned action. Eight conditions of unit brand loyalty have different levels of brand loyalty shown by the consumers. When attitude, subjective norm and purchase behaviour are all consistent and favourable, the maximum level of unit brand loyalty will be realized.
Precision Measurements of Nuclear γ -Ray Wavelengths of Ir 192 , Ta 182 , RaTh, Rn, W 187 , Cs 137 , Au 198 , and Annihilation Radiation

The sensitivity of the curved crystal gamma-ray spectrometer has been improved (1) by replacing the multicellular Geiger counter formerly used as a detector with a sodium iodide crystal scintillation counter and (2) by doubling the thickness of the quartz crystal which is used for diffraction of gamma-rays. Certain minute nonlinearities in the spectrometer have been detected and corrected in a recent calibration. An analysis of the precision of the instrument based on this calibration and a systematic treatment of errors due to random variations in counting rate is presented. Verification of the quoted precision is achieved by comparisons of wavelengths measured in various orders and by consistency of Ritz combinations.Precision measurements of the wavelengths and energies of nuclear gamma-rays and x-rays which follow the decay of iridium 192, tantalum 182, radiothorium, radon, tungsten 187, cesium 137, and gold 198, as well as the annihilation radiation from copper 64, are tabulated. A topological system is used to enumerate all possible level schemes agreeing with a given set of Ritz combinations. This method is applied to determine possible level schemes for iridium 192 and tantalum 182. After all corrections, the measured wavelength of the annihilation radiation from copper 64 agrees, within the precision of the measurements, with the present "best" value of $\frac{h}{{m}_{\ensuremath{-}}}c$ (for electrons) as obtained by entirely independent methods. It is concluded that to a part in ${10}^{4}$ there is no evidence for any difference in mass between positive and negative electrons.
Review of Stephen Bending, Green Retreats: Women, Gardens and Eighteenth-Century Culture

Review of Stephen Bending. Green Retreats: Women, Gardens and Eighteenth-Century Culture. New York: Cambridge UP, 2013. X +312 pp. Index. ISBN: 978-1-107-04002-1.
“So When It Comes Out, They Aren’t That Surprised That It Is There”: Using Critical Race Theory as a Tool of Analysis of Race and Racism in Education

J asmine,' an African-American 9thexamining the educational experiences of cluding areas that can be considered upper grade student, described the racial and African-American students. Critical Race class, middle class, and less affluent areas. cultural climate at Wells Academy, an Theory (CRT) is a useful perspective from Most of the African American students, elite, predominately White, independent which to explore such phenomena. In this however, are considered middle class.2 school. She stated, "Everybody knows that article, we will illustrate how CRT can be Two such African-American students racism exists and that people are racist. So used to examine the experiences of were Malcolm and Barbara. Malcolm was when it comes out, they [faculty and stuAfrican-American students. We will use a 17-year-old senior from a middle-class dents] aren't that surprised that it is there." the counterstories of African-American family. He was very active in school leadAs Jasmine asserted, racism is prevalent in students at Wells Academy, an elite, preership activities and was an athlete. Barall aspects of society, with schools not dominately White, independent school. bara was an 18-year-old recent graduate being an exception. However, what is Wells Academy from a prominent, upper-class family. She most interesting about her statement is was also very active in school leadership thatWells Academy is located in a major city activities. Both students were very proud monplace within the school walls that in an affluent, predominately White area of their African-American heritage and monplace within the school walls that in the southeastern United States. Propoften participated in the African-Ameriwhen it appears, e erty values in this community range from can cultural activities at Wells. has already begun to understand the per$450,000 to over $3 million. Wells has Because of Malcolm's and Barbara's