cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Where Should We Manage Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Children

Background: The leading cause of mortality for children with diabetes is DKA, with cerebral oedema the main cause of death. The onset of cerebral oedema is unpredictable; therefore the key to improving survival is early recognition and aggressive management. The British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED)guidelines for DKA were updated in 2009; listing the recommended inpatient observations and emphasising “safe nursing” on general paediatric wards, acknowledging that children with DKA are high dependency patients and require 1:1 nursing. Methods: We audited Paediatric DKA admissions in 2009 (n=26, 8 admitted to HDU) comparing the quality of physiological data collection and outcome between those admitted to the general wards (1:4 nursing) and to HDU (1:2 nursing). Results: The HDU patients were more acidotic (pH 6.9 (range 6.8-7.2) vs 7.2 (7.1-7.3)) (p=0.03) and tended to be more likely to be new diagnoses (71% vs 41%). Children with DKA on HDU had better recording of fluid balance, hourly blood sugars, physiological and neurological observations than those nursed on general paediatric wards. Conclusions: Recording of physiological parameters in a HDU setting was more complete than in a general Paediatric setting. The BSPED guidelines recommend one to one nursing for children with DKA on Intravenous insulin, which may not be feasible in all units. Accurate observations and swift intervention are necessary to improve survival from cerebral oedema. Therefore children with DKA should be managed in a regional HDU or a large DGH with at least 1:2 nursing.
Down syndrome: Cognitive phenotype

Down syndrome is the most prevalent cause of intellectual impairment associated with a genetic anomaly, in this case, trisomy of chromosome 21. It affects both physical and cognitive development and produces a characteristic phenotype, although affected individuals vary considerably with respect to severity of specific impairments. Studies focusing on the cognitive characteristics of Down syndrome were reviewed, and while performance in most areas could be predicted based upon overall intellectual disability, relative weaknesses were consistently found to be associated with expressive language, syntactic/morphosyntactic processing, and verbal working memory. This profile of uneven deficits could result from a failure to develop typically automatic processing for speech perception and production, and this possibility is discussed along with its implications for intervention.
Neutron Scattering for Moisture Detection in Foamed Asphalt

AbstractFoamed warm-mix asphalt (WMA) has been widely accepted and used in the United States and many other countries around the world. However, several key concerns about WMA technology still need to be answered, including the major issue of moisture-induced damage. Because of the reduced production temperatures and the foaming process with water, moisture may be entrapped in pavements after compaction. The trapped moisture decreases the adhesion between asphalt binder and aggregates and the cohesion among asphalt binder, resulting in stripping and other forms of pavement distress. The neutron scattering technique provides a unique tool for the determination of the microscopic structure of asphalt and for the detection of the presence of moisture and its spatial distributions in asphalt. In particular, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in the wave vector transfer range from 0.003−0.5 A−1 is suitable to probe the spatial density fluctuations in the real space from 200−1 nm, which has a resolution se...
Invasive and noninvasive assessment of pulmonic regurgitation: clinical, angiographic, phonocardiographic, echocardiographic, and Doppler ultrasound correlations.

Summary: Three patients with pulmonic regurgitation and no evidence of pulmonary hypertension were investigated. These patients had low pitched diastolic murmurs which increased on inspiration, evidence of connective tissue disease as manifested by lax joints and hyperextensible skin, and marked hilar dance which extended up to the peripheral vessels. Suprasternal echocardiography revealed dilatation and increased systolic expansion of the right pulmonary artery (RPA) (25% and 28%, respectively) in two patients; the third patient had a normal RPA dimension in diastole and a marked increase in diameter (88%) in systole. Thus, these three patients demonstrated hyperdistensibility of the RPA. The spectral signal from the pulsed Doppler echocardiograph showed evidence of turbulent blood flow in diastole (wide dispersion of the dots) in the right ventricular outflow tract in all three patients. This pattern was indicative of pulmonic regurgitation. In summary, the combined use of echocardiography and Doppler ultrasound is useful in the evaluation of patients with pulmonic regurgitation.
Structure of prokaryotic polyamine deacetylase reveals evolutionary functional relationships with eukaryotic histone deacetylases.

Polyamines are a ubiquitous class of polycationic small molecules that can influence gene expression by binding to nucleic acids. Reversible polyamine acetylation regulates nucleic acid binding and is required for normal cell cycle progression and proliferation. Here, we report the structures of Mycoplana ramosa acetylpolyamine amidohydrolase (APAH) complexed with a transition state analogue and a hydroxamate inhibitor and an inactive mutant complexed with two acetylpolyamine substrates. The structure of APAH is the first of a histone deacetylase-like oligomer and reveals that an 18-residue insert in the L2 loop promotes dimerization and the formation of an 18 A long "L"-shaped active site tunnel at the dimer interface, accessible only to narrow and flexible substrates. The importance of dimerization for polyamine deacetylase function leads to the suggestion that a comparable dimeric or double-domain histone deacetylase could catalyze polyamine deacetylation reactions in eukaryotes.
Proposal for generating brilliant x-ray beams carrying orbital angular momentum.

We consider use of a variable polarizing undulator for generating brilliant x-ray beams carrying orbital angular momentum. We find that higher harmonics of the radiation correspond to Laguerre-Gaussian modes with azimuthal mode indices $l$ equal to one less than the harmonic number when the undulator is operated to produce circularly polarized light. Beams with nonzero $l$ carry orbital angular momentum quantized in units of $l\ensuremath{\hbar}$ per photon. When operated to produce linear polarization, the harmonics correspond to Hermite-Gaussian modes. Selection of these modes with conventional monochromator optics opens the door for new research with x-ray synchrotron and free-electron laser sources.
The semantics and pragmatics of plurals

This paper addresses the semantics and pragmatics of singular and plural nominals in languages that manifest a binary morphological number distinction within this category. We review the main challenges such an account has to meet, and develop an analysis which treats the plural morpheme as semantically relevant, and the singular form as not contributing any number restriction on its own but acquiring one when in competition with the plural form. The competition between singular and plural nominals is grounded in bidirectional optimization over form-meaning pairs. The main conceptual advantage our proposal has over recent alternative accounts is that it respects Horn's 'division of pragmatic labor', in that it treats morphologically marked forms as semantically marked, and morphologically unmarked forms as semantically unmarked. In our account, plural forms are polysemous between an exclusive plural sense, which enforces sum reference, and an inclusive sense, which allows both atoms and sums as possible witnesses. The analysis predicts that a plural form is pragmatically appropriate only in case sum values are among the intended referents. To account for the choice between these two senses in context we invoke the Strongest Meaning Hypothesis, an independently motivated pragmatic principle. Finally, we show how the approach we develop explains some puzzling contrasts in number marking between English three/more children and Hungarian harom/tobb gyerek ('three/more child'), a problem that has not been properly accounted for in the literature so far.
Dynamic musculoskeletal imaging using a USB-based ultrasound probe for point-of-care applications

The miniaturization of ultrasound technology provides an opportunity to utilize imaging in new point-of-care settings. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a universal serial bus (USB) based ultrasound transducer for dynamic imaging of the muscle function during gait. Axial strain of the rectus femoris muscle was measured during gait using the portable USB probe and compared against a conventional ultrasound system with a high-resolution linear array transducer. A high speed camera was also used to track the gait pattern for each subject and measure the relative motion of the transducer during gait. Our results indicate a good correlation (R2 = 0.63) between the conventional ultrasound system with linear transducer and the portable USB transducer based ultrasound system over all trials, with 4% difference between the two systems. The USB based ultrasound system demonstrated good good repeatability during two separate sessions (ICC2,1 = 0.67, p<;0.05). Our preliminary results indicate that this novel method can complement conventional clinical measures of functional biomechanics and can be used in a point-of-care setting for rehabilitation applications.
Modified Hazen-Dupuit-Darcy Model for Forced Convection of a Fluid With Temperature-Dependent Viscosity

We investigate numerically the global pressure-drop of fluids with temperature dependent viscosity, flowing through a porous medium channel bounded by two parallel isoflux surfaces. By reviewing the development of the Hazen-Dupuit-Darcy (HDD) equation we bring to light the inappropriateness of the model in estimating the global pressure-drop of fluids with temperature dependent viscosity. Albeit this observation, we tested the accuracy of the HDD model in comparison with numerical results by using three alternatives, namely (1) fluid viscosity determined at the average bulk temperature, (2) fluid viscosity determined at the log-mean bulk temperature and (3) fluid viscosity replaced by a channel-length averaged fluid viscosity. The HDD model is inadequate because the temperature dependent fluid viscosity surprisingly affects both, viscous and form, global drag terms. We propose and validate a new global model, which accounts for the effects of temperature dependent viscosity in both drag terms of the original HDD model
Self-sustained oscillations of turbulent pipe flow terminated by an axisymmetric cavity

Abstract Turbulent flow through a long pipe terminated by an axisymmetric cavity can give rise to self-sustained oscillations exhibiting a very strong coherence, as evidenced by the narrow-band character of corresponding amplitude spectra. These oscillations, associated with the turbulent axisymmetric jet passing through the cavity, are strongly influenced by the acoustic modes of the pipe. The frequencies of oscillation lie within or near the range of most “unstable” frequencies of the turbulent jet previously predicted by using concepts of inviscid hydrodynamic stability theory; consequently, these experiments show truly self-excited and strongly coherent “instability” of a fully turbulent, low Mach number (∼10−2), axisymmetric flow undergoing separation, corroborating previous experiments involving the external forcing of free turbulent jets. As flow velocity or cavity length is varied, both upward and downward jumps in oscillation frequency are observed; the sign (up or down) of these jumps tends to systematically alternate with increase of velocity or length. The role of these frequency jumps is, in effect, to allow the oscillation of the flow to remain “locked-on” to a pipe mode over a wide range of impingement length or flow velocity. Moreover, these jumps exhibit two types of behavior: for the first kind, the predominant frequency makes a relatively continuous transition between stages and the frequency of the neighboring stage appears as a secondary component; for the second kind, there is a dead zone (where no oscillation occurs) between stages. The consequence of externally exciting the system is strongly dependent on whether the self-sustaining oscillation is relatively near, or well away from, a frequency jump. During excitation, the amplitudes of pressure fluctuations in the cavity substantially exceed the corresponding no-flow values only in regions away from the frequency jumps; at locations of jumps, there can be significant attenuation of the no-flow excitation amplitude. For the type of frequency jump involving a “dead zone”, enhancement of a given mode of oscillation can be achieved by externally exciting not only the given mode, but also neighboring modes. For the other type of jump, involving a relatively continuous transition from one stage to the next, the predominant mode of oscillation following the jump is that mode giving maximum amplitude response to excitation before the jump.
Current electroconvulsive therapy practice and research in the geriatric population

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is utilized worldwide for various severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. Research studies have shown that ECT is the most effective and rapid treatment available for elderly patients with depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. For patients who suffer from intractable catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, ECT can be life saving. For elderly patients who cannot tolerate or respond poorly to medications and who are at a high risk for drug-induced toxicity or toxic drug interactions, ECT is the safest treatment option. Organic causes are frequently associated with late-life onset of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as parkinsonism, dementia and stroke. ECT has proven to be efficacious even when these conditions are present. During the next decade, research studies should focus on the use of ECT as a synergistic therapy, to enhance other biological and psychological treatments, and prevent symptom relapse and recurrence.
Autonomous aircraft flight control for constrained environments

The real-time indoor autonomous vehicle test environment (RAVEN) at MIT's Aerospace Controls Laboratory is home to a diverse fleet of aircraft, from a styrofoam and cellophane dragonfly to a set of quadrotor Draganflyer helicopters. The helicopters are used primarily for swarm and health management research. Alongside these machines is a set of more conventional aircraft designed to study autonomous aircraft flight control in constrained environments. The objectives of this work are to develop and validate flight control concepts for aggressive (aerobatic) maneuvers, and, in particular, to identify the sensor suites needed, and the likely limits of achievable performance. Our work is motivated by the future goals of flying micro (or nano) air vehicles in constrained (e.g., urban or indoors) environments.
Health Economics: Issues for South Africa

As South Africa moves increasingly away from its system of apartheid toward a more egalitarian democratic sociopolitical structure consideration must be given to reforming the nations health system. Currently a 2-tier system exists in which the public sector provides for the needs of the black majority and the private sector cares for those who can afford to pay. Blacks want more and better services while whites strive to retain their present services. A new postapartheid government however will not accept such biases in the provision of health care. In addition to this need for structural change rising health care costs/capita must also be addressed. The private sector especially is expected to be hard hit by rising insurance premiums. This essay reviews options available to the country in meeting these objectives and considers greater involvement from both the private and public sectors. Sections discuss the pros and cons of privatization government policy prospects for the private sector a national health service the efficiency of a national health service equity of finance and delivery and AIDS and the health care system. In sum the 2-tier system is likely to continue. Scarce resources will however force the government and nation to make difficult choices on the equitable and efficient delivery of health and what degree of non-health-care resources will be shifted to health services. Additional research is called for to assess what each South African may expect as entitlement to health.
Stability of buffered lidocaine and epinephrine used for local anesthesia.

Buffered lidocaine has been recently recommended for local anesthesia, as there is less pain on injection of the buffered solution. Reduced pain on injection of lidocaine and epinephrine buffered to a neutral pH was confirmed in 20 subjects (P less than .01). Concentrations of buffered lidocaine and epinephrine were performed in order to evaluate their stability. Buffered lidocaine dropped to 66.1% of initial concentrations after 4 weeks when stored at 25 degrees C. Buffered epinephrine fell to 1.34% of its initial concentration under similar conditions. Buffered lidocaine and epinephrine maintained 94.54% and 82.04%, respectively, of their initial concentrations after 4 weeks when refrigerated at 0-4 degrees C. Both lidocaine and epinephrine maintained greater than 90% concentration 2 weeks after buffering when stored at 0-4 degrees C. This permits batch buffering of lidocaine with epinephrine and storage for periods up to 2 weeks when properly refrigerated.
Development of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Based Lentiviral Vector That Allows Efficient Transduction of both Human and Rhesus Blood Cells

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vectors transduce rhesus blood cells poorly due to a species-specific block by TRIM5alpha and APOBEC3G, which target HIV-1 capsid and viral infectivity factor (Vif), respectively. We sought to develop a lentiviral vector capable of transducing both human and rhesus blood cells by combining components of both HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), including SIV capsid (sCA) and SIV Vif. A chimeric HIV-1 vector including sCA (chiHIV) was superior to the conventional SIV in transducing a human blood cell line and superior to the conventional HIV-1 vector in transducing a rhesus blood cell line. Among human CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the chiHIV and HIV-1 vectors showed similar transduction efficiencies; in rhesus CD34(+) HSCs, the chiHIV vector yielded superior transduction rates. In in vivo competitive repopulation experiments with two rhesus macaques, the chiHIV vector demonstrated superior marking levels over the conventional HIV-1 vector in all blood lineages (first rhesus, 15 to 30% versus 1 to 5%; second rhesus, 7 to 15% versus 0.5 to 2%, respectively) 3 to 7 months postinfusion. In summary, we have developed an HIV-1-based lentiviral vector system that should allow comprehensive preclinical testing of HIV-1-based therapeutic vectors in the rhesus macaque model with eventual clinical application.
Depth of indexing

For many years it has been believed that in order to design optimal document retrieval systems one must assign index terms to documents at their optimal depth; therefore, it was of primary importance to answer the following question: “What is the optimal depth of indexing?” This article offers an analysis and answer to this question. We show that the issue of depth of indexing is, in fact, not a central issue in the design of effective document retrieval systems. It turns out that the answer to the question about optimal depth is a logical consequence of answers (which this article provides) to more fundamental questions about indexing and retrieval.
The tortoise and the hare: choosing between noncoding plastome and nuclear Adh sequences for phylogeny reconstruction in a recently diverged plant group

Phylogenetic resolution is often low within groups of recently diverged taxa due to a paucity of phylogenetically informative characters. We tested the relative utility of seven noncoding cpDNA regions and a pair of homoeologous nuclear genes for resolving recent divergences, using tetraploid cottons ( Gossypium) as a model system. The five tetraploid species of Gossypium are a monophyletic assemblage derived from an allopolyploidization event that probably occurred within the last 0.5‐2 million years. Previous analysis of cpDNA restriction site data provided only partial resolution within this clade despite a large number of enzymes employed. We sequenced three cpDNA introns (rpl16, rpoC1, ndhA) and four cpDNA spacers (accD-psaI, trnL-trnF, trnT-trnL, atpB-rbcL) for a total of over 7 kb of sequence per taxon, yet obtained only four informative nucleotide substitutions (0.05%) resulting in incomplete phylogenetic resolution. In addition, we sequenced a 1.65-kb region of a homoeologous pair of nuclear-encoded alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) genes. In contrast with the cpDNA sequence data, the Adh homoeologues yielded 25 informative characters (0.76%) and provided a robust and completely resolved topology that is concordant with previous cladistic and phenetic analyses. The enhanced resolution obtained using the nuclear genes reflects an approximately three- to sixfold increase in nucleotide substitution rate relative to the plastome spacers and introns.
Design parameters and sensitivity analysis of polymer-cladded porous silicon waveguides for small molecule detection.

The relationship between the design parameters and small molecule detection sensitivity of porous silicon waveguides is theoretically and experimentally analyzed. Perturbation theory calculations suggest that the sensitivity asymptotically approaches infinity as the porosity of the waveguide approaches a critical porosity for a given mode and the resonant coupling angle of light into the waveguide approaches 90°. Experimental measurements confirm the trend of the porosity-dependent sensitivity for multiple waveguide modes. Given the limitations of the available measurement apparatus that restricts the maximum coupling angle to 68°, a high sensitivity of 120°/RIU was demonstrated for the detection of 0.8 nm molecules attached inside a polymer-cladded nanoscale porous silicon waveguide. Optimized porous dielectric waveguides enable enhanced small molecule detection sensitivity due to their large available surface area for molecular binding.
Multimedia agents in a distributed broadband environment

A multimedia agent can play an important role in bringing about the delivery of multimedia information, based on individual needs, in a distributed broadband environment. It may use various media like text, graphics, audio and video to help interact with human users in order to represent and keep track of the ever changing user interests. The users employ high level expressions while the internal representations used by the agent are transparent. One property of the agent that makes it helpful in other ways is its mobility around the network. The agent can thus represent the user and negotiate with other users, agents and resources. The agent is discussed within the context of a multimedia news delivery application.
Pushing myocardial crossbridges to the limit: nonlinear kinetics of cardiac acto-myosin mechanics at large amplitudes of filament sliding

This study demonstrated that a crossbridge model incorporating multiple shortening steps per ATP hydrolysis cycle is consistent with experimental observations of myocardial dynamic stiffness for oscillation amplitudes that are large (i.e., up to 6%) relative to the molecular scale. Such a model also appears consistent with cardiac energetics, and may offer an improved representation of myocardial actomyosin kinetics.
A survey of Russian women regarding the presence of a companion during labor

Abstract Objective To assess qualitatively the attitudes of Russian women toward the presence of a support person during labor. Methods Pregnant and postpartum women were surveyed at the Omsk County Maternity and Delivery Hospital, Omsk, Russia. Demographic information was obtained, and each woman was asked about her opinions regarding the presence of a companion during labor. Results Of the 70 women interviewed, 68.6% declined to have a partner present during labor. The most common reasons were that they: felt afraid for their husband (15.7%); felt personally embarrassed (17.1%); wanted to have a private experience (22.9%); and thought it would adversely affect their sex life (8.6%). Only 17.1% of the women agreed and were able to have a companion present during labor. In total, 31.4% of women were unable to have a companion present, for the following reasons: family matters; husband declined; husband did not undergo necessary laboratory tests; or spontaneous labor. Conclusion Many Russian women viewed childbirth as a medical process that should not involve social interaction. It is important for physicians to understand that there is a wide range of cultural differences in childbirth practice.
Pardon My Asking: What's New?

The article by Delaney and Hershenov (2009) is now part of the ever-growing literature on organ procurement ethics. While others may take them to task on various aspects of their general argument, ...
Accelerating Iris Template Matching using Commodity Video Graphics Adapters

As iris technology becomes widespread, template database sizes will grow. High resolution iris capture systems such as "Iris on the move" and "Iris at a distance" will require real-time template matching to be utilized in non-static, multiple target environments such as airports or subways. When real-time iris capture systems are interfaced to national-sized databases, higher template matching speeds will be a necessity. A utilization of the immense computational power contained within commodity video graphics adapters is a cost effective means of attaining higher template matching speeds. In this research, a highly optimized C++ iris template matching algorithm is ported to a video graphics card's graphics processing unit using the high level shader language (HLSL) which is part of Microsoft's DirectX 9.0. To demonstrate the acceleration gains, template matching in the form of a Hamming distance calculation is performed on large iris template databases. Results show that a state-of-the-art video card performed template matching 9.5 times faster (24.65 million template comparisons per second) than a CPU. A single computer containing four video cards could approach speeds of 100 million matches per second. A detailed methodology and code sample are presented, and technical issues are discussed. Methods are provided for improving these speeds using new features in DirectX 10.
Denaturation of the Simian Virus 40 Origin of Replication Mediated by Human Replication Protein A

The initiation of simian virus 40 (SV40) replication requires recognition of the viral origin of replication (ori) by SV40 T antigen, followed by denaturation of ori in a reaction dependent upon human replication protein A (hRPA). To understand how origin denaturation is achieved, we constructed a 48-bp SV40 “pseudo-origin” with a central 8-nucleotide (nt) bubble flanked by viral sequences, mimicking a DNA structure found within the SV40 T antigen-ori complex. hRPA bound the pseudo-origin with similar stoichiometry and an approximately fivefold reduced affinity compared to the binding of a 48-nt single-stranded DNA molecule. The presence of hRPA not only distorted the duplex DNA flanking the bubble but also resulted in denaturation of the pseudo-origin substrate in an ATP-independent reaction. Pseudo-origin denaturation occurred in 7 mM MgCl2, distinguishing this reaction from Mg 21 -independent DNA-unwinding activities previously reported for hRPA. Tests of other single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) revealed that pseudo-origin binding correlates with the known ability of these SSBs to support the T-antigen-dependent origin unwinding activity. Our results suggest that hRPA binding to the T antigen-ori complex induces the denaturation of ori including T-antigen recognition sequences, thus releasing T antigen from ori to unwind the viral DNA. The denaturation activity of hRPA has the potential to play a significant role in other aspects of DNA metabolism, including DNA repair.
Three-dimensional conformation at the H19/Igf2 locus supports a model of enhancer tracking

Insight into how the mammalian genome is structured in vivo is key to understanding transcriptional regulation. This is especially true in complex domains in which genes are coordinately regulated by long-range interactions between cis-regulatory elements. The regulation of the H19/Igf2 imprinted region depends on the presence of several cis-acting sequences, including a methylation-sensitive insulator between Igf2 and H19 and shared enhancers downstream of H19. Each parental allele has a distinct expression pattern. We used chromosome conformation capture to assay the native three-dimensional organization of the H19/Igf2 locus on each parental copy. Furthermore, we compared wild-type chromosomes to several mutations that affect the insulator. Our results show that promoters and enhancers reproducibly co-localize at transcriptionally active genes, i.e. the endodermal enhancers contact the maternal H19 and the paternal Igf2 genes. The active insulator blocks traffic of the enhancers along the chromosome, restricting them to the H19 promoter. Conversely, the methylated inactive insulator allows the enhancers to contact the upstream regions, including Igf2. Mutations that either remove or inhibit insulator activity allow unrestricted access of the enhancers to the whole region. A mutation that allows establishment of an enhancer-blocker on the normally inactive paternal copy diminishes the contact of the enhancer with the Igf2 gene. Based on our results, we propose that physical proximity of cis-acting DNA elements is vital for their activity in vivo. We suggest that enhancers track along the chromosome until they find a suitable promoter sequence to interact with and that insulator elements block further tracking of enhancers.
The predictive value of imaging studies in evaluating regional lymph node involvement in Merkel cell carcinoma

Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy with high potential for nodal or distant metastatic spread. Little information exists on sensitivity and specificity of various imaging techniques when compared with the gold standard of histopathologic evaluation of the lymph node basin. Objective We sought to further understand the value of various imaging modalities in the staging and initial workup of patients with MCC. Methods Of 240 patients with primary MCC evaluated between 1981 and 2008, 99 had diagnostic imaging at initial presentation with biopsy-proven cutaneous MCC and had histopathologic nodal evaluation within 4 weeks of the initial scan. We conducted a retrospective chart review of these identified patients. Results Computed tomography (n = 69) demonstrated a sensitivity of 47%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value of 94%, and negative predictive value of 68% in detecting nodal basin involvement. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan (n = 33) demonstrated a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 95%, positive predictive value of 91%, and negative predictive value of 91% in detecting nodal basin involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (n = 10) demonstrated a sensitivity of 0%, specificity of 86%, positive predictive value of 0%, and negative predictive value of 67% in detecting nodal basin involvement. Limitations This was a retrospective study with small sample size. Conclusion Use of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the evaluation of a regional lymph node basin in primary MCC is significantly more sensitive and equally specific when compared with traditional computed tomography. Both fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography are more sensitive than clinical examination alone.
Distributed control of hot bar thermode in fine pitch surface mount assembly

A hot bar thermode is viewed as a process with spatially distributed controlled variable (temperature) and disturbance (thermal load). A transfer matrix model, describing thermal inertia and heat propagation in the thermode, is defined and the model parameters are experimentally estimated. This model, implemented in software, is used to evaluate various control techniques: the existing single-input-single-output scheme, single-input-multi-output with weighted averaging of feedback signals, and adaptive single-input-multi-output scheme. A novel configuration of a hot bar thermode, suitable for multi-input-multi-output control is proposed. The efficiency of this technology is demonstrated by computer simulation.
Do's and don'ts of CTL state coverage estimation

Coverage estimation for model checking quantifies the completeness of a set of properties. We present an improved version of the algorithm of Hoskote et al. (1999) that applies to a larger subset of CTL; we prove properties of the algorithm and apply it to three case studies. From these case studies we derive recommendations for an effective use of coverage estimation.
Low-cost networking for dynamic window systems

A low-cost building communications network is needed that would allow individual window and lighting loads to be controlled from an existing enterprise LAN network. This building communications network concept, which we term IBECS™ (Integrated Building Environmental Communications System), would enable both occupant-based and building-wide control of individual window, lighting, and sensor devices. IBECS can reduce the cost of systemic control because it allows a drastic cost reduction in per point networking costs. This kind of effort is needed to encourage the control industry to make the commitment to build this technology and to demonstrate to prospective customers that this breakthrough approach to more comprehensive systemic control will provide them with high-quality, convenient control while saving them money. The development and demonstration of network interfaces to DC- and AC-motorized shades and to an electrochromic window are described. The network interfaces enable one to control and monitor the condition of these fenestration appliances from a variety of sources, including a user’s personal computer. By creating a functional specification for an IBECS network interface and testing a prototype, the ability to construct such an interface was demonstrated and the cost-effective price per point better understood. The network interfaces were demonstrated to be reliable in a full-scale test of three DC-motorized Venetian blinds in an open-plan office over two years and in limited bench-scale tests of an electrochromic window.
Visualization of fuzzy data using generalized animation

In this paper, we present methods for visualization of fuzzy data based on the sensitivity of the human visual system to motion and dynamic changes and the ease with which electronic display devices can change their display. The methods presented include taking an otherwise static image and displaying in an animation loop either its segmented components or a series of blurred versions of the whole image. This approach was applied to seasurface temperature data and was found to be effective in showing fuzzy details embedded in the data and in drawing the viewer's attention. This approach and methods could play a significant role in the display of browse products for massive data and information systems.
Diffusion-weighted Imaging in the Abdomen and Pelvis: Concepts and Applications

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows the detection of focal solid and cystic lesions in the abdomen and pelvis and, if pitfalls are to be avoided, is most effectively used in conjunction with other imaging sequences. It is important to recognize that the strength of the diffusion sensitizing gradient (b value) can and should be adjusted to ensure optimal evaluation of the body region or organ being imaged, and that more than one b value is necessary for tissue characterization. The success of lesion detection and characterization largely depends on the extent of tissue cellularity because increased cellularity is associated with impeded diffusion, as indicated by a reduction in the apparent diffusion coefficient. It is also important to recognize that certain normal tissues such as the endometrium are highly cellular and as such demonstrate restricted diffusion, which should not be misinterpreted as disease. Impeded diffusion can also be seen in highly viscous cystic lesions such as abscesses. Diffusion-weighted imaging is an evolving technology with the potential to improve tissue characterization when findings are interpreted in conjunction with findings obtained with other conventional MR imaging sequences.
The Structuring of Feeling in Ghanaian Transnational Families

Studies exploring the emotional experiences of members of transnational families have often highlighted the emotional suffering of mothers and children separated from one another as a result of transnational migration. Taking Ghana as a case example, this paper complicates this picture by showing how parents and children in Ghanaian transnational families have different emotional responses to their separation, in which the parents express less suffering over the situation than their children. Their different discourses about the goals for parent-child relationships and their sense of agency in achieving these goals affect their expression of emotions. This paper argues that we need to pay attention to the ideologies and sense of agency of social actors in different social positions in order to understand the ways that transnational migration structures feelings.
Cost-effective flow table designs for high-speed routers: architecture and performance evaluation

Provision of QoS-related router functions such as traffic regulation, policy routing, and usage-based accounting requires that a flow table store state information for active flows. The design of such a flow table is not trivial for a high-speed Internet router (e.g., 100+ Gbps) with a large number of active flows (e.g., tens of millions) and a high packet arrival rate (e.g., tens of millions of packets per second). Targeting two different models (centralized and distributed) of router design, we propose a software-based design to be implemented on individual line cards, which is suitable for the distributed model, and a hardware-based design to be implemented in the main forwarding engine of a router, which is suitable for the centralized model. The software-based design, adapted from the hash table data structure, employs a practical and effective technique to solve the garbage collection problem caused by the expired flows. The hardware-based design, adapted from the architecture of an N-way set-associative cache, employs a novel dynamic set-associative scheme to reduce the overflow ratio that a traditional set-associative scheme incurs, by a high percentage, and a pipelined design to achieve a throughput of 100+ Gbps. The performance evaluation results from both trace-driven simulation and statistical analysis demonstrate that both designs are cost-effective for their targeted router models.
Greece, Derivatives, and FX: What Went Wrong?

What caused the economic collapse of Greece? One factor many people point to was an arrangement between Goldman Sachs and the Greek government. Circa 2001, Greece and Goldman Sachs agreed to do cross-currency swaps in which the parties exchanged foreign exchange (FX) obligations, which had maturities that stretched over several years. Some say that Greece-possibly facilitated by Goldman Sachs-wrongfully concealed these transactions from European Union regulators, and others. That will be determined by the evidence. But the author believes that making OTC swaps or Goldman Sachs a scapegoat for bad investment decisions is a wrongheaded diversion. The more important question is: Were these cross-currency swaps inherently too hazardous? The author, who has practiced law, public accounting, and investigations for more than 2 decades, unravels this complex story to get at the truth. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Renewing Professionalism in Dental Education: Overcoming the Market Environment

The most important mission of dental education is development of student professionalism. It is only within the context of professionalism that specialized knowledge and technical expertise find meaning. Altruism, integrity, caring, community focus, and commitment to excellence are attributes of professionalism. Its backbone is the obligation of service to people before service to self--a social contract. Professionalism can and should be acquired by targeted interventions, not as an assumed by-product of dental education. Top-down, rule-based professionalism is contrasted with its experience-based, mentor-mediated, socially driven counterpart. Moral principles are inherent in professional development and the professional way of life. Unfortunately, American society, including higher education, glorifies a market mentality centered on expansion and profit. Through formal and hidden curricula, dental schools send mixed messages to students about the importance of professionalism. Institutional consensus on professionalism should be developed among faculty, administration, and students through passionate advocacy and careful analysis of dentistry's moral convictions. The consensus message should communicate to stakeholders that morality and ethics "really count." Maximum student exposure to faculty exemplars, substantial service-learning experiences, and portfolio use are likely to enhance professionalism, which should be measured for every student, every semester, along with faculty and institutional assessment. Research reveals a significant relationship between levels of student moral reasoning and measures of clinical performance and shows that moral reasoning ability can be enhanced in dental students. Valid and reliable surveys exist to assess student moral reasoning. Documented student unprofessional behavior is a predictor of future state professional board disciplinary action against practitioners, along with low admissions test scores and course failures in the first two professional school years. ADEA Policy Statements recognize the importance of professionalism in student development. From day 1 of dental school, faculty and students should have no doubt as to what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behavior in academic and clinical settings. With education and experience, dental students and dentists are likely to elevate their standards of professionalism.
The Almohad Revolution: Politics and Religion in the Islamic West during the Twelfth-Thirteenth Centuries

Maribel Fierro's The Almohad Revolution features fourteen articles based on her previously-published work on the Almohads (Arabic al-Muwaḥḥidūn). In addition to the articles, the volume contains a ...
Depressed Corin Levels Indicate Early Systolic Dysfunction Before Increases of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide/B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Heart Failure Development

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a major cause of heart failure (HF) that affects millions. Corin cleaves and biologically activates pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP) and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP). High corin levels reduce the development of systolic dysfunction and HF in experimental dilated cardiomyopathy. Yet, patients with significant HF unexpectedly show low corin levels with high plasma ANP/BNP levels. Therefore, we examined the relationship between cardiac corin expression, ANP/BNP levels, and the stages of HF. We used a well-established, dilated cardiomyopathy model to evaluate gene and protein expression as mice longitudinally developed Stages A-D HF. Cardiac systolic function (ejection fraction) continuously declined over time (P<0.001). Cardiac corin transcripts were decreased at early Stage B HF and remained low through Stages C and D (P<0.001). Cardiac corin levels were positively correlated with systolic function (r=0.96, P=0.003) and inversely with lung water (r=-0.92, P=0.001). In contrast, cardiac pro-ANP/BNP transcripts increased later (Stages C and D) and plasma levels rose only with terminal HF (Stage D, P<0.001). Immunoreactive plasma ANP and BNP levels were positively associated with plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels (r=0.82, P=0.01 and r=0.8, P=0.02, respectively). In experimental dilated cardiomyopathy, corin levels declined early with progressive systolic dysfunction before the development of HF, whereas significant increases in plasma ANP, BNP, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels were found only in later stage (C and D) HF. This dyssynchrony in expression of corin versus ANP/BNP may impair cleavage activation of pro-natriuretic peptides, and thereby promote the transition from earlier to later stage HF.
Response to the Letter to Editor.

We thank Caronni and Sciume1 for their interest in our work2 and positive comments. There is growing evidence lately that shows not only an increasing age at the time of spinal cord injury (SCI), b...
Big data research: will industry solve all the problems?

The need for effective tools for big data data management and analytics continues to grow. While the ecosystem of tools is expanding many research problems remain open: they include challenges around efficient processing, flexible analytics, ease of use, and operation as a service. Many new systems and much innovation, however, come from industry (or from academic projects that quickly became big players in industry). An important question for our community is whether industry will solve all the problems or whether there is a place for academic research in big data and what is that place. In this paper, we address this question by looking back at our research on the Nuage, CQMS, Myria, and Data Pricing projects, and the SciDB collaboration.
Vibration platform for mice to deliver precise, low intensity mechanical signals to the musculoskeleton.

Objective Low intensity vibration as a therapeutic and training modality has received increased attention despite the lack of clear mechanistic pathways. Thus, to determine mechanisms underpinning vibration-induced musculoskeletal adaptations, a vibration platform for mice was designed, constructed, and validated. Methods Critical aspects of the platform include use of off-the-shelf components to (1) tailor individual parameter selection (acceleration and frequency), (2) produce low error across the plate's surface and throughout the range of vibration parameters, and (3) utilize accelerometer feedback to ensure fidelity within and between bouts of vibration. The vibration device is controlled by a centrally-mounted linear actuator on the underside of the platform that is modulated by accelerometer feedback. Results Triaxial accelerometers confirmed that vibrations were purely vertical and acceleration responses were within 5% of target stimuli for all accelerations (0.2-1.0 g) and frequencies (25-90 Hz). The platform produced acceleration responses with ≤4% error between 25-90 Hz. Vibration modes were not detected indicating that the circular plate produced uniform stimuli across the platform (error ≤1.1%, P≥0.23) and mouse body mass did not affect the platform's performance (P≥0.43). Conclusions Our vibration device for mice improves upon existing devices and enables precise, low intensity mechanical signals to be applied with confidence.
Boeing (C): No Nerds, No Birds Will a Strike Jeopardize Public Safety?

This series of six cases (labeled A through F, UVA-E-0233 through UVA-E-0238) presents the various dilemmas that arose in the spring of 2001 when engineers at the Seattle-based Boeing Company, unhappy with management decisions, contemplated and undertook a strike, the first "white-collar" work stoppage in the history of American business.