cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Locus of Innovation: A Literature Review

The most commonly asked question in the research of innovation is: what type of firms can innovate more productively, startups or established firms? A related question is: does the nature of innovation affect the comparative advantages of startups versus established firms? This paper reviews the literature on the locus of innovation from multiple perspectives, including explanations based on organizational capabilities, incentives and agency costs, transaction cost economics, and property rights theory. It seeks to provide an integrative view of the comparative advantages of startups versus established firms when handling innovation. Prior research on the locus of innovation has significant implications not only for the theory of innovation, but also for the theory of the firm. Most notably, integration is primarily motivated by coordination benefits and improved incentives for investment in non-human assets (Williamson, 1985; Grossman & Hart, 1986; and Hart & Moore, 1990). However, integration suffers from weaker incentives to invest in human assets (Holmstrom, 1989).
Skeleton bones in museum indoor environments offer niches for fungi and are affected by weathering and deposition of secondary minerals.

Large skeleton specimens are often featured as iconic open displays in Natural History Museums, for example, the blue whale ‘Hope’ at the Natural History Museum, London. A study on Hope's bone surface was performed to assess the biodeterioration potential of fungi. Fungi were isolated, and a fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) clone library survey was performed on dust and bone material. Mineral particles derived from bone and dust were analysed using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high vacuum SEM. Results showed that bone material, although mainly mineral in nature, and therefore less susceptible than organic materials to biodeterioration phenomena in the indoor environments, offers niches for specialized fungi and is affected by unusual and yet not so well‐documented mechanisms of alteration. Areas of bone surface were covered with a dense biofilm mostly composed of fungal hyphae, which produced tunnelling and extensive deposition of calcium and iron‐containing secondary minerals. Airborne halophilic and xerophilic fungi including taxa grouping into Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, capable of displacing salts and overcome little water availability, were found to dominate the microbiome of the bone surface.
Molecular Imaging in Alzheimer's Disease: Linking pathologic, neurotransmitter, synaptic and clinical findings relevant to geriatric psychiatry

Abstract The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains elusive and rests predominantly on the observed accumulations of amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau protein aggregates that are thought to play key roles in initiating or propagating the disease. However, other processes including changes in synaptic proteins, neurotransmitter loss, inflammation and cerebrovascular disease have been suggested as important etiologies as well. Furthermore, the manifestations of AD are heterogeneous. A majority of individuals experience neuropsychiatric symptoms during the disease process, but the onset and composition of these symptoms vary widely. Until recently, much of what is known about AD pathology has been learned from post mortem studies and animal models. The advancements of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging allow in vivo investigations into molecular changes associated with AD. Molecular imaging using PET allows us to study multiple biomarkers both early in the disease process and longitudinally. PET imaging can be used in concert with other imaging modalities, such as MRI, and with assessments of cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms to investigate the molecular underpinnings of AD. It is of great importance for clinicians to learn about these innovative and translational tools which will ultimately lead to the identification of disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The goal of this session is to illustrate the importance of in vivo molecular imaging in the study of AD with a specific emphasis on PET. Dr. Adam Mecca will present results of cross-sectional studies that investigate synaptic protein alterations in AD, and the association between synaptic density and tau accumulation. These investigations utilize specific PET tracers to quantify synaptic density and tau. Dr. Gwenn Smith will describe longitudinal changes in serotonin (5-HT), tau and amyloid in relationship to cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and normal cognition. Dr. Jennifer Gatchel will present work describing associations between subjective cognitive and depressive symptoms and in vivo cerebral tau and amyloid measurements. Dr. Nancy Donovan (Chair) will describe a longitudinal study examining the combined effects of widowhood status and PET-derived amyloid measures on cognitive outcomes in cognitively normal older adults. Finally, Dr. Gatchel (Discussant) will lead the speakers in a panel discussion, along with Q&A involving session attendees.
Annular Bragg defect mode resonators

We propose and analyze a new type of resonator in an annular geometry which is based on a single defect surrounded by radial Bragg reflectors on both sides. Unlike conventional, total internal reflection based ring resonators, this structure supports modal fields with very low azimuthal number (large radial k-vector component). We show that the conditions for efficient mode confinement are different from those of conventional Bragg waveguiding in a rectangular geometry. To realize tight confinement of the light in the defect, chirped gratings are required. Compared to a conventional resonator, the new resonator exhibits larger FSR and lower losses making it suitable for both telecom and sensing applications. In addition, the resonance wavelength and Q factor of the device are very sensitive to environmental changes, and thus provide ideal observables for sensing applications. Annular Bragg resonators with several unique geometries have been fabricated in an InGaAsP multi-quantum-well membrane. The spectral properties of the resonators have been investigated through analysis of photoluminescence induced by pulsed optical excitation.
Mechanistic Understanding of Surface Migration Dynamics with DNA Walkers.

Dynamic DNA walkers can move cargoes on a surface through various mechanisms including enzymatic reactions and strand displacement. While they have demonstrated high processivity and speed, their motion dynamics are not well understood. Here, we utilize an enzyme-powered DNA walker as a model system and adopt a random walk model to provide new insight into migration dynamics. Four distinct migration modes (ballistic, Levy, self-avoiding, and diffusive motions) are identified. Each mode shows unique step time and velocity distributions, which are related to mean-squared displacement (MSD) scaling. Experimental results are in excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. With a better understanding of the dynamics, we performed a mechanistic study, elucidating the effects of cargo types and sizes, walker sequence designs, and environmental conditions. Finally, this study provides a set of design principles for tuning the behaviors of DNA walkers. The DNA walkers from this work could serve as a versatile platform for mathematical studies and open new opportunities for bioengineering.
An Optimized Hybrid Fuzzy Weighted k-Nearest Neighbor to Predict Hospital Readmission for Diabetic Patients

Predicting hospital readmissions among diabetic patients has been of substantial interest to many researchers and health decision makers to provide quality and cost effective health care. In this paper, we optimize an efficient classifier for hospital readmission prediction within 30 days of discharge, the hybrid fuzzy weighted k-nearest neighbor (HFWkNN) method. The optimization is performed through the hyperparameter γ, e and emin introduced in the membership function of HFWkNN. These hyperparameters are important since they directly control the behavior of the training phase and significantly affect the performance of the method. A relationship is established between the performance of the proposed HFWkNN and the hyperparameters using two powerful optimization algorithms; grid search and random search. Experimental results show improved performance using the optimized hyperparameters in the resulting hospital readmission prediction model. To show that HFWkNN model can be generalized, the results are compared with those of several kNN-based algorithms using two additional classification datasets in addition to the hospital readmission dataset. They are IRIS dataset and breast cancer dataset. These are common benchmark sets with real-world data. The model so far achieved higher classification accuracy than FkNN model. The best hyperparameter values for HFWkNN with grid search are γ=0.2249, e=1.112 and e min =0.01. Also, HFWkNN shows a performance of 80.00%, meaning that it has generalized well on the different data sets.
Detection of coxsackievirus A6 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin biopsy specimens using immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR

Abstract Background Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), classically a childhood viral infection, has an atypical and severe clinical presentation in adults. Coxsackievirus A6 is a leading cause of atypical HFMD, but current diagnostic methods utilizing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin biopsy specimens often lack sensitivity and specificity. Methods Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin biopsies from seven case patients with clinical and histopathological suspicion of atypical HFMD were evaluated by coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) immunohistochemistry, enterovirus-specific conventional reverse transcriptase-PCR with subsequent Sanger sequencing targeting the 5’UTR, and CVA6-specific real-time PCR targeting the VP1 gene. Results The CVA6-specific antibody demonstrated appropriate antigen distribution and staining intensity in keratinocytes in all cases. Conventional RT-PCR and sequencing also detected the presence of enterovirus, and CVA6-specific real-time RT-PCR analysis identified CVA6. Conclusion Applying these immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, CVA6 was determined to be the causative infectious agent in seven cases of atypical hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Enzymatic Machinery of Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Modification Systems in Chondrocyte Homeostasis and Osteoarthritis.

To date, a vast amount of information regarding ubiquitination (Ub) and ubiquitylation-like (Ubl) modification–related mechanisms has been reported in the context of skeletal cell homeostasis and diseases. In this review, we mainly focus on recent findings regarding the contribution of enzymatic machinery that directly adds or removes Ub and Ubl modifications from protein targets in chondrocyte homeostasis and osteoarthritis (OA) development. Mechanisms that promote homeostasis of articular chondrocytes are crucial for maintaining the integrity of articular joints to prevent osteoarthritis development. Articular chondrocytes are postmitotic cells that continuously produce and remodel cartilage matrix. In addition, the long lifespan of chondrocytes makes them susceptible to accumulating cellular damage. Ub and the evolutionarily conserved Ubl modifications, such as SUMOylation, ATGylation, and UFMylation, play important roles in promoting chondrocyte homeostasis, including regulating cell signaling and protein stability, resolving cellular stresses and inflammation, and maintaining differentiation and survival of chondrocytes. Uncovering new components/functions of Ub/Ubl modification machinery may provide novel drug targets to treat OA.
Toward synthetic life: Biomimetic synthetic cell communication.

Abstract Engineering synthetic minimal cells provide a controllable chassis for studying the biochemical principles of natural life, increasing our understanding of complex biological processes. Recently, synthetic cell engineering has enabled communication between both natural live cells and other synthetic cells. A system such as these enable studying interactions between populations of cells, both natural and artificial, and engineering small molecule cell communication protocols for a variety of basic research and practical applications. In this review, we summarize recent progress in engineering communication between synthetic and natural cells, and we speculate about the possible future directions of this work.
Atypical presentation of SLC30A10 gene mutation with hypermanganesemia, seizures and polycythemia

Abstract Manganese is an essential element that is ubiquitously present in our diet and water supply. It is a cofactor for several critical physiological processes. Elevated blood levels of Manganese secondary to SLC30A10 gene mutation presents distinctly with dystonia, polycythemia, chronic liver disease and a characteristic high T1 signal in basal ganglia on brain MRI. The primary treatment for this condition is chelation along with iron therapy. We report a previously healthy boy with compound heterozygous SLC30A10 gene mutations who had a unique clinical presentation with prominent seizures, polycythemia, and characteristic T1 hyperintensity in basal ganglia. Seizures have not been previously reported to be associated with this specific mutation.
The ‘Chasing Amy’ Bias in Past Sexual Experiences: Men Can Change, Women Cannot

An extensive sexual history may deter individuals from committing to a potential romantic partner. However, the reasons for this deterrence may differ between men and women, such that women focus on practical concerns over suitability whereas men focus on reputation. Thus, individuals with extensive sexual histories, who are currently monogamous, should be more acceptable to women than they are to men. Two studies supported this hypothesis. Study 1 found that women rated male targets with a sexually experienced past with increased desirability for a long-term relationship if they reported recent shifts towards monogamy. In contrast, men rated sexually experienced female targets, with a recent shift towards monogamy, as least desirable. Study 2 extended the understanding of this effect by demonstrating that one time sexual experiences (i.e., threesome) had no effect on women’s judgments of currently monogamous men, but continued to negatively affect men’s judgments of currently monogamous women. In sum, women seem accepting of lifestyle changes in men, whereas men fixate on women’s previous experiences in spite of shifts towards monogamy.
Spectral Characteristics of Breaking Waves

In the equilibrium range of wind-generated waves, it is postulated that the processes of energy (or action) input from the wind, loss by wave breaking and net transfer by non-linear resonant wave interactions are of comparable importance throughout the range. Consideration of the action spectral density balance then indicates that the wave-number spectrum in this range is proportional to (cos θ)1/2 u* g −1/2 k −7/2, where θ is the angle between the wind and the wave-number \(\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{k} \) , and the frequency spectrum is of the form found empirically by Toba (1973), namely u* g σ −4. These forms have also been derived by Kitaigorodskii (1983) though on a quite different physical basis. The spectral rate of energy loss by wave breaking is found to be proportional to (cos θ)3/2 u * 3 k−2 and the spectral rate of momentum loss from the waves to (cos θ)5/2 g−1/2 u * 3 k−3/2. As the wave field develops with increasing fetch or duration, the total rate of energy input to the water turbulence by wave breaking increases as ρ au * 3 × ln(k1 / k0) where k1 and k0 are the upper and lower wave-number limits to the range; the total momentum flux increases also but asymptotes to a fixed fraction of ρ au * 2 . The various constants of proportionality are found in terms of Toba’s constant and a coefficient expressing the rate of energy input from wind to waves.
Step activity and stride-to-stride fluctuations are negatively correlated in individuals with transtibial amputation.

Abstract Background Variability occurs naturally from stride to stride in healthy gait. It has been shown that individuals with lower limb loss have significantly increased stride-to-stride fluctuations during walking. This is considered indicative of movement disorganization and is associated with less healthy movement. Given that lower limb prosthesis users perform on average less physical activity than able bodied individuals, the purpose of this study was to determine whether increased fluctuations also correspond to a reduced level of activity in daily life. Methods Twenty-two transtibial amputees wore an activity monitor (Actigraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) for 3 weeks. Lower limb kinematics during treadmill walking were measured using a 12-camera motion capture system. The largest Lyapunov exponent (λ) was calculated bilaterally at the ankle, knee and hip to quantify the stride-to-stride fluctuations of the lower limb joints. Pearson correlations were used to identify the relationships between the average daily step count over the 3 week collection period and λ. Findings Significant, moderate negative correlations between daily step count and λ were found at the intact ankle (r = 0.57, P = 0.005), and the knee on the affected side (r = 0.44, P = 0.038). No such correlation was found at any other lower limb joint. Interpretation The negative correlation evident at these two joints demonstrates that increased stride-to-stride fluctuations are related to decreased activity levels, however it remains unclear whether these changes in the stride-to-stride fluctuations promote decreased activity or whether less active individuals do not gain sufficient motor learning experience to achieve a skilled movement.
SU-E-T-408: Evaluation of the Type and Frequency of Variations Discovered During Routine Secondary Patient Chart Review

Purpose: Desire to improve efficiency and throughput inspired a review of our physics chart check procedures. Departmental policy mandates plan checks pre-treatment, after first treatment and weekly every 3–5 days. This study examined the effectiveness of the “after first” check with respect to improving patient safety and clinical efficiency. Type and frequency of variations discovered during this redundant secondary review was examined over seven months. Methods: A community spreadsheet was created to record variations in care discovered during chart review following the first fraction of treatment and before the second fraction (each plan reviewed prior to treatment). Entries were recorded from August 2014 through February 2015, amounting to 43 recorded variations out of 906 reviewed charts. The variations were divided into categories and frequencies were assessed month-to-month. Results: Analysis of recorded variations indicates an overall variation rate of 4.7%. The initial rate was 13.5%; months 2–7 average 3.7%. The majority of variations related to discrepancies in documentation at 46.5%, followed by prescription, plan deficiency, and dose tracking related variations at 25.5%, 12.8%, and 12.8%, respectively. Minor variations (negligible consequence on patient treatment) outweighed major variations 3 to 1. Conclusion: This work indicates that this redundant secondary check is effective. The first month spike in rates could be due to the Hawthorne/observer effect, but the consistent 4% variation rate suggests the need for periodical re-training on variations noted as frequent to improve awareness and quality of the initial chart review process, which may lead to improved treatment quality, patient safety and increased clinical efficiency. Utilizing these results, a continuous quality improvement process following Deming’s Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology was generated. The first iteration of this PDSA was adding a specific dose tracking checklist item in the pre-treatment plan check assessment; the ramification of which will be assessed in future data.
Children's classroom engagement and school readiness gains in prekindergarten.

Child engagement in prekindergarten classrooms was examined using 2,751 children (mean age = 4.62) enrolled in public prekindergarten programs that were part of the Multi-State Study of Pre-Kindergarten and the State-Wide Early Education Programs Study. Latent class analysis was used to classify children into 4 profiles of classroom engagement: free play, individual instruction, group instruction, and scaffolded learning. Free play children exhibited smaller gains across the prekindergarten year on indicators of language/literacy and mathematics compared to other children. Individual instruction children made greater gains than other children on the Woodcock Johnson Applied Problems. Poor children in the individual instruction profile fared better than nonpoor children in that profile; in all other snapshot profiles, poor children fared worse than nonpoor children.
Chirped-pulse amplification with a fiber stretcher and a grism compressor

Summary form only given. We have demonstrated chirped pulse amplification (CPA) of 135-fs pulses using a fiber stretcher. Simulations and experiment indicate that a grism pair (grating/prism pair) can compensate for very large amounts of material dispersion in a compact geometry, facilitating CPA of sub-100-fs pulses in simple and robust systems.
Day care for the child born prematurely.

The Infant Health and Development Program (IHDP) has contributed to our knowledge of the role of high-quality, educational day care in the lives of children with special needs. The IHDP was a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive early intervention program in improving the health and developmental outcomes of low birth weight (LBW), premature infants. One component of this program was the provision of special day-care centers for the children receiving this intervention. The rationale for the IHDP was based, on the one hand, on documented need. Low birth weight children are known to be at risk for a variety of medical complications in the first year of life.1-3 Thereafter, the major area of risk is delayed cognitive development, which often leads to difficulties in learning and school achievement.4-6 An increased risk for behavior problems might exacerbate these school-related difficulties.7-9 The outcomes of LBW infants have been the subject of several recent reviews.2,10-12 On the other hand, there was some evidence of effectiveness of early interventions for LBW infants, although these tended to be reports of early outcomes at single sites.13,14 More compelling was the evidence of longer-range improvement in cognitive development resulting from comprehensive early interventions for disadvantaged children of normal birth weight14,15 Given the increasing survival of premature infants, including those of very low birth weight, it was considered important to test the efficacy of such an intervention for this at-risk population in a randomized trial. The models for the IHDP were two longitudinal comprehensive programs, Abecedarian and Project CARE,16 which combined home visits, parent support, and a comprehensive educational curriculum within special day-care centers.
How Can We Avert Dangerous Climate Change

Recent analyses indicate that the amount of atmospheric CO2 required to cause dangerous climate change is at most 450 ppm, and likely less than that. Reductions of non-CO2 climate forcings can provide only moderate, albeit important, adjustments to the CO2 limit. Realization of how close the planet is to "tipping points" with unacceptable consequences, especially ice sheet disintegration with sea level rise out of humanity's control, has a bright side. It implies an imperative: we must find a way to keep the CO2 amount so low that it will also avert other detrimental effects that had begun to seem inevitable, e.g., ocean acidification, loss of most alpine glaciers and thus the water supply for millions of people, and shifting of climatic zones with consequent extermination of species. Here I outline from a scientific perspective actions needed to achieve low limits on CO2 and global warming. These changes are technically feasible and have ancillary benefits. Achievement of needed changes requires overcoming the spurious argument that developed and developing countries have equivalent responsibilities, as well as overcoming special interests advocating minimalist or counterproductive actions such as corn-based ethanol and liquid-fuel-from-coal programs.
Teaching children to comprehend propositions conjoined by “before” and “after”

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to evaluate a language-training procedure in which preschool children (age 51 months) were given sentences evoking opposite interpretations of the same syntactic structures. The syntactic forms of interest were before/after sentences in which order of event mention reverses the order of event occurrence. It was known that precomprehenders would misinterpret reverse-order forms describing two arbitrarily sequenced events but not two logically sequenced events. The training procedure entailed presenting exemplars which expressed both kinds of events in alternating order so that the discrepancy in interpretations might be detected and corrected by the child. Results indicated that this procedure was effective. A third experiment showed that its success was not due simply to practice with logically sequenced exemplars. Performance patterns gave evidence for the role of interpretational strategies during the course of acquisition. Processes of cognitive disequilibrium and restructuring are offered to explain results although alternative explanations are not ruled out.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Intracellular Cytokines: A Powerful New Tool for the Clinical Assessment of Immune Responsiveness

The emergence of AIDS and other infectious diseases, a renewed effort at vaccine-development for these diseases and an increasing incidence of immunosuppression associated with transplantation and chemotherapy, have all created a pressing need for sophisticated clinical testing of immune function, particularly antigen (Ag)-specific T-cell function. CD4þ memory T cells initiate and regulate protective immune responses by their ability to rapidly secrete a variety of potent effector cytokines, such as -IFN, IL-2, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), IL-4 and IL-13. We have taken advantage of this rapid cytokine response to develop a novel flow cytometric assay that quantifies and functionally characterizes Ag-specific T cells with unprecedented clarity. This approach involves the rapid (6 h.) activation of secretion-inhibited CD4þ T cells with specific Ag (whole pathogen, pathogen proteins, allergens), followed by the quantification and characterization of the responding T cells using multiparameter flow cytometric, immunofluorescent detection of intracellular cytokine(s), the early activation marker CD69, and T-cell subset-defining phenotypic markers. Responses in this assay: n Show the expected critical dependence on Ag presentation and co-stimulatory interactions. n Are restricted to CD45R0/RA memory subset. n Correlate precisely with independent measures of sensitization history (e.g. seroreactivity). n Precede activation-induced apoptosis so that the frequencies Ag-specific responders are more likely to reflect the in vivo situation. n Allow determination of cytokine production profiles on a single cell basis. This assay not only permits accurate quantification of the frequencies of functionally-defined Ag-specific CD4þ memory T cells within complex biologic samples (CVs<12%), it also allows determination of the precise phenotype of the Ag-specific T cells, and insight into their activation threshold(s). The same approach is also effective for peptide-specific CD8þ-memory T cells, although analysis of this subset usually requires prior knowledge of the subject’s HLA type to guide the choice of peptides for assessment. This approach has yielded new insight into the functional potential of Ag-specific T -cell populations in vivo and the homeostasis of these populations in health and disease. Cytotherapy (1999) Vol. 1, No. 4, 334
Signature based intrusion detection using latent semantic analysis

We address the problem of selecting and extracting key features by using singular value decomposition and latent semantic analysis. As a consequence, we are able to discover latent information which allows us to design signatures for forensics and in a dual approach for real-time intrusion detection systems. The validity of this method is shown by using several automated classification algorithms (Maxim, SYM, LGP). Using the original data set we classify 99.86% of the calls correctly. After feature extraction we classify 99.68% of the calls correctly, while with feature selection we classify 99.78% of the calls correctly, justifying the use of these techniques in forensics. The signatures obtained after feature selection and extraction using LSA allow us to class 95.69% of the calls correctly with features that can be computed in real time. We use Support Vector Decision Function and Linear Genetic Programming for feature selection on a real data set generated on a live performance network that consists of probe and denial of service attacks. We find that the results reinforce our feature selection method.
Structure of Ptr ToxA: An RGD-Containing Host-Selective Toxin from Pyrenophora tritici-repentis

Tan spot of wheat (Triticum aestivum), caused by the fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, has significant agricultural and economic impact. Ptr ToxA (ToxA), the first discovered proteinaceous host-selective toxin, is produced by certain P. tritici-repentis races and is necessary and sufficient to cause cell death in sensitive wheat cultivars. We present here the high-resolution crystal structure of ToxA in two different crystal forms, providing four independent views of the protein. ToxA adopts a single-domain, β-sandwich fold of novel topology. Mapping of the existing mutation data onto the structure supports the hypothesized importance of an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and surrounding sequence. Its occurrence in a single, solvent-exposed loop in the protein suggests that it is directly involved in recognition events required for ToxA action. Furthermore, the ToxA structure reveals a surprising similarity with the classic mammalian RGD-containing domain, the fibronectin type III (FnIII) domain: the two topologies are related by circular permutation. The similar topologies and the positional conservation of the RGD-containing loop raises the possibility that ToxA is distantly related to mammalian FnIII proteins and that to gain entry it binds to an integrin-like receptor in the plant host.
Drug positive rates for the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard from fiscal year 2001 through 2011.

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine the overall and drug-specific positive rates of Army urinalysis specimens tested from fiscal year 2001 (FY01) through FY11. Methods: We analyzed annual Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory results from FY01 to FY11. Results: From FY01 to FY11, the Army's positive rate was 1.06%. The component rates were 0.84%, 1.53%, and 1.94% for the active duty, Reserve, and National Guard, respectively. The Army's average positive rate for marijuana from FY01 to FY11 was 0.79%, and the cocaine rate was 0.26%. From FY06 to FY11, the average positive rate for oxycodone was 0.74% and the d-amphetamine rate was 0.30%. Apart from oxymorphone, a key metabolite of oxycodone, the positive rate for all other drugs tested was below 0.25%. The FY11 drug positive rates in decreasing order were oxymorphone > oxycodone > marijuana > d-amphetamine > codeine > cocaine > morphine > d-methamphetamine > methylenedioxymethamphetamine > heroin > methylenedioxyamphetamine > phencyclidine. Although t...
Evidence for nonthermonuclear neutron production in a plasma focus discharge

Abstract The measured energy spectra of D-D neutrons emitted by a plasma focus discharge are found to be inconsistent with the assumption of a thermonuclear plasma.
Retroperitoneal lymphocele after abdominal aortic surgery

Lymphoceles may occur as a result of lymphatic injury during abdominal aortic surgery. These lymphatic collections may occur as a retroperitoneal mass or as groin lymphoceles. Four cases are presented in which persistent retroperitoneal lymphoceles were discovered 2 to 8 years after surgery. Reexploration of the groin and repeated aspirations of lymphatic fluid failed to control the drainage. Reexploration of the retroperitoneum documented lymphatic injury, which was controlled by ligation of the lymphatics with suture. A review of the literature discloses five similar reported cases of retroperitoneal lymphocele and 12 cases of chylous ascites after abdominal aortic surgery. Clearly, avoiding lymphatic injury or immediate repair of any lymphatic injuries will prevent this problem. Once a persistent lymphocele has developed, aspiration will establish the diagnosis. Our experience would suggest that reexploration of the retroperitoneum is required to control the drainage and to prevent possible graft infection.
VARYING TEMPORAL PLACEMENT OF AN ADDED STIMULUS IN A FIXED-INTERVAL SCHEDULE1

One paradigm for exploring stimulus effects on behavior is defined for steady state experiments. The paradigm is illustrated by a 60-sec fixed-interval reinforcement schedule wherein a 6-sec light is introduced into each interval. The temporal relation of this stimulus to the reinforcer is the independent variable that is systematically explored. Two experiments studied this temporal relation under two parametric conditions: (a) when the 6-sec light occurs once in each 60-sec interval, (b) when the 6-sec light occurs twice in each interval, the second time always during the 6 sec immediately preceding the reinforcer. Functions are presented showing the effect of the 6-sec light on responding at all points in the fixed-interval.
A phenomenological model for the contact region of an evaporating meniscus on a superheated slab

The evaporating meniscus of a perfectly wetting fluid exhibits an apparent contact angle Θ that is a function of superheat. Existing theory predicts Θ and the heat flow from the contact region as part of the solution of a free-boundary problem. That theory admits the possibility that much of the heat flow occurs at the nanometre scale [lscr ]Θ at which Θ is determined. Here, the heat flow at that scale is proved negligible in typical applications. A phenomenological model of the contact region then holds since the part of the wetting film thinner than [lscr ]Θ can be replaced by an apparent contact line. Self-consistency arguments are used to derive conditions under which (i) the phase interface can be taken as linear with assumed contact angle Θ; (ii) the heat flux to the liquid side of the phase interface is given by Newton's law of cooling with predicted heat transfer coefficient h; and (iii) the temperature satisfies Laplace's equation within the phases. When these conditions are met, prediction of the heat flow is decoupled from the physically non-trivial problem of predicting Θ. Next, this conduction theory is used to find the heat flow from the contact region of a meniscus on a conductive slab. The solution depends on Θ, the liquid–solid conductivity ratio k = K[lscr ]/Ks and a Biot number [Bscr ] = hd/K[lscr ] based on slab thickness d. Asymptotic and numerical analysis is used to find the temperature in the double limit [Bscr ]−1 → 0 and k → 0. The solution has an inner-and-outer structure, and properties of the inner region prove universal. Formulae given here for the heat flow and contact line temperature on a slab thus apply to more complex geometries. Further, the solution explains the main features seen in published simulations of evaporation from conductive solids. Near the contact line, the solid temperature varies rapidly on the scale d of the slab thickness, but varies slowly with respect to the liquid temperature. The solid temperature thus proves uniform at the scale on which Θ is determined. Lastly, the quantitative predictions of the simplified model are verified against both new and published numerical solutions of the existing theory. In typical applications, the new formulae give the heat flow and contact line temperature with an error of about 10%. This error is due to the approximations made to derive the simplified model, rather than to those made to solve it.
Incontinence after radical prostatectomy: Pathophysiology and management

Despite improvements in surgical technique designed to preserve the functional integrity of the urethral sphincteric mechanism, incontinence after radical prostatectomy still occurs in many patients. Most patients have stress incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency, but many also have bladder dysfunction. The treatment of choice for post-prostatectomy stress incontinence is the artificial urinary sphincter. Other treatment options include collagen injection therapy and the male bulbourethral sling.
Mycosis fungoides d'embleé: CD30-negative cutaneous large T-cell lymphoma

Abstract The d'emblee variant of mycosis fungoides initially described patients with a rapid onset of tumors without progression through patch- and plaque-stage disease. We report a case of a patient with the clinical presentation of mycosis fungoides d'emblee and correlate the histologic and immunophenotypic data with those of a more updated classification scheme. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:861-3.)
The effect of inhibition of leukotriene B4 release on lipopolysaccharide-induced production of neutrophil attractant/activation protein-1 (interleukin-8) by human alveolar macrophages

Whereas we observed previously that concentrations of the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid that inhibited leukotriene B4 release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human alveolar macrophages in vitro also inhibited subsequent interleukin-8 release, we hypothesized that leukotriene B4 release was required for the release of interleukin-8. Alveolar macrophages from normal nonsmoking volunteers were adhered to plastic and incubated with varying concentrations (25-250nM) of the 5-lipoxygenase activating protein inhibitor MK-886 prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. MK-886 inhibited leukotriene B4 release in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentration of MK-886 that inhibited release by 50% was 53.3 +/- 23.1nM (mean +/- SD), n = 4. Interleukin-8 concentrations in 24hr supernatants were not inhibited by incubation of the cells with any concentration of MK-886, including those that inhibited leukotriene B4 release by > 95%. Thus, MK-886 is an effective inhibitor of human alveolar macrophage release of leukotriene B4, and the release of leukotriene B4 is not a prerequisite for alveolar macrophage release of interleukin-8.
Solvent-free film coating using a novel photocurable polymer

Abstract Commercially available film coating polymers are applied with aqueous or organic solvent that must be removed from the coating. In contrast, the results herein presented demonstrate the feasibility of coating without solvent. A liquid silicone-based polymer formulation which can be crosslinked upon ultraviolet irradiation was applied to non-pareil beads to form a relatively impermeable coating. Irradiation exposure and filler content were varied. Bead aggregation and film coating integrity were determined. Film integrity was assessed by marker dye which leaked through defects in the impermeable film coating. Scanning electron micrographs showed smooth continuous coatings with no striations within or between layers of coating. Bead aggregation was reduced by the presence of filler and by an increase in irradiation exposure. Coating integrity increased with an increase in the number of layers of coating. These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of coating pharmaceutical cores using a solvent-free photocurable polymer.
Long range correlations in healthy dynamics and their breakdown with disease: A new paradigm for physiological monitoring

We propose a new framework for conceptualizing and quantitating the dynamics of health and disease, using neuroautonomic regulation of the heartbeat as a model system. This theory is based on two postulates: 1) Complex physiological systems operate far from equilibrium and demonstrate long-range correlations indicative of a fractal (scale-invariant) mechanism; 2) Pathologic dynamics are marked by a breakdown in this long-range correlation behavior.
Occlusive retinal arteriolitis with neovascularization.

A case study of a woman who developed occlusive retinal arteriolitis with neovascularization while taking oral contraceptives (OCs) is report ed. After admission to the hospital permanent discontinuation of OCs and extensive testing the only abnormal findings were an elevated sedimentation rate a positive PPD and previous pulmonary scarring. The patient had been using OCs for 6 years prior to the onset of symptoms. Thus the association of OC use with arteriolitis with neovascularization is unclear in this case.
Radionuclide Concentrations in White Sturgeons from the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River

Abstract We summarized radionuclide concentrations in white sturgeons Acipenser transmontanus from the Columbia River during a period when several plutonium-production reactors were operating at the Hanford Site in Washington State and compared these values to those measured several years after reactor shutdown. Studies conducted in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River during 1953–1955 indicated that high concentrations of radionuclides (as total beta) were present in some internal organs and on the external surface of white sturgeons. Average concentrations were about 1,480 Bq/kg for liver and kidney and exceeded 2,200 Bq/kg for fins and scutes. The principal radionuclides in the tissues of white sturgeons from the Hanford Reach during 1963–1967, the peak reactor operation interval, were 32P, 65Zn, and 51Cr. Average concentrations of 32P in muscle ranged from 925 to 2,109 Bq/kg and were typically two to seven times greater than 65Zn. Average concentrations of radionuclides were usually in the order of...
The Role of Vascularized Bone Grafts in Spine Surgery

The use of vascularized bone grafts in complex spine reconstruction is particularly attractive in situations that involve large segmental bone defects, failed previous attempts at arthrodesis, poor soft tissue beds secondary to infection or radiation exposure necrosis or failed arthrodesis in neuromuscular disease processes. This article details the indications and rationale for vascularized bone grafting as well as the results of vascularized bone grafting of the spine.
RAPID MEASUREMENT OF SELENIUM IN BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES USING INSTRUMENTAL NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

A rapid instrumental system for measuring selenium via 17 second77mSe has been applied to the analysis of a wide variety of biological specimens encountered in biomedical research. The reliability and versatility of the method is documented for serum and animal tissue specimens. Analysis results for SRM 1577 bovine liver show excellent accuracy and precision.
Suspicious minds: The motive to acquire relationship-threatening information

In four studies, we obtained evidence for the reliability and validity of a 21-item scale designed to measure a new theoretical construct: individual differences in the motivation to acquire relationship-threatening information (hereafter, MARTI). Study 1 provided evidence for the MARTI scale's reliability and discriminant validity, revealing that it was reliable and not significantly correlated with measures of the Big Five personality traits, adult attachment styles, or more general social orientations. Studies 2 and 3 provided evidence for the scale's convergent and discriminant validity, showing that dating partners with higher MARTI scores (i.e., those who were more motivated to acquire relationship-threatening information) scored lower in relational trust and reported engaging in more “suspicion behaviors.” Study 4 provided behavioral evidence for the scale's predictive validity, revealing that (a) dating partners with higher MARTI scores were more likely to break up within 5 months, and (b) the breakup rate was most pronounced for dating partners who scored higher on the scale and who also reported being less close. We discuss how this new construct and measure can be used to study important relationship dynamics. - Lines from the 1969 Elvis Presley hit
Elastic-plastic behavior of textured short-fiber composites

Abstract We propose a relatively simple micromechanics model to predict the elastic-plastic response of short-fiber composites with a preferred orientation of the reinforcement, i.e. a texture. Our theoretical efforts are directed toward a composite system with an elastic-plastic matrix containing elastic reinforcement, but the extension to allow elastic-plastic response of the reinforcement is straightforward. The theory is based on the combination of our recent model for textured elasticity of short-fiber composites and the often-used idea of a linear comparison composite to simulate the nonlinear behavior of the actual composite as proposed by Hill ( J. Mech. Phys. Solids , 1965, 13, 89) and Hutchinson ( Proc. R. Soc. London , 1970, A319, 247). We compute the effective stress of the heterogeneously deforming matrix from the distortional energy of the matrix using the approach recently proposed by Qiu and Weng ( J. appl. Mech. , 1992, 59, 261; J. appl. Mech. , 1995, 62, 1039). We give simple, easily used, results for orientation distributions of practical significance. We compare our predictions with measured stress-strain curves for an extruded SiC/6061-A1 short-fiber composite with a fiber orientation distribution that is axially symmetric about the extrusion axis. The predictions are in excellent agreement with measurements for the axial and transverse Young's moduli and the 0.2% yield stress. Good agreement is obtained between the predicted and measured flow stress over the entire range of deformation.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT ESTIMATE OF POLYPEPTIDE CHAINS FROM STORAGE PROTEIN OF GLANDLESS COTTONSEED

About 60% of the protein in cottonseed flour is storage protein. The molecular weights of the major polypeptides that make up the SP fraction were estimated by electrophoresis. Two methods of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were used. At least 11 polypeptides are detectable and range from 57,560-6,100 daltons.