cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction to AccessCS10K and Accessible Tools for Teaching Programming

This special session is for SIGCSE attendees who are interested in K-12 computing education, especially those who have or are planning to have a NSF CS 10K project. A major goal of CS 10K is broadening participation, which includes providing computing education to students with disabilities. This interactive session will introduce attendees to AccessCS10K, a project to help teachers include students with disabilities in their K-12 computing classes. Furthermore, attendees will have a hands-on experience with the Quorum language, a language designed for youth regardless of disability. It is expected that attendees to the special session will be better prepared to include a student with a disability in their computing classes or to help other teachers do the same.
Associations between anxiety and marital adjustment.

Cognitive-behavioral theories of marital functioning and contextual models of close relationships highlight the importance of proximal affect states such as anxiety in couple functioning. Despite t...
Using slag-forming materials for flame guncreting of converter linings

The use of magnesia guncrete compounds for all-round guncreting leads to an increase in the consumption of refractory materials. Using flame guncreting they can be replaced by slag-forming materials, e.g., lime. The lime coatings are well sintered and serve well in the converters. The sintering of the particles of lime is done on the liquid phase on account of the solution in it of lime, and subsequent hardening at high temperature during guncreting.
The relationship of adrenal iodomethylnorcholesterol uptake to indices of adrenal cortical function in Cushing's syndrome.

The adrenal gland uptake of 131I-6-β-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol (NP-59) was calculated using a semioperatorindependent computer algorithm in 17 patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). Twelve had ACTH-dependent and 5 had ACTH-independent CS. The mean adrenal gland uptake (percentage of administered dose) of NP-59 was 0.74 ± 0.18 (range, 0.21−2.02%) in CS and was significantly higher than that of normal subjects (0.33 ± 0.02%). Patients with the ectopic ACTH syndrome and ACTH-independent CS manifested the highest uptakes (mean, 1.18 ± 0.08% range, 0.74−2.02/). In the patients with ACTH-dependent CS, a significant correlation was observed between 24-h urinary free cortisol excretion and NP-59 adrenal gland uptake (r =0.97, P < 0.001). No relationship was seen between NP-59 uptake and urinary free cortisol in ACTH-independent CS or between NP-59 uptake and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids, cortisol secretion rate, plasma cortisol, or ACTH levels in either ACTH dependent or ACTH-independent ...
Motion analysis of both ventricles using tagged MRI

Although several methods exist for the analysis of tagged MRI images of the left ventricle (LV), analysis of the right ventricle (RV) remains challenging due to its complex anatomy and significant through plane motion. We present here preliminary results of our new motion analysis method, both for RV and LV, in healthy human volunteers. In this method, following standard myocardial and tag segmentation of cardiac gated cine tagged MR images; a 4D B-spline based parametric motion field was computed for a volume of interest encompassing both ventricles. Using this motion field, 3D displacements and strains were calculated on the RV and LV. We observed that for both chambers the circumferential strain (Ecc) decreased with a constant rate throughout systole. The systolic strain rate displayed spatial similarity not only for the LV but also for the RV. For RV free wall, mean systolic Ecc was -0.19 +/- 0.05 with an average coefficient of variability of 20%. The 4D B-spline based motion analysis technique for tagged MRI yields compatible results for the LV and gives consistent circumferential strain measures for the RV free wall. Tagged MRI based RV mechanical analysis can be used along with LV results for a more complete cardiac evaluation.
Testing for the Church-Rosser property

Abstract It is shown that there is a polynomial time algorithm to determine whether a finite Thue system is Church-Rosser.
Meta-Attention: Do we know when we are Being Distracted?

Abstract In two procedures, subjects were asked to perform an arithmetic task while hearing distracting auditory messages. Subjects were instructed to ignore these messages. After each trial, subjects judged how disruptive they felt that trial's distractor had been. Subjects' self-reports were unrelated to the actual distraction effect, measured in performance. In Experiment 2, a manipulation of motivation considerably decreased the auditory messages' ability to distract; this large shift in distractor potency was not reflected in subjects' self-reports. In both procedures, subjects' judgments of distraction were not random but were systematically related to parameters of message content, parameters that turned out to be irrelevant for distractor potency.
Immanants and immanantal polynomials of chemical graphs.

The much-studied determinant and characteristic polynomial and the less well-known permanent and permanental polynomial are special cases of a large class of objects, the immanants and immanantal polynomials. These have received some attention in the mathematical literature, but very little has appeared on their applications to chemical graphs. The present study focuses on these and also generalizes the acyclic or matching polynomial to an equally large class of acyclic immanantal polynomials, generalizes the Sachs theorem to immanantal polynomials, and sets forth relationships between the immanants and other graph properties, namely, Kekule structure count, number of Hamiltonian cycles, Clar covering polynomial, and Hosoya sextet polynomial.
Robustness of some estimators for the analysis of covariance structures.

A sampling experiment was designed to evaluate the robustness of some estimators used in the analysis of covariance structures to misspecification of the discrepancy function in finite samples. The estimators were studied under four distribution (a multivariate normal, an elliptical, a non-elliptically symmetric, and an asymmetric multivariate distribution, and eight sample size (75, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600) conditions. Parameters of the composite direct product model for a 6-variable MTMM matrix were estimated using the Maximum Wishart Likelihood (MWL), generalized least squares (GLS), asymptotically distribution free (ADF), and approximate ADF (DADF) estimators. Browne's elliptical correction (CMWL) to the test statistic and standard errors for scale-invariant models was also made for each sample. Each of the 32 distribution-sample size conditions was replicated 300 times. The accuracy of the parameter estimates and estimated standard errors and the distribution of the test statistic were studied. The theoretically predicted importance of information contained i. higher-order moments of arbitrary distributions was confirmed. Robustness of the MWL and normal theory GLS estimators cannot be taken for granted. Elliptical corrections may be a practical solution to some data analytic problems.
Photokinesis of Macrobiotus hufelandi (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada)

Abstract Macrobiotus hufelandi Schultze, 1834 was tested for response to light. Size groups of less than 120 m and of 120 m or more were used. It was found that the smaller, younger size group exhibited a statistically significant negative response to light. This is hypothesized to function in conservation of body moisture and be more important to the smaller individuals because of the greater surface area-to-volume ratio. An experiment on response to gravity was done in an effort to determine if the negative photokinesis was the total result of a more complex type of behavior but this experiment did not detect any significant response to gravity in either of the size groups. Observation of the bacterial trails left by the tardigrades indicates that this behavior is not negative phototaxis, but rather negative photokinesis which is a non-directed, random movement in which the animal either increases its speed or changes its direction when exposed to light.
Automated lesion detection and lesion quantitation in MR images using autoassociative memory.

Previous efforts concerning lesion extraction in radiologic images indicated that autoassociative memory models can be a valuable tool in automated lesion detection. Preliminary results are expanded to resolve the technical problems of image registration and magnification. Instead of operating on selected portions of the MR images, each entire image matrix is operated upon as image vector comprising all stacked columns of the matrix. Spin density weighted images (TR=3000 ms and TE=40 ms) of 42 normal subjects were remapped and standardized with respect to location and magnification. All image vectors were orthonormalized to span a linear manifold. Standardized abnormal image vectors were then tested by the stored autoassociative memory and the abnormalities (novelties) were extracted by application of an autocorrelation matrix to the input vector. The autocorrelation matrix is computed using image vectors from normal subjects. The lesions (multiple sclerosis and tumors) are then identified as the orthogonal component to the linear manifold spanned by the basis vectors of the normal brain scans. Lesion extraction has been achieved with the intention of quantitating and staging diseased parenchyma after automated edge detection.
Chronotropic and Dromotropic Effects of Histamine on the Canine Heart

The actions of 2-methylhistamine (H 1 agonist), 4-methylhistamine (H 2 agonist), and histamine were studied by selective perfusion of the sinus node artery and atrioventricular node artery in 75 dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. 2-Methylhistamine and histamine had variable and inconsistent effects on the sinus rate. 4-Methylhistamine (100 µ g/ml) produced acceleration of the sinus rate from 158 ± 4 to 173 ± 5 beats per minute (P 2 antagonist) had no significant direct effects on the sinus rate or atrioventricular conduction and failed to prevent the acceleration of the sinus rate produced by local perfusion with 4-methylhistamine.
On the Relationships between Subtropical Clouds and Meteorology in Observations and CMIP3 and CMIP5 Models

AbstractClimate models’ simulation of clouds over the eastern subtropical oceans contributes to large uncertainties in projected cloud feedback to global warming. Here, interannual relationships of cloud radiative effect and cloud fraction to meteorological variables are examined in observations and in models participating in phases 3 and 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3 and CMIP5, respectively). In observations, cooler sea surface temperature, a stronger estimated temperature inversion, and colder horizontal surface temperature advection are each associated with larger low-level cloud fraction and increased reflected shortwave radiation. A moister free troposphere and weaker subsidence are each associated with larger mid- and high-level cloud fraction and offsetting components of shortwave and longwave cloud radiative effect. It is found that a larger percentage of CMIP5 than CMIP3 models simulate the wrong sign or magnitude of the relationship of shortwave cloud radiative effect to ...
Targeted MRI of Molecular Components in Atherosclerotic Plaque

Traditionally, diagnosis of atherosclerosis was possible only at advanced stages of disease, either by directly revealing the narrowing of the arterial lumen (stenosis) or by evaluating the effect of arterial stenosis on organ perfusion. However, new imaging approaches such as targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow the assessment not only of the morphology of blood vessels but also of the composition of the vessel walls, enabling atherosclerosis-associated abnormalities in the arteries (including the coronary arteries) to be observed, down to the cellular and molecular level.
Making a Place for Space: Spatial Thinking in Social Science

New technologies and multilevel data sets that include geographic identifiers have heightened sociologists' interest in spatial analysis. I review several of the key concepts, measures, and methods that are brought into play in this work and offer examples of their application in a variety of substantive fields. I argue that the most effective use of the new tools requires greater emphasis on spatial thinking. A device as simple as an illustrative map requires some understanding of how people respond to visual cues; models as complex as hierarchical linear modeling with spatial lags require thoughtful measurement decisions and raise questions about what a spatial effect represents.
Echocardiographic Screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic fever (RF) continues to be a major health challenge in developing countries, where it is the most common cause of acquired cardiac disease in children and young adults. Worldwide, it is estimated that at least 470 000 cases of RF occur annually, with the majority occurring in children 5 to 14 years of age.1 The majority of cases occur in developing countries and in indigenous populations, where the reported incidence is as high as 200 to 300 per 100 000.1–3 Because of the difficulty in obtaining data in these regions and populations, it is possible that the true incidence in some areas is even higher; community-based surveillance suggests that the true incidence in some settings may be as high as 500 per 100 000.4,5 In sharp contrast, there has been a significant decline in the incidence of RF over the last 50 years in most developed countries of the world. The initial decline began at least partly as a result of improved socioeconomic conditions, with further acceleration in the rate of decline of RF seen after the initiation of penicillin.6 The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) parallels the reported incidences of RF. Both RF and RHD continue essentially unabated in many developing countries and in indigenous populations (such as that in Australia); in these settings, RHD remains an important and significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Worldwide, it is estimated that 15 to 20 million people have RHD.1,7 Given the current estimates of RF incidence and the proportion of patients who develop RHD, it is estimated that at least 282 000 people develop RHD each year.1 Compared with cases occurring in industrialized countries, the initial episode of RF in …
A Wireless Network-on-Chip Design for Multicore Platforms

Aggressive scaling of transistors allows integration of hundreds of processors on a chip. However, on-chip interconnects carrying signals between different blocks will be the bottleneck for system performance and reliability. To tackle this problem, we developed an on-chip communication infrastructure based on a network-on-chip architecture and developed a hybrid mechanism to transfer data among IP cores by taking advantages of both wired and wireless communications. By using on-chip antennas, one can provide on-chip wireless communication to transfer data across long distances and minimize transfer latency and energy dissipation accordingly. A wireless network-on-chip architecture was designed and evaluated, and the experimental results showed significant improvement in transfer latency, network throughput and energy dissipation.
Psychometric properties of the Learning-Orientation Grade-Orientation II Scale.

The Learning-Orientation Grade-Orientation Scale of Eison, Pollio, and Milton was administered to 85 college students and analyzed to study the psychometric properties of the instrument. Scale means were consistent with those usually reported. Cronbach coefficients alpha for 5 of the 6 scales ranged from .58 to .70; however, the coefficient alpha for learning-orientation attitude scale was questionably low (.29). Item analyses and factor analyses support the continued use of at least 5 of the 6 scales measured by the inventory.
Testing exponentiality of the residual life, based on dynamic Kullback-Leibler information

This paper proposes a test-of-fit for exponentiality of the residual life (TF-ERL) based on the estimated dynamic Kullback-Leibler information. TF-ERL applies when the exponential parameter is or is not specified under the null hypothesis. Asymptotic properties of TF-ERL are discussed. In particular, the TF-ERL is shown to be a statistically consistent test of the null hypothesis for all alternatives. Small-sample null tail probabilities are derived; critical values are tabulated; and its use is shown in an example. Monte-Carlo simulation is used to compute the power of TF-ERL under various alternatives; it performs well in terms of its power.
Enhancing student learning through hypermedia courseware and incorporation of student learning styles

This paper outlines attempts to enhance student learning by addressing different learning styles through course hypermedia. Students learn by a variety of different learning styles. Previously, instructors were unable to effectively address these different learning styles outside the classroom. Two approaches were developed to address this problem. The first approach was the development of hypermedia courseware. This provided a wide variety of tools which students could use to prepare for lessons. In this way students retained complete control over how they prepared for a lesson and could choose those hypermedia tools that were most conducive to their learning. An assessment of the multimedia and hypertext documents in the course revealed that the value of a particular multimedia tool to a student varied widely. Each student was traversing the course material according to his/her unique learning style. Unfortunately, the plethora of tools confused some students because they were uncomfortable making active choices of what course material would be most conducive to their learning. As a result, a second approach was adopted. An adaptive hypermedia interface was developed that provided dynamic tailoring of the presentation of course material based on the individual student's learning style. By tailoring the presentation of material to the student's learning style, the authors believe students learned more efficiently and more effectively.
Silymarin, a flavonoid from milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.), inhibits UV-induced oxidative stress through targeting infiltrating CD11b+ cells in mouse skin.

Phytochemicals have shown promise in inhibiting UV-induced oxidative stress, and therefore considered as potent inhibitors of UV-induced oxidative stress-mediated skin diseases. We have shown previously that topical treatment of silymarin, a flavonoid from milk thistle (Silibum marianum), inhibits UV-induced oxidative stress in mouse skin. However, the cellular targets responsible for the inhibition of UV-induced oxidative stress by silymarin are not clearly defined. To address this issue, C3H/HeN mice were UV irradiated (90 mJ/cm2) with or without topical treatment with silymarin (1mg/cm2 skin area). Mice were sacrificed 48 h later and skin samples collected. Flow cytometric analysis of viable dermal cells revealed that the number of infiltrating CD11b+ cells were the major source of oxidative stress (31.8%) in UV irradiated skin compared to non-UV exposed skin (0.4%). Treatment of silymarin inhibited UV-induced oxidative stress through inhibition of infiltrating CD11b+ cells. The analysis of myeloperoxidase also indicated that silymarin significantly (p<0.001) decreased UV-induced infiltration of leukocytes, and this effect of silymarin was similar to that of intraperitoneal treatment of mice with monoclonal antibodies to CD11b. The inhibitory effect of silymarin, whether it is topically treated before or after UV irradiation, was of similar magnitude. Intraperitoneal administration of monoclonal antibodies to CD11b (rat IgG2b) to C3H/HeN mice inhibited UVB-induced oxidative stress generated by both epidermal and dermal cells as is evident by relative fluorescence intensity of oxidized rhodamine. Similar to the effect of anti-CD11b, silymarin also inhibited UV-induced oxidative stress in both epidermal and dermal cells. Further, CD11b+ and CD11b− cell subsets from UV-treated or silymarin+UV-treated mice were separated by immunomagnetic cell isolation technique from total epidermal and dermal single cell suspensions and analyzed for ROS/H2O2 production. Analytical data revealed that CD11b+ cell population from UV irradiated skin resulted in significantly higher production of ROS in both epidermis and dermis than CD11b− cell population, and that silymarin inhibited UV-induced oxidative stress through targeting infiltrating CD11b+ cell type in the skin.
Software profiling for hot path prediction: less is more

Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploiting profile information in adaptive systems such as just-in-time compilers, dynamic optimizers and, binary translators. In this paper, we show that sophisticated software profiling schemes that provide highly accurate information in an offline setting are ill-suited for these dynamic code generation systems. We experimentally demonstrate that hot path predictions must be made early in order to control the rising cost of missed opportunity that result from the prediction delay. We also show that existing sophisticated path profiling schemes, if used in an online setting, offer no prediction advantages over simpler schemes that exhibit much lower runtime overheads.Based on these observation we developed a new low-overhead software profiling scheme for hot path prediction. Using an abstract metric we compare our scheme to path profile based prediction and show that our scheme achieves comparable prediction quality. In our second set of experiments we include runtime overhead and evaluate the performance of our scheme in a realistic application: Dynamo, a dynamic optimization system. The results show that our prediction scheme clearly outperforms path profile based prediction and thus confirm that less profiling as exhibited in our scheme will actually lead to more effective hot path prediction.
Experience with K42, an open-source, Linux-compatible, scalable operating-system kernel

K42 is an open-source, Linux-compatible, scalable operating-system kernel that can be used for rapid prototyping of operating-system policies and mechanisms. This paper reviews the structure and design philosophy of K42 and discusses our experiences in developing and using K42 in the open-source environment.
Sex variability of fine-needle aspiration reliability in the diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules ≥4 cm

BACKGROUND: The effect of sex on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of thyroid cancer remains unknown. This study determines the reliability of FNAwhen evaluating thyroid nodules R 4c m in women and men. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of 1,068 patients who underwent FNA and thyroidectomy at a tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Data were stratified by sex and thyroid nodule size R4 cm. RESULTS: The FNA false-negative rate for thyroid malignancy in women and men was 17% and 0%, respectively. FNAwas less predictive of malignancy in women (odd ratio 5 31.7; 95% confidence interval, 19.2 to 52.5; P ,.0001) compared with men (odds ratio 5 51.7; 95% confidence interval, 11.8 to 225.1; P , .0001) with thyroid nodules R4 cm. CONCLUSIONS: For the diagnosis of malignancy in large thyroid nodules, FNA may be less reliable in women compared with men. This study advocates using a more aggressive approach that includes surgical resection for definitive diagnosis in women with thyroid nodules R4 cm.
Effects of environmental antiandrogens on reproductive development in experimental animals

Chemicals that act as androgen receptor (AR) agonists and antagonists or inhibit fetal steroidogenesis can induce reproductive malformations in humans and laboratory animals. Several environmental chemicals disrupt development in rats and/or rabbits at fetal concentrations at, or near, exposure levels seen in some segments of the human population. In rats, fetal tissues concentrations of 10-20 p.p.m. of the DDT metabolite, p,p'-DDE, are correlated with reproductive abnormalities in male offspring. These concentrations are similar to those measured in first-trimester human fetal tissues in the late 1960s. The pesticides vinclozolin, procymidone, linuron and DDT are AR antagonists. They reduce male rat anogenital distance, and induce areolas at relatively low dosages. Hypospadias, agenesis of the sex accessory tissues and retained nipples are seen in the middle dosages, while undescended testes and epididymal agenesis are seen in the highest doses. Phthalate esters (PE) inhibit testosterone synthesis during fetal life, but do not appear to be AR antagonists. Prenatal administration of a single low dose of dioxin (50-1,000 ng TCDD/kg) alters the differentiation of androgen-dependent tissues at p.p.t. concentrations, but the mechanism of action likely involves interaction with a hormone-like nuclear transcription factor, the hormone-like receptor AhR, rather than AR. p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE, vinclozolin and di-n-butyl phthalate affect reproductive function in rabbits when administered during prenatal and/or neonatal life. Cryptorchidism and carcinoma in situ-like (CIS) testicular lesions were seen in male rabbits treated during development with p,p'-DDT or p,p'-DDE. Extrapolation of effects from rodents to humans would be enhanced if future studies incorporate determination of tissue concentrations of the active metabolites. Knowledge of the tissue concentrations of the active toxicants also would provide an important link to in-vitro studies, which provide more useful mechanistic information when they are executed at relevant concentrations.
Wavelength-based cell switching in ATM multihop optical networks

An optical multihop network architecture that uses wavelength-based cell-switching and that consists of optically separated passive star couplers interconnected by 2*2 electronic asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switches (network interface units) is presented. A fixed assignment TDMA-WDMA scheme provides a means for sharing the passive star couplers' bandwidth without cell collisions. Adaptive shortest path cell routing exploits the multiplicity of paths in the multihop environment to reduce queuing delay and provide load balancing across all WDMA channels. Analytic models of general network performance are developed and verified by means of computer simulation. The network performance for ShuffleNet configurations is quantitatively studied. The proposed architecture provides for unlimited scalability, both geographically and in the number of users, and is less costly and complex to implement than conventional multihop approaches. >
The self-consistent dynamic pole tide in non-global oceans

The dynamic pole tide is characterized in a self-consistent manner by means of introducing a single nondifferential matrix equation compatible with the Liouville equation, modelling the ocean as global and of uniform depth. The deviations of the theory from the realistic ocean, associated with the nonglobality of the latter, are also given consideration, with an inference that in realistic oceans long-period modes of resonances would be increasingly likely to exist. The analysis of the nature of the pole tide and its effects on the Chandler wobble indicate that departures of the pole tide from the equilibrium may indeed be minimal.
Infiltration from an impoundment for coal-bed natural gas, Powder River Basin, Wyoming: Evolution of water and sediment chemistry

[1] Development of coal-bed natural gas (CBNG) in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, has increased substantially in recent years. Among environmental concerns associated with this development is the fate of groundwater removed with the gas. A preferred water-management option is storage in surface impoundments. As of January 2007, permits for more than 4000 impoundments had been issued within Wyoming. A study was conducted on changes in water and sediment chemistry as water from an impoundment infiltrated the subsurface. Sediment cores were collected prior to operation of the impoundment and after its closure and reclamation. Suction lysimeters were used to collect water samples from beneath the impoundment. Large amounts of chloride (12,300 kg) and nitrate (13,500 kg as N), most of which accumulated naturally in the sediments over thousands of years, were released into groundwater by infiltrating water. Nitrate was more readily flushed from the sediments than chloride. If sediments at other impoundment locations contain similar amounts of chloride and nitrate, impoundments already permitted could release over 48 × 106 kg of chloride and 52 × 106 kg of nitrate into groundwater in the basin. A solute plume with total dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations at times exceeding 100,000 mg/L was created in the subsurface. TDS concentrations in the plume were substantially greater than those in the CBNG water (about 2300 mg/L) and in the ambient shallow groundwater (about 8000 mg/L). Sulfate, sodium, and magnesium are the dominant ions in the plume. The elevated concentrations are attributed to cation-exchange-enhanced gypsum dissolution. As gypsum dissolves, calcium goes into solution and is exchanged for sodium and magnesium on clays. Removal of calcium from solution allows further gypsum dissolution.
Testicular sperm extraction with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is successful in the treatment of non-obstructive azoospermia associated with cryptorchidism

Purpose: We evaluated the results of testicular sperm extraction (TESE) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) associated with cryptorchidism. Materials and Methods: A total of 321 TESE attempts were done in 275 men with confirmed nonobstructive azoospermia to recover spermatozoa for ICSI between November 1995 and December 2001. Of these patients 38 with a diagnosis of cryptorchidism underwent 47 sperm extraction attempts. The remaining 237 men with a total of 274 associated TESE attempts had various other etiologies for NOA. The outcome measures studied were the sperm retrieval, fertilization, pregnancy and miscarriage rates after ICSI. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular volume and age at orchiopexy (in the cryptorchid group) were examined as predictive factors for sperm recovery. Results: In the cryptorchid cohort spermatozoa were successfully retrieved at 35 of 47 TESE attempts (74%) with fertilization in 214 of 347 metaphase II oocytes (62%). Clinical pregnancies resulted for 16 of 35 cycles (46%) when sperm were retrieved, with ongoing pregnancies or deliveries in 15 of the 35 (43%). Spermatozoa recovery correlated with testicular volume (p 0.05) and patient age at orchiopexy (p 0.001) but it was independent of serum FSH. In the noncryptorchid subgroup spermatozoa were successfully retrieved at 160 of 274 TESE attempts (58%) with fertilization in 983 of 1,657 metaphase II oocytes (59%). Clinical pregnancies were documented for 71 of 160 cycles (44%) when sperm were retrieved, with ongoing pregnancies or deliveries in 58 of 160 the (36%). Spermatozoa recovery was independent of testicular volume and serum FSH. Patients with a history of cryptorchidism had better TESE sperm retrieval rates (p 0.05) but no significant difference in the fertilization, pregnancy or miscarriage rate. Conclusions: TESE with ICSI is a successful treatment modality for men with NOA associated with cryptorchidism. Spermatozoa were retrieved in 74% of attempts with a resulting clinical pregnancy in 46% of these cases. These results are comparable if not better to those in noncryptorchid patients with NOA. Testicular volume and age at orchiopexy were identified as independent predictors of sperm retrieval for men with a history of cryptorchidism. Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) refers to the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to minimal or no production of fully developed sperm in the testicles. This condition affects approximately 1% of the male population and 10% of men seeking evaluation for fertility. 1 Causative factors for NOA are numerous but they include chromosomal disorders (Klinefelter’s syndrome and Y chromosome microdeletions), varicocele, hypogonadotropic and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, gonadotoxin exposure (medications, chemotherapy and radiation therapy) and cryptorchidism. 2
The Patient's Personality, Personality Types, Traits, and Disorders

1. A 34-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to the hospital after cutting her abdomen with a steak knife. She had methodically cut her skin, abdominal muscles, fasciae, peritoneum, and omentum, and pulled out her small intestine. She was in a pool of blood when her roommate came home and called the ambulance. Upon admission to the hospital, the patient denied suicidal intent; rather, she said she just had to cut herself and see blood to relieve the tension. She had seen visions of herself cutting before she actually cut herself. She felt no pain. Her abdomen was covered with scars from previous lacerations. This was her 18th hospitalization for cutting herself.
Light charged particle emission in the matched reactions 280 MeV 40 Ar + 27 Al and 670 MeV 55 Mn + 12 C : Inclusive studies

In order to test the statistical model's ability to predict the behavior of relatively light mass systems $(A\ensuremath{\approx}67)$ with large angular momenta, two matched heavy ion nuclear reactions were used to $\mathrm{produce}{ }^{67}{\mathrm{Ga}}^{*}$ composite nuclei at an excitation energy of 127 MeV. Light charged particles (protons, deuterons, tritons, and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles) were used as probes to characterize the composite systems and track the deexcitation processes. From these measurements, energy spectra, cross sections, angular distributions, anisotropy ratios, and particle multiplicities were deduced. Measuring many degrees of freedom provides a stringent test for the statistical models. What is found is that models which did well in predicting the behavior of heavy composite systems $(A\ensuremath{\approx}150),$ are unable to simultaneously reproduce energy spectra, angular distributions, and particle multiplicities for the lighter systems $(A\ensuremath{\approx}67),$ where angular momentum plays a dominant role. This implies that more rigorous models and/or additional physics are needed to understand the behavior of the hot, high-spin nuclear matter in this mass region.
Where Have All the Niebuhrs Gone? Evangelicals and the Marginalization of Religious Influence in American Public Life

A couple of years ago, Life magazine published a special issue fea turing the fifty most influential people of this century. Among this elite group was the American theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr. The judgment of Life's editors was arguably sound in including this Missouri-born minister among the more well known movers and shakers of the twen tieth century. Reinhold Niebuhr has been dead now for more than twenty years, but his memory is kept alive among students of American religion, so cial ethics, and international politics where his ideas are still discussed in textbooks, graduate seminars, and scholarly footnotes. Nearly for gotten, however, is Niebuhr's influence over American public fife. Niebuhr's appearance on the cover of Time magazine's twenty-fifth an niversary issue in March 1948 confirmed his status not only as America's most influential theologian, but also, in the words of his bi ographer, as "man of the hour in the secular political realm."1 In the years immediately following the Second World War, Niebuhr's considerable reputation, fostered through his prodigious writings, brought him into the inner circle of the American foreign pol icy establishment. In 1946 came a nomination to the Council of For eign Relations, and then regular meetings with the Department of State, culminating in 1949 with his appointment, along with Hans Mor genthau, as an advisor to the State Department's influential Policy
Surface Energy Evolution in Pharmaceutical Powder Micronization Using Compressed Gas Antisolvent (Re-)Precipitation

We illustrate the importance of environment-dependent surface energy changes in predicting the micronization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in gas antisolvent precipitation (GASP) processes. This size-reduction scheme exploits compressed CO2(g) as antisolvent (AS) at near-ambient temperatures. Ordinary API-loaded solvents (often sprays) are contacted with dense CO2, and during CO2 uptake in an evolving expanding liquid API + solvent + CO2 solution droplet, particle nucleation (N) sets in, continuing along with growth (G) and, ultimately, coagulation. A rational method [due to Nielsen and Sohnel (J. Cryst. Growth 1971, 11, 233) and Mersmann (J. Cryst. Growth 1990, 102, 841)) is used to estimate the changing embryonic solid/ternary solution interfacial energy, γ. We demonstrate the dramatic yield and crystal size distribution (CSD) consequences of surface energy evolution (SEE) by carrying out N/G calculations for the surrogate organic API: phenanthrene dissolved in representative well-mixed mi...
Musashi1: an RBP with versatile functions in normal and cancer stem cells.

Abstract Musashi1 (Msi1) is a highly conserved RNA binding protein that was initially identified in Drosophila by its ability to regulate sensory organ development and asymmetric cell division. Studies in mammalian cells reveal multiple functions for Musashi1 in normal and abnormal processes by mediating different post-transcriptional processes. According to our recent studies, Musashi1 very likely controls hundreds of targets, forming networks that regulate apoptosis, differentiation, proliferation and cell cycle. Musashi1 is a characteristic stem cell marker that regulates the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Over-expression of Musashi1 has been associated with numerous tumor types and its function is required for tumor growth in breast, colon, medulloblastoma and glioblastoma. Musashi1 has also been implicated in neurogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases, and is emerging as a potential therapeutic target in both regenerative medicine and cancer.
Instructional Immediacy and the Seven Principles: Strategies for Facilitating Online Courses

Much has been made of assessing web-based classes over the past 20 years. In many research circles, the overwhelming concern has been whether traditional (face-face) classes and those taught via the web (web-based classes) fare the same in terms of student achievement and satisfaction. Others have focused on which technology is best for web-based classes, while still others are concerned with instructional design issues and determining which design features are essential for web-based courses in terms of clarity, consistency, and in ease of use. While important areas of inquiry and subsequent development, concern with instructional effectiveness, or how an instructor can best direct, facilitate, and support students toward certain academic ends (i.e., student achievement, student satisfaction) in web-based classes has received considerably less attention.
Decline in Values of Slash Pine Stands Infected with Fusiform Rust

Losses in product values due tofusi form rust , caused by Cronart ium quercuum (Berk.) Miyabe ex Shiraifi sp. fusiforme, were estimatedfrom four, 2.5-yr-old slash pine, Pinus elliotii Engelm., plantations planted in southern Mississippi over a range of sites with different growth potential and expected rust infection levels. The percentage infected stems rangedfrom 2.5% to 62% at age 2.5. The conversion-return method (Davis 1966) was used to take into account logging, transportation, and milling costs. Estimated stand values between infected and noninfected s tands were compared to determine the losses in product value due tofusiform rust . Decl ine in est imated s tand stumpage values rangedfrom 5.6% to 15.5% at age 25. S tand stumpage values at age 25 decl ined 0.26% per 1% increase in s tem rust infect ion at both ages 5 and 2.5. The strong l inear relat ionship between the percentage of stems infected at age 5 and decl ine in s tand stumpage values provides a us@1 tool for land managers who need to estimate the reduction in value of slash pine stands at harvest based on rust infection at age 5. Combining this information with estimates of losses from rust-associated mortality and reduced growth of infected stems (from other studies) permits land managers to est imate the value of slash pine s tands at harvest at early ages and decide among management al ternat ives . South. J. Appl. For. 26(3):134-139.
Dominance status predicts social fear transmission in laboratory rats

Acquiring information about stimuli that predict danger, through either direct experience or inference from a social context, is crucial for individuals' ability to generate appropriate behaviors in response to threats. Utilizing a modified demonstrator-observer paradigm (fear conditioning by proxy) that allows for free interaction between subjects, we show that social dominance hierarchy, and the interactive social behaviors of caged rats, is predictive of social fear transmission, with subordinate rats displaying increased fear responses after interacting with a fear-conditioned dominant rat during fear retrieval. Fear conditioning by proxy conserves some of the pathways necessary for direct fear learning (e.g., lateral amygdala) but is unique in that it requires regions necessary for emotional regulation (e.g., anterior cingulate cortex), making this paradigm an important tool for evaluating learning and behavior in the laboratory setting.
Soft-Tissue Coverage for Lower-Extremity Trauma

SUMMARY In summary, a rational approach to soft- tissue coverage in the ankle and foot should help lower osteomyelitis and bone nonunion rates and yield an excellent functional result. In addition to adequate fixation, it is crucial to first obtain a clean healthy wound by doing as many debridements as necessary. The goal should be to achieve coverage within the first week of injury to avoid the sequelae of a later closure; i.e., a potentially much higher infection rate and nonunion rate. The reconstructive options range from secondary intention, to primary closure, to skin grafts, to local flaps, to microsurgical free flaps. The choice should be dictated by the health of the patient, the existing bony and neurovascular anatomy, and the desired ultimate objective. Given the currently available orthopedic and plastic surgical techniques, it is possible to salvage almost any foot or ankle; however, we should not be carried away by our surgical armamentarium. If the salvaged extremity will take more than a year to heal, will be barely functional, and will be a constant source of pain, then a below-knee amputation should strongly be considered. The challange in the coming decade comes both in picking the correct extremity to salvage and in applying the techniques described previously to restore it to its preinjury state.
Abstract 5105: Exosomes secreted by proinflammatory macrophages modulate breast cancer

Multiple cell types reside within the tumor microenvironment (TME) including cancer stem cells, stromal cells, and inflammatory cells. Cellular crosstalk is initiated between these cells through a variety of secreted biomolecules such as cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes. The role of inflammation and numerous secretory factors within the TME have been implicated in the development and progression of various cancers including breast. In this study, we wanted to evaluate the effect of macrophages (a major constituent of inflammation) on breast cancer development. Our study focused on macrophage secreted exosomes which are membraneous nanovesicles that contain various miRNA, mRNA, and proteins. We hypothesized that macrophage secreted exosomes will modulate breast cancer phenotype. An in vitro cell culture system was used in this study to examine macrophage exosome treatments on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ER+) and MDA-MB 231 (ER-, PR-, HER2/neu-). Human monocytic THP-1 monocytes were activated with a common phorbol ester TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) and conditioned media (CM) was collected following 48 h. Exosomes were isolated from THP-1 CM via the use of an exosome isolation reagent and standard centrifugation. Breast cancer cells were then treated with THP-1 exosomes and cell morphology, proliferation, MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, and cell cycle were evaluated. MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 exhibited round and spindle-like morphologies as well as a significant decrease in proliferation at 24 h treatments. Furthermore, MDA-MB 231 displayed increased p-ERK, while MCF-7 showed increased p-MEK following Western blot analysis. Both cell lines exhibited decreased p-AKT and p-S6 kinase expression. Cell cycle analysis showed that MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 arrested at G2/M at 24 h exosome treatments. THP-1 exosome treatments led to a significant increase in MDA-MB 231 senescence as determined by a senescence assay looking at senescence-associated beta-galactosidase. Increased p21 and decreased Cdc2/Cyclin B1 was also observed which indicates a G2/M arrest. We conclude that specific macrophage secreted exosomes may induce breast cancer cell senescence and affect breast cancer progression. Citation Format: Robert Bronislaw Bednarczyk, Neha Y. Tuli, Ghada Ben Rahoma, Rachana Maniyar, Abraham Mittelman, Raj K. Tiwari. Exosomes secreted by proinflammatory macrophages modulate breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 5105.
Frequency of Adverse Events Before, During, and After Hospital Admission.

Objectives Adverse events (AEs) are unintended physical injuries resulting from or contributed to by medical or surgical care. We determined the frequency and type of AEs before, during, and after hospital admission. Methods We conducted a cohort study of 296 adult hospital patients. We used the standardized Institute for Healthcare Improvement Global Trigger Tool for Measuring Adverse Events to review the medical records of the hospital patients for occurrence, timing relative to hospital admission, severity, and preventability of AEs. We also identified the primary physiologic system affected by the AE. Results Among 296 patients, we identified 338 AEs. AEs occurred with similar frequency before (n = 148; 43.8%) and during hospital admission (n = 162; 47.9%). Fewer AEs occurred after discharge (n = 28; 8.3%). Half of all AEs (n = 169; 50.0%) were severe, whereas 47.9% (n = 162) were preventable. Conclusions AEs occur with similar frequency before and during hospitalization and may contribute more to hospital admissions than previously recognized. These findings suggest that efforts to improve patient safety should include outpatient settings in addition to the more commonly targeted acute care settings.
Value in Outsourcing Labor and Creating a Brand in the Art Market: The Damien Hirst Business Plan

This paper examines two groups of Damien Hirst's artwork to determine which appreciates more in value over time. Do unique, Hirst-created works appreciate more because they are one-of-a-kind, or do...