cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of the black-back scorpion (Hadrurus spadix) reveal detectability challenges and an unexplored realm of animal toxin diversity.

The order Scorpiones is one of the most ancient and diverse lineages of venomous animals, having originated approximately 430 million years ago and diversified into 14 extant families. Although partial venom characterizations have been described for numerous scorpion species, we provided the first quantitative transcriptome/proteome comparison for a scorpion species using single-animal approaches. We sequenced the venom-gland transcriptomes of a male and female black-back scorpion (Hadrurus spadix) from the family Caraboctonidae using the Illumina sequencing platform and conducted independent quantitative mass-spectrometry analyses of their venoms. We identified 79 proteomically confirmed venom proteins, an additional 69 transcripts with homology to toxins from other species, and 596 nontoxin proteins expressed at high levels in the venom glands. The venom of H. spadix was rich in antimicrobial peptides, K+-channel toxins, and several classes of peptidases. However, the most diverse and one of the most abundant classes of putative toxins could not be assigned even a tentative functional role on the basis of homology, indicating that this venom contained a wealth of previously unexplored animal toxin diversity. We found good agreement between both transcriptomic and proteomic abundances across individuals, but transcriptomic and proteomic abundandances differed substantially within each individual. Small peptide toxins such as K+-channel toxins and antimicrobial peptides proved challenging to detect proteomically, at least in part due to the significant proteolytic processing involved in their maturation. In addition, we found a significant tendency for our proteomic approach to overestimate the abundances of large putative toxins and underestimate the abundances of smaller toxins.
Evaluation of HZETRN on the Martian surface: Sensitivity tests and model results

The Mars Science Laboratory Radiation Assessment Detector (MSLRAD) is providing continuous measurements of dose, dose equivalent, and particle flux on the surface of Mars. These measurements have been highly useful in validating environmental and radiation transport models that will be heavily relied upon for future deep space missions. In this work, the HZETRN code is utilized to estimate radiation quantities of interest on the Martian surface. A description of the modeling approach used with HZETRN is given along with the various input models and parameters used to define the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) environment and Martian geometry. Sensitivity tests are performed to gauge the impact of varying several input factors on quantities being compared to MSLRAD data. Results from these tests provide context for inter-code comparisons presented in a companion paper within this issue. It is found that details of the regolith and atmospheric composition have a minimal impact on surface flux, dose, and dose equivalent. Details of the density variation within the atmosphere and uncertainties associated with specifying the vertical atmospheric thickness are also found to have minimal impact. Two widely used GCR models are used as input into HZETRN and it is found that the associated surface quantities are within several percent of each other.
Tracing the roots of mindfulness: Transcendence in Buddhism and Christianity

ABSTRACTThe field of social work has embraced mindfulness skills in the training of social workers and as an intervention used in practice. However, there is little discussion regarding the theoretical or religious roots of mindfulness. In addition, social workers often employ mindfulness by practicing within a behaviorist frame. Missing from this behaviorist frame are the historic religious definitions, aims, and values of mindfulness, which lead to a fuller understanding of mindfulness in social work practice. This article traces the religious roots of mindfulness to clarify its goals in both Buddhism and Christianity, with an emphasis on the Mahayana branch of Buddhism and the contemplative and mystical traditions within Christianity. In both religions, mindfulness leads one to an experience of transcendence, assisting the follower to realize that the self belongs in relationship with a divine oneness in Buddha nature, that is believed to be intrinsic to all sentient beings (in Buddhism), or a divine G...
Performance enhanced piezoelectric-based crack detection system for high temperature I-beam SHM

This paper proposes an innovative sensing system for high temperature (up to 150°C) I-beam crack detection. The proposed system is based on the piezoelectric effect and laser sensing mechanisms, which is proved to be effective at high temperature environment (up to 150°C). Different from other high temperature SHM approaches, the proposed sensing system is employing a piezoelectric disk as an actuator and a laser vibrometer as a sensor for remote detection. Lab tests are carried out and the vibrational properties are studied to characterize the relationship between crack depth and sensor responses by analyzing the RMS of sensor responses. Instead of utilizing a pair of piezoelectric actuator and sensor, using the laser vibrometer will enable 1) a more flexible detection, which will not be limited to specific area or dimension, 2) wireless sensing, which lowers the risk of operating at high temperature/harsh environment. The proposed sensing system can be applied to engineering structures such as in nuclear power plant reactor vessel and heat pipe structures/systems.
The Vindication of Hate Violence Victims Via Criminal and Civil Adjudications

Attempts by victims of hate violence to vindicate their claims through civil courts have a long history in the United States that predates the Civil War. The most notorious Supreme Court decision in American history commenced auspiciously in a St. Louis, Missouri county circuit court in two racially based tort actions on April 6, 1846. Slaves Dred and Harriet Scott petitioned Judge John Crum for permission to sue their owner and for “reasonable liberty” to effectively pursue their case. In an action remarkable for its time, Judge Crum granted the motions and stipulated that neither slave be removed from the jurisdiction or be subject to additional penalty as reprisal for their litigation.
Emerging immunotherapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract Immunotherapy has recently catapulted to the forefront of treatments for patients with solid tumors. Given its inherent immunogenic properties, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has historically responded to immunotherapy and remains primed for further development. Although immunotherapy with high-dose interleukin 2 was a primary treatment for advanced RCC (aRCC), recent discoveries of key molecular and immunological alterations have led to the FDA-approval of nivolumab, an antiprogrammed cell death inhibitor, which has demonstrated an overall survival in patients with previously treated aRCC. However, despite recent therapeutic advances, aRCC remains an incurable disease for most patients. In this review, we assess the current landscape and future developments of immunotherapy in aRCC.
At-Risk High School Students Recovering Course Credits Online: What We Know and Need to Know

The majority of American high school students enrolling in online education are doing so in credit recovery courses. These are online courses specifically for students who previously failed a face-...
Large-Scale Object Classification Using Label Relation Graphs

In this paper we study how to perform object classification in a principled way that exploits the rich structure of real world labels. We develop a new model that allows encoding of flexible relations between labels. We introduce Hierarchy and Exclusion (HEX) graphs, a new formalism that captures semantic relations between any two labels applied to the same object: mutual exclusion, overlap and subsumption. We then provide rigorous theoretical analysis that illustrates properties of HEX graphs such as consistency, equivalence, and computational implications of the graph structure. Next, we propose a probabilistic classification model based on HEX graphs and show that it enjoys a number of desirable properties. Finally, we evaluate our method using a large-scale benchmark. Empirical results demonstrate that our model can significantly improve object classification by exploiting the label relations.
Searching for family therapy in the rockies : Family therapists meet a paleontologist

Family therapists use concepts germane to other academic disciplines. We recount four notions--context, explanatory metaphors, language conventions, and persistently refining knowledge--that family therapists and paleontologists each utilize. Revisiting family therapy's foundational concepts through the lens of another discipline reminds us of our theoretical beginnings, highlights those professional adaptations that we have made over the years, and offers us an opportunity to reinvigorate and expand our central organizing principles.
CEP290 and the primary cilium.

The protein CEP290 has recently emerged as a major player in the biology of the cilium and as a causative protein in a number of human syndromic diseases, most of which are associated with the devastating blinding disease Leber congenital amaurosis. (Coppieters et al., Hum Mutat 31, 2010, 1097–1108) CEP290 is known to be an important component of the primary cilium, localizing to the Y-links of the ciliary transition zone and having a role in the regulation of transport in and out of the ciliary compartment (Craige et al., J Cell Biol 190, 2010, 927–940). While many mutations in CEP290 have been identified in human patients, how these mutations result in the spectrum of human disease attributed to the protein remain unknown. As we begin to learn more about the normal role of CEP290, it is likely that we will begin to shed light on how these mutations result in the various CEP290 disease phenotypes. Here we discuss many of these diverse aspects of CEP290 biology and pathology in an attempt to link what we know about the molecular mechanisms of CEP290 function with what we know about CEP290-asociated disease.
Fake Pictures, Real Emotions: A Case Study of Art and Craft

This chapter investigates the function of morally ambiguous characters in documentary film; it argues that such characters can persuade documentary viewers to renegotiate their moral values, transcend the differences between authentic artworks and replicas, and transgress established social boundaries. It takes, as a case study, the documentary Art and Craft (dirs. Sam Cullman & Jennifer Grausman, 2014), which chronicles the life of Mark A. Landis, an American art forger living in Laurel, Mississippi. This study reveals that the viewers’ sympathy and transgressive emotions often undergo a similar trajectory for both documentaries and fiction films. However, the difference is that documentaries provide an alternative access to engagement, due to the genre’s special relationship with reality, as evidenced in Art and Craft.
Review Essay: Giving Life to the Death Penalty

This essay reviews three books on capital punishment in America: Robin Conley’s Confronting the Death Penalty: How Language Influences Jurors in Capital Cases, Daniel LaChance’s Executing Freedom: The Cultural Life of Capital Punishment in the United States, and Austin Sarat’s Gruesome Spectacles: Botched Executions and America’s Death Penalty. After analyzing the books thematically, it critiques the Supreme Court’s discussion of “dignity” in a case that considered whether a state’s lethal injection protocols violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. It argues that the conflation of euthanasia and capital punishment rhetoric can mask the violence of lethal injection practices that in fact cause excessive suffering.
Spectroscopic characterization of radiochromic films for radiation therapy dosimetry

Radiochromic films are commonly used in radiation therapy dosimetry and quality assurance. However, their spectral response is studied only for a limited set of beam qualities used in radiation therapy. In this work, we investigate the spectral response of the EBT3 radiochromic films for a broad range of megavoltage photon and electron radiation beam qualities. Dose, dose rate, and inter-batch dependencies are investigated. For beam qualities studied in this work, we found that for a given batch, the spectral response of the EBT-3 radiochromic films is beam quality and dose-rate independent. However, the spectral response of the films is batch-dependent.
Expanding the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 diagnostic population: performance and reliability of LI-RADS for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from non-HCC primary liver carcinoma in patients who do not meet strict LI-RADS high-risk criteria.

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be diagnosed using imaging criteria in patients at high-risk for HCC, according to Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance and inter-rater reliability (IRR) of LI-RADS v2018 for differentiating HCC from non-HCC primary liver carcinoma (PLC), in patients who are at increased risk for HCC but not included in the LI-RADS ‘high-risk’ population. Methods This retrospective HIPAA-compliant study included a 10-year experience of pathologically-proven PLC at two liver transplant centers, and included patients with non-cirrhotic hepatitis C infection, non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and fibrosis. Two readers evaluated each lesion and assigned an overall LI-RADS diagnostic category, additionally scoring all major, LR-M, and ancillary features. Results The final study cohort consisted of 27 HCCs and 104 non-HCC PLC in 131 patients. The specificity of a ‘definite HCC’ designation was 97% for reader 1 and 100% for reader 2. The IRR was fair for overall LI-RADS category and substantial for most major features. Conclusion In a population at increased risk for HCC but not currently included in the LI-RADS ‘high-risk’ population, LI-RADS v2018 demonstrated very high specificity for distinguishing pathologically-proven HCC from non-HCC PLC.
Automated Cutting and Sewing for Industry 4.0 at ITMA 2019

An apparel product is one of the consumer goods that have a large number of fragmented supply chains. It starts from fiber selection, proceeds to yarn and fabric production, and ends up with apparel manufacturing. In many cases, there are several additional industries involved in the processes to finish the final product that produce trimming, finding, embroidery, leather and many other fashion accessories.
Diurnal Patterns for Cortisol, Cortisone and Agouti-Related Protein in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood

Context Cortisol in blood has a robust circadian rhythm and exerts potent effects on energy balance that are mediated in part by central mechanisms. These interactions involve orexigenic agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons that are stimulated by glucocorticoids. However, diurnal changes in brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cortisol and cortisone, which are interconverted by 11s-HSD1, have not been characterized in humans. Objective To conduct a secondary analysis of existing samples to characterize diurnal changes in cortisol and cortisone in CSF and examine their relationships to changes in AgRP. Methods Stored CSF and plasma samples were obtained from 8 healthy subjects who served as controls for a sleep study. CSF was collected every 2h for 36h via indwelling lumbar catheter; plasma was collected every 2h. Results There was a diurnal rhythm for cortisol and cortisone in CSF that closely followed the plasma rhythm by 2 h with peak and nadir levels at 0900h and 0100h. The ratio of cortisol (active) to cortisone (inactive) in CSF was 48% higher at the peak versus nadir. There was a diurnal rhythm for AgRP in plasma that was out of phase with the cortisol rhythm. There was a less distinct diurnal rhythm for AgRP in CSF that oscillated with a similar phase as cortisol. Conclusions There is a robust diurnal rhythm for cortisol and cortisone in CSF. Diurnal changes were noted for AgRP that are related to the cortisol changes. It remains to be determined if AgRP mediates adverse metabolic effects associated with disruption of the cortisol circadian rhythm.
The Influence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Matrix Mechanical Properties on Simulated Whole-Knee Biomechanics

Knee finite element (FE) models are used to study tissue deformation in response to complex loads. Typically, ligaments are modeled using transversely isotropic, hyperelastic material models fitted to tension data along the predominant fiber direction (longitudinal) and, less commonly, to tension data orthogonal to the fiber direction (transverse). Currently, the shear and bulk responses of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are not fitted to experimental data. In this study, a newly proposed material model was fitted to longitudinal tension, transverse tension, and shear experimental data. The matrix transverse tensile, shear, and bulk stiffnesses were then varied independently to determine the impact of each property on knee kinematics and tissue deformation in a whole-knee FE model. The range of values for each parameter was chosen based on published FE studies of the knee. For a knee at full extension under 134 N anterior tibial force (ATF), increasing matrix transverse tensile stiffness, shear stiffness, or bulk stiffness decreased anterior tibial translation (ATT), ACL longitudinal strain, and ACL shear strain. For a knee under 134 N ATF and 1600 N compression, changing the ACL matrix mechanical properties caused variations in ATT and thus changed cartilage deformation contours by changing the point of contact between the femoral and the tibial cartilage. These findings indicate that material models for the ACL must describe matrix material properties to best predict the in vivo response to applied loads.
Raman Investigation of Proton Hydration and Structure in Concentrated Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid Solutions

Polarized X(ZZ)Y, depolarized X(ZX)Y, and isotropic X(ZZ)Y - (4/3)X(ZX)Y Raman spectra, all Bose-Einstein corrected, were obtained between ≈3 and 350 cm-1 from concentrated aqueous HC1 solutions having compositions of 32.1, 34.6, and 36.9 wt. %. These spectra were compared to the corresponding spectra from pure water and concentrated aqueous NaCl. Marked Raman intensity enhancements were observed for bands between ≈50 to ≈200 cm-1 compared to the corresponding bands from liquid water, and these enhancements are thought to be related to proton tunnelling, which occurs because the hydrogen bonds of the concentrated HC1 solutions are short, ≈2.5 A, and nearly symmetric. Also, a very intense, broad, and asymmetric peak centered near 200 cm-1 dominates the istoropic spectra from the HC1 solutions, and a peak near 50 cm-1 dominates the X(ZX)Y spectra. These features are readily modelled by the H9O4 + ion, and intermolecular force constants for H9O4 + were obtained from normal mode calculations. An isotropic Raman component observed near 120–135 cm-1 is suggested to arise from C1-(H2O)n.
Coercivity in nanostructured FeCo-based powders prepared by mechanical alloying

FeCo-based nanostructured powders were prepared by mechanical alloying and subsequently heat treated in an attempt to reduce their coercivity, HC. Although the powders had grain sizes smaller than the magnetic exchange length, a low HC, as expected from Herzer’s model, did not occur. The results of magnetic measurements on dilute and concentrated samples of the powder, as well as measurements of the temperature dependence of the magnetic properties from 10–300 K, indicate that the degree of magnetic interaction between the individual powder particles determines the relatively high HC of 10–20Oe at room temperature.
Bibliometric Analysis of the English Musculoskeletal Literature over the Last 30 Years.

Publication and authorship are important in academia for career advancement, obtaining grants, and improved patient care. There has been a recent interest in bibliometric changes over time, especially regarding the gender gap. The purpose of this study was to explore bibliometric changes in the musculoskeletal literature. Bibliometric variables (number of authors, institutions, countries, pages, references, corresponding author position, author gender, geographic region of origin, and editorial board makeup) were analyzed for 5 basic science and 12 clinically oriented musculoskeletal journals from 1985 through 2016. Statistical analyses comprised bivariate analyses, multifactorial ANOVAs, and logistic regression analyses. A p < 0.005 was considered significant. Nearly, all variables increased over time. Asia had the highest number of authors and corresponding author positions, Australia/New Zealand the highest number of institutions and references, North America the highest number of pages, and Europe the highest number of countries. Those with a female first author had more authors, institutions, countries, references, and pages. Likewise, those with a female corresponding author had more authors, institutions, countries, references, and pages. Single-authored manuscripts decreased over time. The percentage of female first authors rose from 10.8% in 1985-1987 to 23.7% in 2015-2016. There were more female 1st authors in the basic science journals compared to the clinical journals (33.2% vs. 12.7%). Single-authored manuscripts were more likely to be written by males (5.1 vs. 2.4%) and decreased over time. The many differences by geographic region of origin likely reflect different socio/cultural attitudes regarding academia and research, as well as the gender composition of the disciplines by geographic region. Overall, there has been an increase in the number of female 1st and corresponding authors, editorial board members, and chief editors, indicating a slow but progressive narrowing of the gender gap.
MANDIBULAR HYBRID CGCG-COF: REPORT OF A RARE ENTITY

BACKGROUND The hybrid central giant cell granuloma/central odontogenic fibroma-like (hCGCG/COF) lesion was first described in 1992 and has been reported fewer than 50 times thereafter. Separately, central giant cell granulomas (CGCG) and central odontogenic fibromas (COF) account for approximately 5% and 10% of all benign jaw tumors, respectively. Published literature reveals that the clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of hCGCG/COF lesions share similar characteristics with both entities in varying degrees; however, the precise nature of the lesions remains unclear. CASE REPORT A 20-year-old female patient was referred to our clinic by the Head and Neck Oncology Department for comprehensive dental care. Her clinical history began when she presented with complaints of a slowly growing mass in the left posterior mandible with increased bleeding upon toothbrushing over a 3-month period. Clinical exam revealed an expansile mass spanning from the second premolar to the retromolar pad with obliteration of the gingivobuccal sulcus, lingual cortical expansion, and tooth mobility. Neurologic deficits were difficult to ascertain. Panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography revealed a unilateral, well-defined, multilocular, partially corticated radiolucent entity with multiple mixed internal radiopacities spanning from the retromolar pad to the second premolar and from the alveolar crest to the inferior border; expansion and thinning of lingual cortical plate; fractured inferior border of mandible; and displacement of the second molar. She was recommended for surgical intervention and subsequently underwent a left segmental mandibulectomy with fibular free flap reconstruction and modified neck dissection. Final pathology showed hybrid CGCG/COF-like lesion; the giant cell granuloma component predominated. The patient is currently functioning well with no mandibular resection prosthesis and is receiving comprehensive care in the Dental Oncology Department. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS This case report highlights a rare benign hybrid odontogenic entity and the successful management of the pathology. The case report provides further evidence of successful surgical treatment of hCGCG/COF without recurrence.
Wage bargaining in a matching market: Experimental evidence

Abstract Wage negotiation plays a central role in the dynamics of search and matching models. We explore the theoretical wage predictions of the canonical search and matching model of Diamond (1982) in laboratory bargaining experiments. Overall, wages in the experiment are less responsive to changes in the market conditions than theory predicts. Wages respond to changes in unemployment insurance in the correct direction, yet the size of the response is about half of what theory predicts. On the other hand, contrary to theory, wages are unresponsive to changes in the level of unemployment. We also find that wages of new matches are more sensitive than wages of on-going matches, and that the duration of unemployment influences wages in certain settings.
Contributions of parasympathetic arousal-related activity to cognitive performance in First Episode Psychosis patients and controls.

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is integral to the pathophysiology of psychosis. Recent findings implicate autonomic arousal-related activity in both momentary fluctuations and individual differences in cognitive performance. Although altered autonomic arousal is common in First Episode Psychosis (FEP) patients, its contribution to cognitive performance is unknown. Methods 24 FEP patients (46% male, age = 24.31 (4.27) years) and 24 healthy controls (42% male, age = 27.06 (3.44) years) performed the Multi-Source Interference Task in-scanner with simultaneous pulse oximetry. First-level models included the cardiac-BOLD regressor, which reflected parasympathetic arousal-related activity and was created by convolving the inter-beat interval at each heartbeat with the hemodynamic response function, in addition to task (congruent, interference, and error) and nuisance (motion and aCompCor physiology) regressors. Group models examined the effect of group or cognitive performance (reaction times * error rate) on arousal-related and task activity, while controlling for sex, age, and Framewise Displacement. Results Parasympathetic arousal-related activity was robust in both groups, but localized to different regions for FEP patients and healthy control subjects. Within both groups, arousal-related activity was significantly associated with cognitive performance across occipital and temporal cortical regions. Greater arousal-related activity in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (BA 9) was related to better performance in healthy controls, but not FEP patients. Conclusions Autonomic arousal circuits contribute to cognitive performance and the pathophysiology of FEP. Arousal-related functional activity is a novel indicator of cognitive ability and should be incorporated into neurobiological models of cognition in psychosis.
Motherhood in the Academy: A Qualitative Study of Experiences in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Purpose: Research has repeatedly shown that having children negatively affects the early academic careers of women. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate whether this well-establ...
Untersuchung chemischer Probleme mit Stoßwellen

Qualitative Untersuchungen chemischer Vorgange mit Stoswellen begannen schon in den zwanziger Jahren1). Das Hauptinteresse lag bei den Detonationen und hier besonders bei der Einleitung von Detonationen. Daneben gibt es Arbeiten uber die Lichtemission von Stoswellen2). Aber erst in den Jahren nach 1950 wurden die ersten quantitativen Arbeiten veroffentlicht. 1953 untersuchten Carrington und Davidson 3) erstmals die Kinetik einer Reaktion mit Stoswellen (Dissoziation von N2O4).
Particle physics-- perspectives and opportunities : report of the DPF Committee on Long-term Planning

Tests of the electroweak theory, H. Montgomery particle detectors, D. Marlow neutrinos, R.G.H. Robertson heavy flavour physics and CP violation, M. Schmidt QCD, G. Sterman and W. Smith astroparticle physics, cosmology and unification, M. Turner accelerator physics, technology and facilities, S. Holmes and R. Ruth SUSY, gravity and strings, G. Kane structural issues in the US high energy physics program, R. Cahn and A.J.S. Smith.
Islamic Societies to the Nineteenth Century: Introduction: Religion and Identity

The delineation of Arabic-Islamic religion and culture and Muslim identities was a centuries-long process. Its social basis was the integration of Arab-Muslim, convert, and non-Muslim populations in the cities founded or settled by the Arab-Muslims. Mecca, Medina, Damascus, Kufa, Basra, Baghdad, and other cities were the homes of new Islamic societies that integrated the cultures of Arabia and the conquered peoples. The new civilization amalgamated Arabian language, poetry, and religion and late antique imperial symbols and literary and artistic cultures, as well as Jewish, Christian, and Zoroastrian religious values and family and communal institutions. Islamic identities developed only slowly, and some scholars have questioned if there was a “Muslim” identity at all in the years after the death of Muhammad. If not, when did a Muslim identity come into being? One theory is that the conquerors first identified themselves not as Muslims but as a community of believers, a coalition of peoples of faith fighting the enemies of God. They were an assembly of monotheists, and the people of each faith had their own book and their own laws. Only after a century did they accept Muhammad as their prophet and the Quran as their holy book. The idea of a multireligious community was indeed implied in Muhammad's early teaching, but with the struggles for power in Medina and the exile or execution of the most powerful Jewish clans, it is not likely that this concept lasted even to the end of Muhammad's life. In Medina, the revelation of new ritual and family laws and of a sacred Arabian history for Muslims already implied the beginnings of a separate communal identity.
Toward cognitive assistants for complex decision making under uncertainty

Discussed in this paper is a quite unique and novel intelligence decision technology resting upon three systems we have called Disciple-LTA Learning, Teaching and Assistance, TIACRITIS Training Intelligence Analysts Critical Reasoning Skills, and Disciple-CD Connecting the Dots. We have so far applied these systems to complex intelligence inferences based on masses of evidence of many different kinds and coming from many different sources. This paper discusses the extension of these systems to be valuable decision support assistants that are capable of helping analysts to answer the two fundamental questions regarding decisions made in the face of uncertainty: what's at stake?, and what are the odds? The stakes question concerns the value or utility of decision consequences and the odds question concerns the probability of these possible consequences. We discuss the requisite ingredients of defensible and persuasive decisions and problems associated with the discovery of these ingredients in a world that keeps changing all the time. But we also consider the constraints facing intelligence analysts who so often have limited time for decisions and who also have deficiencies regarding the availability of information supporting requisite value and probability judgments. Conventional approaches to decision analysis are usually not helpful in the face of these constraints. We offer simplified methods for assessing both value and probability judgments and a simplified method for combining these judgments in the selection of a course of action that does take account of the requisites for defensible and persuasive decision and analysis. In the process, we illustrate our methods with a very complex analysis involving the possible proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Systems biology and mechanics of growth

In contrast to inert systems, living biological systems have the advantage to adapt to their environment through growth and evolution. This transfiguration is evident during embryonic development, when the predisposed need to grow allows form to follow function. Alterations in the equilibrium state of biological systems breed disease and mutation in response to environmental triggers. The need to characterize the growth of biological systems to better understand these phenomena has motivated the continuum theory of growth and stimulated the development of computational tools in systems biology. Biological growth in development and disease is increasingly studied using the framework of morphoelasticity. Here, we demonstrate the potential for morphoelastic simulations through examples of volume, area, and length growth, inspired by tumor expansion, chronic bronchitis, brain development, intestine formation, plant shape, and myopia. We review the systems biology of living systems in light of biochemical and optical stimuli and classify different types of growth to facilitate the design of growth models for various biological systems within this generic framework. Exploring the systems biology of growth introduces a new venue to control and manipulate embryonic development, disease progression, and clinical intervention.
Hip dislocation in cerebral palsy.

1. In a series of 590 cerebral palsy patients, twenty-five (4.24 per cent) showed evidence of dislocation or subluxation of the hip. Twenty-three of these had spastic cerebral plasy. 2. The dynamic imbalance of the hip in these patients is shown by muscle study. The pathomechanics of coxa valga and of hip dislocation in cerebral palsy are discussed. 3. The treatment of our patients and the end results are presented, stressing the importance of prophylactic tenotomy of the spastic hip adductors and of strengthening the motor power of the cerebral-zero hip abductors by automatic reflex. 4. Dislocation of the hip in cerebral palsy is preventable. If we are aware of the probabilities and understand the pathomechanics, we will regard every child with spastic lower limbs as having potential subluxation or dislocation of the hip.
Carbohydrate intake determines pancreatic acinar amylase activity and release despite chronic alcoholemia in rats

Adverse effects observed in alcoholic rats are often attributed to alcohol per se. Alcoholic liver damage, however, can be avoided by modulating nutritional factors despite high blood alcohol concentrations. Hence, we examined the effect of blood alcohol concentration on pancreatic enzyme activity and release. Three liquid diets containing 36 and 18% of total energy derived from alcohol and protein, respectively, were fed. Each alcohol diet contained 11, 21 or 31% of energy from carbohydrate, and the fat concentration was appropriately adjusted. The control groups of rats (fed an isoenergetic liquid diet without alcohol) and the alcoholic groups of rats were maintained for 2 wk. The three groups of alcoholic rats consumed 13.3 +/- 2.3, 13.3 +/- 2.2 and 13.2 +/- 1.9 g/kg of alcohol daily, and their corresponding blood alcohol levels were 41.5 +/- 4.3, 55.4 +/- 8.9 and 44.6 +/- 2.2 mmol/L. Pancreatic acinar amylase activity in alcoholic rats was proportional to carbohydrate ingested, despite high blood alcohol concentrations; chymotrypsin and trypsin activities were unchanged. Acinar enzyme activities in control rats were similar. Furthermore, cholecystokinin-octapeptide-stimulated amylase release in alcoholic rats corresponded with the amylase concentration in acini, whereas stimulated trypsin output was unaltered in both control and alcoholic rats. These results demonstrate that neither alcohol ingestion nor high blood alcohol concentration affects the activities of pancreatic proteases and that the changes in the activity and release of amylase are related to the intake of carbohydrate.
The Plexiform Neurofibroma Microenvironment

Dynamic interactions between tumorigenic cells and surrounding cells, including immunomodulatory hematopoietic cells, can dictate tumor initiation, progression, and transformation. Hematopoietic-stromal interactions underpin the plexiform neurofibroma, a debilitating tumor arising in individuals afflicted with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. At the tissue level, plexiform neurofibromas demonstrate a complex microenvironment composed of Schwann cells, fibroblasts, perineural cells, mast cells, secreted collagen, and blood vessels. At the cellular level, specific interactions between these cells engender tumor initiation and progression. In this microenvironment hypothesis, tumorigenic Schwann cells secrete pathological concentrations of stem cell factor, which recruit c-kit expressing mast cells. In turn, activated mast cells release inflammatory effectors stimulating the tumorigenic Schwann cells and their supporting fibroblasts and blood vessels, thus promoting tumor expansion in a feed-forward loop. Bone marrow transplantation experiments in plexiform neurofibroma mouse models have shown that tumorigenesis requires Nf1 haploinsufficiency in the hematopoietic compartment, suggesting that tumor microenvironments can depend on intricate interactions at both cellular and genetic levels. Overall, our continued understanding of critical tumor-stromal interactions will illuminate novel therapeutic targets, as shown by the first-ever successful medical treatment of a plexiform neurofibroma by targeted inhibition of the stem cell factor/c-kit axis.
What's enough, what's too much?

The national scope, careful control of possibly confounding variables, and underlying design of Fisher and colleagues' study make this study possibly the most compelling yet showing that increased ...
Tenofovir treatment duration predicts proteinuria in a multiethnic United States Cohort of children and adolescents with perinatal HIV-1 infection.

Background Tenofovir is associated with renal proximal tubule injury. Such toxicity has not been extensively studied in HIV-1-infected children, in whom tenofovir is increasingly used.
An unconditionally stable finite-element timedomain layered domain-decomposition algorithm for simulating 3D high-speed circuits

Full-wave analysis has become critical to the signal integrity of 3D high-speed circuits due to increased electromagnetic (EM) effects. The finite-element time-domain (FETD) method has become a strong candidate among different EM algorithms and domain decomposition methods have been proposed to avoid the need to solve a global matrix equation in FETD. In this work, a novel unconditionally stable FETD-based domain-decomposition algorithm, named the layered domain decomposition (LADD), is proposed for the simulation of 3D high-speed circuits.
Staged reconstruction of the lower eyelid following tri-lamellar injury: A case series and anatomic study

Summary Purpose Lower eyelid scaring and malposition following violation of all three lamellae pose a significant ophthalmologic reconstructive challenge. The purpose of our study was to document a staged approach for this problem using: 1) transconjunctival scar release followed by palatal graft below the tarsal plate and subciliary scar release followed by full-thickness skin graft superficial to the tarsal plate and 2) subsequent autologous fat grafting to the lower eyelid. Methods Cadaveric anatomic dissections were performed. Post-traumatic and post-surgical lower eyelid deformities requiring reconstruction were reviewed and outcome assessment was based on symptomatic improvement, perioperative complications, reoperations and long-term follow-up (> 1 year). Results Cadaver dissections demonstrated consistent lower eyelid tarsal plate and lamellar anatomy for the use of palatal graft and skin grafting. Clinically, 75% cases resulted from full thickness traumatic laceration of the lower eyelid or malar region and 25% of cases occurred after transconjunctival incisions were made for zygomatic maxillary repositioning following partial lower eyelid laceration. Preoperative symptoms of : epiphora, tearing, redness, blurry vision and dryness improved in all patients and complete resolution was seen in 63% of patients. Thirty-seven percent of patients had complications: Redundancy of palatal graft, Partial FTSG loss, cellulitis after fat transfer. Conclusions We describe an approach for the scarred and displaced lower eyelid following injury to all three lamellae that provided symptomatic improvement after lower lid scar tissue release, lengthening of the contracted septum, support of the posterior lamellae with a palatal graft and a replacement of anterior lamella with full thickness skin graft.
Pyogenic granuloma developing in response to exposed sternotomy wire1

During excision of this pyogneic granuloma, a sternotomy wire was noted at the base of the lesion. The wire was clipped so that it would not penetrate the skin and the wound was repaired. The pyogneic granuloma did not recur. This is an interesting case becuase pyogenic granulomas are comonly seen on fingers, toes, elbows and knees and other areas of trauma. However, this lesion developed on the sternum due to the trauma caused by the sternotomy wire penetrating the skin.
The innocent heart murmur in children

Most children have an audible murmur at some point from infancy through adolescence. Fortunately most of these murmurs are innocent. These murmurs are asymptomatic and require no follow-up care. On the other hand, pathologic murmurs are symptomatic and do require assessment by a pediatric cardiologist. Referrals are not only anxiety-provoking for the family but are also costly. The pediatric nurse practitioner must therefore be able to differentiate between the innocent and pathologic murmur. Auscultation of heart sounds is the most effective method used to assess murmurs. Given that innocent murmurs are asymptomatic, they require minimal follow-up care, and the expected outcome for a child with the diagnosis of such a murmur is excellent.
Patterns of regional brain activity differentiate types of anxiety.

Previous studies have reported hemispheric asymmetries in brain activity in anxiety, but the direction of asymmetry has been inconsistent. A distinction between anxious apprehension (e.g., worry) and anxious arousal (e.g., panic), as types of anxiety, may account for some of the discrepancies. To test this proposition, the authors selected participants with self-reported anxious apprehension and experimentally manipulated anxious arousal. Regional brain activity was examined by recording electroencephalograms during rest and during an emotional narrative task designed to elicit anxious arousal. Overall, anxious participants showed a larger asymmetry in favor of the left hemisphere than did controls. In contrast, during the task, anxious participants showed a selective increase in right parietal activity. The results support the hypothesis that anxious apprehension and anxious arousal are associated with different patterns of regional brain activity.
Linking computational and experimental studies of III–V quantum dots for optoelectronics and photovoltaics

Low-dimensional semiconductors (LDS) are semiconductor structures such as quantum dots, quantum wires, and quantum wells in which electron and hole wave functions are confined due to heterogeneous composition and often strongly affected by mismatch strain. Due to the quantum confinement, LDS exhibit unusual electronic and optical properties not found in bulk semiconductor materials. Quantum dots (QD) have found new applications in various semiconductor devices such as lasers, photodetectors, and solar cells. Precise design of QD structures requires understanding of their chemical composition and nanomechanical properties, and relies on both experimental and computational approaches. In this paper we provide an overview of computational and experimental methods for characterization of QD heterostructures. In particular, we review our own concerted efforts to bring together computation and experiment in order to better explain their optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties.
Calyceal Diverticulum With a Large Extra-renal Extension in a 5-Year-old Child

Calyceal diverticula are rare findings in children, often identified due to symptomatic presentation. We present the unique case of an incidentally found calyceal diverticula in a 5-year-old girl with a large extra-renal component, which was successfully excised in a robot-assisted laparoscopic procedure that was without complication.
Reliability and Performance of Mirrored Disk Organizations

Disk mirroring or redundant array of independent disk (RAID) level 1 is a popular paradigm to achieve fault-tolerance and a higher disk access bandwidth for read requests. We consider four RAID1 organizations: basic mirroring (BM), group rotate declustering (GRD), interleaved declustering (ID) and chained declustering (CD). The last three organizations provide a more balanced disk load than BM when a single disk fails, but are more susceptible to data loss than BM when additional disks fail. We compare the four organizations from the viewpoint of: (i) reliability [we quote results from [Thomasian, A. and Blaum, M. (2006) Reliability analysis of mirrored disks. IEEE Trans. Comput., 55, 1640–1644.]] (ii) performability, (iii) performance. In (ii) and (iii), we postulate discrete requests to small randomly placed blocks. For (ii), we compute the mean number of disk requests processed to the point where data loss occurs. For the sake of tractability in (iii), the response time is obtained assuming Poisson arrivals and a first come first serve policy. The ranking from the viewpoint of reliability and performability is: BM, CD, GRD, ID (with two clusters). BM and CD provide the worst performance, ID has a better performance than BM and CD, but is outperformed by GRD. These results are also shown using an asymptotic expansion method. Areas of further research are also discussed, which include the applicability of the mirroring techniques to storage bricks.
Dye-sensitized solar cells using TiO2 nanoparticles transformed from nanotube arrays

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using TiO2 mesoporous layers obtained by very simple method—transformation of TiO2 nanotube (NT) films grown by electrochemical oxidation to nanoparticle (NP) films. This transformation is based on thermal annealing of TiO2 NT arrays formed by anodization of titanium foil in fluorine ambient. Performance of DSSCs fabricated with different size NPs was studied in the range from 35 to 350 nm. Highest nominal efficiency (9.05%) was achieved for DSSC with NP size 65 nm while the lowest nominal efficiency (1.48%) was observed for DSSCs with NP size 350 nm. The dependence of the solar cell parameters with NP size is discussed.
Staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin can form hexamers in phospholipid bilayers.

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the structure of the staphylococcal α-hemolysin (αHL) oligomer formed in supported phospholipid bilayers. In contrast to the recent X-ray crystallographic demonstration of a heptameric stoichiometry for the oligomer formed in deoxycholate (DOC) micelles, the high-resolution unprocessed AFM images unequivocally revealed a hexamer in these phospholipid bilayers. Independent support of this hexameric stoichiometry was obtained from the measurements of the lattice constant in the AFM images and from gel electrophoresis. Therefore, αHL can form two different, energetically stable oligomers, which differ in at least stoichiometry but perhaps subunit structure as well. Furthermore, stable, incomplete oligomers were observed in the AFM images, which may be of relevance to the mechanism by which αHL damages the cell.