cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Fatal Bleeding Disorder Due to Antibody Mediated Acquired Factor X and Prothrombin Deficiency.

Abnormalities in hemostasis are well described in patients with malignant disorders. While hemostatic activation resulting in thrombosis is most often described, acquired hemorrhagic disorders have also been reported. We report a case of a fatal hemorrhagic disorder in a lymphoma patient due to an acquired Factor X and prothrombin deficiency. The patient’s plasma contained a non-inhibitory IgG antibody that cross-reacted with and cleared from the circulation both Factor X and Prothrombin. The patient was a 72 year old male who was first noted to have persistant bleeding after angioplasty in 1991. Over the subsequent 10 years he had repeated bleeding episodes and was noted to have a prolonged PT and a PTT which corrected with a 50–50 mix of normal plasma. In 2002 he was diagnosed with a monocytooid B cell lymphoma. In April 2002 the patient had an extensive hemostatic evaluation by one of the authors (DIF) which is included in Table 1. These studies again showed a prolonged PT and aPTT which corrected with a 50–50 mix. Factor II activity and antigen were significantly reduced. While Factor X activity was low normal, Factor X antigen was decreased compared to the normal controls. Patient IgG was then isolated by Stap A chromatography and anit-prothrombin antibodies directed were isolated by affinity chromatography on prothrombin-sepharose. Isolated antibodies were subtyped as an IgG subclass 4. The antibodies were assayed for their interaction with prothrombin by a direct binding ELISA and found to be calcium dependent since they did not bind in the presence of 5 mM EDTA. The interaction of the affinity isolated antibody with prothrombin, Factor X and Factor IX was assessed using the Western Blot method. Surprisingly, the antibody also bound strongly to Factor X and to a lesser degree to Factor IX. Western blot analysis of the Factor X and Factor IX preparations using a monoclonal anti-prothrombin antibody failed to demonstrate any prothrombin contamination of these proteins. A competition ELISA using prothrombin, Factor X and Factor IX showed that the antibody had a 3-fold greater affinity to Factor X then prothrombin. A Western blot using purified prothrombin fragment F1.2 confirmed that the antibody bound to a metal dependent conformational determinant on the amino-terminal Gla containing region of Factor II. In April 2003 the patient developed weakness in his left leg and was found to have a right parietotemporal subdural hematoma. Factor II activity was again only 34%. Intravenous IgG 1gm/kg on two separate days did not correct his coagulation studies. In June 2003 the patient developed a new large left sudural hematoma. He rapidly deteriorated and expired. We previosuly reported a lymphoma patient who developed acquired prothrombin deficiency associated with a non-inhibitory antibody (Cancer2001; 91: 636), however, this is the first reported case of combined acquired Factor X and Prothrombin deficiency due to a cross-reactive non-inhibitory IgG antibody.
Prevalence of Brain Injuries and Recurrence of Seizures in Children With Posttraumatic Seizures.

Objectives Computed tomography (CT) is often used in the emergency department (ED) evaluation of children with posttraumatic seizures (PTS); however, the frequency of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and short-term seizure recurrence is lacking. Our main objective was to evaluate the frequency of TBIs on CT and short-term seizure recurrence in children with PTS. We also aimed to determine the associations between the likelihood of TBI on CT with the timing of onset of PTS after the traumatic event and duration of PTS. Finally, we aimed to determine whether patients with normal CT scans and normal neurological examinations are safe for discharge from the ED. Methods This was a planned secondary analysis from a prospective observational cohort study to derive and validate a neuroimaging decision rule for children after blunt head trauma at 25 EDs in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. We evaluated children < 18 years with head trauma and PTS between June 2004 and September 2006. We assessed TBI on CT, neurosurgical interventions, and recurrent seizures within 1 week. Patients discharged from the ED were contacted by telephone 1 week to 3 months later. Results Of 42,424 children enrolled, 536 (1.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2%–1.4%) had PTS. A total of 466 of 536 (86.9%, 95% CI = 83.8%–89.7%) underwent CT in the ED. TBIs on CT were identified in 72 (15.5%, 95% CI = 12.3%–19.1%), of whom 20 (27.8%, 95% CI = 17.9%–39.6%) underwent neurosurgical intervention and 15 (20.8%, 95% CI = 12.2%–32.0%) had recurrent seizures. Of the 464 without TBIs on CT (or no CTs performed), 457 had recurrent seizure status known, and five (1.1%, 95 CI = 0.4%–2.5%) had recurrent seizures; four of five presented with Glasgow Coma Scale scores < 15. None of the 464 underwent neurosurgical intervention. We found significant associations between likelihood of TBI on CT with longer time until the PTS after the traumatic event (p = 0.006) and longer duration of PTS (p < 0.001). Conclusions Children with PTS have a high likelihood of TBI on CT, and those with TBI on CT frequently require neurosurgical interventions and frequently have recurrent seizures. Those without TBIs on CT, however, are at low risk of short-term recurrent seizures, and none required neurosurgical interventions. Therefore, if CT-negative and neurologically normal, patients with PTS may be safely considered for discharge from the ED.
Use of porous tantalum metaphyseal cones for severe tibial bone loss during revision total knee replacement. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment method for large tibial bone defects during revision knee replacement has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the initial results obtained with a unique reconstructive implant, the porous tantalum metaphyseal cone, designed as an alternative treatment for severe tibial bone loss following total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Porous tantalum metaphyseal cones were implanted during fifteen revision total knee replacements in eight women and seven men who had an average age of 68.1 years at the time of the procedure. The patients had had an average of 3.5 prior total knee replacements. According to the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute bone defect classification, eight knees had a Type-3 defect and seven knees had a Type-2B bone defect. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: The patients were followed for an average of thirty-four months (range, twenty-four to forty-seven months). Overall, the average Knee Society clinical scores improved from 52 points preoperatively to 85 points at the time of the final follow-up. At the final follow-up evaluation, all fifteen porous metaphyseal cones showed evidence of osseointegration with reactive osseous trabeculation at points of contact with the tibia. There was no evidence of loosening or migration of any of these tibial reconstructions at the time of final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: At the time of short-term follow-up, the porous tantalum metaphyseal tibial cones effectively provided structural support for the tibial implants in this series. The potential for long-term biologic fixation may provide durability for these tibial reconstructions. Long-term follow-up and comparison with alternative reconstructive techniques will be required to evaluate the true effectiveness of this treatment approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy with an increasing annual incidence globally. The majority of cases are linked to prior infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). For patients with metastatic SCCA, no consensus standard treatment exists. Identification of relevant targeted agents as novel therapeutic approaches for metastatic SCCA has been limited by a lack of comprehensive molecular profiling. We performed whole-exome sequencing on tumor-normal pairs from 24 patients with metastatic SCCA. Tumor tissue from 17 additional patients was analyzed using a 263-gene panel as a validation cohort. Gene expression profiling was performed on available frozen tissue to assess for differential expression patterns. Based on these findings, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of SCCA were generated to test targeted therapies against PI3K and EGFR. Despite a low mutation burden, mutations in PIK3CA, MLL2, and MLL3 were among the most commonly mutated genes. An association between TP53 mutations and HPV-negative SCCA tumors was observed. Gene expression analysis suggested distinct tumor subpopulations harboring PIK3CA mutations and for which HPV had integrated into the host genome. In vivo studies demonstrated improvement with anti-EGFR treatment. Gene mutation frequencies, tumor mutation burden, and gene expression patterns for metastatic SCCA appear similar to other HPV-associated malignancies.Implications: This first comprehensive genomic characterization for patients with metastatic SCCA provides further rationale for the integration of SCCA into the development of novel targeted therapies across HPV-related cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1542-50. ©2017 AACR.
Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography of Previously Operated Extraocular Muscles.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To assess the possibility of determining the insertion distance from the limbus of previously operated extraocular rectus muscles (EOM) with the Heidelberg Spectralis anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). PATIENT AND METHOD Subjects with a history of previous strabismus surgery underwent AS-OCT of the EOM before planned additional strabismus surgery. The EOM insertion distances from the limbus were measured pre-operatively on the AS-OCT and compared to the caliper distance measured during the strabismus surgery. RESULTS Ten previously operated muscles on nine subjects underwent AS-OCT before subsequent additional strabismus surgery. Four additional un-operated muscles subsequently operated on, were also imaged with the AS-OCT pre-operatively. Subject ages ranged from 13-52 years old (mean ± SD; 27.9 ± 13.2). The muscle insertion could be definitely identified in 6/10 muscles previously operated and 4/4 un-operated muscles. The difference between the two measurements of limbus to insertion in previously operated muscles was ≤1mm in 3/6, and ≤1.5mm in 6/6; <1mm in 4/4 un-operated muscles. Of the four insertions not readily identifiable, two revealed the presence of the muscle with scar tissue; the other two, the muscle insertions, were not visible, which showed that the muscle was at least a minimal amount from the limbus. CONCLUSION Our study showed that the Heidelberg AS-OCT is capable of imaging previously operated EOM, which can give valuable information to the strabismus surgeon. The information from the AS-OCT was useful in all cases. The insertion to limbus measurements between pre-operative and intra-operative were within 1.5mm in all of the cases that the muscle insertion was able to be identified. The ability to accurately image EOM insertions has significant implications for the pre-operative procedure planning in previously operated and complicated strabismus patients.
Supply Network Structure and Firm Performance: Evidence From the Electronics Industry

Although research in the supply chain area inherently involves the study of supply networks, the majority of existing work is limited to utilizing a dyadic approach in examining relationships between buyer and supplier firms. However, real-world supply networks are characterized by a complex network of interfirm relationships and not just dyads. Thus, it is important to examine how structural relationships among supply chain partners impact the performance of firms using a network analytic lens. This paper examines the influence of structural characteristics of a firm's supply network on its performance. Using a dataset of 114 firms consisting of firm-level variables drawn from multiple sources in the electronics industry, we investigate two important structural characteristics of the supply network—structural prominence, depicting the centrality of a firm's position in the supply network, and density, characterizing the interconnectedness among firms in a supply network. Using a robust regression approach, we find that both the structural prominence of firms and the density of the supply networks, along with the interaction between them, positively influence the performance of firms as measured by the firm's asset utilization, cost performance, and operational efficiency. We discuss both theoretical and practical implications of our findings, and relate the results to managerial significance.
Workplace health and safety intervention for child care staff: Rationale, design, and baseline results from the CARE cluster randomized control trial.

Abstract Background Low-wage workers suffer disproportionately high rates of chronic disease and are important targets for workplace health and safety interventions. Child care centers offer an ideal opportunity to reach some of the lowest paid workers, but these settings have been ignored in workplace intervention studies. Methods Caring and Reaching for Health (CARE) is a cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluating efficacy of a multi-level, workplace-based intervention set in child care centers that promotes physical activity and other health behaviors among staff. Centers are randomized (1:1) into the Healthy Lifestyles (intervention) or the Healthy Finances (attention control) program. Healthy Lifestyles is delivered over six months including a kick-off event and three 8-week health campaigns (magazines, goal setting, behavior monitoring, tailored feedback, prompts, center displays, director coaching). The primary outcome is minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA); secondary outcomes are health behaviors (diet, smoking, sleep, stress), physical assessments (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fitness), and workplace supports for health and safety. Results In total, 56 centers and 553 participants have been recruited and randomized. Participants are predominately female (96.7%) and either Non-Hispanic African American (51.6%) or Non-Hispanic White (36.7%). Most participants (63.4%) are obese. They accumulate 17.4 (±14.2) minutes/day of MVPA and consume 1.3 (±1.4) and 1.3 (±0.8) servings/day of fruits and vegetables, respectively. Also, 14.2% are smokers; they report 6.4 (±1.4) hours/night of sleep; and 34.9% are high risk for depression. Conclusions Baseline data demonstrate several serious health risks, confirming the importance of workplace interventions in child care.
Assessment of readability, quality and popularity of online information on ureteral stents.

Objective To evaluate the quality and readability of online information on ureteral stents.
Different states of priority recruit different neural codes in visual working memory

We tracked the neural representation of information with different priority ("attended memory items, AMI" and "unattended memory items, UMI"), using multivariate inverted encoding models with fMRI data from different stages of multiple tasks. Although representation of the identity of AMI and of the UMI was found in a broad brain network, including early visual, parietal and frontal cortex, the identity of the UMI was actively represented in early visual cortex in a distinct "reversed" code, suggesting early visual cortex as a site of the focus of attention. The location context of the AMI and of the UMI was also broadly represented, although only frontoparietal regions supported the simultaneous, priority-tagged representation of the location of all items in working memory. Our results suggest that a dynamic interplay between multiplexed stimulus representations and a frontoparietal salience map may underlie the flexible control of behavior.
Interfacing sensor network to grid computing with database support

The widespread distribution and availability of small-scale sensors, actuators, and embedded processors is transforming the physical world into a computing platform. Sensor networks that combine physical sensing capabilities such as temperature, light with networking and computation capabilities are becoming ubiquitous. Applications range from environmental control, warehouse inventory, and health care to scientific and military scenarios. In this paper, we discuss a model for database support for interfacing sensors to grid computing. Stored data are represented as relations. We also discuss the design and implementation of experimental implementation the sensor database support system.
Thermal Management, Design, and Analysis for WLCSP

The operation of a wafer-level semiconductor device is sensitive to junction temperature. When the junction temperature exceeds the functional limit, the device does not operate in a normal way. It is also well known that the failure rates of semiconductor devices increase exponentially as the junction temperature rises. Figure 7.1 shows a FLIR camera image of temperature distribution inside a smart phone, which gives the sources of heat dissipation from WLCSPs mounted on the board. It is very crucial that the WLCSP designer and application engineer understand the definition, characteristics, and application of the thermal resistance of the WLCSP for proper device operation [1–6]. Power dissipation during the operation of the semiconductor device induces an increase in the junction temperature. This depends on the amount of power dissipation and the thermal resistance between the junction and the WLCSP bumps, an ambient, and some other specified reference point. This chapter introduces the thermal management, design, analysis, and cooling methods for WLCSP.
Extinction and the formation of phylogenetic lineages: Diagnosing units of conservation management in the tiger beetle Cicindela dorsalis

The recognition of evolutionarily distinct populations is a current challenge to conservation biologists. A procedure for the delimitation of such units of conservation management based on the conceptual framework of the phylogenetic species concept has been outlined earlier (Vogler and DeSalle, 1994). Here, I amplify this procedure to include genetic variation in contiguously distributed endangered taxa. The extinction of populations can result in differentiation of allopatric clades from formerly contiguous patterns of variation, a significant event in the evolution of new species. The potential for cladogenesis is taken as the basis for the delimitation of conservation units. Cladogenesis requires the accumulation of diagnostic characters. Hence, the geographic distribution of genetic variation in endangered taxa is analyzed and inspected for the effect of the extinction of populations on the occurrence of new diagnosable groups. The procedure is demonstrated in a case study of clinally distributed variation in the endangered tiger beetle, Cicindela dorsalis. Using this procedure, populations of high conservation value are determined. These include a relict population that was separated after the extinction of adjacent populations resulting in a cladogenetic event.
Evaluating Factors and Resources Affecting Ranking of Diagnostic Radiology Residency Programs by Medical Students in 2016-2017.

Rationale and Objectives Recent changes in radiology curriculum and access to residency program information, including the introduction of various online resources and the Interventional Radiology integrated pathway, may influence the rank list order of medical student applicants. The purpose of this study is to assess factors that affect the rank lists of medical students applying to our radiology residency program in the 2016-2017 academic year. Materials and Methods After IRB approval, an anonymous online 19 question survey was emailed to 622 applicants to our diagnostic radiology and/or interventional radiology integrated pathway. Applicants ranked 35 unique factors that may influence their residency rank list order from 1 (not important at all) to 5 (very important), listed their top five ‘very important’ factors, and ranked various sources of information used to learn about residency programs. General applicant demographic questions were also included. Results Response rate was 18.8% (117/622). The 5 most important factors affecting applicant ranking of programs are perceived happiness of the residents and faculty (4.69), fellowship and job placement of recent graduates (4.34), interactions with programs' current residents (4.33), stability of the department and program (4.29), and geographic location of the program (4.27). The top 5 resources for learning about residency programs were interactions with current residents at the program (4.47), program director (3.87), and interviewing faculty (3.87). Individual program websites were ranked more highly than internet message boards and forums as an information source. Conclusion Medical students consider a large number of factors and resources in determining their rank lists, with factors encountered during the interview day playing a significant role in shaping the applicants' view of a residency program.
Leprosy Diagnosed via Teledermatology in a U. S. Urban Academic Health Center Highlights Potential Benefits and a Pitfall of Existing Telemedicine Services.

Abstract Purpose: Teledermatology has emerged as an important tool to extend the reach of dermatologists. As utilization of teledermatology services increases, careful attention should be given to ...
Autonomous Surface Vehicle Multistep Look-Ahead Measurement Location Planning for Optimal Localization of Underwater Acoustic Transponders

An underwater vehicle may utilize underwater transponders (UTs) for navigation in the absence of global navigation satellite system signals. However, the position of each UT must be known by the underwater vehicle. The problem of an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) optimally planning measurement locations to localize a set of arbitrarily predeployed acoustic UTs is considered. The ASV is assumed to make noisy range measurements to the UTs. A maximum a posteriori estimator is derived to localize the UTs. In addition, a multistep look-ahead (MSLA) ASV optimal measurement location planning (OMLP) strategy is developed. This planning strategy prescribes future multistep measurement locations. A physical interpretation of the proposed planner in the single-step, single transponder case is provided. Simulation results are presented demonstrating the tradeoff between expected localization performance and computational time associated with various look-ahead horizons and travel distances. Experimental results are given illustrating the proposed MSLA OMLP strategy's performance in environments containing one and two UTs. The proposed OMLP strategy is able to localize UTs to within 4 m of their true locations. Additionally, increasing the planning horizon is demonstrated to yield better UT localization at the cost of increased computational burden.
Health Care in a Multipayer System: the Effects of Health Care Service Demand Among Adults Under 65 on Utilization and Outcomes in Medicare

Doctors and hospitals in the United States serve patients covered by many types of insurance. This overlap in the supply of health care services means that changes in the prices paid or the volume of services demanded by one group of patients may affect other patient groups. This paper examines how marginal shifts in the demand for services among the adult population under 65 (specifically, factors that affect the uninsurance rate) affect use in the Medicare population.I provide a simple theoretical framework for understanding how changes in the demand for care among adults under 65 may affect Medicare spending. I then examine how two demand factors-recent coverage eligibility changes for parents and the firm size composition of employment-affect insurance coverage among adults under 65 and how these factors affect per beneficiary Medicare spending. Factors that contribute to reductions in uninsurance rates are associated with contemporaneous decreases in per beneficiary Medicare spending, particularly in high variation Medicare services. Reductions in the demand for medical services among adults below age 65 are not associated with reductions in the total quantity of physician services supplied. The increased Medicare utilization that accompanies lower demand among those under 65 has few, if any, benefits for Medicare patients.Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Chronicles and intertextuality in early rabbinic literature

The call to read Chronicles ‘midrashically’ in Leviticus Rabbah 1.3 and Ruth Rabbah 2.1 challenges the contemporary understanding of intertextuality in the early Rabbis’ interpretation of Scripture...
Reading the Fine Print: Issue Advertisements and the Persuasive Effects of Campaign Finance Disclosures:

There is an expectation among practitioners that advertising disclosures work to inform voters about who is speaking and whether they should trust the information in the advertisement. However, exi...
Measuring Student Perceptions of School Climate: A Systematic Review and Ecological Content Analysis

Schools have been called to effectively assess and monitor school climate given its potential to enhance positive student outcomes and mitigate risk behaviors. A variety of instruments of school climate are available, differing in theory, content, and psychometric properties. In order to assist school professionals in selecting an instrument that best suits their school’s needs, this systematic review identifies and describes research-based instruments measuring student perceptions of school climate and evaluates their underlying content and psychometric properties. Instruments are evaluated based on their compatibility to an ecological framework drawing from the Systems View of School Climate. A total of 31 articles describing 26 student self-report instruments were included in this review. Findings provide guidance to school professionals on selecting student self-report instruments that fit the unique landscape of their school and community and underscore the importance of research focused on improving and cross-validating existing instruments.
Sequentially Controlled Dynamic Deployment of Ultra-Thin Shell Structures

This paper presents an approach to achieve the staged deployment of planar structures composed of multiple thin-shell elements. Releasable constraints are used to prescribe intermediate, known configurations along a strain energy-driven deployment path. An analytical model is derived to design the nominal deployment sequence of the structure by identifying kinematically compatible paths. Then, a finite element model is developed to capture the dynamic behavior of the shells during a staged deployment. Practical considerations, such as the deployment envelope and incorporation of the structure in a deployment mechanism are discussed. Finally, the proposed deployment sequence is demonstrated experimentally.
A Smart Eco-System for Parking Detection Using Deep Learning and Big Data Analytics

This work aims to conduct a comprehensive study on existing parking infrastructures and proposes intelligent parking solutions using novel Big Data Analytics with Deep Learning techniques. This research addresses the parking problems faced in most of the cities and growing colleges like University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). In this study, segmented images of parking spaces occupied by cars as well as available empty lots were extracted as spatial information and fed to a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based Deep Learning framework. We expect this incorporation of spatial-temporal information would enhance the classification performance of CNNs. For proof-of concept, performance will be validated on a free parking lot dataset-PKLot from Universidade Federal do Parana in Brazil. After desired classification performance is achieved, our robust CNN classification framework can be deployed on a cloud server to classify images in real-time. We also plan to release a parking-support mobile application (Android/IOS) that would display the real-time grid layout of empty and occupied parking spots using GPS information of the user. This app will be constantly updated based on parking information from the cloud-classifier. We expect that the outcome of this study will assist people in managing their time efficiently in finding their closest parking spot. It is also expected to ease the traffic flow and provide better parking management services.
Drivers of wildfire carbon emissions

Increasing fire frequency and severity may shift boreal forests from carbon sinks to carbon sources and amplify climate warming. Analysis indicates that fuel characteristics are important drivers of wildfire carbon emissions across a broad range of North America’s boreal forest.
Characteristics of Patients With Complex Limb Pain Evaluated Through an Interdisciplinary Approach Utilizing Magnetic Resonance Neurography

Patients with persistent complex limb pain represent a substantial diagnostic challenge. Physical exam, and tests such as nerve conduction, are often normal even though the patient suffers from severe pain. In 2015, we initiated a team-based approach to evaluate such patients. The approach included physicians from several specialties (Anesthesiology/Pain Medicine, Radiology, Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery) combined with the use of advanced imaging with Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN). This preliminary case series discusses MRN findings identified in patients with previously difficult-to-diagnose peripheral limb pain and describes how this combination of approaches influenced our diagnosis and treatment plans. We extracted demographics, patient characteristics, presenting features, diagnostic tests performed, treatments provided, referral diagnosis and the diagnosis after interdisciplinary team evaluation from patient charts. We evaluated MRN and electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) ability to identify injured nerves. We compared abnormal findings from these diagnostics to patient reported outcome after ultrasound-guided nerve block. A total of 58 patients, 17 males and 41 females, were identified. The majority of patients presented with lower extremity pain (75%) and had prior surgery (43%). The most commonly identified abnormality on MRN was nerve signal alteration on fluid sensitive sequences, followed by caliber change and impingement. Comparing the outcome of diagnostic nerve blocks with abnormal nerve findings on MRN or EDX, we found that MRN had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 100% while for EDX it was 45% and 0%, respectively. After interdisciplinary discussion and imaging review, a more specific diagnosis was produced in 78% of evaluated cases opening up additional treatment pathways such as nerve-targeted surgery, which was performed in 36% cases. This descriptive case series demonstrates that a majority of patients evaluated by our team for complex limb pain were women with lower extremity pain resulting from surgery. In addition, an interdisciplinary team evaluation and the use of the moderately sensitive but highly specific MRN imaging modality resulted in a change in diagnosis for a majority of patients with complex limb pain. Future studies investigating patient outcomes after diagnosis change are currently underway based on the findings of this preliminary study.
Leadership of place in virtual environments

Place and space concepts help to illuminate how the place an organization inhabits and related beliefs have a significant impact on leadership processes. While places often have a physical presence...
Efficient and Economical Targeted Insertion in Plant Genomes via Protoplast Regeneration.

Versatile genome editing can be facilitated by the insertion of DNA sequences into specific locations. Current protocols involving CRISPR and Cas proteins rely on low efficiency homology-directed r...
A hybrid self-organizing maps and particle swarm optimization approach: Research Articles

Gene clustering, the process of grouping related genes in the same cluster, is at the foundation of different genomic studies that aim at analyzing the function of genes. Microarray technologies have made it possible to measure gene expression levels for thousands of genes simultaneously. For knowledge to be extracted from the datasets generated by these technologies, the datasets have to be presented to a scientist in a meaningful way. Gene clustering methods serve this purpose. In this paper, a hybrid clustering approach that is based on self-organizing maps and particle swarm optimization is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, the rate of convergence is improved by adding a conscience factor to the self-organizing maps algorithm. The robustness of the result is measured by using a resampling technique. The algorithm is implemented on a cluster of workstations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weak Ties, Strong Soldiers: Civil Society and Battlefield Effectiveness

Several studies have found democracies tend to win wars more often than non-democracies. However, these studies have had difficulty establishing a causal link between regime type and conflict outcome. Building on this potential for spuriousness, this article investigates one potential confounding factor in the study of military effectiveness. Using the HERO data set of battle characteristics and measures for civil society, this paper finds that there is support for the idea that societal structures can have large effects on the military unit. Weak ties, such as sports clubs and reading groups, serve to increase awareness of the greater community leading to solidarity and willingness to sacrifice for a cause. Strong ties of ethnic heterogeneity may allow for specialization in combat, reducing casualties, but inhibit solidarity which reduces the likelihood of overall victory. Civil society imparts numerous positive externalities, leading both to democratic structures and benefits to the fighting capabilities of individuals in that society. The implication of this study suggests that a vibrant civil society may be a driving force behind democracies’ military effectiveness and that social structure may be a greater factor in military effectiveness than regime type.
Neighborly Families of Boxes and Bipartite Coverings

A bipartite covering of order k of the complete graph K n on n vertices is a collection of complete bipartite graphs so that every edge of K n lies in at least 1 and at most k of them. It is shown that the minimum possible number of subgraphs in such a collection is \(\Theta (k{n}^{1/k})\). This extends a result of Graham and Pollak, answers a question of Felzenbaum and Perles, and has some geometric consequences. The proofs combine combinatorial techniques with some simple linear algebraic tools.
Effect of facet roughness on etched-facet semiconductor laser diodes

Summary form only given. In this paper, we investigate the effect of roughness on the reflectivity of laser facets. Given that mask pixel size is one of the possible sources of roughness and that high-resolution e-beam mask fabrication is costly, it is important to find the mask resolution required so that the fabricated laser performance is not significantly affected. To assess the importance of the roughness on the performance of our modeled devices, we calculate the light versus current (LI) characteristics, the coupling to higher order modes and the far-field patterns of etched-facet laser diodes with varying roughness.
Enzymatic Synthesis of the Peptide in Bacterial Uridine Nucleotides VII. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY

Abstract The pentapeptide moiety of uridine diphosphate acetylmuramyl-pentapeptide, a precursor of the peptidoglycan of bacterial cell walls, is synthesized in a reaction sequence involving five enzymes. The amount and specificity of these enzymes have been studied in 10 microorganisms, five of which contain l-lysine as the third amino acid in the peptide sequence, and five of which contain instead mesodiaminopimelic acid. The former five contain an l-lysine-adding enzyme specific for that amino acid, and the latter five contain a similarly specific meso-diaminopimelic acid-adding enzyme. The fifth enzyme which catalyzes the addition of d-alanyl-d-alanine to UDP-MurNAc-tripeptide is less specific for the occurrence of l-lysine or meso-diaminopimelic acid in the tripeptide moiety. The rate-limiting catalyst in the sequence may be the first enzyme, the l-alanine-adding enzyme. In addition, the analyses of some uridine nucleotides obtained from several diaminopimelic acid-containing organisms are presented.
Novel bio-composites for biosensors based on resistive changes

We have developed a sensing platform for medical diagnostics based on the incorporation of biomolecules (receptors) in active, gas sensitive matrices. The receptor biomolecules may be enzymes, bacteria, cells that induce biochemical reactions with the analytes of interest, resulting in the release of gases. The gaseous species are detected rapidly by the active matrix compounds, typically chemoselective metal oxides or polymers. In this work, the development of bio-doped transition metal oxide-based detectors for monitoring metabolic products (such as urea) in aqueous media is discussed. The advantage of the proposed sensor technology over existing biosensors lies in it's potential for rapid and selective detection of bio-species by solid state devices using electrical signals. The matrices of choice for this work are selective gas sensing probes utilizing particular polymorphs of the MoO3
Absence of circulating factor IX antigen in hemophilia B dogs of the UNC-Chapel Hill colony.

Absence of Circulating Factor IX Antigen in Hemophilia B Dogs of the UNC-Chapel Hill Colony -
An unusual complication of rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids

Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids has had a low incidence of complications until recently, when five deaths resulted from bacterial septicemia or toxemia. The case presented describes a severe soft-tissue infection following banding successfully treated with antibiotics, surgical debridement, and hyperbaric oxygen.
Effects of child rearing by schizophrenic mothers: a follow-up.

Abstract Two groups of offspring born to schizophrenic mothers, one group mother-reared, the other reared-apart, were evaluated for pathology 9 yr after an initial evaluation. The assessment techniques were: Current and Past Psychopathology Scales, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Vocabulary subtest, Kent-Rosanoff Word Association Test, Memory-For- Designs test, Embedded Figures Test, Titchener Circles Illusion, Felt Figure Technique, avoidance learning, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, an adjective check list. There was no evidence that rearing by a schizophrenic mother contributes to psychopathology.
Comments on Smith's article "The genetic code, information density, and evolution".

Abstract The use of an outdated table of the genetic code by Smith ( Mathematical Biosciences 4 (1969), 179–187) may invalidate his work. Recalculation of the average predicted amino acid chain length gives too low a value, indicating that the calculated trinucleotide probabilities do not equal the in vivo codon probabilities. This, in turn, suggests either that codon probabilities do not equal trinucleotide probabilities or that trinucleotide probabilities cannot be estimated from nearest-neighbor analyses.
Storage and release of radiographs

Case summaries are based on actual events and lawsuits, although certain facts have been omitted or modified by the author. All opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Journal of Roentgenologyor the American Roentgen Ray Society. 1 Department of Radiology, Rush North Shore Medical Center, 9600 Gross Point Rd., Skokie, IL 60076, and Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL Address correspondence to L Berlin.
Vector model of multiphase separations

A vector model is developed for separations using combinations of two or more stationary phase chemistries. The model is useful for the development of separation optimization strategies for methods involving series-coupled columns, parallel columns, or mixed stationary phases. In the model, each mixture component occupies a single point in a multidimensional vector space, with each orthogonal axis representing the retention on a particular stationary phase. For every pair of points, a separation vector is defined. The length and direction of the separation vector give all the necessary information on the separation of this binary mixture. The ensemble of separation vectors for the entire mixture is used to describe the multiphase separation. For the case of a separation using series-coupled columns or mixed stationary phases, the multidimensional space collapses by orthogonal projections onto a linear separation axis. The orientation of this axis defines the fractional contributions of the various phases to the overall separation selectivity. An example of the use of the vector model in establishing the optimal separation axis and thus phase fraction in a two-phase separation is presented.
43Matrix metalloproteinase-9 deletion shifts macrophage polarization towards M2 phenotype in aged left ventricles post-myocardial infarction

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 increases in the aging left ventricle (LV) post-myocardial infarction (MI). Post-MI, macrophages produce MMP-9 and regulate the inflammatory response and extracellular matrix deposition. We hypothesized that increasing age would prime macrophage polarization towards the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype post-MI, which may be attenuated by MMP-9 deletion. We enrolled WT and MMP-9 Null (Null) young (4-5 month old) and old (15-24 month old) mice (n=6/age/genotype). We performed permanent occlusion of the left coronary descending artery to induce MI. Mice were sacrificed at day 7 post-MI, and macrophages were isolated from the infarcted area. RT2-PCR was used to quantify pro-inflammatory M1 (Ccl3 and IL1-β) and anti-inflammatory M2 (CD163) markers. Old MI mice of both genotypes showed higher Ccl3 levels than young mice (both p<0.05). Post-MI, old WT mice showed a significant increase in IL1-β levels, which was attenuated by MMP-9 deletion (all p<0.05; Figure [1][1], A). This suggests that aging induced M1 macrophage polarization in the post-MI LV, and this effect was modulated by MMP-9. Additionally, MMP-9 deletion resulted in the increase of CD163 in old mice post-MI compared to young null and age-matched WT control groups (all p<0.05; Figure [1][1], B), suggesting enhanced M2 polarization in the old Nulls. In conclusion, our findings indicate that aging promotes inflammation post-MI, and this effect is attenuated by MMP-9 deletion. Identifying how MMP-9 regulates LV remodeling post-MI may provide new potential therapeutic options for the aging MI patient. ![Figure][2] [1]: #F1 [2]: pending:yes
Gatekeeping at the Portal: An Analysis of Local Television Websites' User-Generated Content

A content analysis of 353 local television station websites found 49.6% of stations are including user-generated content (UGC), mostly designed to capture eyeballs, rather than to engage citizens in the journalistic process. The user-generated material included video (50.9%), audio (14.3%), still photos (82.3%), and other content (13.7%) including blogs, event announcements, news tips, and viewer comments. The overwhelming majority (76%) of UGC focused on weather-related events with only 17.7% classified as breaking news. Editorial guidelines focused on legalities such as terms of use and privacy policies related to accepting content, not editorial standards. Gatekeeping theory was applied to find that the local press largely retains its traditional editorial function.
DNA-based identification of larval cod in stomach contents of predatory fishes

Abstract Predator–prey interactions play an influential role in determining the demographics of a population or species. In the Northwest Atlantic, Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, once the basis of a lucrative commercial fishery, have not recovered despite regulations imposed on the fishery to reduce harvest rates. One possible reason for the lack of recovery is that high predation pressure on juvenile and larval stages, particularly from species such as herring and mackerel, may regulate the abundance of cod. However, traditional methods used to identify larval cod and haddock often fail when applied to partially digested remains. Here, we described a DNA-based assay to identify the presence of digested cod remains from the stomachs of predatory fish species. After development, the assay was tested on two sets of field samples. Larval and juvenile cod were successfully detected in both tests.
Towards community-centered support for peer-to-peer service exchange: rethinking the timebanking metaphor

Commercial peer-to-peer service exchange businesses, such as AirBnB, Lyft and TaskRabbit, are expanding rapidly, but their non-profit counterparts are lagging behind. We conducted a field study of the most prominent of these, timebanking; a system in which 'time dollars' are earned and spent by people providing services for and receiving them from each other. Our study exposed problems with the very metaphor of banking itself, which deter participation. In this paper we discuss how these problems can be tackled with user experience design for systems supporting timebanking. Our design ideas emphasize the personal and social benefits of participation, and avoid such unappealing concepts as debt and neediness that the timebanking metaphor falls afoul of.
R(X) for recruitment and retention of veterinarian scientists: money, marketing, mentoring.

Veterinary medicine is failing both to sustain its academic base and to meet national needs for research in the fields of comparative medicine (translational research), public health, and food production. The basis for the shortage of veterinarians with research expertise is multi-factorial and related to the substantial commitment of time and money required to obtain both a DVM and advanced training, as well as the lack of motivation among veterinary students to engage in biomedical science. Effective strategies for increasing the number of veterinarian scientists must address these issues using a balanced combination of money, marketing, and mentoring. Success will require not only that we increase and improve opportunities for research training, but also that we create and sustain veterinary college environments that attract, foster, and reward dedication to research. The ‘‘research pipeline’’ needs to be transformed into a ‘‘research manifold’’ with multiple portals for entry and re-entry of trainees....
Noise — A factor in machine design and operation: Difficulties in measuring machine noise

With America becoming “noise conscious,” electrical engineers are finding it necessary to devote increasing attention to the reduction of noises caused by electrical machinery. Progress in this direction, both in specially designed instruments and in mitigative measures adopted, is indicated in the accompanying articles.