cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remote vibrotactile noise improves light touch sensation in stroke survivors’ fingertips via stochastic resonance

Stroke rehabilitation does not often integrate both sensory and motor recovery. While subthreshold noise was shown to enhance sensory signal detection at the site of noise application, having a noise-generating device at the fingertip to enhance fingertip sensation and potentially enhance dexterity for stroke survivors is impractical, since the device would interfere with object manipulation. This study determined if remote application of subthreshold vibrotactile noise (away from the fingertips) improves fingertip tactile sensation with potential to enhance dexterity for stroke survivors. Index finger and thumb pad sensation was measured for ten stroke survivors with fingertip sensory deficit using the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament and Two-Point Discrimination Tests. Sensation scores were measured with noise applied at one of three intensities (40%, 60%, 80% of the sensory threshold) to one of four locations of the paretic upper extremity (dorsal hand proximal to the index finger knuckle, dorsal hand proximal to the thumb knuckle, dorsal wrist, volar wrist) in a random order, as well as without noise at beginning (Pre) and end (Post) of the testing session. Vibrotactile noise of all intensities and locations instantaneously and significantly improved Monofilament scores of the index fingertip and thumb tip (p < .01). No significant effect of the noise was seen for the Two-Point Discrimination Test scores. Remote application of subthreshold (imperceptible) vibrotactile noise at the wrist and dorsal hand instantaneously improved stroke survivors’ light touch sensation, independent of noise location and intensity. Vibrotactile noise at the wrist and dorsal hand may have enhanced the fingertips’ light touch sensation via stochastic resonance and interneuronal connections. While long-term benefits of noise in stroke patients warrants further investigation, this result demonstrates potential that a wearable device applying vibrotactile noise at the wrist could enhance sensation and grip ability without interfering with object manipulation in everyday tasks.
Genetics of Myelodysplastic Syndromes: New Insights

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogenous group of hematologic malignancies characterized by clonal expansion of BM myeloid cells with impaired differentiation. The identification of recurrent mutations in MDS samples has led to new insights into the pathophysiology of these disorders. Of particular interest is the recent recognition that genes involved in the regulation of histone function (EZH2, ASXL1, and UTX) and DNA methylation (DNMT3A, IDH1/IDH2, and TET2) are recurrently mutated in MDS, providing an important link between genetic and epigenetic alterations in this disease. The mechanism by which these mutated genes contribute to disease pathogenesis is an active area of research, with a current focus on which downstream target genes may be affected. Recent advances from sequencing studies suggest that multiple mutations are required for MDS initiation and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The past several years have yielded many new insights, but the complete genetic landscape of MDS is not yet known. Moreover, few (if any) of the findings are sufficiently robust to be incorporated into routine clinical practice at this time. Additional studies will be required to understand the prognostic implications of these mutations for treatment response, progression to AML, and survival.
Optimization of hydrolytic and oxidative enzyme methods for ecosystem studies

Microbial digestive enzymes in soil and litter have been studied for over a half century, yet the under- standing of microbial enzymes as drivers of ecosystem processes remains hindered by methodological differences among researchers and laboratories. Modern techniques enable the comparison of enzyme activities from different sites and experiments, but most researchers do not optimize enzyme assay methods for their study sites, and thus may not properly assay potential enzyme activity. In this review, we characterize important procedural details of enzyme assays, and define the steps necessary to properly assay potential enzyme activities in environmental samples. We make the following recom- mendations to investigators measuring soil enzyme activities: 1) run enzyme assays at the environ- mental pH and temperature; 2) run proper standards, and if using fluorescent substrates with NaOH addition, use a standard time of 1 min between the addition of NaOH and reading in a fluorometer; 3) run enzyme assays under saturating substrate concentrations to ensure V max is being measured; 4) confirm that product is produced linearly over the duration of the assay; 5) examine whether mixing during the reaction is necessary to properly measure enzyme activity; 6) find the balance between dilution of soil homogenate and assay variation; and 7) ensure that enzyme activity values are properly calculated. These steps should help develop a unified understanding of enzyme activities in ecosystem ecology.
Industry-based web services project as a classroom teaching tool

Two of the problems that plague educators of computer programming are: fitting problems of sufficient complexity into a single course, and preparing students to work on real-world project teams. In a recent offering of a graduate-level XML (eXtensible Markup Language) programming course, the author tackled both these problems by treating the students as members of a project team that needed to develop a Web Services solution to an actual industrial problem.The XML Programming class initially introduced students to both fundamental work with SAX (Simple API for XML) and DOM (Document Object Model), and the problem domain for their project. In the second half of the course the students worked on their portion of an enterprise-wide project. The instructor, acting as project manager, described the entire project and the portion the team would work on, arranged visits by the actual client, and coordinated the activities. Students interviewed the client and conducted research in order to complete their requirements gathering.While students studied the web services protocol stack, they designed and developed the actual services. Students interacted with one another, depending on and helping one another so that the team could achieve its goal. The class team also interacted with other teams ensuring that APIs and other project standards were maintained.Students finished the course not only with a sense of true accomplishment but they also:Gained first-hand knowledge of the plusses and minuses of working with cutting-edge technologies;Worked as part of a cohesive team driven toward a common goal;Dealt with the issues of working with other teams and their products;Interacted directly with a client, dealing with fixed resources and all the ugliness and uncertainty that come with real world problems.
The role of patient care teams in chronic disease management

> “In the gradual division of labor, by which civilization has emerged from barbarism, the doctor and nurse have been evolved” > > Sir William Osler (1891) The delivery of health care by a coordinated team of individuals has always been assumed to be a good thing. Patients reap the benefits of more eyes and ears, the insights of different bodies of knowledge, and a wider range of skills. Thus team care has generally been embraced by most as a criterion for high quality care. Despite its appeal, team care, especially in the primary care setting, remains a source of confusion and some scepticism.1 Which disciplines are essential on the team? What do the team members other than the doctor do to support patient care? With the ageing of the population and the advances in the treatment of chronic diseases, teamwork in the context of chronic diseases needs to be re-examined. Successful chronic disease interventions usually involve a coordinated multidisciplinary care team.2–5 In this article I consider the implications of these observations for the structure and functioning of patient care teams in primary care. My work is rooted in US health care, and the references and roles described largely reflect that perspective. I performed a Medline search for randomised controlled trials of team care using the MeSH heading “patient care team.” #### Summary points Effective chronic illness interventions generally rely on multidisciplinary care teams Successful teams often include nurses and pharmacists with clinical and behavioural skills Such teams ensure that critical elements of care that doctors may not have the training or time to do well are competently performed These elements include population management, protocol based regulation of medication, self management support, and intensive follow up The participation of medical specialists in consultative and educational roles outside conventional referrals may contribute to …
Phonemic awareness of coda consonants and sonority in bilingual children

L'A. examine, aupres d'enfants bilingues (espagnol-anglais), un point particulier de la conscience phonemique : l'aptitude a segmenter les consonnes en position de coda selon differents degres de sonorite
A generalized computer method for index production

This paper presents block diagrams for the process of Index-making by computer, as well as explanatory text, based on experience in the application of the diagram to the production of two different indexes. The method described is called a generalized method because, first of all, its presentation is in general terms, and secondly, because its property of generality makes it suitable to a “first-cut” analysis of a great variety of index-making applications. More detailed flow charts for two different applications (one of them proposed) of the generalized method are given, as well as a diagram for combining an information retrieval system with a system for index production.
EagleView: A genome assembly viewer for next-generation sequencing technologies

The emergence of high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies (e.g., 454 Life Sciences [Roche], Illumina sequencing [formerly Solexa sequencing]) has dramatically sped up whole-genome de novo sequencing and resequencing. While the low cost of these sequencing technologies provides an unparalleled opportunity for genome-wide polymorphism discovery, the analysis of the new data types and huge data volume poses formidable informatics challenges for base calling, read alignment and genome assembly, polymorphism detection, as well as data visualization. We introduce a new data integration and visualization tool EagleView to facilitate data analyses, visual validation, and hypothesis generation. EagleView can handle a large genome assembly of millions of reads. It supports a compact assembly view, multiple navigation modes, and a pinpoint view of technology-specific trace information. Moreover, EagleView supports viewing coassembly of mixed-type reads from different technologies and supports integrating genome feature annotations into genome assemblies. EagleView has been used in our own lab and by over 100 research labs worldwide for next-generation sequence analyses. The EagleView software is freely available for not-for-profit use at http://bioinformatics.bc.edu/marthlab/EagleView.
Adaptive video coding for mobile wireless networks

Wireless video transmission over a dynamic network requires adaptation to changes in bandwidth, network traffic, and channel characteristics. New computing hardware and algorithms are needed that enable low-power, flexible, adaptive, and robust video communication in hostile environments with no access to an installed communications infrastructure. The coding algorithms we are developing are based on subband decomposition using integer-coefficient filters, and adaptively deliver video at rates between 60 kbits/sec and 600 kbits/sec in accordance with the available bandwidth. Robustness in the variable length coder is obtained by using low-overhead Reed-Solomon block codes, by performing intra-frame coding only, and by using end-of-frame and end-of-subband symbols to maintain both inter- and intra-frame synchronization. >
Cloning of the human glycine transporter type 1: molecular and pharmacological characterization of novel isoform variants and chromosomal localization of the gene in the human and mouse genomes.

We report the molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding a high affinity human glycine transporter. An open reading frame of 1914 nucleotides encodes a 638-amino acid protein that transports glycine in a Na+/Cl(-)-dependent manner. In common with other Na+/Cl(-)-dependent transporters, it possesses 12 putative transmembrane domains, according to its hydropathicity profile. This protein is the human homologue of a glycine transporter previously isolated from rat [glycine transporter type 1b (GlyT-1b)]. In addition to the human GlyT-1b, we also characterized a novel functional isoform produced by alternative splicing. This isoform, GlyT-1c, which is distinct from GlyT-2 recently characterized in rat, contains an additional exon encoding 54 amino acids in the amino-terminal part of GlyT-1b and is mainly expressed in brain. These two isoforms are products of the same gene and are localized on human chromosome 1p31.3, as well as on mouse chromosome 4, close to the locus for the spontaneous mouse neuromuscular mutation clasper. When expressed in COS-7 cells, both the human GlyT-1b and GlyT-1c display a time- and dose-dependent uptake of glycine, which is abolished when either Na+ or Cl- is substituted with other ions. For both GlyT-1b and GlyT-1c the affinities for glycine are similar, with Km values of 70-90 microM, and this uptake is inhibited by sarcosine with similar potencies. In addition to the three transporter isoforms present in the human genome, i.e., GlyT-1a, GlyT-1b, and GlyT-1c, point-mutated variants, which appear to be totally devoid of glycine uptake activity when expressed in COS-7 cells, were obtained by polymerase chain reaction amplification of mRNA from human substantia nigra. These variants point to regions of the glycine transporter that might be important in the processing or transport function of this protein.
Evolution of Spatial Configurations In Videogames

This paper deals with the basic spatial configurations in videogames from early games until today, focusing on how they position the player with respect to the playfield, and how they affect gameplay. The basic spatial configurations are defined by a few basic features (cardinality of gameplay, cardinality of gameworld and representation) which combined can account for most videogame spaces.
Child Identification or Child Inventory? A Critique of the Federal Design of Child-Identification Systems Implemented Under P.L. 94-142:

The federal Rules and Regulations of P.L. 94-142 for the development and implementation of child-identification systems present severe policy problems for state planners. The constraints imposed by the federal design may be critiqued by examining the Child Count required for child-identification activities and the research literature. The authors identify the Child Count report as the most significant factor hindering the development of comprehensive child-identification systems. In the research literature, three concepts have emerged that provide the outline of a comprehensive system: (A) prevention as a primary purpose, (b) the critical relationship of identification to program intervention, and (c) the use of identification procedures rooted in an instructional framework. The Child Count requirements serve as a constraining influence on state planners, with the resulting procedures resembling child inventories more than comprehensive child-identification systems.
ARMA REPRESENTATION OF WIND FIELD

Abstract The dynamic response analysis of structures subjected to a stochastic wind field is carried out in the time domain by a step-by-step integration approach. The loading is represented by simulated time histories of the aerodynamic force. The auto-regressive and moving average (ARMA) recursive models are utilized to simulate time series of wind loads. Depending on the system dynamic characteristics, the time-integration schemes require that the time increment should not exceed a prescribed value. This study focuses on the development of ARMA representation based procedures to simulate realizations of wind loading with small time increments required by the time-integration schemes. A three-stage-matching method and a scheme which combines ARMA and digital interpolation filters are presented to efficiently generate correlated time histories of wind loads at the prescribed time increments.
Evaluation of the content and accessibility of web sites for accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships.

Background: The Internet is a common source of information for orthopaedic residents applying for sports medicine fellowships, with the web sites of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the San Francisco Match serving as central databases. We sought to evaluate the web sites for accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships with regard to content and accessibility. Methods: We reviewed the existing web sites of the ninety-five accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships included in the AOSSM and San Francisco Match databases from February to March 2012. A Google search was performed to determine the overall accessibility of program web sites and to supplement information obtained from the AOSSM and San Francisco Match web sites. The study sample consisted of the eighty-seven programs whose web sites connected to information about the fellowship. Each web site was evaluated for its informational value. Results: Of the ninety-five programs, fifty-one (54%) had links listed in the AOSSM database. Three (3%) of all accredited programs had web sites that were linked directly to information about the fellowship. Eighty-eight (93%) had links listed in the San Francisco Match database; however, only five (5%) had links that connected directly to information about the fellowship. Of the eighty-seven programs analyzed in our study, all eighty-seven web sites (100%) provided a description of the program and seventy-six web sites (87%) included information about the application process. Twenty-one web sites (24%) included a list of current fellows. Fifty-six web sites (64%) described the didactic instruction, seventy (80%) described team coverage responsibilities, forty-seven (54%) included a description of cases routinely performed by fellows, forty-one (47%) described the role of the fellow in seeing patients in the office, eleven (13%) included call responsibilities, and seventeen (20%) described a rotation schedule. Two Google searches identified direct links for 67% to 71% of all accredited programs. Conclusions: Most accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships lack easily accessible or complete web sites in the AOSSM or San Francisco Match databases. Clinical Relevance: Improvement in the accessibility and quality of information on orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship web sites would facilitate the ability of applicants to obtain useful information.
The Need for Increased Access to the U.S. Health-Care System

Health-care costs in the United States are rising at an alarming rate. Despite increasing national spending, health-care access remains an important issue to many Americans and is a topic of intense political debate. Over the last forty years, the health-care system in the U.S. experienced a steady increase in both the absolute and relative amounts of spending. In 2005, the U.S. health-care budget increased 6.9%, a figure close to two times the rate of general inflation1. Total expenditures amounted to $1.99 trillion or $6700 per capita and accounted for 16% of the gross domestic product (Fig. 1)1,2. Health-care spending surpasses the national defense budget by more than threefold1,2. While the U.S. spends more on health care than any other country, it remains the only industrialized country that does not offer all citizens guaranteed health-care coverage. For comparison with other nations, the U.S. represents only one-quarter of the population of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, a group of thirty developed countries), yet accounts for more than half of the total health-care expenses of this multinational group3. In 2003, the OECD countries' combined average for health-care spending as a percentage of gross domestic product was 8.6% and the group's average health-care spending per capita was $23073. That same year, the U.S. spent 15% of its gross domestic product and $5635 per capita on health care3. With so much money spent on health care, some have questioned why the U.S. life expectancy stands at 77.2 years and the infant mortality rate is seven deaths per 1000 live births while the OECD averages are 77.8 years and 6.1 deaths, respectively3. Others have questioned why so many Americans are living without health coverage …
New microsatellite loci for suckers (Catostomidae): primer homology in Catostomus , Chasmistes , and Deltistes

Herein we describe the development of microsatellite markers for five Catostomid species: Catostomus snyderi , Catostomus rimiculus , Chasmistes brevirostris , Deltistes luxatus , and Catostomus occidentalis . A total of 89 primer pairs were developed from enriched (CA) n and (GATA) n libraries created from the D. luxatus genome. The successful amplification of 82 polymorphic loci across three Catostomid genera indicates that the microsatellite markers described in this study will be broadly applicable.
Administrative Accountability and the Rule of Law

In June 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rocked the food industry—and food lovers—with its warning about tainted tomatoes. Consumers in New Mexico and Texas were contracting a rare, sometimes fatal strain of salmonella and the FDA feared that salmonella contamination from tomatoes was the cause. In the weeks that followed, a major outbreak spread across the country and worried consumers abandoned tomatoes. Fourth of July cookouts were not the same, and BLT lovers complained that their favorite sandwich was impossibly dry. By the end of July, the outbreak had infected more than 1,200 persons in 42 states.
A SOLUBLE PROTEIN-CHLOROPHYLL COMPLEX FROM SPINACH CHLOROPLASTS 11. THE PHYSICAL AND PHOTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE COMPLEX*

— Some physical and photochemical properties of a proteinxhlorophyll complex which can be extracted from spinach chloroplasts with dilute Triton X-100, have been measured. The molar extinction coefficient at the red maximum (671 mμ) is 6.8 × 104. Solutions of the complex are weakly fluorescent, having a quantum yield of about 0.01. The complex undergoes photoautooxidation in the presence of oxygen with a quantum yield of about 0.2 × 10--4, and sensitizes the autooxidation of p-toluene-diamine (quantum yield about 1×10--3) and of ascorbic acid (quantum yield 0.25). The complex-catalyzed reduction of ferricyanide, in the presence of a protein-carotene complex, was confirmed; its quantum yield is about 8 × 10--4. The protein-chlorophyll complex does not undergo a Krasnovsky reaction, nor could sensitized reductions of dye by abscorbate be detected. When excess Triton is added to the protein-chlorophyll complex, it is converted into a detergent colloid apparently identical to a previously described Tween colloid. The properties of the protein-chlorophyll complex are compared with those of other states of chlorophyll in vivo and in vitro.
DVFS based task scheduling in a harvesting WSN for structural health monitoring

The task scheduler of an energy harvesting wireless sensor node (WSN) must adapt the task complexity and maximize the accuracy of the tasks within the constraint of limited energy reserves. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) represents a great example of such an application comprising of both steady state operations and sporadic externally triggered events. To this end, we propose a task scheduler based on a Linear Regression Model embedded with Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) functionality. Our results show an improvement in the average accuracy of a SHM measurement, setting it at 80% of the maximum achievable accuracy. There is also an increase of 50% in the number of SHM measurements.
Latinas' resilience and persistence in computer science and engineering: Preliminary findings of a qualitative study examining identity and agency

Most professions have reached gender equity with the exception of computer science and engineering. To understand the mitigating factors influencing Latinas' enrollment and persistence in engineering and computer science, an interdisciplinary team of scholars at a majority Hispanic four-year institution has undertaken a three-year project to explore these phenomena. The following overarching question has guided us: What is the relationship among identity, resilience, and persistence of Latinas in computer science and engineering? The study was framed using a sociocultural theory of identity drawn from the work of Gee and from Holland, Lachicotte, Skinner, and Cain. Our findings suggest the majority of women encountered and dealt with some kind of adversity in their career trajectory. Their ability to overcome this adversity depended on many factors, such as the role of peer groups, family, and professors. Eighteen of the 26 participants referenced group participation phenomenon as beneficial to their success. They also identified spaces that accommodate group interaction including: the library, homes, local coffee shops, and university study areas.
Optical coherence tomography with phase-sensitive light

A new configuration for optical coherence tomography is proposed that utilizes a phase-conjugate amplifier in conjunction with a Michelson interferometer to detect interference between two classical light fields with a non-zero phase-sensitive cross correlation. This imaging configuration - which we call phase-conjugate optical coherence tomography (PC-OCT) - shares the same factor-of-two axial resolution improvement and cancellation of even-order dispersion terms that are the key features of quantum optical coherence tomography, but without the necessity for non-classical signal and reference beams. Under appropriate conditions, PC-OCT can achieve a signal-to-noise ratio that is comparable to that of conventional optical coherence tomography.
Update on the use of abdominal and thoracic endografts for treating aortic aneurysms

Endovascular abdominal and thoracic aneurysm repair has heralded a paradigm shift in the management of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. Randomized controlled trials have suggested superior short-term and equivalent long-term outcomes of endovascular repair compared with open surgery. Existing endografts have undergone several modifications to meet anatomic challenges and improve patient results. In the past, endovascular repair has been limited to infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms and isolated thoracic aortic aneurysms. The advent of fenestrated and branched endografts have made endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal and juxtarenal aneurysms possible. Continued evolution of endograft technology will maximize the benefit and minimize complications in patients with a range of aneurysmal disease.
EFFICACY OF GRANULAR AND LIQUID INSECTICIDES AGAINST CORN ROOTWORM LARVAE, 2000

An experiment was conducted at the Virginia Tech Kentland Research Farm in Montgomery County, VA, to determine the effectiveness of several granular and liquid insecticides, applied in-furrow or T-band at planting, against western corn rootworm larvae on Pioneer variety ‘3394’ corn. The experiment was conducted in a 5-acre, continuous cornfield with a McGary and Purdy dark gray silt loam soil type. Plots of 30 x 10 ft (four rows wide) were arranged in an RCBD, with all insecticide treatments and an untreated check replicated four times. An Almaco, 2-row Max-Emerge planter was used to plant the plots on 12 May at the rate of 28,000 seeds/acre on 30-inch rows. Insecticide granules were applied in front of the presswheels either directly in the seed furrow or in a 5-inch wide T-band over the furrow, depending on the treatment. The standard granular insecticide applicator was removed from each row unit and replaced with a wooden holder that held an inverted pint canning jar (Mason) used to dispense the insecticide granules. Attached to the underside of the wooden holder was a plastic funnel and tube through which the insecticide granules flowed. A single opening, drilled into the lid of each jar, was calibrated in the laboratory to deliver insecticide granules accurately at a speed of 3 mph. The possibility of mixing one or more insecticides was avoided by using a separate jar and lid for each treatment. At the start of application, a jar containing the appropriate insecticide was inverted and placed in each of the wooden holders. This method helped minimize soil compaction because the tractor made only one up and back pass per plot. The liquid insecticide Regent 4SC was applied in-furrow at a rate of 0.13 lb (AI)/acre using a backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver 20 gpa at 40 psi. The sprayer setup involved a two-nozzle spray boom with each nozzle inserted into its own clear plastic delivery tube. Immediately before application of the liquid insecticide, the regular in-furrow tubes for the granular insecticides were replaced with the liquid delivery tubes. The roots of ten consecutive corn plants, five from each of the center two rows, were dug from each plot on 11 Jul and washed of excess soil before damage ratings were made. Corn rootworm damage ratings were based on the Iowa 1–6 scale (1 = no feeding damage, 6 = three or more root nodes completely destroyed). Stand counts were determined in each plot on 17 Jul by counting the number of stalks per 20 row-ft. A two-way ANOVA and Fisher’s protected LSD were used to analyze differences among treatments in root damage ratings and stand counts.
Increased expression of transforming growth factor-α in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is characterized by hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle. The growth of smooth-muscle cells (SMCs) is regulated by several growth factors. Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is a growth-regulatory peptide found in a wide range of embryonic and adult tissues. It has been recognized that TGF-alpha has growth-promoting effects in vascular and visceral SMCs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TGF-alpha plays a role in the pyloric-muscle hypertrophy in IHPS. Full-thickness pyloric-muscle biopsy specimens were obtained at the time of pyloromyotomy from 10 IHPS patients (age range 24-76 days). Age-matched control material included 10 pyloric-muscle specimens taken at autopsy in patients without evidence of gastrointestinal disease. Indirect immunohistochemistry was performed using the ABC method with anti-TGF-alpha polyclonal antibody. In-situ hybridization was performed using a digoxigenin-labelled, TGF-alpha-specific oligonucleotide probe. There was a marked increase in TGF-alpha immunoreactivity and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in SMCs in pyloric circular and longitudinal muscle in IHPS specimens compared to controls. The increased expression of TGF-alpha mRNA together with increased TGF-alpha immunoreactivity in IHPS suggests increased local synthesis of TGF-alpha by pyloric SMCs, causing pyloric-muscle hypertrophy.
Prooxidant properties of 5-aminosalicylic acid. Possible mechanism for its adverse side effects.

There is a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence to suggest that oral or rectal administration of 5-ASA or 5-ASA conjugates is associated with significant adverse side effects including pancreatitis, hepatitis, and renal toxicity. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of 5-ASA to interact with low-molecular-weight iron to yield oxygen-derived free radicals and to determine whether these oxidants could damage model biological compounds. We found that 5-ASA was very effective at chelating ferric iron (Fe3+), and it rapidly reduced Fe3+ to the ferrous form (Fe2+). Addition of the 5-ASA/Fe2+ chelate to solutions containing polyunsaturated fatty acids or deoxyribose resulted in lipid peroxidation and oxidative carbohydrate degradation, respectively. These results are consistent with the formation of the highly reactive (and cytotoxic) hydroxyl radical. Formation of this free radical species was confirmed by the ability of hydroxyl radical scavengers (dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl thiourea) to inhibit the 5-ASA/Femediated oxidative reactions. Maximum hydroxyl radical formation was achieved at a 5-ASA-to-Fe3+ ratio of 1.0 (20 μM 5-ASA and 20 μM Fe3+). Increasing this ratio significantly inhibited OH·formation with a concomitant reduction in lipid peroxidation and deoxyribose degradation. Finally, we demonstrated that 5-ASA promotes the reductive release of Fe3+ from ferritin. Data obtained in this study suggest that 5-ASA may, under certain conditions, promote the formation of potentially injurious free radical species. These oxidative reactions may contribute to some of the adverse side effects known to be associated with the newer preparations of 5-ASA.
Bimodal NTRE for propulsion and planetary power

This concept study begins with the bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine (NTRE) of reference 1. It has a high temperature reactor and high-pressure power cycle to provide thrust at high specific impulse and electric power for spacecraft traveling to Mars. Now, the bimodal NTRE reactor must be useable also in surface power plants at the moon and Mars, so we must define a new, optimum, bimodal NTRE and its ground power system derivative. The new engine is powered in all modes by a Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC) instead of the older hydrogen topping cycle for high thrust and small, recuperated CBC for start-up, shut down, electric power, and gamma shielding. The new CBC uses a working fluid (WF) mixture of H2 and Ar. This gas enables good control of hydrogen diffusion between propellant and WF, while it retains good heat transfer characteristics and density. Like the old engine, the new one runs at high pressure and leaks little WF to space. The new reactor is a smaller version of its precursor with 19 fuel assemblies (FA). Its central FA is a low temperature, particle bed unit that replaces the old throat plug system, mechanically, and CBC recuperator, thermally. The 18 high temperature FA are newly shrouded with cooled, Be manifolds, which block loss of WF to space. A ZrH2 shadow shield blocks gamma and neutron emissions. The new rocket nozzle and reactor vessel walls contain both propellant and WF passages. The walls double as a LH2-WF precooler for the CBC at thrust mode. Power mode uses these structures as space radiators. Converting this NTRE to an extraterrestrial, ground power unit requires no major hardware or technology developments. Simple WF rerouting and nozzle throat modifications only are needed.
Wavelength Calibration of Atomic Spectra obtained by FTS

We discuss the wavelength calibration of atomic spectra obtained by Fourier transform spectroscopy. Wavelength standards, their uncertainties and practical application are also discussed.
Thieves of thankfulness: Traits that inhibit gratitude

AbstractIf gratitude is important to well-being, it is important to understand the factors that might inhibit gratitude. The purpose of this study was to investigate four putative inhibitors of gratitude: narcissism, cynicism, materialism/envy, and indebtedness. We used a prospective design where participants were administered measures related to the putative inhibitors along with trait and state gratitude, 2 months apart. After controlling for initial levels of gratitude, Time 1 narcissism, cynicism, and materialism/envy were negatively associated with Time 2 state gratitude. Evidence also supported the theory that narcissism and cynicism may interact in a vicious cycle over time. We conclude that narcissism, cynicism, and materialism inhibit state gratitude, and narcissism and cynicism may be the foundational ‘thieves of thankfulness.’
Exploring the effects of project-based learning in secondary mathematics education

ABSTRACTThis mixed-method, longitudinal study investigated the benefits of project-based learning (PBL) on secondary-mathematics students' academic skill development and motivated strategies for learning (i.e., cognitive, social, and motivational). The focus of this study was academic skill development (algebra- and geometry-assessment scores) and other factors related to secondary mathematics learning, with comparable traditional high schoolers serving as the control group. In addition, the relationship between PBL and racially/ethnically and economically diverse secondary students was investigated. Results showed that at-risk and minority students benefited greatly from PBL in learning mathematics. The academic performance gap was present, but its width diminished significantly. Compared to their public school counterparts, PBL students were more intrinsically motivated, showed significantly higher critical thinking skills, and appreciated peer learning. Impact of socioeconomic status on the PBL approac...
Study on the double spreading plane based mapping method and it's application in the fast simulation of multi-steps stamping

Initial solution confirmation is a key in the fast finite element analysis for sheet metal forming,and it's precision influences the calculating time and convergence process seriously.Based on the previous research works,a new mesh mapping method named "double spreading plane based mapping method" is proposed to get the initial solution of intermediate configuration quickly.Through practical application,the effectiveness and usefulness of this approach are evaluated,and this mapping method has been used in the multi-steps quickly analysis and simulation.
NKTR-102, a novel PEGylated irinotecan, results in sustained tumor growth suppression in mouse models of human colorectal and lung tumors that correlates with increased and sustained tumor SN38 exposure

C157 Purpose NKTR-102, a novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)-irinotecan conjugate, is in Phase I clinical development. During preclinical development, the relationship between drug and metabolite pharmacokinetics and tumor growth was investigated in xenograft mouse models of HT29 human colorectal tumor, which is moderately resistant to irinotecan treatment, and NCI-H460 human lung tumor. Methods In separate studies, mice implanted subcutaneously with either cell line received 40 mg/kg irinotecan (Irino)-equivalent IV doses of Irino or NKTR-102 every 4 days for 3 doses after measurable tumors had developed. Tumor size was measured and plasma and tumor tissue were sampled serially at planned times for 60 and 30 days in HT-29 and H460 cell lines, respectively. Plasma and tumor samples were assayed for NKTR-102, Irino, and SN38 (the principal active metabolite of Irino) using a sensitive, selective, and validated LC/MS-MS method. Results NKTR-102 caused marked, statistically significant decreases in both HT-29 and H460 tumor growth, whereas Irino at the same dose and schedule resulted in only modest suppression of tumor growth that was short lived. Median HT-29 tumor weights (mg) at end of study were 3553 for Irino and 674 for NKTR-102 (p
Health Care Ergonomics Contributions of Thomas Waters

Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the contributions of Thomas Waters’s work in the field of health care ergonomics and beyond.Background:Waters’s research of safe patient handling with ...
Predictive parameters for the antecedent development of hip pathology associated with long segment fusions to the pelvis for the treatment of adult spinal deformity

BACKGROUND The surgical treatment of adult scoliosis frequently involves long segment fusions across the lumbosacral joints that redistribute tremendous amounts of force to the remaining mobile spinal segments as well as to the pelvis and hip joints. Whether or not these forces increase the risk of femoral bone pathology remains unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between long segment spinal fusions to the pelvis and the antecedent development of degenerative hip pathologies as well as what predictive patient characteristics, if any, correlate with their development. METHODS A retrospective chart review of all long segment fusions to the pelvis for adult degenerative deformity operated on by the senior author at the Duke Spine Center from February 2008 to March 2014 was undertaken. Enrolment criteria included all available demographic, surgical, and clinical outcome data as well as pre and postoperative hip pathology assessment. All patients had prospectively collected outcome measures and a minimum 2-year follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed comparing the incidence of preoperative hip pain and antecedent postoperative hip pain as a function of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and number of spinal levels fused. RESULTS In total, 194 patients were enrolled in this study. Of those, 116 patients (60%) reported no hip pain prior to surgery. Eighty-three patients (71.6%) remained hip pain free, whereas 33 patients (28.5%) developed new postoperative hip pain. Age, gender, and BMI were not significant among those who went on to develop hip pain postoperatively (P < 0.0651, 0.3491, and 0.1021, respectively). Of the 78 patients with preoperative hip pain, 20 patients (25.6%) continued to have hip pain postoperatively, whereas 58 patients reported improvement in the hip pain after long segment fusion for correction of their deformity, a 74.4% rate of reduction. Age, gender, and BMI were not significant among those who continued to have hip pain postoperatively (P < 0.4386, 0.4637, and 0.2545, respectively). Number of levels fused was not a significant factor in the development of hip pain in either patient population; patients without preoperative pain who developed pain postoperatively (P < 0.1407) as well as patients with preoperative pain who continued to have pain postoperatively (P < 0.0772). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that long segment lumbosacral fusions are not associated with an increase in postoperative hip pathology. Age, gender, BMI, and levels fused do not correlate with the development of postoperative hip pain. The restoration of spinal alignment with long segment fusions may actually decrease the risk of developing femoral bone pathology and have a protective effect on the hip.
Measuring portfolio risk: How size, book-to-market and prior portfolio returns are related to their risk-adjusted performance?

This paper provides an extensive review on risk indices, both traditional and more sophisticated, and the resulting evaluation measures focusing on quantifying portfolio risk along with the associated risk-adjusted performance. The implementation of these measures on the high minus low (HML), small minus big (SMB), MOM (momentum), LT-Rev (long-term reversal) and ST-Rev (short-term reversal) empirical factors produce for the first time a ranking of the aforementioned portfolios revealing that the least risky HML and the most risky MOM factor portfolios achieve the best and worst performance, respectively. This analysis goes one step further by implementing the same measures on portfolios formed by a specific characteristic, such as size, book-to-market or MOM, establishing thus a connection between these characteristics and portfolios' embedded risk or performance. Our empirical findings suggest that the traditional and downside performance measures lead to identical rankings, whereas drawdown-based ones influence the rank order among the portfolios of interest.
The Effect of Myostatin (GDF-8) on Proliferation and Tenocyte Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Background: The future in flexor tendon surgery involves tissue engineering approaches directed toward increasing early repair strength to accelerate tendon healing and to allow for earlier onset of rehabilitation. Previous work has shown that pluripotential mesenchymal stem cells may be successfully delivered to a tendon repair site using a suture carrier. The current work describes the use of Myostatin (GDF-8) to help guide these delivered pluripotential stem cells to differentiate down a tenocyte lineage to potentially maximize the reparative effects of these cells at the tendon repair site. Methods: Primary rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the long bones of male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 500 ng/ml myostatin for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Collagen 1 A, scleraxis (Scx), and tenomodulin (Tnmd) expression, indicative of tenogenesis, was analyzed using real time PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. A migration assay was performed to assess the functional activity of BMSCs after they were treated with myostatin. Results: Compared to the control cells (without treatment), the cells treated with 500 ng/ml myostatin for 72 h exhibited higher expression of Col 1A, Scx, and Tnmd. The mRNA expression of Col1A, Scx, Tnmd increased 15.3, 13 and 7 times respectively. Immunohistochemistry staining showed Scx and Tnmd were expressed in the cellular cytoplasm. In response to myostatin, the cells also showed a tendency to proliferate and migrate more than the control cells. Conclusions: Myostatin (GDF-8) has the ability to increase rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell growth and differentiation toward a tenocyte lineage. This information could be useful for future studies regarding tendon repair.
Exploring Partner Intimacy Among Couples Raising Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Grounded Theory Investigation

In this study, we explored how couples raising children with autism spectrum disorder negotiate intimacy, including what contextual and temporal factors influence these processes. We conducted conjoint interviews with 12 couples, employing grounded theory methodology to collect and analyze the data. Our results indicated that fostering intimacy in these couples' relationships involves partners working together to make key cognitive and relational shifts. Couples are aided or hindered in making these shifts by the degree to which they experience various contextual and environmental factors as resources or roadblocks. We also found that intimacy is not a fixed point at which couples one day arrive, but is an iterative process taking place over time and requiring work to develop and maintain.
Compulsive Seekers: Our take. Two Clinicians' Perspective on a New Animal Model of Addiction.

Compulsive Seekers: Our take. Two Clinicians’ Perspective on a New Animal Model of Addiction