cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Articulated Pectoral Girdle and Forelimb of the Abelisaurid Theropod Majungasaurus crenatissimus from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar

ABSTRACT Abelisaurid theropods are common members of Cretaceous Gondwanan faunas and are characterized by a bizarre, highly reduced forelimb. Unfortunately, forelimb elements are rarely preserved and thus the basic structure of the abelisaurid forelimb remains poorly understood. Until recently, the Upper Cretaceous Maevarano Formation of northwestern Madagascar has produced numerous exceptional specimens of the abelisaurid theropod Majungasaurus crenatissimus but comparatively little forelimb material. A recently discovered articulated skeleton of Majungasaurus preserves a virtually complete pectoral girdle and forelimb, which, along with additional isolated forelimb elements, affords important new insights into the structure of these elements. New specimens of the scapulocoracoid and humerus allow more detailed description of their morphology, and antebrachial and manual elements are described for the first time. The radius and ulna are approximately one-quarter the length of the humerus and both have ex...
HER-2/neu gene amplification compared with HER-2/neu protein overexpression and interobserver reproducibility in invasive breast carcinoma.

We compared the detection of HER-2/ neu gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) with detection of HER-2/neu protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry using 2 antibodies on 100 archival invasive breast carcinomas.Protein overexpression for each marker was score dindependently by 4 pathologists using standardized criteria, and consensus was compared with results obtained from gene amplification. The concordance rate between FISH and immunohistochemistry was 76% fore2-4001 and 91% for the HercepTest. Of the 37 cases positive by e2-4001, 21 demonstrated no gene amplification; 7 of 24 cases positive by the HercepTest demonstrated no gene amplification. However, 1 of 61cases negative by e2-4001 showed gene amplification; none of the cases negative by the HercepTest showed amplification. The predictive values of gene amplification based on 0-1+, 2+, and 3+immunohistochemical staining were best for cases scored as 3+ (75% for e2-4001 and 89% for the HercepTest). Complete agreement among observers for immunohistochemical scoring of e2-4001 and the HercepTest was achieved in 75 and 85 cases, respectively. The pairwise kappa agreement values were substantial for e2-4001 and substantial to almost perfect for the HercepTest. Immunohistochemical staining maybe considered a useful screening test. While negative staining almost always correlated with a lack of gene amplification, positive membranous staining, especially2+, did not predict gene amplification. The low interobserver reproducibility in separating 2+ from 3+cases necessitates further confirmation by FISH before treatment decisions are made.
An improved wavelet feature extraction approach for vehicle detection

Feature extraction is a key point of pattern recognition. Wavelet features are attractive for vehicle detection because they form a compact representation, encode edges, capture information from multi-resolution, and can be computed efficiently. This paper concerns the improvement of wavelet features. Currently, the wavelet features directly based on signed coefficients are easily affected by the surroundings and illumination conditions and cause high intra-class variability. In order to deal with this problem, an improved wavelet feature extraction approach based on unsigned coefficients is proposed. Compare the proposed approach to current popular feature extraction methods using Support Vector Machine (SVM) for vehicle detection. The proposed approach shows super performance under various illuminations and different roads (different day time, different scenes: highway, urban common road, urban narrow road).
Board of Governors Votes to Amend Bylaws

In addition to 13 technical magazines, 12 transactions, and one letters publication, in 2009 the IEEE Computer Society will also publish cutting-edge papers and articles from more than 300 conferences.
Plasma Collection and Donor Safety in Rural China

Blood transfusion is a critical component of modern health care in all parts of the world. Approximately 75 million units of whole blood are collected worldwide, al though the amount of available blood var ies widely, and 83% of the global popu lation has access to only 40% of the blood supply. The safely of the blood supply is a matter of great concern, and the global expectation is that, at a minimum, every unit of blood should be tested for markers
Stability and Structural Characterization of Epitaxial NdNiO3 Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Thin films of NdNiO3 were grown using pulsed laser deposition on single crystal substrates of [100]-oriented LaAlO3 and SrTiO3. X-ray diffraction and reflectivity, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the chemical, morphological and structural traits of the thin films. Single-phase epitaxial films are grown on LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 at 625°C in an oxygen pressure of 200 mTorr. At higher temperatures, the films partially decompose to Nd2NiO4 and NiO. The films are epitaxial with the (101) planes (orthorhombic Pnma notation) parallel to the substrate surface. Four in-plane orientational variants exist that correspond to the four 90° degenerate orientations of the film's [010] with respect to the in-plane substrate directions. Films are observed to be strained in accordance with the structural mismatch to the underlying substrate, and this leads, in the thinnest films on LaAlO3, to an apparent monoclinic distortion to the unit cell.
Conformational changes of glucose/galactose-binding protein illuminated by open, unliganded, and ultra-high-resolution ligand-bound structures

D-Glucose/D-Galactose-binding protein (GGBP) mediates chemotaxis toward and active transport of glucose and galactose in a number of bacterial species. GGBP, like other periplasmic binding proteins, can exist in open (ligand-free) and closed (ligand-bound) states. We report a 0.92 angstroms resolution structure of GGBP from Escherichia coli in the glucose-bound state and the first structure of an open, unbound form of GGBP (at 1.55 angstroms resolution). These structures vary in the angle between the two structural domains; the observed difference of 31 degrees arises from torsion angle changes in a three-segment hinge. A comparison with the closely related periplasmic receptors, ribose- and allose-binding proteins, shows that the GGBP hinge residue positions that undergo the largest conformational changes are different. Furthermore, the high-quality data collected for the atomic resolution glucose-bound structure allow for the refinement of specific hydrogen atom positions, the assignment of alternate side chain conformations, the first description of CO(2) trapped after radiation-induced decarboxylation, and insight into the role of the exo-anomeric effect in sugar binding. Together, these structures provide insight into how the hinge-bending movement of GGBP facilitates ligand binding, transport, and signaling.
A game theoretic analysis of intrusion detection in access control systems

We present a game-theoretic analysis of intrusion detection in access control systems. A security game between the attacker and the intrusion detection system is investigated both in finite and continuous-kernel versions, where in the latter case, players are associated with specific cost functions. The distributed virtual sensor network based on software agents with imperfect detection capabilities is also captured within the model introduced. This model is then extended to take the dynamic characteristics of the sensor network into account. Properties of the resulting dynamic system and repeated games between the players are discussed both analytically and numerically.
Performance limitations of silicon solar cells

This paper discusses the performance limitations of silicon solar cells which have been identified and investigated using a detailed numerical analysis of solar cell operation. Efficiency limitations are discussed as related to doping densities, minority carrier lifetimes, widths of solar cell regions, surface recombination, antireflecting layers, and ohmic contact stripes. Areas in which improvements can be expected in performance are identified and discussed.
Fibroblasts in Colon Cancer: Turned Traitor by Chemotherapy

Solid tumors are not just made up of tumor cells; the malignant cells exist in the context of nonmalignant stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and blood vessels. As such, no matter how aggressive, malignant cells also need to learn how to play nice—a tumor’s ability to coexist with nontransformed elements within its microenvironment may be equally important to its growth. Now, Lotti et al. show that resident fibroblasts secretly aid and abet the enemy by directly promoting tumor survival through a paracrine mechanism involving interleukin-17 (IL-17). The surprising twist is that this rogue fibroblast behavior that promotes cancer is potently activated by chemotherapy. By using a coculture system, the authors incubated fibroblasts with human cancer-inducing cells (CICs) in vitro. Isolated fibroblasts had a minimal effect on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity by CICs; however, fibroblasts pretreated with 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and leucovorin, a typical chemotherapy regimen for colon cancer, led to a robust increase in CIC activity. Because this effect was also seen while using conditioned media, cell contact does not appear to be required. Next, the authors performed a series of elegant in vivo experiments with tumor cells coimplanted with fibroblasts into immunocompromised mice. Chemotherapy pretreatment of fibroblasts led to markedly increased tumor volumes and greater cell cycling of isolated tumor cells compared with untreated fibroblasts. Lastly, to identify the mechanism whereby fibroblasts support tumorogenesis, the authors used a 120-cytokine array to identify three candidate cytokines up-regulated by chemotherapy and ultimately showed through both gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro that the IL17/IL-17 receptor system was required and sufficient for fibroblast-induced CIC chemoresistence. This paper illustrates the complex interplay among members of the tumor microenvironment and uncovers an unexpected potential off-target effect of 5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin–based chemotherapy treatment for colorectal cancer. This work provides a proof of principle to study the addition of anti–IL-17 immunomodulation to standard chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer. The larger message is that even therapies with established mechanisms and proven efficacy may have unintended consequences. Thus, the best path to new therapies is often derived from drilling down to fully understand in greater detail both on- and off-target mechanisms of standard treatments. F. Lotti et al. , Chemotherapy activates cancer-associated fibroblasts to maintain colorectal cancer-initiating cells by IL-17A. J. Exp. Med. 13 , 2851–2872 (2013). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://jem.rupress.org/content/210/13/2851
Neural source localization using advanced sensor array signal processing techniques

This paper aims to describe a hybrid technique that combines the feasibility of our recently developed Multiresolution Analysis of Signal Subspace Invariance Technique (MASSIT) [K. Oweiss and D. Anderson, 2001] with the Finite Element Method (FEM) analytic model developed in [D. Anderson et al., 2001] to obtain an accurate localization scheme for neural sources in an extracellular recording environment. The power of the proposed method stems from the fact that robust array signal processing approach is fused with the FEM analysis yielding the closest scenario to practical experimental situations. Results from experimental signal and noise simulated composite are summarized and the overall performance is evaluated.
Intelligent systems in protection engineering

This paper represents an informal overview of the work performed by the working group C-4 of the Power System Relaying Committee (PSRC) of the IEEE power engineering society. The paper is not formally endorsed or approved by PSRC. The author prepared the paper to promote the WG report. The working group C-4 on applications of intelligent systems in protection engineering was formed to continue the activity initiated by the previous working group related to the potential application of expert systems to power system protection. The assignment of the working group C-4 is: "Collect information and review, relative to power system protection, existing applications of intelligent systems. Prepare a report on world-wide applications and their development status".
Prenatal and Early Postnatal Exposure to Ethanol Permanently Alters the Rat Hippocampus

Three separate groups of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were (1) fed a liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories, or (2) pair-fed this diet containing an isocaloric amount of maltose-dextrin instead of ethanol,or (3) fed laboratory chow ad libitum. Their offspring were killed after reaching at least 60 days of age, and their brains were processed with the Timm's or horseradish peroxidase histochemical techniques. Both procedures revealed that intrauterine exposure to ethanol produced a dramatic change in the topography of hippocampal mossy fibres. An aberrant distal infrapyramidal mossy fibre terminal band was present at mid-temporal levels (where it does not normally occur). Pair-fed controls did not show the aberrant band. Rats exposed to ethanol after birth (using an artificial rearing procedure) showed even greater aberrations in the mossy fibre terminal field than rats exposed to ethanol in utero. Thus, postnatal exposure to ethanol (equivalent to the third trimester in the human) produced more striking changes in the mossy fibre terminal field than exposure to ethanol during the entire length of gestation in the rat (equivalent to the first and second trimesters in the human).
A depository health-computer network

Many recent experiences with medical computer systems have clearly shown that the nature of the human/computer interaction remains the critical problem. We suggest that the first step in attacking this problem is the development of a depository health-science network that provides an easy user interface in both information management and in effective inter-user communication.Such a depository network would consist of two types of node: the depository node and the local node. The depository node would be an information centre through which the local nodes would deposit, retrieve and transfer information. The local node would provide computational power and would support the man/machine interface to users. When a local node was approximately self-sufficient, its communication to the outside world would be reduced to a minimum. To achieve a desirable cost/benefit ratio from a local node, a group of users must share one system. However, this system should be small enough for local control, both administrative...
Evaluation of two chemiluminescent immunoassays of ADVIA Centaur for hepatitis B serology markers.

Abstract Background This study evaluated the performance of 2 Bayer Hepatitis B Chemiluminescent Assays by comparing their performance to the corresponding DPC Immulite 2000 assays. Methods 953 samples were tested by both Immulite 2000 and Centaur HBsAg methods; and 75 samples were tested by both Immulite 2000 and Centaur anti-HBc IgM methods. Results The overall agreement between Immulite 2000 and ADVIA Centaur anti-HBc IgM assays was 100%. The agreement between Immulite 2000 and Centaur HBsAg assays was 100% for Immulite 2000 positive samples. The overall agreement for HBsAg negative samples was 99.9% after confirmation result was included. However, discrepancy between the 2 assays was observed in 53 samples which were tested initially as “weakly reactive”(index 1.0–1.95) but were not confirmed subsequently by the neutralization test on Immulite 2000. All 53 samples tested negative by Centaur HBsAg assay at the initial run. Furthermore, one Immulite 2000 HBsAg negative sample was reactive and confirmed by Centaur assay. Conclusions While the performance of Bayer Hepatitis B HBsAg and aHBc IgM assays are in good agreement with corresponding DPC assays, the Bayer HBsAg assay is more efficient than the Immulite 2000 assay with its better separation of signal and background noise, and its complete automation features.
Comparison of Three Alternative ANN Designs for Monthly Rainfall-Runoff Simulation

The performance of three artificial neural network (ANN) designs that account differently for the effects of seasonal rainfall and runoff variations were investigated for monthly rainfall-runoff simulation on an 815 km2 watershed in central Oklahoma. The ANN design that accounted explicitly for seasonal variations of rainfall and runoff performed best by all performance measures. Explicit representation of seasonal variations was achieved by use of a separate ANN for each calendar month. For the three ANN designs tested, a regression of simulated versus measured runoff displayed a slope slightly under 1 and positive intercept, pointing to a tendency of the ANN to underpredict high and overpredict low runoff values.
Protective effects of cruciferous seed meals and hulls against colon cancer in mice.

Abstract Protective effects of diets containing cruciferous seed meals or hulls against chemically-induced colon tumors were examined in male CF1 mice. When commercial crambe meal, autolyzed crambe meal, crambe hulls, high glucosinolate rapeseed meal, or canola meal were fed as 12% of the diets of mice injected with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, 25–80% of the animals developed colon tumors. Animals fed a soybean meal control diet had a 100% tumor rate. Data suggest that cruciferous seed meals may contain a number of compounds that can exert protective effects against tumor formation and growth.
On the performance of a new 802.11-based low latency power control MAC protocol for ad-hoc networks

In this paper, we propose a new IEEE 802.11-based MAC protocol for ad hoc networks. The protocol incorporates multiple transmit power options in the MAC layer by letting stations adaptively select the transmit power, and thus vary the coverage area. It is shown that the protocol is capable of improving network latency, which is a fundamental QoS measure. The latency reduction factor is more than two under low and moderate load conditions, and close to one at high offered loads, when compared to the standard IEEE 802.11 DCF MAC protocol. This reduction in latency is achieved with almost no decrease in network throughput.
The Structure of Pyridine Coenzymes as Related to Binding

Investigations in our laboratory as well as by others have been directed towards an understanding of the nature of the interaction between the pyridine nucleotides and the various proteins for which they serve as coenzymes. A number of approaches have been applied to such studies which include the use of coenzyme analogues, fluorescence techniques, kinetic measurements, and more recently, x-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. We have attempted to ascertain what role the various groupings of the coenzymes play in the binding as well as endeavoring to correlate the conformation of the nucleotides to their enzymatic activities. In the present paper, we would like to summarize briefly some of our more recent observations as well as to record our present views regarding the relationship of structure of the coenzyme to their binding characteristics.
Studies of cytochrome synthesis in rat liver.

Abstract The incorporation of radioactive amino acids and of δ-amino[2,3-3H2]laevulinate into rat liver cytochromes b5 and c and cytochrome oxidase has been examined with and without protein-synthesis inhibitors. Cycloheximide promptly inhibits labelling of both haem and protein for cytochrome c in parallel fashion. Although incorporation of 14C-labelled amino acid into microsomal cytochrome b5 is also rapidly inhibited, cycloheximide incompletely inhibits haem labelling of cytochrome b5 and cytochrome a+a3, and inhibition occurs only after repeated antibiotic injections. The possibility of apo-protein pools, or of haem exchange, with a rapidly renewed `free' haem pool, is considered. Consistent with this model is the observation of non-enzymic haem exchange in vitro between cytochrome b5 and methaemoglobin. Chloramphenicol, injected intravenously over 5h, results in a 20–40% decrease in incorporation of δ-amino[2,3-3H2]laevulinate into haem a+a3 and haem of cytochromes b5 and c. With the dosage schedule of chloramphenicol studied, amino acid labelling of total liver protein and of cytochrome c was not inhibited. Similarly, ferrochelatase activity was not decreased.
COMPARISON OF PRESSURE AND STAFF WAVE GAGE RECORDS

Simultaneous records from two pressure gages located at different depths, a step-resistance relay gage, and a continuous-wire staff gage have been collected at Atlantic City, N J Spectra and cross-spectra are computed using the Fast Fourier Transform Algorithm (FFT) method proposed by Cooley and Tukey Individual harmonics of the pressure energy spectra are compensated for pressure attenuation according to classical theory Results indicate better agreement is obtained between the wave height and the spectra computed from the compensated pressure gages and those computed from the continuous-wire staff gage than between the two surface gages Values of coherences are near 98 in the energy-containing part of the spectrum, and are always larger for the pressure-continuous wire staff cases than for the two surface gages which are displaced from each other only 12 feet m the horizontal.
Therapeutic effect of flax-based diets on fatty liver in aged laying hens

This study examined the ability of flax-based ingredients to attenuate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD: ) in aged laying hens-a novel and more physiologically relevant model of human disease. Our results showed only hens supplemented with whole flaxseed ( WFX: ) reduced steatosis and hepatocellular ballooning. Serum AST was also reduced in hens provided WFX and defatted flaxseed meal ( DFM: ). Hepatic ω-3 PUFA enrichment was improved with supplementation of WFX, DFM, and flaxseed oil ( FXO: ). However, this effect was more evident in the WFX group. In contrast, transcript abundance of genes linked to NAFLD were predominantly modified with FXO supplementation. Taken together, our data indicate a potential synergistic relationship between the fatty acid and lignan content in flaxseed which attenuated the progression of NAFLD in aged laying hens. Although more research is necessary, these findings demonstrate the potential use of whole flaxseed for the treatment and prevention of NAFLD in humans.
Investigation of mechanisms of yttrium-induced effects on growth rate and adherence of protective oxide scales at high temperatures

Examen de l'influence de l'yttrium sur la vitesse de croissance et l'adherence des couches de chromine et d'alumine sur les alliages. Caracterisation detaillee des couches d'oxyde. Evaluation critique des mecanismes d'action de l'yttrium sur le comportement de la couche d'oxyde et proposition de mecanismes additionnels
Spider wasps of Colorado (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae): an annotated checklist

One hundred forty-three species of Pompilidae are recorded from Colorado, slightly more than half the number occurring north of Mexico. Some of these occur principally at higher altitudes or in the northern part of the state; this group includes 5 species of Holarctic distribution. Others (such as the tarantula hawks, Pepsis ) are prevalent across the southern third of the state and range south into New Mexico and often into Mexico. Still others are widely distributed wherever there is friable soil and suitable for nesting. Certain genera are more or less restricted to preying upon certain spider taxa, while others are generalists and a few are cleptoparasites of other Pompilidae.
Method for an Energy-oriented Production Control

Abstract Increasing energy costs as well as a growing awareness for sustainability are challenging companies to use energy more efficiently. Therefore, a company's production planning and control strategies have to be adapted. This paper presents a method for a short-term production control which aims to synchronize the energy demand in manufacturing with a limited energy supply. The method treats electric energy as a limited production capacity where load profiles for manufacturing are predetermined and integrates load management into the production control in order to minimize energy costs.
The impact of interventions on provider and treatment delays in head and neck cancer patients.

e16052 Background: Diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) involves a multidisciplinary approach. Navigation at a public hospital can be difficult and lead to d...
uPAR Targeted SPECT imaging probes for detection of breast cancer

1520 Objectives Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its cell surface receptor (uPAR) are over-expressed in breast cancer as well as in several other human cancers and play an important role in tumor growth, metastasis and cancer prognosis. The goal of this project was to develop 99mTc labeled uPAR-targeted radiotracers as potential tumor-targeted imaging probes for non-invasive in vivo imaging of breast cancer. Methods Two small peptides, a C-terminal His6-tagged amino terminal fragment (ATF, ~17kDa), known to be uPAR specific, and an N-terminal NTA-nine-mer peptide (AE105, 1.4 kDa), an uPAR antagonist, were radiolabeled with [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+ produced via an IsoLink kit. 99mTc-ATF was purified by centrifugal ultrafiltration and its 99mTc labeling was confirmed using a 15% SDS-PAGE gel with exposure to radiographic film overnight at 4°C; 99mTc-AE105 was isolated by HPLC. Stability of both radiotracers was determined in PBS buffer pH 7.4 and with histidine challenge; in vitro uptake of 99mTc-ATF in human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 that represent a high level of uPAR expression and T47D that has a very low or negative level of uPAR, was also measured. Results Both radiotracers were stable at PBS buffer pH 7.4 for 24 h and no significant re-oxidation, ligand exchange or decomposition were observed even at a 1000-fold molar excess of histidine for 6 h at room temperature. 99mTc-ATF activity was detected at the 17 kDa location, which corresponds to the size of the ATF-peptide. Binding of 99mTc-ATF peptide to the uPAR positive MDA-MB-231 cancer cells was 2.6 fold higher than that binding to uPAR negative T47D cells showing that 99mTc-ATF retains specificity. In-vitro cell binding of 99mTc-AE105 needs to be assessed. Conclusions 99mTc radiolabeling of small uPAR binding peptides provides a potentially versatile route to the development of tumor-targeting probes. Research Support This work was supported by the NIH grant 1P50 CA128301
On Spherical Modules

Let L be a group, V a finite dimensional complex vector space and φ : L → GL(V) a representation. Let us denote by S’(V) the ring of all polynomial functions on V; clearly L acts on S’(V). The main problem of the classical invariant theory can be phrased as follows: To find explicitly all the L-invariant polynomial functions on V.
Genetic Mouse Models for Female Reproductive Toxicology Studies

The incidence of reproductive problems such as infertility and cancers in women has increased at an alarming rate, particularly in developed countries. One potential cause of the rising incidence of reproductive problems is exposure to by-products of industrialization such as man-made chemicals and additives. These man-made chemicals could mimic or interfere with reproductive hormones and their functions, therefore leading to reproductive disorders. In addition, certain populations could be more susceptible to particular types of man-made chemicals due to genetic polymorphisms. The advancement of transgenic technology in mice over the past decade has brought the field of reproductive toxicology to a critical crossroad. These genetic models create unique opportunities for reproductive toxicologists to explore questions that could never before be imagined. To take full advantage of the power of these genetic models, a basic understanding of both female reproduction and the strengths and limitations of the genetic models is necessary. It is hoped that this article will trigger interest in and promote better use of transgenic mouse models in female reproductive toxicology.
Practice patterns in the management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage: An American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology survey

Abstract Objectives To evaluate practice patterns amongst pediatric otolaryngologists in the management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Methods A cross-sectional survey of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology membership was administered electronically. The survey contained questions related to practice type, availability of resident and fellow call coverage, and management of different scenarios of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Anonymous responses were collected and tabulated. Results The response rate was 157/443 (35%). For patients presenting with a convincing history of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage but no clot or bleeding on exam, the most common management was overnight observation (55%) or discharge home with close follow-up (29%). In patients presenting with tonsillar clot but no active bleeding, the most common management was operating room for control (50%), followed by observation (25%) and bedside topical treatment (13%). In the same scenario with a cooperative teenager, bedside topical treatment was most common (45%), followed by operating room for control (27%) and observation (16%). In patients presenting with active tonsillar bleeding, operating room for control was most common (83%) while few (6%) attempted bedside treatment. If the patient was a cooperative teenager, 38% attempted bedside treatment while 52% would still go to the operating room. Conclusions There is substantial variation in the management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage amongst the pediatric otolaryngologists. Further studies to determine outcomes associated with differing treatment strategies would be useful in establishing practice recommendations.
The impact of bladder preparation protocols on post treatment toxicity in radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer patients

Abstract Objective This study compares the post radiotherapy related toxicity between the use of an empty and a full bladder preparation protocol in patients receiving radical radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer. Methods and materials A retrospective review of patient treatment records in which they were treated with a standard radiotherapy schedule (60Gy/20 fractions) to prostates and base of seminal vesicles only and followed two different bladder preparation (empty and full) protocols was carried out. This included each patient's daily image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) setup, treatment time, bladder size on planning computed tomography, organs at risk dose volume histograms (OAR DVHs) and 12 months post treatment gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity data. Results 20 patients were included. There were significant differences in IGRT setup between the two groups. Although treatment times of the two groups were not significantly different, 5/200 (2.5%) sessions were longer than 20 min in the full bladder group while this was not found in the other group. Associations between bladder preparation protocols and GI (p = 1.0) and GU (p = 0.6) toxicities were not statistically significant. The bladder size on planning CT was not significantly correlated to the GI (R = 0.06, p = 0.8) or GU (R = 0.27, p = 0.3) toxicity scores. No significant differences were found in OAR DVHs between patients with and without GI and GU toxicities. No grade 3/4 toxicities were reported. Conclusion The empty bladder preparation approach has non-inferior acute and intermediate post RT GI and GU toxicities in patients treated for localised prostate cancer with advanced radiotherapy techniques compared to the full bladder preparation.
The Chulmun Period of Korea: Current Findings and Discourse on Korean Neolithic Culture

The Chulmun culture, documented by over 870 sites across the Korean Peninsula, presents a long-standing Neolithic cultural niche construction from the early Holocene. This chapter draws an inter-woven narrative on cultural, social, and economic changes by reviewing current data and debates on the Chulmun time frame, emergence and subsequent development of food production, social organization, settlement patterns, exchange networks, and ideological, ritual practice. Recent findings of vessels on Cheju Island push the onset of the Neolithic to as early as 10,000 BP, and a series of well-defined carbon dates put the boundary with the subsequent Bronze (or Mumun) period around 3500 cal. BP. Foxtail and broomcorn millets, crops of the Yellow River origin, reached as far as the southeastern peninsula during the Initial Neolithic phase, not much later than their initial appearance in the early Neolithic Xinglongwa culture of northeast China. A wide spread of crops and materials documents long-distance relations within and beyond Korea, particularly visible in the Middle Neolithic phase. An ebb and flow of settlement sizes and numbers throughout the Neolithic generate several assumptions on population movements. The presence of goods obtained through long-distance trades and symbolic ornaments in selective burials indicate at least the recognition of an achieved status distinction of sorts. Mortuary rituals may indicate both marine-related cult and agriculturally oriented communal ceremony.
Increased Virulence of an Encapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae Upon Expression of Pneumococcal Surface Protein K

Background Current Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccines selectively target capsular polysaccharide of specific serotypes, leading to an increase in nonencapsulated S. pneumoniae (NESp). Cocolonization by encapsulated pneumococci and NESp increases the opportunity for intraspecies genetic exchange. Acquisition of NESp genes by encapsulated pneumococci could alter virulence and help vaccine-targeted serotypes persist in the host. Methods Adhesion and invasion assays were performed using immortalized human pharyngeal or lung epithelial cells. In vivo models assessing murine nasopharyngeal colonization and pneumonia, as well as chinchilla otitis media (OM), were also used. Results Pneumococcal surface protein K (PspK) expression increased encapsulated pneumococcal adhesion and invasion of lung cells and enhanced virulence during pneumonia and OM. Additionally, PspK increased nasopharyngeal colonization, persistence in the lungs, and persistence in the middle ear when expressed in a capsule deletion mutant. Competition experiments demonstrated encapsulated pneumococci expressing PspK also had a selective advantage in both the lungs and nasopharynx. Conclusions PspK increases pneumococcal virulence during pneumonia and OM. PspK also partially compensates for loss of virulence in the absence of capsule. Additionally, PspK provides a selective advantage in a competitive environment. Therefore, acquisition of PspK increases encapsulated virulence in a condition-dependent manner. Together, these studies demonstrate risks associated with pneumococcal intraspecies genetic exchange.
The Widening Racial Wealth Gap in the United States after the Great Recession

African-Americans consistently have a lot less wealth than whites. This impedes their economic mobility as they have fewer resources to start a business, pay for their children’s education and move...
Antecedents and Consequences of Student-Athletes’ Contentment With Academic Services

The purpose of this study sought to investigate factors that influence student-athletes’ satisfaction with academic services within athletics departments. Additionally, we examined the relationship between student-athletes’ satisfaction and academic performance (i.e., GPA). A total of 226 NCAA Division I student-athletes from a Midwestern university competing in a mid-major conference participated. A survey consisting of 22 questions was created to assess the satisfaction of the four major factors (facilities, staff, tutoring, and advising programs) of academic advising services. Results revealed that student-athletes were satisfied with academic services, but satisfaction differed among class levels, with freshman athletes reporting lower levels of satisfaction than junior and senior athletes. Additional results showed that facilities and staff have significant influences on student-athletes’ satisfaction with academic services. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between student-athletes’ ...
An ideally viscoplastic analysis of shock profiles

In previous work the authors have shown examples of the concept of ideal viscoplasticity applied to the analysis of rate sensitive material response. The aim of these idealizations has been to generate reasonably simple solutions that exhibit the essential features found experimentally. In this paper a closed form solution is developed for the problem of a shock wave propagating without change of shape. A very simple approximate expression is found that is in excellent agreement with the exact solution, and simple approximations are obtained for the largest strain rate and the shock thickness. The solution implies that dislocation behavior rather than non-linearity in the material pressure, volume relation is primarily responsible for the decrease of shock thickness with impact intensity.
Stranger in a strange land: reflections on my first medical relief mission.

The camp had been christened Balakot Hospital, a glorious name for an altogether inglorious collection of canvas tents and steel operating containers that was the center of a spreading field of refugee tents marked "UNHCR" or "Iran Red Crescent." Before the earthquake, our camp had been the science high school for this small Northern Pakistani town nestled on the border of Punjab and Kashmir. A small secluded courtyard in the middle of the college was still beautiful, despite the surrounding destruction. In the silence of the early morning, I would walk alone through the courtyard as if it were a museum, looking into rooms exposed by ruined walls and a collapsed roof. With stunning similarity to the ruins of Pompeii, the little wooden desks and twisted metal bedframes that survived made it easy to imagine the lives the students had led. I recognized formulas scrawled on the chalkboard and read the elementary English penciled into a small black composition book. Although a new life pulsed outside the walls of the college, the immediacy of the past was a chilling reminder that this museum was merely three weeks old. The foggy dawn at Balakot Hospital is one of many vivid scenes seared in my memory from a medical relief mission to Pakistan after the earthquake of 2005, a journey I never expected but had yearned to make. Disaster relief is not a spectator sport, but my progression through medical school toward emergency medicine residency contributed to increasing restlessness as I watched the Indonesian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts from the televised sideline. There was always some excuse to stay home, but desire and opportunity collided in October 2005. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the border of Pakistani Kashmir and Punjab, a mere 300 miles from where I spent a summer baking in the heat at an Indian hospital for a summer research project. One week later, an e-mail was sent to all Yale medical students seeking volunteers for a medical relief team led by a Pakistani Yale professor. Twenty students replied, but only three fourth-year students, future Emergency Medicine residents, were chosen. The excitement was overwhelming; whether preparing a personal medical kit that I would eventually conclude was full of flashy but relatively useless items or breaking the news to Mom, I spent every waking minute immersed in the journey. However, when I finally stepped onto the tarmac at Islamabad International, I realized I had neglected an important question: Now that I was there, what was I actually going to do? Being a medical student is often synonymous with being underestimated, and being both a stranger and a student on the mission seemed to prognosticate difficulty. I had dreams of needle thoracostomy by moonlight and fears of following yet another doctor around like a puppy, and I wondered just where reality would lie. Realizing this may be a common concern among strangers to medical relief, I would like to share some suggestions in finding a fulfilling role on one's first medical relief mission.
Mitohormesis in Mice via Sustained Basal Activation of Mitochondrial and Antioxidant Signaling

Transient mitochondrial stress can promote beneficial physiological responses and longevity, termed "mitohormesis." To interrogate mitohormetic pathways in mammals, we generated mice in which mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) can be knocked down in an inducible and reversible manner (iSOD2-KD mice). Depleting SOD2 only during embryonic development did not cause post-natal lethality, allowing us to probe adaptive responses to mitochondrial oxidant stress in adult mice. Liver from adapted mice had increased mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant gene expression and fewer reactive oxygen species. Gene expression analysis implicated non-canonical activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant and PPARγ/PGC-1α mitochondrial signaling pathways in this response. Transient SOD2 knockdown in embryonic fibroblasts from iSOD2-KD mice also resulted in adaptive mitochondrial changes, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and resistance to a subsequent oxidant challenge. We propose that mitohormesis in response to mitochondrial oxidative stress in mice involves sustained activation of mitochondrial and antioxidant signaling pathways to establish a heightened basal antioxidant state.
An ICP-MS platform for metal content assessment of cell culture media and evaluation of spikes in metal concentration on the quality of an IgG3:κ monoclonal antibody during production.

Abstract Metal ions can be enzyme cofactors and can directly influence the kinetics of biochemical reactions that also influence the biological production and quality attributes of therapeutic proteins, such as glycan formation and distribution. However, the concentrations of metals in commercially available chemically defined media can range from 1 to 25,000 ppb. Because such concentration changes can impact cell growth, manufacturing yield and product quality the alteration/fluctuation in media composition should be well controlled to maintain product quality. Here, we describe a platform of analytical methods to determine the composition of several metals in different sample matrices using an advanced automated Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). These methods, validated to ICH Q2R1 regulatory validation parameters, were successfully applied to- (a) screen cell culture media; (b) determine changes in the metal concentration during cell growth in spinner flasks, and, (c) determine effect on the glycosylation pattern and homogeneity of an IgG3:κ produced from a murine-hybridoma cell line in bench-top parallel bioreactors due to a spike in copper and iron concentration. Our results show that maintenance of metal content in the cell culture media is critical for product consistency of the IgG3:κ produced.
Sequential Acceleration Tests with Pressure Cooker Test (PCT) and UV for Backsheets of PV Modules

Abstract The long-term reliability of backsheets for photovoltaic (PV) modules in floating systems are important due to the higher ultraviolet (UV) reflection from the water surface and the higher humidity in reservoirs or lakes. However, single tests over a long time, such as UV tests or damp heat (DH) tests for backsheets, cannot reproduce outdoor failures such as micro-cracks. Therefore, sequential acceleration tests for photovoltaic modules have been proposed, which combine DH and UV tests to reproduce multi-environment stresses. Nevertheless, DH tests usually take up to 1000–3000 h to cause degradation effects. Therefore, a pressure cooker test (PCT) is also considered as a substitute for extended DH tests since it provides test conditions with higher humidity and temperature. In this work, DH tests or PCT (121 °C /100 %Rh, 100 h), combined with UV tests, are adopted to investigate three different kinds of backsheets. The accelerated-aging test results according to different sequential test conditions are compared. The yellowing index change, peeling test, and cross-section of backsheets are also measured to evaluate the degree of degradation for different kinds of backsheets. Our results show that micro-cracks could be reproduced in sequential tests with PCT for one kind of backsheet while the other kind of backsheet did not change. This may provide an indicator to evaluate the durability of backsheets for the floating PV system application quickly.
A PRESSING ISSUE: AN ODD MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN A MAN WITH AN UNKNOWN CONGENITAL DEFECT

Patients born with congenital heart defects can present later in life with very unique problems. This report describes one such patient. A 38 year-old man with an unknown congenital heart defect presented to an outside hospital with chest pain. He was subsequently diagnosed with a non-ST elevation
Editorial: North Pacific Environment and Paleoclimate from the Late Pleistocene to Present

The vast area of the North Pacific, spanning ~55° longitude, represents a challenge for documenting and understanding the geologic history of ocean, atmosphere, and terrestrial environmental change. This special issue highlights site-specific analyses to address various questions and provides clues that arise in response to continued North Pacific warming today in a rapidly changing climate (Figure 1). The emergence of new methods and novel application of existing methods serve to enhance our fundamental understanding of natural modes of climate variability driven by ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns, including the role of external (e.g., insolation) vs. internal forcing [e.g., El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)]. Included in this volume are geographically diverse studies that present new and traditional methods for the interpretation of climate records drawn from pollen, macrofossils, tree rings, diatoms, grain size, and glacial studies. Many provide new geographic comparisons, such as Kamchatka and Hawaii, or emerge from novel geologic archives and environments, such as the marine shelf, a thermokarst lake, and a fossil forest.