cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel anastomotic approach to fillet flaps of the lower extremity

Abstract Lower extremity fillet flaps are occasionally used for coverage of complex defects following external hemipelvectomy. When performed as a free flap, soft tissue from the lower leg is typically harvested with the popliteal or distal femoral vessels and transferred to the pelvis for anastomosis with the ipsilateral pelvic vessels. If the ipsilateral pelvic vessels are unavailable, the aorta, inferior vena cava (IVC), or contralateral pelvic vessels may be required. The use of a lower extremity free fillet flap when none of these vessels are available has not been previously described. In this case report, we describe a novel modification to a lower extremity free fillet flap when typical recipient vessels are unavailable. A patient with pelvic osteosarcoma with tumor thrombus extending into the pelvic vessels and IVC was treated with external hemipelvectomy, hemisacrectomy, and resection of involved vessels. A classic lower extremity free fillet flap was planned for reconstruction but required modification due to absence of suitable recipient vessels in the pelvis. The flap harvest included the full length of the femoral vessels, which were passed through a subcutaneous tunnel in the chest and anastomosed to the ipsilateral axillary vessels. The patient tolerated the procedure and the flap provided durable coverage. Further research is required to characterize the indications and limitations of this novel modification of lower extremity fillet flaps.
Autonomous Vehicle Evaluation: A Comprehensive Survey on Modeling and Simulation Approaches

In recent years, autonomous vehicles (AVs), which observe the driving environment and lead a few or all of the driving tasks, have garnered tremendous success. The field of AVs has been rapidly developing and has found many applications. As a safety requirement established by policymakers, these vehicles must be evaluated before their deployment. The evaluation process for AVs is challenging because crashes are rare events, and AVs can escape passing predefined test scenarios. Therefore, capturing crashes and creating real test scenarios should be considered in order to develop an evaluation approach that represents real-world scenarios. One evaluation approach is based on the naturalistic field operational test (N-FOT), in which prototype AVs are driven on roads by volunteers or test engineers. Unfortunately, this approach is time-consuming and costly because thousands of miles need to be driven to experience a police-reported collision and nearly millions of miles for a fatal crash. Another approach is the accelerated evaluation method. The core idea of the accelerated evaluation approach is to modify the statistics of naturalistic driving so that safety-critical events are emphasized. This paper presents a brief survey of the advances that have occurred in the area of the evaluation of partially or fully autonomous vehicles, starting with naturalistic field operational tests (N-FOTs). The review covers the test matrix evaluation, worst-case scenario evaluation (WCSE), Monte Carlo simulations, and accelerated evaluation (AE). We also present all the simulation-based and agent-based modeling approaches that do not follow any evaluation protocol listed above. This study provides a scientific analysis of each evaluation techniques, focusing on their advantages/disadvantages, inherent restrictions, practicability, and optimality. The results reveal that the accelerated evaluation approach outperforms naturalistic field operational tests (N-FOTs), test matrix evaluation, worst-case scenario evaluation (WCSE), and Monte Carlo simulation methods in some of the car-following and lane-change studies when using specific models. Moreover, the agent-based model and augmented and virtual reality approaches show promising results in AV evaluation. Furthermore, integrating machine and deep learning into the available AV evaluation methods can improve their performance and generate encouraging outcomes.
Gene Therapy: Efforts at Developing Large Animal Models for Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant and Gene Transfer with Retroviral Vectors

Two new large animal models, non-human primates and fetal sheep, have been developed in an effort to determine the feasibility of using retroviruses for gene therapy. The retroviral vectors N2 and SAX have been used to introduce the genes for neomycin phosphotransferase (neoR, conferring resistance to the antibiotic G418) and human adenosine deaminase (ADA; EC 3.5.4.17), respectively. Varying levels of human ADA activity have been detected in six of the eight SAX-treated monkeys analysed. In the monkey with the greatest activity, human ADA levels approximately 0.5% of endogenous monkey ADA levels were detected. By in situ hybridization, roughly one in 100 bone marrow cells were found to express vector DNA. Sheep have been used for studies of the infectability of fetal blood progenitors in vivo. Blood cells were treated with the N2 vector at the 96th day of gestation, and marrow cells were assayed for the presence of G418-resistant haematopoietic progenitors, starting from one week after birth (62 days after treatment). Up to 33% of colony-forming progenitors were drug resistant initially and, although the proportion of resistant colony-forming units declined, a level of 10% has been found 153 days after transplantation. Human bone marrow has also been treated with the N2 vector, resulting in 1-2% G418-resistant progenitors.
Scheduling Program Task Graphs on MIMD Architectures

Scheduling is a mapping of parallel tasks onto a set of physical processors and a determination of the starting time of each task. In this paper, we discuss several static scheduling techniques used for distributed memory architectures. We also give an overview of a software system PYRROS [38] that uses the scheduling algorithms to generate parallel code for message passing architectures.
DNA strand transfer reactions catalyzed by vaccinia topoisomerase I.

Vaccinia virus DNA topoisomerase I forms a 3'-phosphoryl intermediate with duplex DNAs containing the conserved binding/cleavage motif 5'CCCTT decreases. Covalently bound enzyme is capable of transferring the incised DNA strand to a heterologous DNA acceptor containing a 5'OH terminus. Both intramolecular and intermolecular religation reactions are catalyzed. Intramolecular strand transfer occurs to the noncleaved strand of the DNA duplex and results in formation of a hairpin loop. Intermolecular religation to an exogenous DNA strand is favored over hairpin formation and requires the potential for base pairing between the acceptor and the noncleaved strand of the donor complex. As few as 4 potential base pairs are sufficient to support intermolecular transfer. These results in vitro are consistent with the proposal that vaccinia topoisomerase can catalyze sequence-specific strand transfer during genetic recombination in vivo (Shuman, S. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 10104-10108.).
Addressing Homophobia and Heterosexism in the Mental Health Classroom

SUMMARY Homophobia and heterosexism among mental health students is addressed through recognizing the intersubjective nature of the instructor-student relationships in the classroom. Theories about human behavior and clinical practice often present heterosexist views that go unchallenged. Unexamined views and prejudices can impact group dynamics and stir internalized homophobia within the sexual minority instructor or student. This article applies an intersubjective perspective to classroom vignettes, and it invites the educator to examine his or her theories and unconscious views as a precursor to providing an open learning environment for discussion and critique.
Spline Regression Models

1. General Introduction 2. Introduction to Spline Models 3. Splines with Known Knot Locations 4. Splines with Unknown Knot Locations 5. Splines with an Unknown Number of Knots 6. Summary and Conclusions
A new specimen of Chasmosaurus belli (Ornithischia: Ceratopsidae), a revision of the genus, and the utility of postcrania in the taxonomy and systematics of ceratopsid dinosaurs

A previously undescribed chasmosaurine specimen excavated in 1919-1920 by William Cutler from the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta, Canada is referable to Chasmosaurus belli . The specimen comprises an almost complete skull in which, uniquely among Chasmosaurus, the cranial elements are disarticulated, allowing detailed examination of their morphology for the first time. The complete braincase is present and allows comparison with the braincase of other ceratopsians. The specimen also preserves an uncrushed and undistorted postcranium, including cervical, dorsal and sacral vertebrae and limb elements. The vertebral column of Chasmosaurus has never previously been described in detail, and NHMUK R4948 affords the opportunity to examine it because of the unparalleled state of vertebral preservation. A proliferation of new chasmosaurine genera has recently been described; many of them differ from each other only in details of frill and epiparietal morphology. Several of these are based on specimens previously referred to Chasmosaurus . As a result, the characters that distinguish Chasmosaurus from other Campanian chasmosaurines are unclear. However, the genus Chasmosaurus and species within the genus are diagnosable and valid based on unique combinations of characters and frill morphology. Detailed examination of the postcranial morphology of a variety of centrosaurines and chasmosaurines has highlighted previously undescribed synapomorphies for the two major ceratopsid clades, concentrated in the pectoral girdle and forelimb. Inconsistencies in the vertebral formula of specimens referred to Chasmosaurus belli suggests that the postcrania of ceratopsids may vary between species and genera far more than previously thought, and that postcranial characters should be incorporated into phylogenetic and taxonomic studies.
Monitoring electron and proton diffusion flux through three-dimensional, paper-based, variable biofilm and liquid media layers.

The goal of this work is to pursue analytical approaches that elucidate electron and proton diffusion inside the Shewanella oneidensis biofilm and bulk liquid, which will inevitably promote the translation of Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology for renewable, “green energy” solutions that are in demand to sustain the world's ever-increasing energy demands and to mitigate the depletion of current resources. This study provides a novel strategy for monitoring electron/proton fluxes in 3-D multi-laminate structures of paper as a scaffold to support S. oneidensis biofilms and bulk media liquid. Multiple layers of paper containing bacterial cells and/or media are stacked to form a layered 3-D model of the overall biofilm/bulk liquid construct. Mass transport of electrons and protons into this 3-D system can be quantified along with the exploration of microbial energy production. Assembly of a 3D paper stack can be modular and allows us to control the thickness of the overall biofilm/bulk liquid construct with the different diffusion distances of the electrons/protons through the stack. By measuring the current generated from the 3-D stack, the electron and proton diffusivity through biofilms were quantitatively investigated. We found that (i) the diffusion length of the electrons/protons in the S. oneidensis biofilm/bulk liquid is a determinant factor for the MFC performance, (ii) the electron transfer through the endogenous mediators of S. oneidensis can be a more critical factor to limit the current/power generation of the MFCs than the proton transfer in the MFC system and (iii) the thicker biofilm allows higher and longer current generation but requires more time to reach a peak current value and increases the total energy loss of the MFC system.
Discharge destination from an acute care for the elderly (ACE) unit.

Older adults age 65 and over account for a disproportional number of hospital stays and discharges compared to other age groups. The objective of this paper is to describe placement and characteristics of older patients discharged from an acute care for the elderly (ACE) unit. The study sample consists of 1,351 men and women aged 65 years or older that were discharged from the ACE Unit during a 12-month period. The mean number of discharges per month was 109.2 ± 28.4. Most of the subjects were discharged home or home with home health 841, 62.3%. The oldest elderly and patients who had been admitted from long term care institutions or from skilled nursing facilities to the ACE unit were less likely to return to home.
Subverting Regulatory Protection of ‘Natural Commodities’: The Prunus Africana in Madagascar

This article explores the contradictions that have emerged along the commodity chain of the endangered medicinal tree Prunus africana in Madagascar. The study provides a unique opportunity to build on theories of access, highlighting in particular the themes of social relations, culture and power in mediating access to natural resources and benefits that derive from commercialization. Commodity chain analysis is employed to illustrate that property rights, based solely on formal rights, legal claims or customary rights to ‘natural commodities’ are insufficient to measure who is able to gain and maintain access to the species. The results show that power, regulation and exclusion have a much greater impact on who is able to tap into the benefits of P. africana commercialization. This article illustrates how extraction firms in Madagascar have over the years finessed their way, through ‘green conditionalities’ or conservation concessions, into continued extraction of P. africana — all in the face of widespread regulation
Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Biaryls Using a Modified Suzuki Cross-Coupling: 4-Biphenylcarboxaldehyde

Synthesis of unsymmetrical biaryls using a modified suzuki cross-coupling: 4-biphenylcarboxaldehyde product: 4-biphenylcarboxaldehyde Keywords: coupling; metal-catalyzed reactions, palladium
Mesa Grande: a methodological analysis of clinical trials of treatments for alcohol use disorders.

Aim A 3-year update with 59 new controlled trials is provided for the ongoing Mesa Grande project reviewing clinical trials of treatments for alcohol use disorders. The project summarizes the current evidence for various treatment approaches, weighting findings differentially according to the methodological strength of each study. Design The review includes 361 controlled studies that (1) evaluated at least one treatment for alcohol use disorders, (2) compared it with an alternative condition (such as a control group, a placebo, a brief intervention or an alternative treatment), (3) used a procedure designed to create equivalent groups before treatment and (4) reported at least one outcome measure of drinking or alcohol-related consequences. Studies were rated by two reviewers on 12 methodological criteria, and outcome logic was analyzed for the specific treatment modalities tested. Findings Methodological quality of studies was significantly but modestly correlated with the reporting of a specific effect of treatment. Among psychosocial treatments, strongest evidence of efficacy was found for brief interventions, social skills training, the community reinforcement approach, behavior contracting, behavioral marital therapy and case management. For the first time, two pharmacotherapies also appeared among the most strongly supported approaches: opiate antagonists (naltrexone, nalmefene) and acamprosate. Least supported were methods designed to educate, confront, shock or foster insight regarding the nature and causes of alcoholism. Conclusions Treatment methods differ substantially in apparent efficacy. It would be sensible to consider these differences in designing and funding treatment programs.
CNI: Compelled Nonuse of Information

Purpose: The study reported in this paper reviewed the literatures of information science, psychology, sociology, political science, education, and communication science to analyze Compelled Nonuse of Information (CNI). This study of a behavior defined by its absence (i.e., the not using of information) involved the development of a methodology consisting of an iterative performance of a nine-step heuristic leading to a retroductive recognition of absence, here termed RRA. Principal results: The study concluded with a hierarchical taxonomy of the mechanisms that compel a person not to use information. The six primary mechanisms are:1.Intrinsic somatic (bodily) conditions 2.Socio-environmental barriers 3.Authoritarian controls 4.Threshold knowledge shortfall 5.Attention shortfall 6.Information filtering. Major conclusions: The resultant taxonomy of CNI appears here as a comprehensive checklist with which information workers such as the teacher, librarian, advertiser, politician, or health care professional can respond efficiently and effectively to situations of nonuse of information. For example, a teacher might ask: ''Why are students not responding to what I present?'' Further, the social implications of any compelled behavior touch the very basis of the social contract, and this paper presents a first step toward understanding the compelled aspects of CNI.
Rosiglitazone treatment increases nitric oxide production in human peripheral skin: a controlled clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of micro- and macrovascular complications, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance have been strongly associated with reduced vascular reactivity in T2DM. We investigated the effect of the insulin-sensitizing antidiabetic agent rosiglitazone at a dose level of 8 mg/day on in vivo skin nitric oxide (NO) production and blood flow in the foot in a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover to open-label, single-blind study in patients with T2DM. NO production was assessed using an amperometric meter inserted directly into the skin. Skin perfusion was studied using laser Doppler techniques in response to local warming. Ten patients completed the study. NO production was significantly increased by rosiglitazone compared with baseline after 8–16 weeks of treatment (from 61.6±13.5 to 85.3±6.4 nM, P<.05 in response to warming). Fasting serum C-peptide levels were significantly reduced (P<.05) compared with baseline following rosiglitazone (4.78±1.19 ng/dl at Week 2 compared with 3.63±0.72 ng/dl after rosiglitazone treatment at Week 16), correlating inversely (r=−.65, P=.08) with the increase in NO production. Skin perfusion increased after 16 weeks of rosiglitazone treatment (P=ns). This is the first study to show that rosiglitazone attenuates the effects of T2DM on NO production, a marker of endothelial function, in vivo. This provides further evidence for the beneficial effects of rosiglitazone on nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors associated with T2DM.
Downregulating DR6 to drive remyelination

To repair the immune-mediated demyelination that occurs in people with multiple sclerosis, strategies to enhance remyelination are being considered as a possible therapy. A new study shows that inhibition of death receptor 6 (DR6) signaling increases the maturation and survival of oligodendrocytes, thus promoting remyelination in rodent models of demyelination (pages 816–821). Blocking DR6 might provide new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of demyelinating diseases.
Pelargonic acid in enhanced oil recovery

Oxidation of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as erucic and oleic acids, results in the formation of dibasic fatty acids, such as brassylic and azelaic acids. Dibasic acids find many industrial applications. Pelargonic acid is the co-product of the process. Expanded use of dibasic acids would require an expansion in the existing and possibly new uses for pelargonic acid and its derivatives. In this study, the potential for using pelargonic acid in enhanced oil recovery is investigated. Experimental results are presented for the enhanced oil recovery by waterflooding with the aid of a surfactant.In situ formation of surfactant at the oil-water interface vs. the formation of surfactant in the floodwater prior to injection is examined.
L1210 leukemia hybrids isolated after fusion of alkylating agent-resistant sublines*

The two resistant lines, L1210/CPA (cyclophosphamide) and L1210/MeCCNU (1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(trans-4-methyl-cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea) were used, each of which is not cross-resistant to the drug to which the other line is resistant. Their resistance was used as markers as well as the basis for selection of the hybrids. For the production of hybrids five in-vivo or in-vitro schedules were employed. The in-vitro methods produced six successful hybrid lines, but the in-vivo schedules produced none. Resistance to both CPA and MeCCNU was expressed dominantly in the hybrids. The hybrids had chromosome modes ranging from 68 to 78. This study shows that CPA and MeCCNU can be used both as markers and as selective agents, and that CPA and MeCCNU resistance in L1210 leukemia are dominantly expressed in the hybrid.
Abstract 3728: Astaxanthin as an adjunct therapy for breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL While existing treatment regimens for breast cancer have increased patient survival, regional recurrence and metastasis remain a significant clinical problem. Many current therapies exhibit dose-limiting toxicities, so the development of adjuvant therapeutic strategies which can improve the efficacies and/or reduce the side effects of existing treatments is a clinical priority. Astaxanthin (AST) is a potent antioxidant carotenoid with an established safety profile that is approved as a dietary supplement. AST has been reported to act as a chemopreventive agent limiting the initiation and establishment of tumors. We are investigating the hypothesis that AST sensitizes breast cancer cells to standard chemotherapy drugs and ionizing radiation (IR) used to treat breast cancer. We found that treatment with either an AST-rich algal extract supplement (L-10) or a synthetic 3S, 3's AST isomer (‘sAST’) alone did not significantly alter proliferation of immortalized MCF10A mammary epithelial cells or seven out of eight breast cancer cell lines, while L-10 decreased clonogenic growth of four out of five breast cancer cell lines tested so far. We next evaluated whether AST altered response to IR. We found that while AST neither sensitizes nor protects MCF10A cells, no radiosensitization was observed in the four breast cancer cell lines tested thus far. In the BT549 cell line, AST showed slight antagonism of IR response; however, the combination of IR and AST still results in fewer overall colonies than either treatment modality alone. We next investigated whether AST can synergize with chemotherapy drugs in vitro. While AST pretreatment does not increase the toxicity of Doxorubicin (Dox) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on MCF10A cells, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cancer cells pretreated with L-10 demonstrate an augmented response to Dox, 5-FU, and methotrexate. Mechanistically, we have determined that cell lines demonstrating AST-mediated sensitization exhibit a decrease in constitutive phosphorylation of Akt, whereas Akt phosphorylation was not affected in unresponsive cell lines. However, overexpression of myristoylated Akt did not reverse the observed sensitization, suggesting involvement of different signaling pathways in sensitization by AST. Responding cancer cell lines also show decreases in NFκB and/or STAT3 phosphorylation following AST treatment. We are currently evaluating whether decreased activation of these pathways plays a role in AST-mediated chemosensitization. Identification of the molecular determinants of AST sensitivity may allow for the identification of patient populations whose treatment regimens may benefit from AST supplementation (Supported by DoD W81XWH-09-1-0067). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3728. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3728
Development of viscous fingering patterns.

The development of viscous fingering patterns has been observed from very early times to deep in the nonlinear regime for the flow of immiscible liquids in a Hele-Shaw cell. If the dimensionless viscosity contrast, $A$, is large, the number of fingers decreases rapidly with time after the initial pattern is established. If $A\ensuremath{\simeq}0$, all fingers grow through the entire time range of this experiment. For all values of $A$ there is a power-law relation between the length of the longest finger and the time.
Crystal structure of R.E.-Ni4Au compounds and unitcell constants in the YCo5 -YNi5-YCu5 series

Abstract Crystallographic studies by the Debye-Scherrer method have shown solid solubility from YCo5 to YNi5 to YNiCu4 with the CaCu5-type structure. The compounds YNi4Au and GdNi4Au to LuNi4Au exist with the MgSnCu4-type structure, cF24, F 4 3m .
Oral magnesium supplementation in adults with coronary heart disease or coronary heart disease risk

Purpose: To review randomized control clinical trial (RCT) literature and prospective studies for the safety and efficacy of magnesium supplements in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or with CHD risk. Data sources: Databases were searched using the keywords: magnesium, heart disease, endothelium, prevention, treatment, therapy, level, and supplement. Conclusions: There were no reports of adverse effects from magnesium supplementation in any of the studies. Subjects reporting lower dietary magnesium intake had significantly lower serum magnesium concentrations than those reporting higher dietary magnesium intake and, in some cases, had a significantly higher frequency of supraventricular beats. There was a modest relationship between dietary magnesium intake and a reduced risk of CHD in male subjects; however, there was no noted decrease in the development of CHD disease in women who had high magnesium intake. Implications for practice: Magnesium is vital for many functions in the body and magnesium supplementation is safe. There is a possible association between a modestly lower risk of CHD in men and increased magnesium intake; therefore, it is reasonable to encourage diets high in magnesium as a potential means to lower the risk of CHD.
The Electron-Neutron Interaction as Deduced from Pseudoscalar Meson Theory

Pseudoscalar meson theory with pseudoscalar coupling is used to find a value for the electron-neutron interaction. By means of the Feynman-Dyson-Wick techniques, the one-neutron matrix elements of the $S$ matrix are calculated in the usual weak coupling perturbation theory, carried to second order in the meson-nucleon coupling. Expressions for the magnetic moment and the electron-neutron interaction are deduced from this. By using the former to fix the coupling constant, it is found that the potential well representing the latter has a depth of 5380 ev if, as is conventional, this is taken to be square, with a radius of $\frac{{e}^{2}}{m{c}^{2}}$. The various results found by previous authors and their relation to the present work are discussed.
Development of a high-performance In0.4Ga0.6As photodiode on GaAs substrate for 1.3-um wavelength detection

A new stable fundamental mode operation of a ridge wave guide laser array has been fabricated by introducing absorption regions in the laser stripes except the central one. The structure may be considered as an integrated injection locking array or the distributed saturable absorption laser array. The threshold current is typically 40 mA and the maximum power is more than 150 mW for laser arrays with five elements. The single lobed far field pattern is centered at 0 degree(s) with a full width at half maximum of 2 degree(s) at I equals 1.5 Ith.
Microscopic Study of the Initial Stages of Egg Shell Calcification

Abstract During the passage of the egg down the oviduct, the egg shell membrane has essentially three sizes of particles on the outer surface. Membranes from the mid-isthmus have small surface grains, visible only with staining, that range in size from one to ten microns. They occur at approximately 270 per mm.2 increasing to approximately 2700 grains per mm.2 in the posterior isthmus. These grains give a positive reaction for glyoxalbis-(o-hydroxyanil) and a negative reaction for carbonate. The grains are acid soluble and seem loosely attached since they seem to agglomerate during staining. They diminish in number when the egg has progressed into the tubular shell gland and are rarely found once the egg has reached the shell gland. Possibly the grains act as nuclei for the depositions of the secretions of the tubular shell gland. The particles on the egg shell membrane in the tubular shell gland range from 28 to 90 micronsin in diameter. These are the mammillae which are enmeshed in the fibers of the outer shell membrane. They give a positive reaction for carbonate. The mammillae on membranes from the shell gland range from 60 to 150 microns in diameter. They stain uniformly with nine different histochemical stains, showing a relatively even chemical composition. They grow in size during deposition of shell mineral and eventually touch each other, forming small irregular gaps which become part of the pores of the finished shell.
Security models for contextual based global processing an architecture and overview

In this paper, we introduce a new paradigm for global computation, one in which the context of collected information drives the type of processing and dissemination the information receives as it is dispersed around the world. The creation of this model has necessitated the development of new types of methods for securing contextual information because the internet itself inherently has not have security mechanisms. Security is typically localized at the nodes on the internet that process information. There are multiple models and methods that are under development to provide security for contexts. This paper presents the basics of a model that allows context consumers to determine the level of security contextual information should have. Security levels have a direct correlation with confidence in the integrity of contextual data and thus application of its processing.
Chemomobilization with Etoposide is Highly Effective in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Overcomes the Effects of Age and Prior Therapy

The optimal mobilization strategy prior to autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma remains unclear. Mobilization with cytokines alone appears to yield suboptimal results in older patients as well as patients who have received prior lenalidomide. To avoid the marked cytopenias and risks of hemorrhagic cystitis associated with the administration of cyclophosphamide, we investigated the efficacy and safety of chemomobilization with an intermediate dose etoposide (VP-16; 375 mg/m2 on days +1 and +2) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (5 μg/kg twice daily from day +3 through the final day of collection). We reviewed our institutional experience with 152 myeloma patients mobilized with this regimen. The addition of VP-16 to G-CSF resulted in successful mobilization in 100% of patients, including 143 (94%) who collected successfully in a single day. A total of 99% of patients, including those with prior XRT and/or prior lenalidomide or thalidomide therapy, collected at least 5 × 106 cells/kg in 1 or 2 days of apheresis, and the median total number of CD34+ cells collected in the entire population was 12 × 106 cells/kg. Collection was predictable, with 61% of patients collecting on day +11, and the rest between days +7 and +13. There were no variables, including age, prior imid exposure, radiation therapy, or total amount of prior therapy that were associated with suboptimal mobilization. Adverse effects of the regimen included supportive transfusions required in 31 (20%) patients, and fevers requiring hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics in 26 (17%) patients. VP-16 and G-CSF appears to be a safe and effective mobilization regimen for patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation, producing excellent stem cell yield with the majority of patients requiring 1 day of apheresis.
Neonatal outcomes associated with intestinal abnormalities diagnosed by fetal ultrasound.

Abstract Purpose Intestinal abnormalities are sometimes seen during antenatal testing; however, the postnatal importance of these findings has not been well established. We evaluated whether abnormal intestinal appearance on fetal ultrasound (US) was ultimately related to neonatal outcome. Methods Fetal US examinations from 2003 to 2006 were evaluated. Hyperechogenic bowel was defined as having the echogenicity comparable to bone, and dilated bowel was identified based on the sonographer's assessment. Persistence or resolution of US findings on subsequent US examinations and eventual outcomes were assessed. Cases were categorized as hyperechogenic or dilated and then subgrouped based on whether the US finding resolved. Results Sixty-eight fetuses had either hyperechogenic (n = 48) or dilated bowel (n = 20) on antenatal US. In 56 cases, complete data were available for analysis. Of 44 liveborn infants, 11 (25.0%) had an abdominal abnormality, and 33 (75.0%) were normal at birth. Compared to those with dilated bowel, fetuses with hyperechogenic bowel had a higher rate of prenatal demise (20.8% vs 10%) but a lower rate of abnormality at birth (10.3% vs 53.3%). Hyperechogenic bowel resolved on subsequent US more frequently than dilated bowel (65.5% vs 20.0%). In both groups, all fetuses with sonographic resolution were normal at birth. Of 9 fetuses that had persistently hyperechogenic bowel, 3 (33.3%) were born with an abnormality, and all were found to have meconium peritonitis or meconium ileus. In the 12 cases where dilated bowel did not resolve, 8 (66.7%) were eventually born with an abnormality, most commonly intestinal atresia. Conclusions Hyperechogenic and dilated bowel are associated with a significant rate of fetal demise. Hyperechogenicity is more common than dilation and is more likely to be transient. Dilated bowel is more often associated with neonatal abnormality than hyperechogenic bowel. Persistence of fetal US findings predicts a higher likelihood of abnormality in the neonate.
Bootstrap order selection for SETAR models

In this paper, we investigate the selecting performances of a bootstrapped version of the Akaike information criterion for nonlinear self-exciting threshold autoregressive-type data generating processes. Empirical results will be obtained via Monte Carlo simulations. The quality of our method is assessed by comparison with its non-bootstrap counterpart and through a novel procedure based on artificial neural networks.
Hierarchy of Supramolecular Synthons: Persistent Carboxylic Acid···Pyridine Hydrogen Bonds in Cocrystals That also Contain a Hydroxyl Moiety

A Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) analysis was conducted in order to evaluate the hierarchy of supramolecular heterosynthons that involve two of the most relevant functional groups in the context of active pharmaceutical ingredients, carboxylic acids and alcohols, in competitive environments. The study revealed that 34% of the 5690 molecular carboxylic acid entries and 26% of the 25 035 molecular alcohol entries form supramolecular homosynthons, whereas the remaining entries form supramolecular heterosynthons with other functional groups, in particular Narom, CONH2, C−O−C, C═O, and chloride anions. Further refinement of this raw data revealed the following: 98% occurrence of the COOH···Narom supramolecular heterosynthon in the 126 crystal structures that contain acid and pyridine moieties in the absence of other hydrogen bond donors or acceptors; and 78% occurrence of the OH···Narom supramolecular heterosynthon in 228 crystal structures that contain hydroxyl and pyridine moieties (excluding intramolec...
Robust Lean Blowout Sensing for Turbine Engine Combustors

Lean blowout (LBO) proximity detection is demonstrated in a Jet-A fueled, single-element Lean Direct Injection (LDI) combustor operating at conditions intended to simulate supersonic cruise (2–4 atm, ∼700 K inlet air). Detection is based on identifying LBO precursors in the optical radiation produced by the combustion process. The precursors result from short duration partial flame extinction and re-ignition events. Thresholding of the low-pass filtered optical signal provides robust precursor identification in the presence of the moderate levels of combustion dynamics exhibited by the combustor. Acoustic-based precursor sensing was also attempted, but the precursors could not be reliably identified in the presence of the combustion noise and dynamics; likely causes are discussed. The average event occurrence rate in the optical signal provides a reliable measure of the combustor’s proximity to LBO, monotonically increasing as the LBO limit is approached. The precursor events occur intermittently, and the occurrence rate statistics are reasonably modeled with a normal probability distribution. A probabilistic approach is developed to estimate the fastest fuel reduction transients that could be controlled based on the need to detect some events before the blowout conditions are reached. The results from the LDI combustor are also compared to tests in a premixed, swirl- and dump-stabilized gas-fueled combustor with a center body. High-speed flame images of the precursor events indicate the existence of different static stability modes in the premixed combustor, which are absent in the LDI combustor. The absence of mode-switching in the LDI combustor is suggested to be the reason why it produces much shorter but more frequent precursor events compared to the premixed combustor.© 2011 ASME
Limit Cycle Analysis of Large Space Telescope with CMG Nonlinearity

The existence and characteristics of self-sustained oscillations were studied in the Large Space Telescope (LST) system due to the presence of nonlinear gimbal friction in the control moment gyroscopes (CMG's). A continuous data single-axis model of the LST is considered. A solid friction model is used to represent CMG gimbal friction. A rigorous mathematical model is derived for use in a continuous describing function analysis. Conditions for self-sustained oscillations are then determined.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Fullerene Derivatives: C60H2, C60H4, C70H2, AND C60(CH2)2

Hydroboration of C70 in toluene yields a 2:1 mixture of 1,9-C70H2 and 7,8-C70H2. Equilibration of these two isomers in the presence of a Pt catalyst reveals a free energy difference of 1.4 ± 0.2 kcal/mol. Whereas semiempirical calculations have been found to predict the energy ordering of many fullerene derivatives incorrectly, ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations have been found to yield quantitative predictions of experiment. The HF/6-31G* level energy separation of l,9-C70H2 and 7,8-C70H2 of 1.3 kcal/mol is in excellent agreement with experiment. Relative stabilities of isomers of bis(methano)fullerenes were found to parallel those of analogous C60H4 isomers. Density functional theory (DFT) methods have been tested and are equivalent in accuracy to HF methods if similar basis sets are used. C60H2 and C60H4 can be efficiently produced on larger (≥ 50 mg) scales with diimide generated from potassium azodicarboxylate and acetic acid in o-dichlorobenzene.
Determining Liability in Carotid Endarterectomy Malpractice Litigation

Objectives: Malpractice litigation and associated costs are a factor in increasing healthcare expenditures over recent decades. Serious potential complications accompanying carotid endarterectomy (CEA), along with the presence of accepted and widely-used alternatives, make this procedure a target for litigation. The objective of this analysis was to characterize the medicolegal environment regarding CEA, including factors determining legal responsibility. Methods: The WestLaw database was searched for medical malpractice related to CEA. Case outcomes, alleged cause(s) of malpractice, awarded damages, and other factors in litigation were recorded. Results: Of 37 jury verdicts and settlements in this analysis, defendants were found not liable in 25 (67.5%) cases. The most frequently reported complications were cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (51.3%) and hypoglossal nerve injury (27.0%), with other complications including airway compromise, vocal cord injury, and death. None of the cases reported myocardial infarction. Cerebral monitoring was mentioned in only two cases, while alleged inadequate informed consent, delay in diagnosis, and requirement of additional surgery were present in a considerable proportion. Settlements and jury awards averaged $895,833 and $1.53M respectively. Conclusions: CVA and hypoglossal nerve injury are the most frequently litigated complications of CEA. While the majority of decisions found physicians not liable, damages that were awarded were considerable, exceeding $1.5M, suggesting that characterization of factors in determining legal responsibility can help surgeons minimize liability as well as improve patient safety. The importance of explicitly listing these complications in informed consent may restrict liability, as may other steps such as perioperative cerebral monitoring in order to reduce injuries from a delay in CVA diagnosis.
Tubular structures associated with intracytoplasmic spirochetes.

When tissues of spirochete-infected brine shrimp (Artemia salina) were examined by electron microscopy, tubular structures were often seen closely associated with intracytoplasmic spirochete profiles. These tubules were never observed in association with spirochetes found in the haemocoel or other extracellular spaces. Since the trilaminar layer comprising the wall of the tubules was identical in ultrastructure to the outer envelope of the spirochete, these structures were interpreted to be finger-like extensions of the spirochete outer envelope.
OipA plays a role in Helicobacter pylori-induced focal adhesion kinase activation and cytoskeletal re-organization

The initial signalling events leading to Helicobacter pylori infection associated changes in motility, cytoskeletal reorganization and elongation of gastric epithelial cells remain poorly understood. Because focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is known to play important roles in regulating actin cytoskeletal organization and cell motility we examined the effect of H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells co-cultured with H. pylori or its isogenic cag pathogenicity island (PAI) or oipA mutants. H. pylori induced FAK phosphorylation at distinct tyrosine residues in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Autophosphorylation of FAK Y397 was followed by phosphorylation of Src Y418 and resulted in phosphorylation of the five remaining FAK tyrosine sites. Phosphorylated FAK and Src activated Erk and induced actin stress fibre formation. FAK knock-down by FAK-siRNA inhibited H. pylori-mediated Erk phosphorylation and abolished stress fibre formation. Infection with oipA mutants reduced phosphorylation of Y397, Y576, Y577, Y861 and Y925, inhibited stress fibre formation and altered cell morphology. cag PAI mutants reduced phosphorylation of only FAK Y407 and had less effect on stress fibre formation than oipA mutants. We propose that activation of FAK and Src are responsible for H. pylori-induced induction of signalling pathways resulting in the changes in cell phenotype important for pathogenesis.
The arcuate nucleus as a conduit for diverse signals relevant to energy homeostasis

Arcuate nucleus neurons are known to be responsive to a wide array of hormones and nutrients, including leptin, insulin, gonadal steroids and glucose. In addition to potential transport mechanisms, peripheral substances may access these neurons via arcuate cell bodies in and projections to the median eminence, a region considered to be a circumventricular organ. The arcuate is a potent site of leptin action, probably mediating a component of leptin's effects via arcuate neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, and implicating this structure in the long-term control of energy stores. However, ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, may also stimulate feeding and weight gain, in part through action on receptors in arcuate NPY neurons. Since ghrelin is secreted by the stomach upon content depletion, with a half-life of no more than an hour, the arcuate nucleus may also be important in sensing and responding to acute changes in nutrients. We have developed a system for recording from arcuate POMC neurons using a mouse containing a transgene in which the POMC promoter is driving expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP). In these mice, 99% of the beta-endorphin positive neurons express GFP, making whole cell patch clamp recordings from the sparsely distributed POMC neurons facile. All of the POMC neurons appear to be activated by leptin, via two different mechanisms, while approximately 30-50% of the neurons appear to be inhibited by a gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) specific agonist. The latter result suggests that the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3-R) may act as an autoinhibitory receptor on some POMC neurons. This hypothalamic slice preparation also confirms the responsiveness of arcuate POMC neurons to a wide variety of nutrients and hormones. Thus the arcuate melanocortin system is best described as a conduit of many diverse signals involved in energy homeostasis, with leptin acting tonically to regulate the responsiveness of the circuit to a wide variety of hormones and nutrients.
Creative collaboration: The rehearsal process in chamber theatre

The extensive use of improvisational techniques in rehearsals for chamber theatre productions develops for the performer a strong engagement with the text. The director can channel the movement and gesture that emerge from these techniques into the production itself with results that more effectively convey the literature than traditional rehearsal methods usually evoke. Such a process has benefits for the performer as well as for the production.
Formation of a Substituted Tetrahydrofuran by Formal [2 + 2 + 1] Coupling of an Oxygen Atom with Two Olefins at a Nickel Center

Formation of the tetrasubstituted tetrahydrofuran exo-trans-endo-3-oxapentacyclo[9.2.1.1.5,80.2,1004,9]pentadeca-6,12-diene (5) has been accomplished by the coupling of an oxygen atom (from nitrous oxide) with two olefins (norbornadiene) at a Ni center. The reaction proceeds via a nickelacyclopentane complex (2) that is subsequently oxidized by N2O to give an isolable oxanickelacyclohexane (3). Oxidation of 3 with iodine results in formation of the C−O bond of 5 (47% isolated yield) via C,O-reductive elimination.