cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Illustrated Guide to the Model Theory of Supertype Abstraction and Behavioral Subtyping

Object-oriented (OO) programs, which use subtyping and dynamic dispatch, make specification and verification difficult because the code executed by a method call may dynamically be dispatched to an overriding method in any subtype, even ones that did not exist at the time the program was specified. Modular reasoning for such programs means allowing one to add new subtypes to a program without re-specifying and re-verifying it. In a 2015 ACM TOPLAS paper we presented a model-theoretic characterization of a Hoare-style modular verification technique for sequential OO programs called “supertype abstraction,” defined behavioral subtyping, and proved that behavioral subtyping is both necessary and sufficient for the validity of supertype abstraction. The present paper is aimed at graduate students and other researchers interested in formal methods and gives a comprehensive overview of our prior work, along with the motivation and intuition for that work, with examples.
Regularized Inversion Method for Frequency-Domain Recovery of the Full Synthetic Aperture Dataset from Focused Transmissions

Accurate recovery of the full-synthetic aperture (FSA)dataset from focused transmissions can enable synthetic transmit focusing without the drawbacks of single-element and virtual-element transmissions and enable a wide array of imaging techniques that require the FSA dataset. Recovery of the FSA dataset has previously been performed using an adjoint-based method on a steered transmit sequence for phased-arrays. We present a regularized inversion method for FSA dataset recovery that allows a wider variety of aperture specifications and is intended to perform more accurately in walking aperture sequences. The goal of this method is to improve FSA dataset accuracy and achievable image quality.
Studying interactions between dendritic cells and T cells in vivo.

Antigen presentation is the key first step in the establishment of an antigen-specific T cell response. Among professional antigen presenting cells (APCs), dendritic cells (DCs) are the major population responsible for the priming of both CD4+ and CD8+ naive T cells. This priming requires physical interaction between the DC and the T cell; during which signals are exchanged that determine both the magnitude and the quality of the ensuing response. The nature of these signals varies widely depending on the nature of the antigen, the anatomical site in which they take place, and the phenotype of the antigen-presenting DC, making the study of the dynamics, microanatomical distribution and phenotypic variation of DCs a key part of our understanding of adaptive immunity. Here, we provide a brief survey of how our view of T cell activation by DCs has evolved over recent years as intravital multiphoton microscopy and other emerging technologies have expanded our ability to study these events in vivo.
Determination of Artificial Muscle Placement for Biomimetic Humanoid Robot Legs

Bipedal robotic leg kinematics and dynamics are a key component in designing biomimetic humanoid robots. This work describes the process of designing artificial muscle attachment locations of the legs of a bipedal robot utilizing pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs). PAMs offer similar force and activation times to real muscles, while being lightweight and low power. However, not all properties are identical, and substituting artificial muscles in with the same attachment locations results in different torque profiles about each joint. This work analyzes muscle length, moment arm, and isometric force of muscles over a range of different joint configurations, based on muscle attachment and wrapping points of the Gait2392 model in OpenSim. These parameters are then used to find joint torques produced by each muscle. This process is repeated for a model of the robot actuated by PAMs. Joint torques for individual muscles and groups of muscles are then compared between the models. Results indicate that several muscles torque profiles in the robot model closely match that of the human model, however, many muscles fall far short of the human capabilities. Where appropriate, additional results demonstrate how muscle attachment locations on the robot have been modified to better match the torque capabilities demonstrated by the OpenSim model. Matlab tools created for this project will facilitate further design refinement before implementation on the robot.
Green stormwater infrastructure redirects deicing salt from surface water to groundwater.

Abstract Winter deicing salt application has led to water quality impairment as stormwater carries salt ions (Na+ and Cl−) through watersheds. Green infrastructure (GI) is a promising urban stormwater management practice, but its efficacy in managing salt is unknown. GI is not yet designed to remove salt, but may have potential to mitigate its loading to surface waters. Two roadside infiltration-based GI practices in Northern Virginia (bioretention and bioswale) were monitored year-round over 28 precipitation events to investigate the transport of salt through modern stormwater infrastructure. Stormwater runoff volumes and concentrations of salt ions entering and exiting each GI were monitored to determine reductions of salt ions. Both the bioretention and bioswale significantly reduced effluent surface loads of Cl− and Na+ (76% to 82%), displaying ability to temporarily retain and infiltrate salts and delay their release to surface waters. Changes in bioretention soil chemistry revealed a small percentage of Na+ was stored long-term by ion exchange, but no long-term Cl− storage was observed. Limited soil storage along with groundwater observations suggest the majority of salt removed from stormwater by the bioretention infiltrates into groundwater. Infiltration GI can buffer surface waters from salt, but are also an avenue for groundwater salt loading.
Molecular detection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors using methylated DNA markers: Discovery and tissue validation.

e16705Background: The prevalence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) has increased in the last decade. Despite being clinically asymptomatic PNETs can be biologically aggressive. There is c...
Off-Line Detection of Static Eccentricity of PMSM Robust to Machine Operating Temperature and Rotor Position Misalignment Using Incremental Inductance Approach

In this article, an incremental inductance approach is used for static eccentricity detection under off-line condition. This method uses the DC values of the $q$ -axis voltage, which makes it independent of the bandwidth of the controller. In this work, a new feature, the height of hump of the incremental inductance curve, along with the known feature, saturation current in the $d$ -axis, was used for fault detection. It is shown that this new feature is independent of the machine operating temperature, which makes the method robust with respect to machine operating temperature. It is also shown that the proposed method is robust to the rotor position misalignment. A new controller for off-line testing was designed, which controls both the speed and saturation of the machine. Using this controller, the hardware requirements for constant rotation of the machine are reduced while keeping the method independent of the bandwidth of the controller. Finally, a MATLAB-based computer program was developed to calculate the features: saturation current in the $d$ -axis and height of hump of the incremental inductance curve. Six different machines, combinations of two stators and three rotors, were used to validate the proposed method through experiments.
Exploring the Uptake of Advance Care Planning in Older Adults: An Integrative Review.

Abstract Context Advance care planning (ACP) is essential to elicit goals, values, and preferences of care in older adults with serious illness and on trajectories of frailty. An exploration of ACP uptake in older adults may identify barriers and facilitators. Objective To conduct an integrative review of research on the uptake of ACP in older adults and create a conceptual model of the findings. Methods Using Whittemore and Knafl's methodology, we systematically searched four electronic databases of ACP literature in older adults from 1996 through December 2019. Critical appraisal tools were used to assess study quality, and articles were categorized according to level of evidence. Statistical and thematic analysis was then undertaken. Results Among 1081 studies, 78 met inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis evaluated ACP and variables within the domains of demographics, psychosocial, disability and functioning, and miscellaneous. Thematic analysis identified a central category of enhanced communication, followed by categories of 1) provider role and preparation; 2) patient/family relationship patterns; 3) standardized processes and structured approaches; 4) contextual influences; and 5) missed opportunities. A conceptual model depicted categories and relationships. Conclusions Enhanced communication and ACP facilitators improve uptake of ACP. Clinicians should be cognizant of these factors. This review provides a guide for clinicians who are considering implementation strategies to facilitate ACP in real-world settings.
Multidecadal records of intrinsic water-use efficiency in the desert shrub Encelia farinosa reveal strong responses to climate change

While tree rings have enabled interannual examination of the influence of climate on trees, this is not possible for most shrubs. Here, we leverage a multidecadal record of annual foliar carbon isotope ratio collections coupled with 39 y of survey data from two populations of the drought-deciduous desert shrub Encelia farinosa to provide insight into water-use dynamics and climate. This carbon isotope record provides a unique opportunity to examine the response of desert shrubs to increasing temperature and water stress in a region where climate is changing rapidly. Population mean carbon isotope ratios fluctuated predictably in response to interannual variations in temperature, vapor pressure deficit, and precipitation, and responses were similar among individuals. We leveraged the well-established relationships between leaf carbon isotope ratios and the ratio of intracellular to ambient CO2 concentrations to calculate intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) of the plants and to quantify plant responses to long-term environmental change. The population mean iWUE value increased by 53 to 58% over the study period, much more than the 20 to 30% increase that has been measured in forests [J. Penuelas, J. G. Canadell, R. Ogaya, Glob. Ecol. Biogeogr. 20, 597–608 (2011)]. Changes were associated with both increased CO2 concentration and increased water stress. Individuals whose lifetimes spanned the entire study period exhibited increases in iWUE that were very similar to the population mean, suggesting that there was significant plasticity within individuals rather than selection at the population scale.
Disproportionate Burden: Estimating the Cost of FAFSA Verification for Public Colleges and Universities:

Verification is a federally mandated process that requires selected students to further attest that the information reported on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is accurate an...
Effects of Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prophylaxis in Benign Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Study Objective To evaluate if the addition of pharmacologic prophylaxis (heparin, low molecular weight heparin) for VTE is associated with adverse perioperative outcomes in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) hysterectomy for benign indications compared to mechanical prophylaxis alone. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC). Patients or Participants Patients who underwent a benign MIS hysterectomy (i.e. laparoscopic, vaginal, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal, or robotic-assisted laparoscopy) performed between July 2012 and June 2015 and received mechanical prophylaxis for thromboembolism. Interventions Patients were divided into cohorts who received mechanical prophylaxis alone (MPpx) or mechanical + pharmacologic prophylaxis (M+Pppx). Propensity score matching was used to minimize confounding due to differences in age, race, body mass index>40, hypertension, congestive heart failure, smoking, functional status, preoperative transfusion, preoperative anemia or thrombocytopenia, length of stay, and hospital teaching status. Outcomes evaluated in the propensity-matched cohorts were estimated blood loss, intraoperative time, postoperative blood transfusion, postoperative VTE, surgical site infection, reoperation, and readmission. Measurements and Main Results There were 1944 matched pairs of patients in the Mppx and M+Pppx cohorts. Intraoperative time was 21 minutes longer (168 minutes ± 63 min vs 189 ± 75 mins, p Conclusion Further research is needed into the addition of pharmacologicprophylaxis to mechanical prophylaxis and its association with longer operative time for benign minimally invasive hysterectomy. Given extremely low rates of VTE in both groups and no difference detected in other significant peri-operative outcomes using a large database, it seems reasonable to question routine use of pharmacologic prophylaxis in these patients.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase upregulates PD-1 expression on ovarian tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells via kynurenine activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Abstract The immunoregulatory enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are potent mechanisms that impede effective anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer. However, whether the IDO pathway regulates PD-1 expression in T cells is currently unknown. Here we show that tumoral IDO1 expression led to profound changes in tryptophan, nicotinate/nicotinamide, and purine metabolic pathways in the ovarian tumor microenvironment, and to an increased frequency of PD-1+CD8+ tumor infiltrating T cells. We determined that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) by kynurenine induced PD-1 expression, and this effect was significantly abrogated by the AHR antagonist CH223191. Mechanistically, kynurenine alters chromatin accessibility in regulatory regions of T cell inhibitory receptors, allowing AHR to bind to consensus XRE motifs in the promoter region of PD-1. These results enable the design of strategies to target the IDO1 and AHR pathways for enhancing anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer.
The COVID-19 medicine remdesivir is therapeutically activated by carboxylesterase-1 AND excessive hydrolysis increases cytotoxicity

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health crisis with the death toll of over 14 million people. So far, there are limited options to treat COVID-19. Remdesivir was granted emergency use authorization earlier, and full use recently. Remdesivir was originally developed against Ebola viral infection and has since been shown to exert a broad antiviral activity against as many as seven viral families [1]. On the other hand, serious adverse events and mortality remained high even with remdesivir among COVID-19 patients [2-4].
Improving the Fate of Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Need for Policy.

Approximately 40% of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States have been linked to long-term care facilities.1 Early in the pandemic, as the scope of the problem became apparent, the nursing home sector generated significant media attention and public alarm. A New York Times article in mid-April referred to nursing homes as "death pits"2 because of the seemingly uncontrollable spread of the virus through these facilities. This devastation continued during subsequent surges,3 but there is a role for policy to change this trajectory. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 28, 2021: e1-e3. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306107).
Predictors of Poor Functional Status in Adult Fontan Patients Living at Moderate Altitude

Patients who have undergone Fontan palliation have reduced exercise tolerance measured by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Declining exercise capacity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The impact of hemodynamics and other variables on this population’s functional status is not well understood. This study sought to identify variables that predict low VO2 max in Fontan patients living at moderate altitude (5,000–8,000 feet). We performed a retrospective cohort study of 44 adult Fontan patients living at moderate altitude who had undergone cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and cardiac catheterization. We evaluated hemodynamic parameters measured during catheterization, imaging results, and laboratory studies for correlation with VO2 max measured during CPET. Our study cohort (median age 30 years, 52% female) had exercise impairment with mean VO2 max of 21.6 mL/kg/min. Higher trans-pulmonary gradient (TPG) (p < 0.001) and mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (p = 0.013) were predictors of lower maximal and submaximal VO2. Higher BNP values correlated with lower VO2 max (p = 0.01). Platelet count, GGT, albumin, and pulmonary vasodilator therapy did not correlate with VO2 max. None of the studied variables were associated with higher minute ventilation to peak carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 slope) or change in VO2 max over time. In conclusion, higher TPG and mean PA pressure predicted lower exercise tolerance amongst our cohort of adult Fontan patients living at moderate altitude. Future studies are needed to determine if these clinical variables represent viable therapeutic targets that could result in improved exercise tolerance and outcomes in patients with Fontan circulation.
Association between PEG3 DNA methylation and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Epigenetic mechanisms are hypothesized to contribute substantially to the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to cervical cancer, although empirical data are limited. Women (n = 419) were enrolled at colposcopic evaluation at Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Human papillomavirus (HPV) was genotyped by HPV linear array and CIN grade was ascertained by biopsy pathologic review. DNA methylation was measured at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) regulating genomic imprinting of the IGF2/H19, IGF2AS, MESTIT1/MEST, MEG3, PLAGL1/HYMAI, KvDMR and PEG10, PEG3 imprinted domains, using Sequenom-EpiTYPER assays. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between HPV infection, DMR methylation and CIN risk overall and by race. Of the 419 participants, 20 had CIN3+, 52 had CIN2, and 347 had ≤ CIN1 (CIN1 and negative histology). The median participant age was 28.6 (IQR:11.6) and 40% were African American. Overall, we found no statistically significant association between altered methylation in selected DMRs and CIN2+ compared to ≤CIN1. Similarly, there was no significant association between DMR methylation and CIN3+ compared to ≤CIN2. Restricting the outcome to CIN2+ cases that were HR-HPV positive and p16 staining positive, we found a significant association with PEG3 DMR methylation (OR: 1.56 95% CI: 1.03–2.36). While the small number of high-grade CIN cases limit inferences, our findings suggest an association between altered DNA methylation at regulatory regions of PEG3 and high grade CIN in high-risk HPV positive cases.
A Review of Machine Learning and Cryptography Applications

Adversarially robust neural cryptography deals with the training of a neural-based model using an adversary to leverage the learning process in favor of reliability and trustworthiness. The adversary can be a neural network or a strategy guided by a neural network. These mechanisms are proving successful in finding secure means of data protection. Similarly, machine learning benefits significantly from the cryptography area by protecting models from being accessible to malicious users. This paper is a literature review on the symbiotic relationship between machine learning and cryptography. We explain cryptographic algorithms that have been successfully applied in machine learning problems and, also, deep learning algorithms that have been used in cryptography. We pay special attention to the exciting and relatively new area of adversarial robustness.
Crosstalk between guanosine nucleotides regulates cellular heterogeneity in protein synthesis during nutrient limitation

Phenotypic heterogeneity of microbial populations can facilitate survival in dynamic environments by generating sub-populations of cells that may have differential fitness in a future environment. Bacillus subtilis cultures experiencing nutrient limitation contain distinct sub-populations of cells exhibiting either comparatively high or low protein synthesis activity. This heterogeneity requires the production of phosphorylated guanosine nucleotides (pp)ppGpp by three synthases: SasA, SasB, and RelA. Here we show that these enzymes differentially affect this bimodality: RelA and SasB are necessary to generate the sub-population of cells exhibiting low protein synthesis whereas SasA is necessary to generate cells exhibiting comparatively higher protein synthesis. The RelA product (pppGpp) allosterically activates SasB and we find, in contrast, that the SasA product (pGpp) competitively inhibits this activation. Finally, we provide in vivo evidence that this antagonistic interaction mediates the observed heterogeneity in protein synthesis. This work therefore identifies the mechanism underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in the central physiological process of protein synthesis.
Acquisition in the Morris swim task is impaired by a benzodiazepine but not an NMDA antagonist: A new procedure for distinguishing acquisition and performance effects

The problem of learning versus performance continues to challenge researchers interested in drug effects on place learning and memory. To address this problem, the present study adapted the repeated acquisition/performance (RAP) procedure to the Morris swim task. The procedure involved training subjects to swim to a hidden platform that was always in the same location in one pool and in a new location each day in another pool. The advantages of this procedure are that acquisitions of new place responses and performances of previously learned place responses can be directly compared in individual subjects within single sessions, and dose–response functions can be determined for each individual subject. Experiment 1 demonstrated the ability of rats to learn new platform locations in one pool while maintaining stable performance on a previously learned place response in another pool within individual sessions. Experiment 2 used the RAP adaptation of the Morris swim task to study effects of chlordiazepoxide (CDZ), a benzodiazepine, and dizocilpine (DZP; a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist), on place learning and performance. Both drugs impaired performance in a dose-dependent manner. More interestingly, a moderate dose (10 mg/kg) of CDZ caused a small but reliable acquisition impairment without affecting performance of the previously learned place response. Doses of DZP that were substantially greater than doses previously shown to disrupt induction of NMDA-dependent long-term potentiation in the hippocampus did not impair acquisition in this procedure. Acquisition was affected only at DZP doses that also impaired the performance measure.
Hyperdynamic heart failure due to A-V fistula associated with Wilms' tumor.

Intrarenal arteriovenous (A-V) fistula associated with Wilms9 tumor is extremely rare and is an unusual cause of congestive heart failure in infancy and childhood. In a recent review of 440 children with Wilms9 tumor, Miller et al.1 did not find a single case of A-V fistula; nor did Gomes and Bernatz2 find any Wilms9 tumors in 139 patients with various forms of A-V fistula. Results of angiographic studies in children with Wilms9 tumor are at marked variance as to the occurrence of A-V fistula. Whereas Hidai et al.3 and others4-6 did not find a single patient in whom Wilms9 tumor was associated with intrarenal A-V fistula, Cremin et al.7 and Meng and Elkin8 reported such an association in two of 13 and one of 6 children, respectively.
Quality‐of‐life Measures, Clinical Significance of

This article defines clinical significance, as opposed to statistical significance, as it relates to health-related quality of life measures used in clinical trials. It provides a brief history of the concept and addresses the different perspectives from which it is perceived and interpreted. It describes the current methods used to assess clinical significance and provides several examples of the different ways of measuring, validating, and using the concept of clinical significance. Recent developments on the concept are discussed. Finally, directions for future research are highlighted. Keywords: clinical significance; quality of life measures; clinical trials
Differential Coupling of α1-, α2-, and β-Adrenergic Receptors to Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathways and Differentiation in Transfected PC12 Cells *

Three adrenergic receptor families that selectively activate three different G proteins (alpha1/Gq/11, alpha2/Gi, and beta/Gs) were used to study mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and differentiation in PC12 cells. PC12 cells were stably transfected with alpha1A-, alpha2A-, or beta1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in an inducible expression vector, and subclones were characterized. Norepinephrine stimulated inositol phosphate formation in alpha1A-transfected cells, inhibited cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cAMP) formation in alpha2A-transfected cells, and stimulated cAMP formation in beta1-transfected cells. Nerve growth factor activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in all cell lines; however, norepinephrine activated ERKs only in alpha1A- and beta1-transfected cells but not in alpha2A-transfected cells. Norepinephrine also activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK in alpha1A-transfected cells but not in beta1- or alpha2A-transfected cells. Norepinephrine caused differentiation of PC12 cells expressing alpha1A-ARs but not those expressing beta1- or alpha2A-ARs. However, norepinephrine acted synergistically with nerve growth factor in promoting differentiation of cells expressing beta1-ARs. Whereas ERKs are activated by Gi- but not Gs-linked receptors in many fibroblastic cell lines, we observed the opposite in PC12 cells. The results show that activation of the different G protein signaling pathways has different effects on MAPKs and differentiation in PC12 cells, with Gq signaling pathways activating all three major MAPK pathways.
Searching for pheromone strains in the pecan nut casebearer

The pecan nut casebearer, Acrobasis nuxvorella Nuenzig (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the most damaging insect pest of pecan, Carya illinoinensis (Wang) K. Koch (Juglandaceae), in the USA and Mexico. A pheromone monitoring program for A. nuxvorella has been developed to assist pecan growers in the timing of insecticide applications. The discovery that there are two pheromone types produced by A. nuxvorella has led to complications in the implementation of pheromone monitoring programs. One pheromone (referred to as standard) is attractive to moths in the southern USA, but not in Mexico. The other pheromone (referred to as Mexican) is attractive to moths in the southern USA and in Mexico. Because most male lepidopterans respond only to a specific pheromone, it was suspected that there were two pheromone strains of A. nuxvorella, one exclusively present in the northern distribution of A. nuxvorella (USA strain) and the other widely distributed from Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango in northern Mexico to Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma in the USA (Mexican strain). The goal of this research was to determine whether differences in pheromone response are sufficient to genetically isolate A. nuxvorella into pheromone strains. To confirm the existence of the two alleged pheromone strains, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were obtained and analyzed. Four primer combinations were used to obtain a total of 483 polymorphic AFLP markers. Our results indicated that the standard and Mexican pheromones did not group A. nuxvorella into pheromone strains. However, three genetically distinct populations of A. nuxvorella were identified. Two of those three populations are sympatric throughout the southern USA and one is allopatric relative to the other two and occurs exclusively in pecan growing regions of Mexico.
Full range dynamic study of exhaust gas oxygen sensors

We used transfer function approach to investigate exhaust oxygen sensor dynamics in engine exhaust environment. All the sensor dynamic mechanisms were identified. They are attributed to the effect of individual componentof the sensor, such as the louver-shield, the protection coating-layer, and the sensing electrode; the gas transport system, such as the exhaust pipe gas blending effect; the exhaust generation system, such as the engine liquid fuel wall wetting, and the discrete individual cylinder event.
Effect of a High Folic Acid Diet on Telomere Length of Colonic Mucosa in Mice

In vitro studies and mathematical modeling suggest that excess folate can inhibit folate cycle and mimic folate deficiency. Under low folate conditions telomeres may shorten due to DNA damage or become abnormally long possibly due to loss of epigenetic control from DNA hypomethylation, both of which are associated with chromosomal instability. Our prior work has shown that high plasma folate is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length in Framingham Offspring cohort. We investigated the effect of high folic acid diet on telomere length of colonic mucosa in mice. Young (3 months) and old mice (16 months) mice were fed a control (1xRDA) or high folic acid (20 x RDA) diet for 3 months (n=8-10/ group). Folate was determined using a microbial assay and telomere length was determined using a real-time PCR method as the ratio of telomeric repeats to a single copy gene. The data were analyzed using students t-test. Both young and old mice on high folic acid diet had significantly higher folate in colonic ...
Tubal pregnancy complicating tuberculous salpingitis.

C ASES of coexisting tubal pregnancy and tuberculous salpingitis have been reported from time to time. Blandi in lQ40 cited 32 cases in an exhaustive study of the literature and added a case of his own. Since that time eight additional cases have been reported?Q More cases would come to light if all tubal prenancies were studied microscopically. Of 179 tubal gestations and 17 patients with tuberculous salpingitis seen in the past 10 years at the two hospitals where the author is affiliated, the case reported here is the only one with coexistence of tubal pregnancy and tuberculous salpingitis. G. M., aged 29 years, para o, gravida i, was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 2Q, lQ56, with the chief complaint of abdominal pain. She is a graduate nurse. Ber last menstrual period was July 1, 1950. For two weeks prior to admission the patient noted persistent scanty vaginal bleeding. On Aug. 25, 1950, she noted the sudden onset of sharp stabbing generalized lower abdominal pain, most severe in the left lower quadrant. This subsided to a dull ache after twelve hours, when the aut,hor was consulted. Examination showed a nullilmrous outlet and a normal cervix. The fundus was of normal size, forward and fixed in position, apparently by an ill-defined semisolid, moderately tender left adnexal mass. The right adnexa were norurdl. A Hogben test was found positive on Aug. 29, 1950, by which time the patient’s condition had improved. Repeat pelvic examination at this time was essentially unchanged. Three hours later the patient was admitted to the hospital because of a recurrence of excruciating left lower quadrant pain. Menz albumin 0, sugar trace, 4 to 6 white blood cells per high-power field, occasional hyaline casts. Operatti.-a large quantity of old aud fresh blood was found largely eon6ned to the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. The left tube was found to be prolapsed behind am1 adherent to the left broad ligament. It was two to three times the normal diameter in its entire length. Covering the limbria were atllrerent 1~100~1 clots beneath which fresh blood welled
Introduction to Survival Analysis

Suppose that one wished to study the occurrence of some event in a population of subjects. If the time until the occurrence of the event were unimportant, the event could be analyzed as a binary outcome using the logistic regression model. For example, in analyzing mortality associated with open heart surgery, it may not matter whether a patient dies during the procedure or he dies after being in a coma for two months. For other outcomes, especially those concerned with chronic conditions, the time until the event is important. In a study of emphysema, death at eight years after onset of symptoms is different from death at six months. An analysis that simply counted the number of deaths would be discarding valuable information and sacrificing statistical power.
Measurement of mass density and charge state of precursor plasma in linear wire array experiments

Summary form only given. Precursor plasma has been observed in linear wire arrays that are positioned near a return current conductor. We report quantitative measurement of mass density and charge state of precursor plasma in linear Tungsten wire arrays (4 wires, 0.5 mm inter-wire gaps) affected by a global field. Experiments were done using Cornell's XP pulser (450 kA peak current, 40 ns rise time). X-ray backlighting images of the wire array and the precursor plasma were taken at two different angles. With a W step wedge deposited on the X-ray filter, the mass density distributions of the precursor plasma in 3D were obtained. An interferometry system (3 channels, separated by 5 ns) using the second harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (/spl lambda/=532 nm, 125 ps pulse width) was used as a diagnostic to measure the electron density of the precursor plasma. Combined with the mass distribution measured with the X-ray images, the charge state of the precursor plasma was determined.
The mother of all isms: Causal mechanisms and structured pluralism in International Relations theory:

Theorizing under the rubric of paradigmatic ‘isms’ has made important conceptual contributions to International Relations, but the organization of the subfield around these isms is based on flawed ...
Pilot study of ascorbic acid for the treatment of refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

The treatment of corticosteroid- and/or splenectomy-refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) includes vinca alkaloids, immunosuppressives, Danazol, intravenous gammaglobulin, and alpha-interferon. However, these treatments have often been associated with toxic side effects. Brox et al. (Br J Haematol 70:341-344, 1988) reported the efficacy of ascorbic acid in the treatment of ITP; the platelet count normalized in seven of 11 patients studied, and tolerance was excellent. However, other investigators have reported less impressive results. These conflicting reports prompted a pilot study of ascorbic acid in 12 patients with refractory ITP. Patients were given 2 g every morning for at least 10 weeks. All have received glucocorticoids, three had undergone splenectomy, and six received other treatments. The maximal increase in platelet count above baseline (i.e., the prestudy platelet count) achieved was < 20,000 in 11 patients and 25,000 in one patient. Therapy was well tolerated, with only two patients complaining of dyspepsia. The results of this study suggest that ascorbic acid is not very effective in patients with refractory ITP.
A Note on Multiple Solutions in Multivariate Restricted Maximum Likelihood Covariance Component Estimation

Abstract Restricted maximum likelihood has gained wide acceptance for estimating variance components by animal breeders. Converged solutions from maximization algorithms are usually considered REML solutions. However, neither the expectation maximization nor the derivative-free downhill simplex algorithm guarantees convergence to the global maximum. To investigate the occurrence of multiple solutions, residual and additive genetic covariance matrices for two traits were estimated by the derivative-free approach using the downhill simplex method and an EM algorithm for a multivariate animal model. Expectation maximization yielded three different converged solutions for the data set used, while downhill simplex identified two of the three expectation maximization solutions. Multiple solutions from both expectation maximization and downhill simplex suggest the existence of local maxima. Visualization of the log-likelihood surface however, did not support this view. Instead, points of inflection in some of the dimensions could be the cause for multiple solutions. The results prove that multiple solutions can exist, casting doubt on the merit of algorithms—like expectation maximization and downhill simplex—that do not guarantee global maximization. Downhill simplex was superior to expectation maximization. In terms of central processing unit time it was faster by a factor of 22 misidentifying only one solution instead of 2 as expectation maximization did.
Chromosome Lesions Induced in a Human Hematopoietic Cell Line by Infection with Epstein-Barr Virus

SummaryEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) was concentrated from culture medium in which the Burkitt lymphoma line PaJ-HR1K had grown. EBV infection of the virus-free line RPMI 6410, derived from the peripheral blood of a patient with myelogenous leukemia, resulted in a rapid decrease in cell viability, various incidences of cells with positive immunospecific staining for EBV, and high incidences of cells with chromosome aberrations. Control cultures and cultures treated either with heat-inactivated EBV suspension or with a suspension concentrated from the culture fluid of the EBV-free Burkitt lymphoma line Raji grew normally, lacking detectable EBV-containing cells and exhibiting relatively low incidences of cells with chromosome aberrations. Chromosome and chromatid breaks accumulated more in subterminal or terminal regions, especially in the long arms, of various groups of chromosomes. Metaphases with pulverized chromosomes but without dicentric or exchange figures were frequently observed in EBV-treated cultures.
On-line derivatization of eluted substances in dynamic high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry through the particle-beam interface

Abstract Derivatization reagents were added through the particle beam high-performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer interface in order to improve the detectability of polar compounds separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and detected by mass spectrometry by formation of the corresponding derivative. Mainly qualitative aspects are considered in this work. Dynamic derivatization in the gas phase of several substances containing carboxylic, sulphonic, hydroxy and other acidic or basic functional groups is described.
Integration of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composites with conducting polymer thin films toward the fabrication of flexible display devices

Abstract A short review on the current development in all-organic PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) “light valves” using conducting polymer thin films as the driving electrodes is presented in this article. Due to conducting polymers’ better mechanical and interfacial compatibility with plastic substrates, integration of driving electrodes based on conducting polymer thin films in display devices can have some advantages over ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) for the improvement of display devices’ mechanical flexibility. As rigid alignment structures on the substrates sandwiching the liquid crystal components are not required, PDLC-type devices intrinsically can better tolerate mechanical bending than other types of LCD devices. With the integration of conducting polymer thin films as the driving electrodes, it can be expected that the flexibility of PDLC devices could be further enhanced.
Storage of auditory temporal patterns in the songbird telencephalon

A quantitative model of auditory learning is presented to predict how auditory patterns are stored in the songbird auditory forebrain. This research focuses on the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) in the songbird telencephalon, a candidate site for song perception and the formation of song auditory memories. The objective is to introduce simplified features of bird song that could be used by the auditory forebrain to identify and distinguish memorized songs. The results elucidate which biological mechanisms are sufficient for temporal pattern prediction and the storage of higher-order patterns, where by higher order we mean the specific arrangement of syllables into song motifs (phrases) to reveal neural mechanisms of syntax.
A time series analysis of aerosol composition measurements

Abstract Time sequence measurements of the elemental composition of aerosols, on an hourly to fewhourly basis, may be analyzed statistically for chemical associations which are characteristic of sources before modification of these associations during transport through the atmosphere. If correlations between elemental abundances are computed in the measured data set, high serial correlations in the series can introduce a bias. Therefore, Box-Jenkins techniques are used to obtain the residual series as an estimate of the sequence of independent “shocks” for each element. It is argued that, due to the mixing effects of atmospheric factors, these shocks are the appropriate random variables for investigating the elemental associations within a data set of time sequence aerosol composition measurements. Examples from measurements at different locations in Florida of the concentrations of nine elements, every 2 h for about two weeks, are used to illustrate the method. In particular it is shown that principal component analysis of the residuals gives rise to different interpretations than analysis of the observed series.
Review: ultrasonic characterization of membranes

AbstractThis review describes the use of ultrasonic reflectometry (UR) for characterizing membranes and membrane processes. A growing body of literature documents the capabilities of UR as a versatile nondestructive, noninvasive, real-time, and low-cost methodology that can provide important information about a wide range of membrane-based separations. A compact but thorough explanation of the ultrasonic measurement concepts relevant for use of the methodology for membrane applications is first presented. This section is followed by a description of the many studies in which UR has been employed for characterization of membrane structure, formation, compaction, and inorganic and organic membrane fouling, the latter in both real-time and post-mortem modes. Examples of recent work that incorporates the innovative use of UR for scaling in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis applications as well as results that suggest the potential of the ultrasonic slow wave to monitor pore closure in early-stage fouling are...
Performance statistics of a time sharing network at a small university

The purpose of the study was to characterize the input traffic on the interactive terminal facility (ITF) at Jackson State University by mathematical distributions. Five traffic measures were extracted from a week's job accounting records: arrival time (time of day of log on), interarrival time (time between successive arrivals), active central processing unit (CPU) time (user's time slice), inactive CPU time (swapping time), and connect time (duration of a user session). To facilitate analysis, four user groups were formed. An analysis of variance established that the group category largely determined the volume of arrivals. Since a normal distribution could not be fitted to the data, it was concluded that the pattern of daily arrivals was best treated as an empirical distribution. Using the method of moments to estimate parameters, it was found that interarrival times could best be characterized by a gamma distribution, while connect, inactive CPU, and active CPU times approximated exponential distributions.
Charged rods in a periodic background: A solvable model

The one-component Coulomb system with logarithmic potential in a periodic background is considered. In one dimension, when the background has the same period as the average interparticle spacing, the system is exactly solvable for three values of the coupling constant. The exact solution exhibits insulating-conducting phase transitions. An heuristic argument is presented which predicts the phase diagram for this system.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Persistent Air Leak After Major Pulmonary Resection and Use of Chemical Pleurodesis

Background Persistent air leak (PAL; defined as air leak > 5 days) after major pulmonary resection is prevalent and associated with significant morbidity. This study examines an incompletely characterized treatment for the management of PAL, chemical pleurodesis. Methods A retrospective case-control study examining all isolated lobectomies and bilobectomies by thoracotomy was performed. The PALs (1997 to 2006) and controls (2002 to 2006) were identified from a prospective database. Incidence, risk factors, management, and outcome were defined. Results Over 9 years, 78 PALs were identified in 1,393 patients (5.6%). Controls consisted of 700 consecutive patients. Propensity score analysis matching case and controls showed no predictive risk factors for air leak using a logistic regression model. Univariate analysis demonstrated that female gender, smoking history, and forced vital capacity were predictive risk factors. Treatment of PAL consisted of observation (n = 33, 42.3%), pleurodesis (n = 41, 52.6%), Heimlich valve (n = 3, 3.8%), and reoperation (n = 1, 1.3%). Seventy-three patients (93.6%) required no further intervention. One patient required a muscle flap, one readmission for pneumothorax, and one empyema resulting in death. Sclerosis was successful in 40 of 41 patients (97.6%). Mean time to treatment was 8.4 ± 3.6 days, mean duration of air leak was 10.7 ± 4.5, and mean duration of air leak postsclerotherapy was 2.8 ± 2.2 days. Postoperative pneumonia occurred with increased frequency in PAL patients (6 of 45 [13.3%] vs 34 of 700 [4.9%], p=0.014). PAL was associated with increased length of stay (14.2 vs 7.1 days, p Conclusions Air leaks remain an important cause of morbidity. Pleurodesis is an effective option in management of PAL after major pulmonary resection.
Effects of Low Temperature on Egg and Larval Stages of the Lesser Appleworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Lesser appleworm, Grapholita prunivora (Walsh), eggs were subjected to cold storage conditions at 2.0°C ± 0.2°C for 0–90 d. The most tolerant embryonic stage was the blackhead stage (96–120-h-old eggs) with an LT90 of 25 d. The four instars of lesser appleworm were subjected to cold storage conditions at 2.0°C ± 0.2°C for 0–280 d. The fourth instar was the most tolerant to cold storage, with an LT90 of 71.5 d. Exposure to low temperatures such as those commonly used for fruit storage shows promise as an alternative to fumigation for lesser appleworm eggs and larvae on apples and pears after harvest.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk: Are Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors Beneficial?

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Whereas the link between glycemic control and reducing microvascular disease is firmly established, the evidence for macrovascular risk reduction remains unclear. Despite a host of available drugs for lowering serum glucose, none to date have been shown to substantially reduce CV risk and some have been associated with adverse effects. Recent trials have examined the CV effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors or “gliptins.”