cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OP19.06: How accurate are we in determining the placental cord insertion site in multiple gestations?

L. E. Romine1, M. Hwang5, N. Trivedi2, J. Wan4, Y. LaCoursiere2, P. Do4, K. Benirschke3, D. Schrimmer2, D. H. Pretorius1 1Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; 2Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; 3Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; 4School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; 5School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
Mixed Metazoan and Bacterial Infection of the Gas Bladder of the Lined Seahorse—A Case Report

Abstract Five wild-caught Lined Seahorses Hippocampus erectus from an aquarium system presented with altered buoyancy and distended upper trunks. Radiography of one specimen revealed a reduced air volume in the gas bladder. Pneumocystocentesis revealed a brown exudate of numerous leukocytes, parasite ova, and Gram- and acid-fast-positive bacilli under wet mounts and stains. Necropsies revealed enlarged, friable kidneys and distended gas bladders containing copious purulent exudate, necrotic tissue, and adult digeneans Dictysarca virens. Bacterial isolates from exudate cultures grown on Lowenstein–Jensen medium were identified as Gordonia sp. and Mycobacterium poriferae by high-performance liquid chromatography and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. Histopathology demonstrated a histiocytic response in kidney and gas bladder exudate, inflammation of the gas bladder wall, and infection of the gas bladder lumen with parasite ova and acid-fast-positive and Gomori's methenamine silver-positive bacilli. Praziquantel...
Airborne reconnaissance in the civilian sector - Agricultural monitoring from high-altitude powered platforms

Design concepts and mission applications for unmanned high-altitude powered platforms (HAPPs) are discussed. A chemically powered HAPP (operating altitude 18-21 km, wingspan 26 m, payload 91 kg, endurance 2-3 days) would use current turboprop technology. A microwave-powered HAPP (operating altitude around 21 km, wingspan 57.9 m, payload 500 kg, endurance weeks or months) would circle within or perform boost-glide maneuvers around a microwave beam of density 1.1 kw/sq m. Of two solar-powered-HAPP designs presented, the more promising uses five vertical solar-panel-bearing fins, two of which can be made horizontal at night, (wingspan 57.8/98.3 m, payload 113 kg, endurance weeks or months). The operating altitude depends on the latitude and season: this HAPP design is shown to be capable of year-round 20-km-altitude flights over the San Joaquin Valley in California, where an agricultural-monitoring mission using Landsat-like remote sensors is proposed. Other applications may be better served by the characteristics of the other HAPPs. The primary advantage of HAPPs over satellites is found to be their ability to provide rapidly available high-resolution continuous or repetitive coverage of specific areas at relatively low cost.
The Enduring Predictive Significance of Early Maternal Sensitivity: Social and Academic Competence Through Age 32 Years

This study leveraged data from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (N = 243) to investigate the predictive significance of maternal sensitivity during the first 3 years of life for social and academic competence through age 32 years. Structural model comparisons replicated previous findings that early maternal sensitivity predicts social skills and academic achievement through midadolescence in a manner consistent with an enduring effects model of development and extended these findings using heterotypic indicators of social competence (effectiveness of romantic engagement) and academic competence (educational attainment) during adulthood. Although early socioeconomic factors and child gender accounted for the predictive significance of maternal sensitivity for social competence, covariates did not fully account for associations between early sensitivity and academic outcomes.
Subunit Structure of Rod cGMP-Phosphodiesterase

The rod cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) is the G-protein-activated effector enzyme that regulates the level of cGMP in vertebrate photoreceptor cells. Rod cGMP PDE is generally viewed as a heterotrimeric protein composed of catalytic α and β subunits (∼90 kDa each) and two copies of the inhibitory subunit γ (∼10 kDa). However, the possibility that rod PDE could exist as distinct isoforms, such as ααγ2 and ββγ2 has not been ruled out. We have studied this question using cross-linking of PDE subunits with maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester and para-phenyldimaleimide. The cross-linking resulted in major products with molecular mass of 100 and 150 kDa, a doublet at ∼180-190 kDa, and a doublet at ∼210-220 kDa. Cross-linked products were analyzed using polyclonal-specific anti-PDEαβ, anti-PDEα, anti-PDEβ, or anti-PDEγ antibodies. The anti-PDEα and anti-PDEαβ antibodies recognized all the cross-linked products, whereas anti-PDEβ and anti-PDEγ antibodies did not interact with the 150-kDa band, indicating that the composition of this band is most likely αα. Similar analysis of cross-linked products of trypsin-treated PDE preparations revealed bands that are likely formed by PDEβ subunit. The molecular size of holo-PDE and trypsin-activated PDE were studied using analytical ultracentrifugation in order to determine if oligomerization of PDE could account for the cross-linking of identical PDE subunits. The sedimentation analysis of both holo-PDE and ta-PDE revealed homogeneous samples with molecular masses of ∼220 and ∼150 kDa, respectively. These results indicate that PDE is likely a mixture of the major species αβγ2, minor species ααγ2, and possibly ββγ2. Our data are consistent with the detection of low PDE activity in the rd mouse, which lacks any functional PDEβ subunit.
Projectivity of prime quotients and simple lattices

It is clear that the only simple distributive lattices have at most two elements. Thus, for a nontrivial lattice to be simple it must be nondistributive. Most of the results about simplicity of lattices concern themselves with showing a certain type of lattice is simple if and only if prime quotients are projective. The purpose of this paper is to find a local condition which can be applied to discover when prime quotients are projective. We prove the following theorems.
On the origin of electron stimulated desorption of H+ from metal surface

Abstract The emission of hydrogen ESD ions from polycrystalline Nb is studied experimentally. The results demonstrate clearly that no ESD emission of H + occurs from a pure H adsorbate. However, adsorption of H 2 O, present as an impurity in H 2 , and H 2 adsorption on Nb preceded by O adsorption, produce strong H + ESD emission. It is shown that Auger ionization of O can account for the increased H + yield and it is postulated that similar effects also occur on other metal surfaces.
Awareness of arousal and its relation to aggression.

A confederate arbitrarily gave electric shocks to each of 30 male subjects as they read a sexually exciting story. One-third of the subjects were informed that they were aroused by the shocks, and one-third that they were aroused by the story. The remaining subjects were not led to attribute arousal to either the shocks or the effects of the story. Subjects who attributed arousal to the shocks subsequently attacked the confederate more intensely than subjects who believed themselves sexually aroused. Self-ratings of anger were highest among subjects who considered themselves aroused by the shocks. The results indicated that behaviour following an attack is consistent with the victim's cognition of his response to that attack.
Association of STATs with relatives and friends

Abstract Members of the STAT family of transcription factors are present in species as diverse as mammals, insects and slime molds. Discovered as mediators of interferon-induced signals, the STATs were later shown to drive many different ligand-induced responses through receptor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and dimerization. STAT1 also functions as a transcription factor, essential for the efficient constitutive expression of certain genes, without needing tyrosine phosphorylation, and phosphorylated STAT1 dimers mediate suppression – rather than activation – of some genes. STATs are present in the cytoplasm of untreated cells in multiprotein complexes, which might aid in their nuclear translocation and differential binding to DNA, thus contributing to the specificity of STAT action. This review explores the diverse protein–protein interactions that underlie the multiple functions of the STATs.
Self-Assembly of a Library of Polyborate Chiral Anions for Asymmetric Catalytic Quinoline Reduction.

The ‘template’ polyborate BOROX catalysts are shown to mediate the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 2-quinolines. The rapid and simple generation of a large family of BOROX catalysts with significantly altered asymmetric pockets is described. A transition state model that explains the enantioselectivity is proposed.
UPb geochronologic constraints on deposition of the Campbellrand Subgroup, Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa

Abstract A volcanic ash bed that crops out 40–50 m below the contact between the Campbellrand Subgroup and the Kuruman Iron Formation, Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa, yields an UPb zircon age of 2521 ± 3 Ma. This new age demonstrates that the Campbellrand-Malmani carbonate platform was deposited during late Archean time, and is the oldest extensively preserved carbonate platform known. In addition, the age constrains deposition of the Kuruman, Griquatown, and Penge iron-formations to latest Archean to earliest Paleoproterozoic time. Although a previously reported PbPb age of 2557 ± 49 Ma for dolomites at the base of the Campbellrand Subgroup is broadly consistent with this UPb zircon age, new Pb-isotopic data for carbonate cements and massive sulfides lie along the same PbPb array as the dolomites. This relationship implies that the ‘isochron’ is the result of post-depositional resetting of the UPb system in dolomite by fluids responsible for sulfide mineralization, and that the age which corresponds to its slope has no geological significance.
Regulation of T cell dependent immune responses by TIM family members.

The T cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM) proteins are type I membrane glycoproteins expressed on T cells and containing common structural motifs. While our understanding on the distribution and functions of TIM family members is still incomplete, data from several recent reports indicate that these proteins, together with T cell receptor and costimulatory signals, regulate the expansion and effector functions of T helper cells. In the current review, we provide evidences indicating that TIM-3 is capable of modulating the function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and inhibiting aggressive Th1 mediated auto- and allo-immune responses. Similarly, additional data suggest that TIM-2 molecules function by negatively regulating Th2 immune responses. In contrast, TIM-1 appears to be an activation molecule for all T cells, although the mechanisms through which TIM-1 activates T cells remain to be elicited.
Using Panel Data to Estimate the Effects of Events

Although event history analysis provides a highly developed body of methods for studying the causes of events, there is little consensus on the best ways for studying the consequences of events. This article develops some methods for using multiwave panel data to estimate the effects of either naturally occurring events or planned interventions. It does this by synthesizing the literature on interrupted time series with econometric treatments of pooled time-series, cross-section data. The emphasis is on fixed-effects models and estimators because of their capacity to control for all stable differences across individuals, whether or not those differences are correlated with measured variables. In contrast to earlier treatments of the problem, the models allow for timevarying covariates and for events that can occur at different time periods for different individuals. For continuous dependent variables, the basic estimators are easily obtained with standard OLS regression programs. For dichotomous outcomes,...
Side-channel countermeasure for SHA-3 at almost-zero area overhead

Keccak is a hashing function selected by NIST as the SHA-3 standard. Keccak provides an interesting opportunity to have a single core that can perform hashing, MAC generation, authenticated encryption and more. For all applications that involve processing of a secret key, side-channel protection should be considered. Indeed, Keccak authors proposed threshold implementations using three and four shares. However, their proposal contradicts using the same core in different applications. Using a threshold implementation for unkeyed application will involve a huge loss of performance (3x to 4x). In this paper, we solve this problem by proposing a countermeasure that employs a new message format and requires only two gates at 3.7 GE. For unkeyed applications, there will be no loss of any kind. For keyed applications, there will be a one-time performance loss that can be trivialized at long message lengths. Our contribution is essential to provide a single core for all the protected and unprotected applications of SHA-3.
Emerging Issues in Antibiotic Resistant Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities

Managing patients infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria is becoming one of the major clinical obstacles facing physicians who treat patients in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), gram-negative bacteria that produce extended-spectrum and ampC-type beta-lactamase enzymes, and quinolone-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria are the major resistant pathogens that are emerging in these settings. The mechanisms responsible for the evolution of these antibiotic resistant organisms (molecular rearrangement of penicillin binding protein genes, acquisition of a mobile genetic element, and point mutation that alter the active site) are reviewed. Vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and multidrug efflux pumps in gram-negative bacteria are also threatening our most potent antimicrobials. Aggressive screening, education, antibiotic-control measures, and immunization are advocated as important preventive measures. The combined efforts of the medical directors, infection-control personnel, and administrators are needed to stem this problem.
Apoptosis and expression of p53 response proteins and cyclin D1 after cortical impact in rat brain.

We measured the temporal profile and cellular identification of apoptosis in rat brain after cortical contusion injury. Double staining immunohistochemistry was also used to investigate the relationship between apoptotic cell death and selective protein expression associated with DNA damage and repair (p53, Bax, MDM2, WAF1, Gadd45, PCNA) and cell cycle protein, Cyclin D1, in male Wistar rats 48 h after injury. Cortical contusion was induced in male Wistar rats with a pneumatic impactor device. The animals were sacrificed at different times after trauma (1, 2, and 14 h and 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 days; n=4 per time point). Sham-operated rats (n=4) and normal rats not subjected to any surgical procedure (n=4) were used as controls for temporal profile determination. Additional 11 rats were used for study of protein expression. Coronal brain sections were analyzed using an in situ terminal deoxynucleotdyl transferase-mediated biotinylated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL), hematoxylin, and immunohistochemical double staining methods. Apoptotic cells were observed as early as 2 h after the impact. Apoptotic cell death peaked at 2 days, gradually tapering off afterward, although scattered apoptotic cells were detected at 2 weeks after the impact. The number of apoptotic cells at 2 days far exceeded their number at other times (p=0.009). Apoptotic cells were observed primarily in the cortex adjacent to the site of injury. In addition, apoptotic cells in conjunction with few injured cells were present in the ipsilateral hippocampus and localized to the granule layer of dentate gyrus. Our data indicate that DNA fragmentation is present in nearly all neurons subacutely after cortical contusion and persists for at least 2 weeks thereafter. Apoptosis is also present in neurons localized to the hilus of the dentate gyrus at a site remote from the area of injury suggesting a selective role for apoptosis in promoting secondary brain damage and dysfunction after traumatic brain injury. Using double staining, we were able to show that a great majority of apoptotic cells (>95%) were neurons and the rest were astrocytes and endothelial cells. Proteins associated with DNA damage and repair (p53, Bax, MDM2, WAF1, Gadd 45, PCNA) were expressed in the cytoplasm of normal cells of naive and sham rats. These proteins were translocated to the nuclei of apoptotic and injured cells at 48 h after cortical contusion. Cyclin D1 was not present in apoptotic cells. The differential expression of proteins associated with DNA damage, repair and the cell cycle protein Cyclin D1 in the contused brain suggest a potential role for these proteins in cell survival and apoptosis after cortical contusion.
Implementation of Assurance of Learning Plans: An Accounting Program and Individual Course Analysis

The authors surveyed faculty at AACSB-accredited schools regarding the learning goals and measures for their accounting programs as well as course objectives for the introductory tax course. They found over 50% of respondents were still developing their learning goals and measures and only 18% of respondents had completed 2 or more rounds of assessment. Whereas most accounting program goals are assessed with direct measures, accreditation program goals typically represent a small subset of the goals specified by professional bodies such as the AICPA. Assessment results have led to numerous changes in accounting programs and courses.
Development of the vegetal half of theIlyanassa egg after removal of most of the yolk by centrifugal force, compared with the development of animal halves of similar visible composition

Summary By centrifuging fertilized, mature Ilyanassa eggs in raffinose solution, three cytoplasmic zones were produced, and the eggs were pulled into light and heavy fragments of approximately equal size. Light halves, which contained the lipid cap, intermediate zone, pronuclei, and only a small portion of the original yolk of the egg, could undergo further development. Two classes of light halves, animal and vegetal, were produced, and their development was compared. Animal halves were produced by centrifuging directly in raffinose solution, without prior treatment. Since Ilyanassa eggs orient under gravity with the vegetal pole downward, the light halves of unrestrained eggs represented the animal hemisphere. As a rule, these cleaved equally without formation of a polar lobe, and differentiated into partial larvae which lacked lobe-dependent structures (eyes, foot, shell, intestine, heart, etc.). A few exceptional cases are considered to have contained a portion of the vegetal hemisphere. Light halves containing all or part of the vegetal hemisphere were produced by a two-step centrifugation treatment. Eggs were first held upside down in a gelatin-seawater gel, and centrifuged until stratified internally. They were then freed from the gel and recentrifuged in raffinose solution to separate them into halves. In eggs with complete reversal of the usual stratification pattern, the nucleated light half would contain all the vegetal hemisphere; light havles of incompletely reversed eggs would contain a part of the vegetal hemisphere. Nucleated vegetal fragments, free of most of the yolk, formed a polar lobe of approximately normal proportions and underwent unequal first cleavage. Approximately half of the vegetal fragments differentiated lobe-dependent structures. It is concluded that the morphogenic influence of the vegetal polar area (polar lobe region) probably does not depend upon the presence of the yolk particles normally found there, and is able to withstand centrifugal force sufficient to displace lipid droplets, yolk particles, and nuclei.
The reaction of N-Acyl imines with t-Butyl isocyanide

N-Acylimines and their derivatives react with t-butyl isocyanide only the in presence of acid catalysis. The major products of these; reactions are 5-aminooxazoles and 5-iminooxazolines. The structure of these compounds and some of their degradative chemistry is discussed.
Single-nanowire electrically driven lasers

Electrically driven semiconductor lasers are used in technologies ranging from telecommunications and information storage to medical diagnostics and therapeutics. The success of this class of lasers is due in part to well-developed planar semiconductor growth and processing, which enables reproducible fabrication of integrated, electrically driven devices. Yet this approach to device fabrication is also costly and difficult to integrate directly with other technologies such as silicon microelectronics. To overcome these issues for future applications, there has been considerable interest in using organic molecules, polymers, and inorganic nanostructures for lasers, because these materials can be fashioned into devices by chemical processing. Indeed, amplified stimulated emission and lasing have been reported for optically pumped organic systems and, more recently, inorganic nanocrystals and nanowires. However, electrically driven lasing, which is required in most applications, has met with several difficulties in organic systems, and has not been addressed for assembled nanocrystals or nanowires. Here we investigate the feasibility of achieving electrically driven lasing from individual nanowires. Optical and electrical measurements made on single-crystal cadmium sulphide nanowires show that these structures can function as Fabry-Perot optical cavities with mode spacing inversely related to the nanowire length. Investigations of optical and electrical pumping further indicate a threshold for lasing as characterized by optical modes with instrument-limited linewidths. Electrically driven nanowire lasers, which might be assembled in arrays capable of emitting a wide range of colours, could improve existing applications and suggest new opportunities.
Measurement of line overlap for resonant photopumping of transitions in neonlike ions by nickel-like ions.

A measurement is made of the 3d-4f transition energies in the Ni-like ions ${\mathrm{Re}}^{47+}$, ${\mathrm{Ir}}^{49+}$, ${\mathrm{Pt}}^{50+}$, ${\mathrm{Au}}^{51+}$, and ${\mathrm{Bi}}^{55+}$ and the 2p-4d transition energies in the Ne-like ions ${\mathrm{Br}}^{25+}$, ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{26+}$, ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{27+}$, and ${\mathrm{Y}}^{29+}$ using the Livermore electron-beam ion trap. The ions studied are candidates for an x-ray laser scheme based on resonant photopumping which predicts lasing among the 3p-3s transitions in a Ne-like ion. The results of the measurements are compared to multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations and systematic differences are found. The best resonance is found for the Pt-Rb pair at 2512 eV, whose energies differ by 0.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 eV, that is, by only 160 ppm.
Core-top evaluation of benthic foraminiferal isotopic ratios for paleo-oceanographic interpretations

Abstract The benthic foraminifera Cibicides wuellerstrofi, Oridforsalis tener and Pyrgo rotalaria from twelve core-tops in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea and C. wuellerstorfi, O. tener, and O. umbonatus from four core-tops on the Rio Grande Rise were analysed for oxygen and carbon isotopes. The Norwegian-Greenland Sea data yield statistically discrete means for both δ 18O and δ 13C for each species. The interregional comparison of our data to published data from the East Pacific Rise shows that C. wuellerstorfi δ 18O and δ 13C variations reflect oceanographic differences between sites, whereas the data on Oridorsalis and Pyrgo do not. We conclude that C. wuellerstorfi is a reliable sensor of bottom water conditions whereas other taxa are of unproven utility. Supportive biological studies and the lack of positive covariance of δ 18O to δ 13C among deep-sea benthic taxa lead us to reject models calling for incorporation of metabolic CO2 to explain the isotopic variation among deep-sea benthic foraminifera. We propose a within-sediment microhabitat hypothesis to explain the δ 13C variations among taxa.
In vitro attachment of osteoblast-like cells to osteoceramic materials.

Objective. The objective of this work was to examine osteoblast-like cell attachment and morphology in vitro to osteoceramic materials with three different surface morphologies. Methods. Osteoceramic composite disks were fabricated from tricalcium phosphate and magnesium-aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) in a 50 vol% ratio. The disks were prepared with three different surface morphologies, including as-fired (irregular), etched (rough), or polished through 1 mm diamond paste (smooth). Osteoblast-like cell cultures were plated onto the prepared disks for 2 h, and the number of attached cells was determined. ANOVA and Student Newman-Kuels tests were used to test for significant differences in cell attachment (p < 0.05). SEM was used to visually evaluate the nature of the cellular adaptation on the osteoceramic surfaces. Results. Some additional surface roughening resulted from the interaction between the osteroceramic disks and the biological culture media during the attachment assay. A statistically larger number of cells was found to be attached to the etched osteoceramic surfaces compared to the as-fired and polished osteoceramic surfaces or the tissue culture plastic control. Cellular adaptation was extensive on all three osteoceramic surfaces at 2 h. Significance. These results are consistent with previous in vivo work and continue to support the hypothesis that osteoceramic materials have potential for implants and bone substitute materials.
The Fastest Pedestrian Detector in the West

We demonstrate a multiscale pedestrian detector operating in near real time ( 6 fps on 640x480 images) with state-of-the-art detection performance. The computational bottleneck of many modern detectors is the construction of an image pyramid, typically sampled at 8-16 scales per octave, and associated feature computations at each scale. We propose a technique to avoid constructing such a finely sampled image pyramid without sacrificing performance: our key insight is that for a broad family of features, including gradient histograms, the feature responses computed at a single scale can be used to approximate feature responses at nearby scales. The approximation is accurate within an entire scale octave. This allows us to decouple the sampling of the image pyramid from the sampling of detection scales. Overall, our approximation yields a speedup of 10-100 times over competing methods with only a minor loss in detection accuracy of about 1-2% on the Caltech Pedestrian dataset across a wide range of evaluation settings. The results are confirmed on three additional datasets (INRIA, ETH, and TUD-Brussels) where our method always scores within a few percent of the state-of-the-art while being 1-2 orders of magnitude faster. The approach is general and should be widely applicable.
Dual picosecond dye lasers synchronously pumped by a mode locked cw yag laser

Abstract The performance of a novel dual dye laser system synchronously pumped by the frequency doubled output of a mode-locked CW-YAG laser is evaluated in relation to pulsewidth, pulse substructure, pulse spectral width and timing jitter. The behavior of the system is adequately described by a theoretical model which includes the time dependent gain and losses due to frequency bandwidth, cavity length mismatch and output coupler. The jitter is significantly reduced from that obtained with CW gas laser pumping as a result of the shorter pump pulse (50 ns instead of ≈100 ps). A routine operating condition uses 2-plate birefringen filters, 0.8 W pump power at 532 nm, to yield two 2.0 ps pulses having a cross correlation width of 3.8 ps, and 30 mW average power from each laser.
Diagrammatic representation of the two-spin correlation function for the generalized heisenberg model

We consider a “generalized Heisenberg model”, with a Hamiltonian given by ℋ(D) = –JΣijS(D)j, where the quantities Si are isotropically-interacting D-dimensional classical spins and the summation is restricted to nearest-neighbor pairs of sites . Thus when D = 1, 2, and 3, this model reduces to the S = 1/2 Ising, plane rotator, and classical Heisenberg models which are useful for describing phase transitions in, respectively, liquid-gas systems, Bose fluids, and magnetic materials. Unfortunately this Hamiltonian is exactly soluble only in the limit D ∞, in which case the solution corresponds to the spherical model of Berlin and Kac. For finite D, we must consider approximation procedures in order to obtain any useful information. In this paper we develop a diagrammatic representation, valid for arbitrary D, for successive terms in the high-temperature expansions of the free energy and the spin-spin correlation function—from which we can obtain series expansions for all the thermodynamic properties of the system.
Hybrid x-ray/optical luminescence imaging: characterization of experimental conditions.

Purpose: The feasibility of x-ray luminescence imaging is investigated using a dual-modality imaging system that merges x-ray and optical imaging. This modality utilizes x-ray activated nanophosphors that luminesce when excited by ionizing photons. By doping phosphors with lanthanides, which emit light in the visible and near infrared range, the luminescence is suitable for biological applications. This study examines practical aspects of this new modality including phosphor concentration, light emission linearity, detector damage, and spectral emission characteristics. Finally, the contrast produced by these phosphors is compared to that of x-rayfluoroscopy. Methods: Gadolinium and lanthanum oxysulfide phosphors doped with terbium (green emission) or europium (red emission) were studied. The light emission was imaged in a clinical x-ray scanner with a cooled CCDcamera and a spectrophotometer; dose measurements were determined with a calibrated dosimeter. Using these properties, in addition to luminescence efficiency values found in the literature for a similar phosphor, minimum concentration calculations are performed. Finally, a 2.5 cm agar phantom with a 1 cm diameter cylindrical phosphor-filled inclusion (diluted at 10 mg/ml) is imaged to compare x-ray luminescence contrast with x-ray fluoroscopic contrast at a superficial location. Results: Dose to the CCDcamera in the chosen imaging geometry was measured at less than 0.02 cGy/s. Emitted light was found to be linear with dose ( R 2 = 1 ) and concentration ( R 2 = 1 ) . Emission peaks for clinical x-ray energies are less than 3 nm full width at half maximum, as expected from lanthanide dopants. The minimum practical concentration necessary to detect luminescent phosphors is dependent on dose; it is estimated that subpicomolar concentrations are detectable at the surface of the tissue with typical mammographic doses, with the minimum detectable concentration increasing with depth and decreasing with dose. In a reflection geometry, x-ray luminescence had nearly a 430-fold greater contrast to background than x-rayfluoroscopy. Conclusions: X-ray luminescence has the potential to be a promising new modality for enabling molecular imaging within x-ray scanners. Although much work needs to be done to ensure biocompatibility of x-ray exciting phosphors, the benefits of this modality, highlighted in this work, encourage further study.
Underestimating the bullwhip effect: a simulation study of the decomposability assumption

We investigate the assumption of decomposability as it pertains to modelling the bullwhip effect in multi-stage supply chains. Decomposing a multi-stage supply chain into a set of node pairs, each of which can be efficiently represented with a two-stage model, is a common modelling technique when analysing the bullwhip effect in supply chains. This approach depends on the validity of the decomposability assumption since most supply chains are coupled systems that are a logical fit for singular, or ‘monolithic’, multi-stage models. We utilise a simulation study to compare decomposition-based supply-chain models with monolithic models and determine if decomposition modelling significantly alters the predicted severity of the bullwhip effect. We find decomposition-based models exhibit a significantly lower level of bullwhip effect than monolithic models of the same supply chain. The systematic underestimation of the bullwhip effect by decomposition-based models indicates that the assumption of decomposabilit...
Non-Darcy natural convection of a non-Newtonian fluid in a porous cavity

Abstract A numerical study of non-Darcy natural convection in a porous enclosure saturated with a power-law fluid is presented. Hydrodynamic and heat transfer results are reported for the configuration in which the enclosure is heated from a side-wall while the horizontal walls are insulated. The flow in the porous medium is modeled using the modified Brinkman–Forchheimer-extended Darcy model for power-law fluids, which accounts for both inertia and boundary effects. The results indicate that when the power law index is decreased, the circulation within the enclosure increases leading to a higher Nusselt number and these effects are enhanced as the Darcy number is increased. Consequently as the power law index decreases, the onset of the transitions from Darcy regime to Darcy–Forchheimer–Brinkman regime to asymptotic convection (boundary layer) regime shift to higher corresponding values of the Darcy number. An increase in Rayleigh number produces similar effects as a decrease in power law index.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of 9-Acetyl- and 9-Cyano-1,2-dicarbadodecaborane: Supramolecular Association in Carboranyl C-H Hydrogen-Bonded alpha-Networks.

The syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of 9-acetyl-o-carborane (1) and 9-cyano-o-carborane (2) are reported. In the crystal, molecules of 1 and 2 associate in one-dimensional polymeric chains o...
Kernel logistic regression using truncated Newton method

Kernel logistic regression (KLR) is a powerful nonlinear classifier. The combination of KLR and the truncated-regularized iteratively re-weighted least-squares (TR-IRLS) algorithm, has led to a powerful classification method using small-to-medium size data sets. This method (algorithm), is called truncated-regularized kernel logistic regression (TR-KLR). Compared to support vector machines (SVM) and TR-IRLS on twelve benchmark publicly available data sets, the proposed TR-KLR algorithm is as accurate as, and much faster than, SVM and more accurate than TR-IRLS. The TR-KLR algorithm also has the advantage of providing direct prediction probabilities.
Interactive game-based rehabilitation using the Microsoft Kinect

Using video games in rehabilitation settings has the potential to provide patients with fun and motivating exercise tools. Within the Medical VR and MxR groups at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies, we have been leveraging the technology of the Microsoft Kinect 3D depth-sensing camera. Our Kinect-based rehabilitation game “JewelMine” consists of a set of static balance training exercises which encourage the players to reach out of their base of support. We plan to demonstrate a sophisticated post-session analysis tool and several content themes which can be changed dynamically during a therapy session.
Role of nNOS in Blood Pressure Regulation in eNOS Null Mutant Mice

The role of neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in regulating blood pressure (BP) remains uncertain. Recently it was reported that in mice lacking functional endothelial NOS (eNOS) genes (-/-), acute administration of a nonselective NOS inhibitor, Nw-nitro-L-arginine, decreased mean BP, suggesting that NO released by non-eNOS isoforms increases BP. Because the inducible NOS isoform is not constitutively expressed and when induced causes hypotension, we hypothesize that it is NO produced by nNOS that increases BP in the absence of eNOS activity. To test this hypothesis, we studied the acute effect of selective and nonselective nNOS inhibitors on BP and cerebellar NOS activity in eNOS (-/-), wild-type (+/+), and heterozygous (+/-) mice as well as in +/+ mice with renovascular hypertension. Because it is not known whether the decrease in BP caused by acute NOS inhibition in -/- mice can occur chronically, we also studied the effect of chronic NOS inhibition on both BP and cerebellar NOS activity. eNOS (-/-) mice had higher BP than +/+ or +/-mice, and acute administration of the selective nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) decreased their mean BP from 137+/-13 to 124+/-12 mm Hg (P<0.01). In +/+, +/-, or renovascular hypertensive +/+ mice, 7-NI caused a small but insignificant rise from 105+/-5 to 110+/-6 mm Hg, from 115+/-9 to 119+/-13 mm Hg, and from 146+/-6 to 150+/-6 mm Hg, respectively. Fifteen minutes after administration of 7-NI, cerebellar NOS activity decreased by 70%; however, this inhibitory effect was brief, since 2 hours after 7-NI administration NOS returned toward control values. Chronic oral or intraperitoneal administration of 7-NI did not inhibit cerebellar NOS activity, whereas the nonselective NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) decreased this activity by 50%. Therefore, we studied the effect of chronic L-NAME administration (4 weeks) on BP. In -/- mice, chronic L-NAME administration decreased BP from 135+/-4 to 120+/-3 mm Hg (P<0.05), whereas in +/+ and +/-mice, as expected, it increased BP from 109+/-2 to 125+/-3 mm Hg (P<0.001) and from 107+/-6 to 119+/-5 mm Hg (P<0.02), respectively. After L-NAME administration was stopped, BP returned to baseline. These results suggest that in eNOS -/- mice, NO derived from nNOS increases BP both acutely and chronically.
The role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of brain lesions during the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key bioregulatory active molecule in the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, synthesized through converting L-arginine to L-citrulline by NO synthase (NOS). Research exploration supports the theory that this molecule appears to be one of the key factors for the disruption of normal brain homeostasis, which causes the development of brain lesions and pathology such as in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Especially the vascular content of NO activity appears to be a major contributor to this pathology before the overexpression of NOS activity in other brain cellular compartments develop. We theorize that pharmacological intervention using NO donors and/or NO suppressors should delay or minimize brain lesion development and further progression of brain pathology and dementia. There are many common underlying risk factors that play key roles in the development of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (for review and references see (5,30,31)). Nitric oxide (NO) is an important bioregulatory molecule in the nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems. NO is synthesized by the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline with the enzyme NO synthase (NOS (55)). The three prototypical forms of NOS are neuronal, cytokine-inducible and endothelial (NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3, respectively). The three isoforms are derived from separate genes and are regulated by diverse signaling pathways (65). NO also inhibits enzymes in target cells and can interact with oxygen- derived radicals or free oxygen species (ROS) to produce other toxic substances. Thus, NO also plays a role in immunological host defense and in the pathophysiology of certain clinical conditions (55). The role of NO in brain homeostasis has been extensively reviewed more recently (34). Experiments demonstrate that NO exerts several actions in the cerebral cortex. NO production is mediated by neuronal activity through at least two pathways: i-metylD-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-metyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA) receptors. NO can interact with synapses that are near the production site but not necessarily anatomically connected to the NO source by a conventional synaptic linkage by virtue of its diffusion in extracellular space. NOS's primary action is amplification of the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter, L-glutamate, thus effectively creating a positive feed-forward gain system. However, a number of effective brakes, presumably activated under physiological conditions, serve to limit the cascade (45). These include the ability of NO to inhibit NMDA receptors, its negative feedback on the rate-limiting NOS (59,61,62) and other inhibitory actions. In this review we outline the potential role of excess NO production and its oxidation products on the pathobiology of brain lesions as an accelerating factor for stimulating cerebrovascular diseases, especially Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
On Quadratic Integral Polynomials with only Finitely Many Roots in any Commutative Finite-Dimensional Algebra

The monic quadratic polynomials f with integer coefficients such that each commutative finite-dimensional algebra over a field contains only finitely many roots of f are determined as the polynomials of the form f = X2 + (2m + 1)X + m2 + m, where \({m \in \mathbb{Z}}\).
What Does the Evidence Really Say About Culture Change in Nursing Homes

Purpose of the Study: Although nursing home culture change efforts are becoming more widespread, there have been few efforts to systematically compile the evidence related to the efficacy of cul ture change. This study uses an analytic framework to evaluate the existing evidence for the impact of culture change on nursing home quality. We focus on the nature and scope of culture change interventions, measurement of culture change and adherence to interventions, measurement of culture change outcomes, and the relationship between culture change and its outcomes. Design and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed and gray literature published between 2005 and 2012 to identify intervention evaluations that addressed at least one culture change domain. Of 4,982 identified publications, 625 underwent full review; 27 peer-reviewed and 9 gray literature studies met inclusion criteria. Results: Studies varied widely in scope and outcomes. Most addressed more than one culture change domain; resident direction, home environment, and close relationships were most common. Few studies measured culture change implementation, but most used validated tools to measure outcomes. Although few studies reported negative outcomes, there was little consistent evidence of positive effects. Implications: Nursing home culture change remains an evolving field. Although culture change has clear face validity, the current evidence does not give providers sufficient information for selecting interventions based on the expectation of improving outcomes. Rigorous research on implementation and outcomes of culture change is needed to determine the specific impact of culture change on quality and to provide guidance to providers and policy makers.
Intrinsic dynamics of an extended hydrophobic core in the S. cerevisiae RNase III dsRBD contributes to recognition of specific RNA binding sites.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNase III enzyme Rnt1p preferentially binds to double-stranded RNA hairpin substrates with a conserved (A/u)GNN tetraloop fold, via shape-specific interactions by its double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) helix α1 to the tetraloop minor groove. To investigate whether conformational flexibility in the dsRBD regulates the binding specificity, we determined the backbone dynamics of the Rnt1p dsRBD in the free and AGAA hairpin-bound states using NMR spin-relaxation experiments. The intrinsic microsecond-to-millisecond timescale dynamics of the dsRBD suggests that helix α1 undergoes conformational sampling in the free state, with large dynamics at some residues in the α1–β1 loop (α1–β1 hinge). To correlate free dsRBD dynamics with structural changes upon binding, we determined the solution structure of the free dsRBD used in the previously determined RNA-bound structures. The Rnt1p dsRBD has an extended hydrophobic core comprising helix α1, the α1–β1 loop, and helix α3. Analysis of the backbone dynamics and structures of the free and bound dsRBD reveals that slow-timescale dynamics in the α1–β1 hinge are associated with concerted structural changes in the extended hydrophobic core that govern binding of helix α1 to AGAA tetraloops. The dynamic behavior of the dsRBD bound to a longer AGAA hairpin reveals that dynamics within the hydrophobic core differentiate between specific and nonspecific sites. Mutations of residues in the α1–β1 hinge result in changes to the dsRBD stability and RNA-binding affinity and cause defects in small nucleolar RNA processing in vivo. These results reveal that dynamics in the extended hydrophobic core are important for binding site selection by the Rnt1p dsRBD.
The benefit of surgical management of colorectal carcinoma bone metastases

Background/Objective: Metastatic colorectal carcinoma to bone rarely requires surgical intervention, and is infrequently studied. Aggressive surgical resection is sometimes empirically recommended in these patients, although there is no proven benefit for patient survival. Our hypothesis was that there is survival advantage conferred by resecting bone metastases (BM) when surgery is necessary. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database and identified 39 patients with bone metastases in the appendicular skeleton requiring surgery. Patients underwent surgery because of intractable pain, impending pathologic fracture, and/or pathologic fracture at presentation. Results: Median survival after complete resection of bone metastasis was higher (8 months) than for patients who had surgery, but did not have bony metastases completely excised (3 months, p = 0.014); and in surgical patients who had solitary bone metastasis at presentation ( p = 0.023) compared with multiple bone involvement. There were no perioperative deaths. Additional skeletal surgeries were only required for patients (4 out of 39) with local recurrences. In cases of local recurrence, the median time to progression was 19 months. Conclusions: Surgery for bone metastasis in colorectal carcinoma is well tolerated, and can be considered for palliative care. Compared with other surgical techniques, complete bone-metastasis resection is associated with longer overall survival, and with longer recurrence free survival.
Control Strategy for Rural Variable Speed Limit Corridor

Speed and speed variance of vehicles are important factors related to safety, especially during severe weather conditions. A variable speed limit system was implemented in 2009 by the Wyoming Department of Transportation to change the posted, enforceable speed limits in an effort to improve safety. During the initial years of implementation, decisions regarding the posted speed limit were made by maintenance, highway patrol, and traffic management center personnel. This paper discusses the development of a methodology to support speed posting decisions based on the real-time observed vehicle speeds and weather variables. The results from simulations performed with the proposed methodology indicate that there could be a significant increase in speed compliance and reduced speed variation with the implementation of an automated control strategy over the current manual protocol.