cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of the IL-2 Pathway in Costimulation Blockade-Resistant Rejection of Allografts

Blockade of the CD40 and CD28 costimulatory pathways significantly prolongs allograft survival; however, certain strains of mice (i.e., C57BL/6) are relatively resistant to the effects of combined CD40/CD28 blockade. We have previously shown that the costimulation blockade-resistant phenotype can be attributed to a subset of CD8+ T cells and is independent of CD4+ T cell-mediated help. Here we explore the role of the IL-2 pathway in this process using mAbs against the high affinity IL-2R, CD25, and IL-2 in prolonging skin allograft survival in mice receiving combined CD40/CD28 blockade. We have also investigated the effects of treatment on effector function by assessment of cytotoxicity and the generation of IFN-γ-producing cells in response to allogeneic stimulators as well as proliferation in an in vivo graft-vs-host disease model. We find that additional blockade of either CD25 or IL-2 significantly extends allograft survival beyond that in mice receiving costimulation blockade alone. This correlates with diminished frequencies of IFN-γ-producing allospecific T cells and reduced CTL activity. Anti-CD25 therapy also synergizes with CD40/CD28 blockade in suppressing proliferative responses. Interestingly, depletion of CD4+ T cells, but not CD8+ cells, prevents prolongation in allograft survival, suggesting an IL-2-independent role for regulation in extended survival.
A minimum-velocity-based segmentation scheme for improved performance of an online signature verification system

In this work, a novel segmentation scheme for online handwritten signatures is presented in order to extract local characteristics that are consistent among the different signature samples. In the new segmentation scheme, the segmentation points of the reference/master signature are allocated at the minimum velocity points or ldquovalleysrdquo. To avoid an excessive number of segmentation points, a constraint factor of minimum segment size is applied while extracting the valleys. Then, the correspondent segmentation points in each of the test or other enrollment signatures are allocated by finding the minimum velocity points occurring within a window of points centered at each segment-boundary-point of the master signature. The paper also presents an algorithm to select the master/reference signature sample among the enrollment signature samples for each writer. According to the selection criteria, the master/reference signature is the signature that contains the most repeated valleys locations. The evaluation of the new segmentation method showed significant improvement over a benchmark method, developed in earlier work, whose segmentation was based on the dynamic time warping technique.
Intramodality and Intermodality Comparisons of Storage Phosphor Computed Radiography and Conventional Film-Screen Radiography in the Recognition of Small Pneumoconiotic Opacities

Background Digital radiography systems are replacing traditional film for chest radiographic monitoring in the recognition of pneumoconiosis. Methods To further investigate previous findings regarding the equivalence of film-screen radiographs (FSRs) and storage phosphor computed radiographs (CRs), FSRs and CRs from 172 underground coal miners were classified independently by seven National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved B readers, using the International Labor Office (ILO) classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis. Results More CRs were classified as “good” quality compared with FSRs (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.4-1.6; P , .001). B readers showed good overall agreement on scoring small opacity profusion using CRs vs FSRs (weighted κ, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.54-0.62). Significantly more irregular opacities (compared with rounded) were classified using CR images compared with FSR (PR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6; P = .01). Similarly, the smallest sized opacities (width P Conclusions Under optimal conditions, using standardized methods and equipment, reader visualization of small pneumoconiotic opacities does not appear to differ meaningfully, whether using CR or FSR. Variability in ILO classifications between imaging modalities appears to be considerably lower than variability among readers. The well-documented challenge of reader variability does not appear to be resolved through the use of digital imaging alone, and additional approaches must be evaluated.
Spontaneous Emulsification of Pure Xylene in an Aqueous Solution through Mere Adsorption of a Detergent in the Interface

Spontaneous emulsification of a pure liquid can occur. This is demonstrated when liquid hydrocarbons are quietly placed upon the surface of the solution of a suitable detergent. Here special attention has been given to xylene placed upon moderately dilute solutions of dodecylamine hydrochloride. In many cases violent disruption of the pure liquid occurs, when it is quietly placed upon a soap or detergent solution. Examination shows that the emulsified droplets still consist of pure solvent stabilized by a coating of adsorbed protective colloid. The source of the required energy is the energy of adsorption, as well as solubilization of hydrocarbon in the aqueous detergent. The emulsion formed consists of spherical droplets which therefore retain a positive interfacial tension.
Student Engagement in Instructional Activity: Patterns in the Elementary, Middle, and High School Years

Although student engagement with the intellectual work of school is important to students' achievement and to their social and cognitive development, studies over a span of two decades have documented low levels of engagement, particularly in the classroom. Examining several theoretical perspectives that attempt to explain engagement through comprehensive frameworks, this study evaluates the effect on engagement of school reform initiatives that are consistent with the theories. The study also investigates whether patterns exist in students' engagement, whether the patterns are consistent across grade levels, and whether class subject matter (mathematics or social studies) differentially affects engagement. The sample includes 3,669 students representing 143 social studies and mathematics classrooms in a nationally selected sample of 24 restructuring elementary, middle, and high schools. Because of the nature of the nested data (students nested within classrooms nested within schools), the analysis is conducted using hierarchical linear modeling in its three-level application (HLM3L). The reform initiatives, which are consistent with the theories, eliminate personal background effects. Together with classroom subject matter, they substantially influence engagement. The results are generally consistent across grade levels.
An Elegant Biosensor Molecular Beacon Probe: Challenges and Recent Solutions

Molecular beacon (MB) probes are fluorophore- and quencher-labeled short synthetic DNAs folded in a stem-loop shape. Since the first report by Tyagi and Kramer, it has become a widely accepted tool for nucleic acid analysis and triggered a cascade of related developments in the field of molecular sensing. The unprecedented success of MB probes stems from their ability to detect specific DNA or RNA sequences immediately after hybridization with no need to wash out the unbound probe (instantaneous format). Importantly, the hairpin structure of the probe is responsible for both the low fluorescent background and improved selectivity. Furthermore, the signal is generated in a reversible manner; thus, if the analyte is removed, the signal is reduced to the background. This paper highlights the advantages of MB probes and discusses the approaches that address the challenges in MB probe design. Variations of MB-based assays tackle the problem of stem invasion, improve SNP genotyping and signal-to-noise ratio, as well as address the challenges of detecting folded RNA and DNA.
A discrete time quad-band GSM/GPRS receiver in a 90nm digital CMOS process

We present the receiver in the first single-chip GSM transceiver that incorporates full integration of quad-band receiver, transmitter, memory, power management, dedicated ARM processor and RF built-in self test in a 90 nm digital CMOS process. The architecture uses direct RF sampling in the receiver and an all-digital PLL in the transmitter. The receive chain uses discrete-time analog signal processing to down convert, down- sample, filter and analog-to-digital convert the received signal. An auxiliary feedback is provided at the mixer output that can linearize the entire receive chain. The receiver meets a sensitivity of -110 dBm at 60 mA in a 1.4V digital CMOS process
Crosstalk on Cables: A Communication Theoretic Approach

The crosstalk induced in a particular cable by other nearby current carrying cables is of significance in predicting the behavior of systems using such cables. Unfortunately, computational difficulties and ignorance of the actual problem geometry (as opposed to the nominal geometry) often make the calculation of the crosstalk uncertain or impossible. In this paper a method is devised for expressing the rms value of the crosstalk, and the resulting expression is investigated for a particular class of cables. The models proposed are applicable only to long low-frequency cables constructed of nonmagnetic materials. Electrostatic effects are not considered.
Feeding aggregation of the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Ixodidae): benefits and costs in the contest with host responses.

Gregariousness can be advantageous in interspecific competition while intraspecific competition may favour solitude. We examined feeding behaviour of the ixodid tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, in the context of interspecific (tick–host) and intraspecific (tick–tick) competition. Such competition is mediated through host rejection responses to tick infestation to which ticks respond by secreting immunodulatory saliva. We observed that group feeding adults increased their blood-feeding rate, reducing the time to mating and repletion, compared with individual feeding of paired adults. The benefits of feeding aggregation indicate direct reciprocity between ticks, most likely resulting from the shared activities of their bioactive saliva. However, fast-feeding ticks appeared to impair blood-feeding success of slow-feeding females during group feeding. This may be explained by the faster feeders exacerbating host responses on detachment that are then directed against the slower feeders. As female fecundity is generally proportional to the size of the bloodmeal, there will be a selection pressure to feed gregariously. Greater understanding of the benefits and costs of feeding aggregation may help to improve tick control strategies.
Estrogen receptor alpha deletion enhances the metastatic phenotype of Ron overexpressing mammary tumors in mice.

The receptor tyrosine kinase family includes many transmembrane proteins with diverse physiological and pathophysiological functions. The involvement of tyrosine kinase signaling in promoting a more aggressive tumor phenotype within the context of chemotherapeutic evasion is gaining recognition. The Ron receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor that has been implicated in the progression of breast cancer and evasion of tamoxifen therapy. Here, we report that Ron expression is correlated with in situ, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive tumors, and is higher in breast tumors following neoadjuvant tamoxifen therapy. We also demonstrate that the majority of mammary tumors isolated from transgenic mice with mammary specific-Ron overexpression (MMTV-Ron mice), exhibit appreciable ER expression. Moreover, genetic-ablation of ERα, in the context of Ron overexpression, leads to delayed mammary tumor initiation and growth, but also results in an increased metastasis. Ron receptor overexpression is associated with ERα-positive human and murine breast tumors. In addition, loss of ERα on a Ron overexpressing background in mice leads to the development of breast tumors which grow slower but which exhibit more metastasis and suggests that targeting of ERα, as in the case of tamoxifen therapy, may reduce the growth of Ron overexpressing breast cancers but may cause these tumors to be more metastatic.
Asylum evaluations--the physician's dilemma.

In the following paper, Annemiek Richters of the University of Leiden in the Netherlands addresses the dilemmas faced by health professionals who are asked to evaluate and provide supporting documentation for those refugees who seek political asylum in the countries of Europe. It is in the politically charged arena of asylum applications, government regulations, and public policy where bioethics, human rights, and health converge. Despite the 1951 Convention on Refugees, a treaty signed by nations around the world to safeguard the rights of those who are displaced, and other treaties that protect the rights of vulnerable populations, refugee and asylum policies have become increasingly strict in an effort to deter those who would seek safety. This tightening of borders in the countries of the West challenges physicians who find themselves caught between obligations to treat, to advocate, and to challenge policies that make treatment a potentially dangerous proposition. Unfortunately, the World Trade Center attacks have exacerbated the problem by labeling asylees and refugees as potential terrorists and subject to deportation.
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of enoxaparin and warfarin for prevention of deep vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty.

Of 263 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty, 122 received adjusted low-dose warfarin and 141 received enoxaparin as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. Three patients in the warfarin group and 3 in the enoxaparin group developed ultrasound-detectable DVT (P > .05). Although the amount of perioperative blood transfused was equivalent in both groups, the overall hemoglobin drop was greater (P < .005) in the enoxaparin group (2.9 g/dL) as compared with the warfarin group (2.3 g/dL). Five patients (4.6%) in the warfarin group and 16 (11.3%) in the enoxaparin group had bleeding complications (P < .05). Our data support earlier published reports suggesting that reductions, if any, in the incidence of DVT associated with enoxaparin are offset by a significant increase in bleeding complications as compared with adjusted-dose warfarin. We continue to use adjusted-dose warfarin as primary thromboembolic prophylaxis after total knee arthroplasty.
Nature and degree of aqueous alteration in CM and CI carbonaceous chondrites

We investigated the petrologic, geochemical, and spectral parameters that relate to the type and degree of aqueous alteration in nine CM chondrites and one CI (Ivuna) carbonaceous chondrite. Our underlying hypothesis is that the position and shape of the 3 μm band is diagnostic of phyllosilicate mineralogy. We measured reflectance spectra of the chondrites under dry conditions (elevated temperatures) and vacuum (10−8 to 10−7 torr) to minimize adsorbed water and mimic the space environment, for subsequent comparison with reflectance spectra of asteroids. We have identified three spectral CM groups in addition to Ivuna. “Group 1,” the least altered group as determined from various alteration indices, is characterized by 3 μm band centers at longer wavelengths, and is consistent with cronstedtite (Fe-serpentine). “Group 3,” the most altered group, is characterized by 3 μm band centers at shorter wavelengths and is consistent with antigorite (serpentine). “Group 2” is an intermediate group between group 1 and 3. Ivuna exhibits a unique spectrum that is distinct from the CM meteorites and is consistent with lizardite and chrysotile (serpentine). The petrologic and geochemical parameters, which were determined using electron microprobe analyses and microscopic observations, are found to be consistent with the three spectral groups. These results indicate that the distinct parent body aqueous alteration environments experienced by these carbonaceous chondrites can be distinguished using reflectance spectroscopy. High-quality ground-based telescopic observations of Main Belt asteroids can be expected to reveal not just whether an asteroid is hydrated, but also details of the alteration state.
INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION IN ANTS: AT THE INTERSECTION OF ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND BEHAVIOR

Ants are social and are haplodiploid. This combination may allow the evolution of a variety of unusual genetic pathways to achieve reproductive success. These include hybridizing across species, differential use of sperm to create a hybrid worker population, and reproductively isolated gene pools that depend on each other for their survival. Although there are demonstrable costs for colony development and reproduction, these phenomena may nevertheless be relatively common in nature. The specific ecological advantages that favor the evolution of these reproductive modes remain to be discovered.
Decomposing Local: A Conjoint Analysis of Locally Produced Foods

Increasingly, foods are marketed as “locally grown.” We use stated preference data from a choice-based conjoint instrument to address two issues surrounding consumer demand for locally produced goods: (1) what is the geographical extent of “local,” and (2) is the value consumers place on “local” production distinct from other factors that are often confounded with locally produced foods such as farm size and product freshness? We find our subjects place similar value on products produced “in state” and “nearby” and that consumers' willingness to pay for local production is independent from values associated with product freshness and farm size. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.
Treater to target: a urologist's personal experience with prostate cancer.

A urologist’s personal experience with multiple surgical, hormonal, and radio/immunotherapeutic options for the treatment of advancing prostate cancer.
Analysis of cell migration, transdifferentiation and apoptosis during mouse secondary palate fusion.

Malformations in secondary palate fusion will lead to cleft palate, a common human birth defect. Palate fusion involves the formation and subsequent degeneration of the medial edge epithelial seam. The cellular mechanisms underlying seam degeneration have been a major focus in the study of palatogenesis. Three mechanisms have been proposed for seam degeneration: lateral migration of medial edge epithelial cells; epithelial-mesenchymal trans-differentiation; and apoptosis of medial edge epithelial cells. However, there is still a great deal of controversy over these proposed mechanisms. In this study, we established a [ Rosa26 ↔C57BL/6] chimeric culture system, in which a Rosa26 -originated `blue9 palatal shelf was paired with a C57BL/6-derived `white9 palatal shelf. Using this organ culture system, we observed the migration of medial edge epithelial cells to the nasal side, but not to the oral side. We also observed an anteroposterior migration of medial edge epithelial cells, which may play an important role in posterior palate fusion. To examine epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation during palate fusion, we bred a cytokeratin 14- Cre transgenic line into the R26R background. In situ hybridization showed that the Cre transgene is expressed exclusively in the epithelium. However,β -galactosidase staining gave extensive signals in the palatal mesenchymal region during and after palate fusion, demonstrating the occurrence of an epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation mechanism during palate fusion. Finally, we showed that Apaf1 mutant mouse embryos are able to complete palate fusion without DNA fragmentation-mediated programmed cell death, indicating that this is not essential for palate fusion in vivo.
Thermal Properties of a Dusty Plasma in the Presence of Driven Dust Acoustic Waves

In this paper, the thermal properties of a weakly coupled dc glow discharge dusty plasma with driven dust acoustic waves are investigated. Here, the waves are driven using a current modulation at a fixed frequency with varying amplitudes. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry is used to measure the velocity space distribution of the dusty plasma. It is shown that, with increasing amplitude of the modulation, there is a corresponding increase in the measured kinetic temperature. In addition, there is an evidence of non-Maxwellian features in the velocity distribution.
The design of a low cost scintillating detector for a radiation meter

An X-ray detector will be designed for the engineering world health (EWH) organization to be incorporated into an ionizing radiation meter. This meter will be distributed to hospitals of the developing world to improve patient care. The meter will be able to determine if X-ray radiation energy from an X-ray production tube is sufficient to produce an image with proper contrast between muscle and bone. The detector, as part of the radiation meter, will cost less than $3 per unit when manufactured in quantities of 500. EWH has specified the meter can cost no more than $4 per unit, and the detector is the most expensive component. The design will include an aluminum cylindrical casing that will be easy to disassemble and reassemble for repair purposes. A scintillation material will be located inside one side of the casing, and a photodetector will be inside the other side. The detector and its components will be selected based on price, scintillation efficiency, wavelength emitted from the scintillation material, and spectral response of the photodetector. The detector will be validated using X-ray machines at local hospitals. The detector will be bombarded with X-ray photons and the response recorded. If possible, the detector's response will be compared to that of a commercial detector for X-ray machines. The detector design will be considered successful if it can distinguish between varying levels of X-ray energy.
Pipeline for the quantification of cardiac strain based on optical flow using 4D ultrasound data

4D ultrasound has the potential to provide complex temporal information needed for the proper diagnosis of cardiac pathologies. The objective of this study is to demonstrate a potential pipeline for the clinical evaluation of 4D cardiac strain using only 4D (RT3D) ultrasound data. First, 4D cardiac ultrasound data is collected using a Siemens SC2000 Ultrasound machine. Then, the raw Rho-Theta data is down-sampled into Cartesian space, and de-noised using an anisotropic diffusion filter. A mask of the myocardium is semi-automatically segmented, based on which a motion field is extracted using an optical flow algorithm. Finally, the computed strain measurements are overlaid on the original images and the myocardium mask.
Novel Therapies for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Storied Past and Forward Paths

IN BRIEF Current therapeutic approaches are only moderately efficacious at preventing the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). As the number of people with DKD continues to rise worldwide, there is an urgent need for novel therapies. A better understanding of the root causes and molecular mechanisms of DKD pathogenesis has enabled the identification of numerous new therapeutic targets, including advanced glycation end products, reactive oxygen species, protein kinase C, and serum amyloid A. Although experimental studies have illustrated the potential of such approaches, challenges in clinical translation remain a barrier in therapeutic development. Advances in preclinical safety and efficacy evaluations and improved delivery systems may aid in clinical translation of novel DKD therapies.
Aggregation of Internet Integrated Services state

The Internet Integrated Services (IIS) architecture has a fundamental scaling problem in that per-flow state is maintained at all the routers and end-systems supporting a flow. This paper examines the use of aggregation as a technique to reduce the amount of state needed to provide IIS. In our approach, routers at the edge of a region doing aggregation maintain a detailed IIS state, while in the interior of this region, routers maintain a greatly reduced amount of state. Packets are tagged at the network edge with scheduling information that is used in place of the detailed IIS state. The aggregation scheme described allows large-scale deployment of IIS without overloading the routers with state and associated processing.
The RoutledgeFalmer Reader in Inclusive Education

edited by K. Topping and S. Maloney, 2005, London, RoutledgeFalmer, 260 pp. + further reading, UK$22.99 (paperback), ISBN 0‐41‐533665‐1 This volume of essays on inclusion is a surprise. When I firs...
Effect of dietary protein on translation initiation in rat skeletal muscle and liver

The effect of dietary protein on the initiation of mRNA translation was examined in rats starved for 18 h and then fed isocaloric diets containing either 20% protein (20P) or no added protein (0P)....
Geometric heat equation and nonlinear diffusion of shapes and images

We propose a geometric smoothing method based on local curvature in shapes and images which is governed by the geometric heat equation and is a special case of the reaction-diffusion framework proposed by Faugeras (1990). For shapes, the approach is analogous to the classical heat equation smoothing, but with a renormalization by arc-length at each infinitesimal step. For images, the smoothing is similar to anisotropic diffusion in that, since the component of diffusion in the direction of the brightness gradient is nil, edge location and sharpness are left intact. We present several properties of curvature deformation smoothing of shape: it preserves inclusion order, annihilates extrema and inflection points without creating new ones, decreases total curvature, satisfies the semi-group property allowing for local iterative computations, etc. Curvature deformation smoothing of an image is based on viewing it as a collection of iso-intensity level sets, each of which is smoothed by curvature and then reassembled. This is shown to be mathematically sound and applicable to medical, aerial and range images. >
Care management for depression and osteoarthritis pain in older primary care patients: a pilot study

Objective To establish the feasibility of and to generate preliminary evidence for the efficacy of a care management program addressing both physical and emotional pain associated with late-life depression and osteoarthritis. Methods Treatment development pilot study in three university affiliated primary care clinics. Participants were patients 60 years or older with depression and osteoarthritis pain. The intervention entailed a nurse administered care management program supporting depression and arthritis treatment by primary care physicians. Outcomes include depression, pain severity and functional impairment from pain assessed at baseline and 6 months. Results Fourteen patients participated in the pilot program. Between baseline and 6 months, mean HSCL-20 depression scores dropped from 1.78 (SD 0.56) to 1.06 (SD 0.59), a standardized effect size of 1.27 (p = 0.004). Pain intensity scores dropped from 5.67 (SD 1.69) to 4.18 (SD 1.98), an effect size of 0.88 (p = 0.021) and pain interference scores dropped from 4.91 (SD 1.75) to 3.49 (SD 2.14), an effect size of 0.81 (p = 0.013). Patients also experienced improvements in self efficacy, in satisfaction with depression care, and in timed 8-m walk and transfer tests. Conclusion The combined intervention was feasible and well-received by patients. Preliminary outcomes are promising and comparisons to an earlier trial of care management for depression alone suggest that the combined program may be equally effective for depression but more effective for pain. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A low cost conversion of semi-anechoic chamber to fully-anechoic chamber for RF antenna measurements

The commonly use of semi-anechoic chambers (SAC) is for electromagnetic interference emission (EMI) measurements. This paper suggests a simple technique to extend the EMI chamber capability to a low-cost fully anechoic chamber (FAC) to characterize the antenna performance. The dimensions of the absorbing cones placed o the reflecting ground surface are based on the Fresnel's zone concept. The receiving antenna operating from 300 MHz to 1 GHz is best located at the corner of the chamber. With the available 2' absorbing cones, the maximum distance between transmitting and receiving antenna of 4.5 meters, and the far-field criteria, the applicable antenna pattern measurement at 300 MHz requires only about 80% of the first Fresnel's zone cone coverage. Within the 0.5/spl times/0.5 m/sup 2/ area, at 60 MHz the worst case field uniformity is about 1.4 dB.
Direct simulation of flows of solid-liquid mixtures

Abstract A finite element technique based on moving unstructured grids is developed to simulate the motion of a large number of solid particles in a flowing liquid. A generalized Galerkin finite element formulation which incorporates both the fluid and particle equations of motion into a single variational equation is developed for Newtonian fluids. The hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on the solid particles are eliminated in the formulation, so need not be computed explicitly. An arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) technique is adopted to deal with the motion of the particles. In the implementation, the nodes on the particle surface are assumed to move with the particle. The nodes in the interior of the fluid are computed using Laplace's equation, to guarantee a smoothly varying distribution of the nodes. At each time step, the grid is updated according to the motion of the particles and checked for element degeneration. If unacceptable element distortion is detected, a new finite element grid is generated and the flow fields are projected from the old grid to the new grid. This generalized ALE Galerkin finite element approach gives rise to a set of non-linear algebraic equations which is solved via a quasi-Newton scheme. The corresponding linearized system is solved with an iterative solver using a preconditioned generalized minimal residual algorithm. Initially, the particles are positioned randomly in the fluid, with zero velocity. The particles are then released and the motion of the combined fluid-particle system is simulated using a procedure in which the positions of the particles and of the mesh grids are updated explicitly, while the velocities of the fluid and the solid particles are determined implicitly. Using the developed numerical procedure, we study the Poiseuille flow of solid-liquid mixtures in a vertical channel. The computation is performed within a unit cell which is periodic in the direction along the channel. The gravity is directed along the channel walls, and a pressure gradient is applied against the gravity and drives the flow. The solid particles are slightly heavier than the liquid. The effects of the applied pressure gradient, the particle Reynolds number and the fraction of the solid loading on the flow pattern of the solid-liquid mixture are studied. It was found that when the applied pressure gradient is large enough to overcome the gravity, the particles migrate away from the channel walls and there is a clear liquid layer next to the wall which lubricates the flow. As the particle Reynolds number is increased, particles interact more strongly and large clusters of particles are formed in the flow.
Low Cost Correction of OCR Errors Using Learning in a Multi-Engine Environment

We propose a low cost method for the correction of the output of OCR engines through the use of human labor. The method employs an error estimator neural network that learns to assess the error probability of every word from ground-truth data. The error estimator uses features computed from the outputs of multiple OCR engines. The output probability error estimate is used to decide which words are inspected by humans. The error estimator is trained to optimize the area under the word error ROC leading to an improved efficiency of the human correction process. A significant reduction in cost is achieved by clustering similar words together during the correction process. We also show how active learning techniques are used to further improve the efficiency of the error estimator
Design and implementation of a visual servo system for aerial surveillance applications based on shape features

In this paper we present the development of a visual servo system for real-time and automatic aerial surveillance applications. The system can automatically detect the shape contours of objects within a scene and control the camera to track a target object centered at the image plane based on shape features. The system consists of a robust shape detection algorithm based on the randomized Hough transform (RHT) method, an adaptive object tracking algorithm, a probability data association (PDA) prediction filter and a fuzzy visual servo controller. We also establish a testbed to mimic the aerial surveillance environment and provide experimental results to verify the validity of the designed system.
Clinical and Pathological Features of Pheochromocytoma in the Horse: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study of 37 Cases (2007-2014).

Background Pheochromocytoma is the most common adrenal medullary neoplasm of domestic animals, but it is rare in horses. Antemortem diagnosis in horses is difficult, with clinical signs often being vague or non-specific. Objective The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings of pheochromocytoma in horses. Animals Thirty-seven horses diagnosed with pheochromocytoma based on postmortem examination from 2007 to 2014. Methods Retrospective case series. Results Pheochromocytoma was identified in 37/4094 horses during postmortem examination. Clinical signs consistent with pheochromocytoma had been observed antemortem in only 7 cases, with the remainder being incidental findings. Colic was the most common presenting complaint (13 of 37 cases) and tachycardia was noted in 95% of cases (median heart rate of 86 bpm in clinical cases). Hyperlactatemia (median, 4.9 mmol/L) and hyperglycemia (median, 184 mg/dL) were the most common clinicopathologic abnormalities. Hemoperitoneum caused by rupture of pheochromocytoma was noted in 4/7 clinical cases. Concurrent endocrine abnormalities (eg, thyroid adenoma, adrenal hyperplasia, pituitary pars intermedia hyperplasia or adenoma, parathyroid C-cell carcinoma) were found in 27/37 horses, with 8/37 horses having lesions consistent with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome as described in humans. Conclusions Pheochromocytoma was diagnosed in 0.95% of horses presented for necropsy. The majority of these were incidental findings, but pheochromocytoma was thought to contribute to clinical findings in 19% of cases, and multiple endocrine neoplasms were commonly seen. Usually an incidental finding at necropsy, pheochromocytoma may cause acute death from intraperitoneal exsanguination and should be considered in horses presenting with colic, tachycardia, and hemoperitoneum.
Miliary tuberculosis and consumption of clotting factors by multifocal vasculopathic coagulation

We have reported a third case of miliary tuberculosis and associated consumption coagulopathy. It is proposed that clotting factors may be locally consumed, thus producing the syndrome of "multifocal vasculopathic coagulation."
RECOVERY: A Contaminated Sediment-Water Interaction Model

This paper describes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers screening-level water quality model (RECOVERY version 3.0) for assessing long-term impacts of contaminated bottom sediments on surface waters. The model couples contaminant interaction between the water column and the bottom sediment, as well as between contaminated and clean bottom sediments. The analysis is intended primarily for organic contaminants with the assumption that the overlying water column is well mixed vertically. The contaminant is assumed to follow linear, reversible, equilibrium sorption and first-order decay kinetics. The system is physically represented as a well-mixed water column (i.e., zero-dimensional) underlain by a vertically-stratified sediment column (i.e., one-dimensional). The sediment is well-mixed horizontally but segmented vertically into a well-mixed surface (active) layer and deep sediment. The deep sediment is segmented into variably contaminated and clean sediment regions. Processes incorporated in the model are sorption, decay, volatilization, burial, resuspension, settling, bioturbation, and pore-water diffusion. The solution couples contaminant mass balance in the water column and in the mixed sediment layer along with diffusion in the deep sediment layers. The model was verified against laboratory and field data, as well as against an analytical solution for the water and mixed sediment layers. These comparisons indicate that the model can be used as an assessment tool for evaluating remediation alternatives for contaminated bottom sediments.
Development of a Vibratory White Finger Prevention Program for Shipyard Workers: An Exploratory Study

Background Vibratory White Finger (VWF) disease afflicts many shipyard workers who use vibrating tools over a period of years and can lead to a lifelong disability. Vascular symptoms include cold-induced spasms of the fingers and hands, blanching of the fingers, and atrophic skin changes in the fingertips. Sensorineural symptoms include numbness and tingling in the fingers and hands and reduced sensory perception and manipulative dexterity. The purpose of this study was to develop a screening program for shipyard workers, so that VWF disease could be identified and workers with the disease could be counseled on possible job changes involving reduced exposure to vibration. Method This study was conducted during 1993. The subjects consisted of 39 users of vibrating tools and 10 nonusers. In the shipyard, each subject received a questionnaire dealing with VWF symptoms, followed by tests for multifrequency vibration thresholds, cutaneous sensitivity, and hand and finger strength. Each subject was subsequently examined outside the shipyard by a board-certified occupational health physician. Results Using discriminant analysis, statistical models for both the vascular and sensorineural stages of the disease were constructed. In general, there was a high level of agreement between the staging obtained from the statistical models and the outside physician’s diagnoses, suggesting that the combination of questionnaire and test data was adequate for initial screening for this disease. Conclusion It is not considered practical to perform a complete physician evaluation on every shipyard worker who is at risk for VWF. By using a structured questionnaire together with a limited number of VWF-related tests, and incorporating the data into a statistical model, it is possible to identify the priority candidates for physician follow-up and possibly alter the worksite to prevent serious disability.
Association of Facial Paralysis-Related Disability With Patient- and Observer-Perceived Quality of Life.

ImportanceThe interaction between patient- and observer-perceived quality of life (QOL) and facial paralysis–related disability and the resulting effect of these interactions on social perception a...
Potential consumer participation in a boycott of tobacco-company-owned nontobacco products.

A random telephone survey was conducted to measure the public’s willingness to participate in a boycott of popular consumer products manufactured by corporations owned by tobacco companies. Results suggest a strong interest in such a boycott. Previous boycott experiences, attitudes, and smoking statuses significantly predicted subjects’ willingness to participate. Age was inversely related to willingness to participate, while sex, income, ethnicity, and education were not related to this variable.
Fibrin fragment induction of plasminogen activator inhibitor transcription is mediated by activator protein-1 through a highly conserved element.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), a serine protease inhibitor, affects the processes of fibrinolysis, wound healing, and vascular remodeling. We have demonstrated that PAI-1 transcription is induced by D dimer, a plasmin proteolytic fragment of fibrin, supporting its role in negative feedback on peri-cellular proteolysis. The focus of this study was to define the mechanism of D dimer’s effects on PAI-1 transcription. D dimer increased the binding activity of the transcription factor activator protein-1 components c-fos/junD and c-fos mRNA levels in a time- and concentration-dependent manner to a greater extent than fibrinogen. Both basal and D dimer-induced PAI-1 transcriptional activity were entirely dependent on elements within the −161 to −48 bp region of the PAI-1 gene in fibroblasts. Mutations within the AP-1–like element (−59 to −52 bp) in the PAI-1 gene affected D dimer-induced transcriptional activity, c-fos/junD DNA binding, and basal and c-fos inducible PAI-1 transcriptional activity. Furthermore, expression of either wild-type or mutant c-fos proteins augmented or diminished the response of the PAI-1 promoter (−161 to +26 bp) to D dimer, respectively. D dimer-induced binding of c-fos/junD to the highly conserved and unique AP-1 like element in the PAI-1 gene provides a mechanism whereby specific fibrin fragments control fibrin persistence at sites of inflammation, fibrosis, and neoplasia.
Retinoblastoma: Evaluation and Diagnosis

In 1809, a Scottish surgeon named James Wardrop wrote a monograph where he described a subset of fungus haematodes distinguishing them from other cases of “soft cancer,” “medullary sarcoma,” or inflammation. He was the first to recognize retinoblastoma (RB) as a discrete tumor arising primarily from the retina [1]. Virchow in 1864 used the name glioma retinae because of retinoblastoma’s similarity to intracranial glial tumors. Verhoeff, in 1922, observed the retinal origin and the presence of immature, embryonic cells that formed the tumor and coined the term retinoblastoma. In 1926, the American Ophthalmological Society accepted the term retinoblastoma and the older terms, such as glioma retinae and fungus haematodes, were abandoned [2]. In 1809, it was the astute clinical observations and descriptions of the disease that made the diagnosis of what we now know as retinoblastoma.
Joint transmission scheduling and congestion control for adaptive streaming in wireless device-to-device networks

We consider the jointly optimal design of a transmission scheduling and admission control policy for adaptive streaming over wireless device-to-device networks. We formulate the problem as a dynamic network utility maximization and observe that it naturally decomposes into two subproblems: admission control and transmission scheduling. The resulting algorithms are simple and suitable for distributed implementation. The admission control decisions involve each user choosing the quality of the video chunk asked for download, based on the network congestion in its neighborhood. This form of admission control is compatible with the current video streaming technology based on the DASH protocol over TCP connections. We also consider a mechanism for dropping bits from the transmission queues in order to obtain deterministic bounds on the queueing delays, which determine the number of video chunks that should be pre-fetched in order to guarantee smooth playback without interruptions.
J7 Intermediate allele expansion leads to huntington’s disease expression in large kindred

Background Huntington’s disease is a progressive autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterised by variable motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. The mean age of onset is 35–44 years.1 Clinical expression is associated with a trinucleotide repeat expansion, 36 or more CAG trinucleotide repeats in HTT gene on chromosome 4. Case history A 39 year old Caucasian female with apparent HD was referred to our clinic for diagnosis and treatment. It was reported that she experienced onset of psychiatric symptoms in her early 30s and chorea at age 35. There was no family history of HD in a sibship of 15 individuals, 5 older than her. DNA testing revealed CAG repeat alleles of 47 and 24, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of HD. The proband’s parents were DNA tested and her 72 y/o asymptomatic father had alleles of 32/17 and her 65 year old mother had CAG repeat alleles of 24/15. Two of the proband’s siblings underwent DNA testing and found to have the normal paternal allele. Conclusion These data support the hypothesis that the paternal intermediate allele (IA) of 32 CAG repeats, a moderate risk allele for disease causing expansion in offspring,2 was expanded to an unprecedented number in the fertilisation event involving our patient. Genetic counselling and DNA testing for “at risk” offspring is ongoing with two normal DNA results of 17/15 having been reported in two of the siblings. DNA testing on paternal buccal cells is ongoing to rule out somatic mosaicism. Clinical and psychological evaluation of the IA carrier is in progress. References Warby, et al. Genetests 2014 Smelka, et al.
Neutrino-heated winds from millisecond protomagnetars as sources of the weak r-process

We explore heavy element nucleosynthesis in neutrino-driven winds from rapidly rotating, stronglymagnetized protoneutron stars (‘millisecond protomagnetars’) forwhich themagnetic dipole is aligned with the rotation axis, and the field is assumed to be a static force-free configuration. We process the protomagnetar wind trajectories calculated by Vlasov, Metzger & Thompson through the r-process nuclear reaction network SkyNet using contemporary models for the evolution of the wind electron fraction during the protoneutron star cooling phase. Although we do not find a successful second or third-peak r-process for any rotation period P, we show that protomagnetars with P ∼ 1–5 ms produce heavy element abundance distributions that extend to higher nuclear mass number than from otherwise equivalent spherical winds (with the mass fractions of some elements enhanced by factors of �100–1000). The heaviest elements are synthesized by outflows emerging along flux tubes that graze the closed zone and pass near the equatorial plane outside the light cylinder. Due to dependence of the nucleosynthesis pattern on the magnetic field strength and rotation rate of the protoneutron star, natural variations in these quantities between core collapse events could contribute to the observed diversity of the abundances of weak r-process nuclei in metal-poor stars. Further diversity, including possibly even a successful third-peak r-process, could be achieved for misaligned rotators with non-zero magnetic inclination with respect to the rotation axis. If protomagnetars are central engines for GRBs, their relativistic jets should contain a high-mass fraction of heavy nuclei of characteristic mass number ¯A ≈ 100, providing a possible source for ultrahigh energy cosmic rays comprised of heavy nuclei with an energy spectrum that extends beyond the nominal Grezin–Zatsepin–Kuzmin cut-off for protons or iron nuclei.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas: A Review

Importance Pituitary adenomas may hypersecrete hormones or cause mass effects. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Observations Prevalence of pituitary adenomas ranges from 1 in 865 adults to 1 in 2688 adults. Approximately 50% are microadenomas ( Conclusions and Relevance Patients with pituitary adenomas should be identified at an early stage so that effective treatment can be implemented. For prolactinomas, initial therapy is generally dopamine agonists. For all other pituitary adenomas, initial therapy is generally transsphenoidal surgery with medical therapy being reserved for those not cured by surgery.