cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IgG4 Related Disease of the Ureter (Inflammatory Pseudotumor)

A 49-year-old male presented with right flank pain without gross hematuria. Computerized tomography revealed a 2 cm soft tissue mass of the right distal ureter with moderate right hydroureteronephrosis. On ureteroscopy the mass obstructed the ureter but ureteral brushing was nondiagnostic. The patient underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic distal ureterectomy including bladder cuff excision and reconstruction with a psoas hitch and ureteral reimplantation. Gross examination revealed a 3.0 cm mass involving the distal ureter. Margins were uninvolved. Microscopic examination showed a fibroinflammatory process in a storiform pattern with marked inflammatory infiltrates consisting primarily of plasma cells admixed with eosinophils and macrophages (fig. 1). Approximately 60 plasma cells per high power field stained positive for IgG4 immunostain consistent with IgG4 related disease (RD), also known as IgG4 inflammatory pseudotumor (fig. 2). IgG4-RD is a newly recognized clinical condition initially described in 2003 as the etiology of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis. The classic
Progress in research on atmospheric turbulence

In ground- and tower-based instrumentation for direct sensing, few, if any, new concepts have appeared, but steady improvements in technique and reliability have been reported [Dyer et al., 1967; Goddard, 1970; Hicks, 1969; Kaimal, l9687semi; Kaimal et al, 1968; Thurteil et al., 19707semi; Wesely et al., 1970], and comparisons have been made between different kinds of instruments [Businger et al., 19677; Miyake et al, 1970a], leading generally to increased knowledge and confidence in the characteristics of each. More rapid advances occurred in aircraft-based instrumentation. In particular the utilization of inertial navigation systems by Axford [1968], by the Air Force Hicat program [Crooks et al., 1968] and by the National Center for Atmospheric Research-Desert Research Institute program [National Center for Atmospheric Research, 1970] is leading to the ability to measure the larger turbulence scales and mesoscales, where much of the important energy generation resides, in levels above the surface boundary layer, Sheih [19717] has effectively utilized hot wire anemometry to measure the microscales of turbulence from an aircraft. Precision radar-tracked balloons of either the constant-level type [Angell et al., 1968], or with a roughened surface to improve stability [DeMandel and Scoggins, 1967[, have been used to reveal details of the mesoscale wind field.
Analysis of shear bands in a dynamically loaded viscoplastic cylinder containing two rigid inclusions

We study plane strain thermomechanical deformations of a hollow circular cylinder containing two rigid non-heat-conducting ellipsoidal inclusions placed on a radial line symmetrically with respect to the center. These inclusions can be viewed as precipitates or second phase particles in an alloy. The material of the cylinder is presumed to exhibit thermal softening, but strain and strain-rate hardening. The impact load applied on the inner surface of the cylinder is modeled by prescribing a radial velocity and zero tangential tractions at material particles situated on the inner surface. Rigid body motion of the inclusion is considered and no slip condition between the inclusion and the cylinder material is imposed.
Test of the Epstein-Plesset model for gas microparticle dissolution in aqueous media: effect of surface tension and gas undersaturation in solution.

The gas from a free air bubble will readily dissolve in water, driven by two main factors: the concentration (undersaturation) of dissolved gas in the aqueous solution and the surface tension of the gas bubble−water interface via a Laplace overpressure in the bubble that this creates. This paper experimentally and theoretically investigates each of these effects individually. To study the effects of surface tension, single- and double-chain surfactants were utilized to control and define interfacial conditions of the microbubble in saturated solution. To study the effect of undersaturation, solid distearoylphosphocholine lipid was utilized to coat the gas microparticle with, essentially, a wax monolayer and to achieve zero tension in the surface. The experimental work was performed using a micromanipulation technique that allows one to create and micromanipulate single air microparticles (5−50 μm radius range) in infinite dilution and to accurately record the size of the particle as it loses volume due t...
Management and outcomes of severe aortic stenosis in cancer patients.

Background Aortic stenosis (AS) is the commonest native valve lesion, affecting 43% of all patients with valvular heart disease. The optimal treatment of severe AS in cancer patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on survival of cancer patients with severe AS. Methods Cancer patients with severe AS seen at our center between January 2001 and April 2007 were identified. Baseline demographics, symptoms, cancer diagnosis, laboratory data, treatment, and outcome were collected. Patient who had AVR were matched with controls who did not have AS. Results Out of 39,071 echocardiograms performed over the study period, 1,299 had AS (3.3%), of which 50 patients (0.13%) were identified as having severe AS. Thirteen patients (27%) underwent AVR, and 35 were managed medically. Two patients underwent valvuloplasty and were excluded. Survival was significantly longer in patients with severe AS who underwent AVR and was independent of cancer status or presence of metastases. No difference in survival was found between patients who underwent AVR and matched cancer controls. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, AVR was the only significant predictor of longer survival (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.22, P = .028). Conclusions Cancer patients with severe AS who underwent AVR had an improved survival, regardless of cancer status.
Opportunistic Remote Medical Monitoring Using BlueTorrent

We demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of ad hoc networking and data dissemination of medical records from patients, which are equipped with lightweight medical monitoring system, to a central medical database.
Prediction of dendrite arm spacing for low alloy steel casting processes

Simple mathematical expressions to predict the primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) and secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) suitable for steel casting processes are presented. The equations of the PDAS and SDAS were based on previously published experimental data for low alloy steels. Good agreement was obtained between previous measurements of dendrite arm spacing (DAS) and the model predications in the range of cooling rate occurring in steel casting processes. The results indicated that the cooling rate and carbon content basically govern the calculation of PDAS, especially for low carbon steel. However, the carbon content governs the selection of mathematical expression to predict SDAS for low alloy steels. Dendritic growth is the most common crystallization mechanism in industrial steels. Many empirical expressions have been employed to correlate the PDAS and SDAS with growth rate, temperature gradient, cooling rate, and local solidification time. However, the comparative advantages of the various expressions with respect to the accuracy with different types of steels remain unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study is to develop simple expressions to predict DAS as a function of carbon content and thermal conditions of low alloy steels.
Resonant dielectric-grating polarizers for normal incidence operation

Design, fabrication, and characterization of guided-mode resonance polarizers with single dielectric layer are presented. These Si 3 N 4 and TiO 2 polarizers show high transmittance for TM and low transmittance for TE polarization at λ c = 1550 nm.
Formation and structure of the fertilization envelope in Xenopus laevis

Abstract This paper reports the morphological events that occur when the vitelline envelope (VE) of an unfertilized egg of Xenopus laevis is transformed into the fertilization envelope (FE) surrounding the zygote. The VE is about 1 μm thick and is composed of an interlacing network of small filaments. The FE is constructed from the VE plus an electron-dense layer (fertilization layer), about 2–6 μm thick, on the outer surface of the VE, i.e., at the interface between the VE and the innermost jelly-coat layer. The fertilization layer is a stable component of the FE and is not removed by mercaptan solutions used to dejelly eggs. The events of FE formation were observed in the light and electron microscopes after dejellied eggs were activated by pricking. The FE is established when material from the cortical granules is extruded into the perivitelline space. The cortical granule material passes through the VE as the envelope lifts away from the egg surface. Some cortical granule material deposits in the interstices of the VE, but most of it forms the fertilization layer on the outer surface of the envelope. The cortical reaction is completed about 8–9 min after addition of sperm when eggs are fertilized in vitro .
Technology-driven product platform development

In designing product platforms it is essential to consider the role of technology and its evolution to avoid frequent redesign costs or even premature obsolescence of key components. The Technology-driven Platform Development Method (TPDM) enhances existing platform design methods by identifying underlying technologies and the potential for change in their intrinsic characteristics – performance level, principle of operation, and technology architecture. A set of four heuristics is applied to determine the technology-driven platform elements. Application of the TPDM to the iPod portable music players showed that existing platform elements would require additional platforming and interface design to form a technology-driven platform.
Review of Wrong Medicine: Doctors, Patients, and Futile Treatment, Second Edition by Lawrence J. Schneiderman and Nancy S. Jecker

When may physicians refuse to provide medical interventions that might prolong the patient's life? When should they refuse? When must they? Such questions of medical futility remain as much a subje...
Enzyme-mediated redox initiation for hydrogel generation and cellular encapsulation.

A rapid, water-soluble enzyme-mediated radical chain initiation system involving glucose oxidase and Fe2+ generated hydrogels within minutes at 25 °C and in ambient oxygen. The initiation components were evaluated for their effect on polymerization rates of hydroxyethyl acrylate-poly(ethylene glycol)575 diacrylate comonomer solutions using near-infrared spectroscopy. Increasing glucose concentration increased polymerization rates until reaching a rate plateau above 1 × 10−3 M of glucose. A square root dependence of the initial polymerization rate on Fe2+ concentration was observed between 1.0 × 10−4 M and 5.0 × 10−4 M of Fe2+, whereupon excess Fe2+ reduced final acrylate conversions. The glucose oxidase-mediated initiation system was employed for encapsulation of fibroblasts (NIH3T3s) into a poly(ethylene glycol) tetra-acrylate (Mn ∼ 20000) hydrogel scaffold demonstrating 96% (±3%) viability at 24 h postencapsulation. This first use of enzyme-mediated redox radical chain initiation for cellular encapsulat...
Layered ${\cal H}$ -Matrix Based Inverse and LU Algorithms for Fast Direct Finite-Element-Based Computation of Electromagnetic Problems

A layered -matrix based inverse algorithm and a layered -matrix based LU factorization and solution algorithm are developed to accelerate the direct solution of the finite element matrix resulting from electromagnetics-based analysis of general 3-D problems. In these algorithms, the direct solution of the original 3-D system matrix is transformed to the direct solution of multiple 2-D problems. The size of the matrix to be computed is thus reduced from a 3-D size to a 2-D size. Moreover, the growth rate of the rank of the inverse finite element matrix with electric size is reduced from a 3-D based growth rate to a 2-D based growth rate. Numerical experiments have demonstrated the clear advantages of the proposed direct solvers over a state-of-the-art multifrontal based direct sparse solver as well as existing fast H-matrix based direct solvers, in both CPU time and memory consumption, for finite-element analysis of general 3-D electromagnetic problems.
From beliefs to behavior: the mediating role of hostile response selection in predicting aggression

This study evaluated the complementary roles that aggressive normative beliefs and hostile response selections play in predicting adolescents' aggressive behavior. Self-, peer-, and teacher-reported data were collected from 2003 young adolescents from a variety of ethnic backgrounds (Black, Latino, Asian, White) during the fall of their sixth grade year to test the hypothesis that adolescents' hostile response selections mediate the association between their normative beliefs and aggressive reputations among their peers and teachers. Structural equation modeling analyses supported our hypothesis, and the model was found to be consistent across both gender and ethnicity. The results suggest that even though gender and ethnic differences in average levels of aggressive cognitions and behavior exist, the general process linking cognitions and behaviors is the same for all young adolescents.
Characterization of verbal and spatial memory changes from moderate to supraphysiological increases in serum testosterone in healthy older men.

Summary Background It has been suggested that cognitive changes in response to T supplementation may occur within an ideal range. The objective of this study was to compare the cognitive responses of older, eugonadal men in whom moderate or large increases in serum testosterone levels was induced by exogenous testosterone supplementation. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with subsequent grouping of participants according to average increase in circulating T from baseline. Setting Community dwelling participants. Participants Fifty-seven healthy, eugonadal, community dwelling male volunteers, mean age 67 years (±11 years). Interventions Participants were randomized to receive weekly intramuscular (I.M.) injections of either 50, 100 or 300 mg T enanthate or placebo (saline) injection for 6 weeks. Cognitive evaluations using a battery of neuropsychological tests were conducted at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 of treatment and after 6 weeks of wash-out. Main outcome measures Performance on cognitive tests of verbal and spatial memory. Results Men with moderate increases in serum T and/or its metabolites demonstrated significant improvements in verbal and spatial memory. In contrast, men with large or low increases in circulating T levels, failed to demonstrate significant changes in memory. Conclusion These results suggest that in healthy older men, beneficial changes in cognitive function induced by T supplementation are most evident with moderate changes in cognition from moderate to high T supplementation increases in T levels. Large or no to low increases in T levels do not appear to appreciably effect cognition.
Two genetic linkage maps of tetraploid roses

A tetraploid F2 progeny segregating for resistance to black spot, growth habit, and absence of prickles on the stem and petioles was used to construct genetic linkage maps of rose. The F1 of the progeny, 90–69, was created by crossing a black spot-resistant amphidiploid, 86–7, with a susceptible tetraploid, 82–1134. The F1 was open-pollinated to obtain 115 seedlings. AFLP and SSR markers were used to eliminate seedlings produced through cross-fertilization. The remaining progeny set of 52 F2 plants was used to study the inheritance of 675 AFLPs, one isozyme, three morphological and six SSR markers. AFLP markers were developed with three combinations of restriction enzymes, EcoRI/MseI, KpnI/MseI and PstI/MseI. Most of the markers appear to be in simplex or single-dose and segregated 3:1 in the progeny. One linkage map was constructed for each parent using only the single-dose markers. The map of 86–7 consists of 171 markers assigned to 15 linkage groups and covering more than 902 cM of the genome. The map of 82–1134 consists of 167 markers assigned to 14 linkage groups and covering more than 682 cM of the genome. In the AFLP analysis, EcoRI/MseI generated nearly twice as many markers per run than PstI/MseI. Markers developed with three restriction enzyme combinations showed a mixed distribution throughout the maps. A gene controlling the prickles on the petiole was located at the end of linkage group 7 on the map of 86–7. A gene for malate dehydrogenase locus 2 was located in the middle of linkage group 4 on the map of 86–7. These first-generation maps provide initial tools for marker- assisted selection and gene introgression for the improvement of modern tetraploid roses.
A differential approach to microstructure-dependent bounds for multiphase heterogeneous media

We present a new method of deriving microstructure-dependent bounds on the effective properties of general heterogeneous media. The microstructure is specified by the average Eshelby tensors. In the small contrast limit, we introduce and calculate the expansion coefficient tensors. We then show that the effective tensor satisfies a differential inequality with the initial condition given by the expansion coefficient tensors in the small contrast limit. Using the comparison theorem, we obtain rigorous bounds on the effective tensors of multiphase composites. These new bounds, taking into account the average Eshelby tensors for homogeneous problems, are much tighter than the microstructure-independent Hashin–Shtrikman bounds. Also, these bounds are applicable to non-well-ordered composites and multifunctional composites. We anticipate that this new approach will be useful for the modeling and optimal design of multiphase multifunctional composites.
Fabrication of a W-band sheet beam extended interaction klystron (EIK)

A W-band sheet-beam extended interaction klystron (EIK) is being fabricated and integrated with our previously demonstrated 19.5-kV, 3.3-A beamstick. The EIK is predicted by 3-D particle-in-cell simulations to have a saturated output power of almost 10 kW and a small-signal gain >40 dB. Key design features of the device will be reviewed, and the status of the fabrication and testing will be discussed.
Moving the Case for Equity Center Stage

I recently returned from the annual Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) in Bangkok, Thailand. The theme of the Conference, “Global Health Post-2015 Accelerating Equity,” is particularly salient to the aims of this journal and to advancing the current global health agenda. Prince Mahidol was a visionary public servant and health professional. Considered the father of modern medicine and public health of Thailand, he attended Harvard University and completed a master's degree in public health in 1921, followed by a medical degree in 1928. The foundation that bears his name supports grants and scholarships in health sciences and since 2007 convenes an annual conference focused on a timely issue pertinent to the health of the public. Along with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, The China Medical Board, The Chatham House, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Rockefeller Foundation, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), and the United S...
A geometric approach to blind source separation for digital wireless applications

Abstract The problem of blindly estimating multiple digital cochannel communication signals using an antenna array is studied in the presence of multipath fading. We develop a fast sequential-estimation algorithm for separating multi-user signals based on the geometric observation made by Hansen and Xu (1996). When the signals are constrained to a finite alphabet, it is possible to visualize the geometric properties of the problem, which can be exploited to sequentially extract the digital cochannel communication signals. We will present simulation results comparing speed and BER performance with different methods.
Resurrecting the Future of Operational Research

An alternative paradigm to that currently used in OR is proposed, one based on imbedding problem solving in planning. The operating principles and content required of an appropriate type of planning are presented, and the role and advantages of redesigning the system planned for are considered in some detail. Then the practice of OR is examined with suggestions made for fundamental changes in the relationship between servers and served, for returning to interdisciplinarity, and for involvement in the research of all those affected by it. A redesign of the role of professional societies is also proposed. Finally, a radical transformation of the way OR is taught and learned is described.
Not Lack of Ability but More Choice: Individual and Gender Differences in Choice of Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

The pattern of gender differences in math and verbal ability may result in females having a wider choice of careers, in both science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM fields, compared with males. The current study tested whether individuals with high math and high verbal ability in 12th grade were more or less likely to choose STEM occupations than those with high math and moderate verbal ability. The 1,490 subjects participated in two waves of a national longitudinal study; one wave was when the subjects were in 12th grade, and the other was when they were 33 years old. Results revealed that mathematically capable individuals who also had high verbal skills were less likely to pursue STEM careers than were individuals who had high math skills but moderate verbal skills. One notable finding was that the group with high math and high verbal ability included more females than males.
Worlds Enough, and Time: Musings on Foundations

Belnap’s work on stit theory employs an Ockhamist theory of branching time, in which the fundamental possibilia within models are commonly taken to be moments of time, connected into a tree-like branching structure. In the semantics for alethic modal logic, necessity is characterized by quantification over relevant possible worlds within a model, yet Belnap refers to an entire model of branching time as our world, seemingly leaving no room for non-trivial quantification over worlds within a single model. This chapter explores the question how the notion of possible worlds should be understood in relation to an Ockhamist framework, in order to be able to combine an account of alethic modalities with an account of branching time and stit theory. The advantages and drawbacks of several alternative approaches are examined.
Osteolysis from a press-fit hydroxyapatite-coated implant: A case study

The clinical and histological results of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating separation from a press-fit total hip arthroplasty 3.3 years after surgery are documented. Semiquantitative histological analysis showed grade 3+ mononuclear histiocytes and giant cells present in the retrieved capsule and periprosthetic tissues. Grade 3+ (titanium alloy, HA, and polyethylene) particles could be seen throughout the tissues. Backscattered electron and correlated elemental analysis confirmed that the HA coating had migrated to the articulating surface of the polyethylene insert causing third-body wear. The authors suggest that the orthopedic surgeon be cautioned in the routine use of HA-coated implants if osteolysis associated with HA separation and migration is to be avoided.
Neural network topologies and training algorithms in nonlinear system identification

Nonlinear system behavior is not always well characterized by linear or linearized system models, especially if the system is rapidly time varying and/or is chaotic. Model paradigms that are themselves nonlinear, such as neural networks, potentially offer more accurate and more robust models for these nonlinear systems. This research studies the use of a neural network structure to model a linear system and two nonlinear systems, a quadratic system and a chaotic system. Several training algorithms are used, including traditional back propagation, an evolutionary programming approach, and a hybrid approach. Net architectures studied here consist of a traditional feed forward topology and a radial basis topology. Modified back propagation training using a feed forward network proved adequate for modeling the linear and quadratic systems, but these were hopelessly inadequate in modeling the chaotic system. The radial basis net fared better, but was still a poor performer for projecting the chaotic system beyond the observed data.
PACKING AND STRUCTURE IN SYSTEMS CONTAINING ROD-LIKE PARTICLES

A non-discrete Monte Carlo algorithm is used to model the packing of static rods. The results establish that inter-rod contact results solely from rod motion, not from space-filling effects. As the concentration of static rods is increased, clusters of aligned rods form and grow. The effects of rod motion are inferred through thermodynamic analysis. At sufficiently high rod concentrations, rod motion is expected to cause structural coarsening wherein the rods rearrange into larger but fewer clusters. These results should be considered when modeling the structure and mechanical behavior of whisker- and chopped-fiber-reinforced composites.
Stimulatory Current at the Edge of an Inactive Conductor in an Electric Field: Role of Nonlinear Interfacial Current–Voltage Relationship

Cardiac electric field stimulation is critical for the mechanism of defibrillation. The presence of certain inactive epicardial conductors in the field during defibrillation can decrease the defibrillation threshold. We hypothesized this decrease is due to stimulatory effects of current across the interface between the inactive conductor and the heart during field stimulation. To examine this current and its possible stimulatory effects, we imaged transmittance of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) conductors, tested for indium with X-ray diffraction, created a computer model containing realistic ITO interfacial properties, and optically mapped excitation of rabbit heart during electric field stimulation in the presence of an ITO conductor. Reduction of indium decreased transmittance at the edge facing the anodal shock electrode when trans-interfacial voltage exceeded standard reduction potential. The interfacial current-voltage relationship was nonlinear, producing larger conductances at higher currents. This nonlinearity concentrated the interfacial current near edges in images and in a computer model. The edge current was stimulatory, producing early postshock excitation of rabbit ventricles. Thus, darkening of ITO indicates interfacial current by indium reduction. Interfacial nonlinearity concentrates current near the edge where it can excite the heart. Stimulatory current at edges may account for the reported decrease in defibrillation threshold by inactive conductors.
First metatarsal head osteotomies for the correction of hallux abducto valgus.

An array of distal first metatarsal osteotomies has been described over the decades for the correction of hallux valgus. No one procedure is proficient in correcting all forms and severities of hallux valgus deformities. To optimize results, it is imperative for the surgeon to match a procedure and its modifications to the patient's deformity. The dorsal long arm chevron osteotomy stands at the forefront for correction of mild to moderate hallux abductovalgus. The results with this specific osteotomy are predictable; it allows for early ambulation, and it is easily modified to compensate for the deformity at hand.
Foveation by a pulse-coupled neural network

Humans do not stare at an image, they foveate. Their eyes move about points of interest within the image collecting clues as to the content of the image. Object shape is one of the driving forces of foveation. These foveation points are generally corners and, to a lesser extent, the edges. The pulse-coupled neural network (PCNN) has the inherent ability to segment an image. The corners and edges of the PCNN segments are similar to the foveation points. Thus, it is a natural extension of PCNN technology to use it as a foveation engine. The paper presents theory and examples of foveation through the use of a PCNN, and also demonstrates that it can be quite useful in image recognition.
Deadbeat Feedback Design For Time Varying Systems

New results are given for the design of a step-varying digital control system's feedback gains that shape the zero-input response of single-input plants. These gains are calculated forward in time, the only requirement being that the plant be completely controllable. An algebraic matrix proof is given that these gains provide an ongoing solution to the problem of unmodeled disturbances. The classical method used for determining deadbeat feedback gains for both discrete and continuous time-invariant plants is shown to be a subset of this procedure. This method does not require a knowledge of the system's characteristic equation or eigenvalues. A stable and efficient computational method for the calculation of these gains is introduced. A tracking system is presented, deadbeat feedback and input gains calculated, and the system response analyzed. Numerical results are presented which demonstrate the utility of this method.
Suprathermal electrons in the polar ionosphere

Suprathermal electrons energy distributions as function of magnetic latitude in polar ionosphere obtained by Explorer 31 satellite observation
Exceptional Opportunities in Medical Science: A View From the National Institutes of Health

As the world’s largest source of biomedical research funding, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been advancing understanding of health and disease for more than a century. Scientific and technological breakthroughs that have arisen from NIH-supported research account for many of the gains that the United States has seen in health and longevity. For example, an infant born today in the United States can look forward to an average lifespan of about 79 years—nearly 3 decades longer than one born in 1900. Age-adjusted death rates from cardiovascular disease have declined by more than 70% since 1963, with more than half of that decline coming in the last 20 years.1 Meanwhile, cancer death rates have decreased about 1% annually for the past 15 years.2 National Institutes of Health–funded research has also led to development of vaccines to protect against an array of life-threatening diseases, including influenza, meningitis, and cervical cancer. As compelling as these facts are, emerging scientific advances provide the opportunity to go even further and faster: this is a time of unprecedented promise in medical research.
Two-step, predictive, isometric force model tested on data from human and rat muscles

Functional electrical stimulation can assist paralyzed individuals to perform functional movements, but muscle fatigue is a major limitation to its practical use. An accurate and predictive mathematical model can facilitate the design of stimulation patterns that optimize aspects of the force transient while minimizing fatigue. Solution nonuniqueness, a major shortcoming in previous work, was overcome with a simpler model. The model was tested on data collected during isometric contractions of rat gastrocnemius muscles and human quadriceps femoris muscles under various physiological conditions. For each condition tested, parameter values were identified using the force response to one or two stimulation trains. The parameterized model was then used to predict forces in response to other stimulation patterns. The predicted forces closely matched the measured forces. The model was not sensitive to initial parameter estimates, demonstrating solution uniqueness. By predicting the force that develops in response to an arbitrary pattern of stimulation, we envision the present model helping identify optimal stimulation patterns for activation of skeletal muscle during functional electrical stimulation.
In Silico Quantitative Trait Locus Map for Atherosclerosis Susceptibility in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice

Objective— Atherosclerosis susceptibility is a genetic trait that varies between mouse strains. The goal of this study was to use a public mouse single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database to def...
Impaired B Cell Receptor Signaling Is Responsible for Reduced TACI Expression and Function in X-Linked Immunodeficient Mice

Immune response to T cell independent type 2 (TI-2) Ags, such as bacterial polysaccharides, is severely impaired in X-linked immunodeficient (XID) mice. In this study, we investigated the involvement of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) or BAFF and their receptors in the unresponsiveness of XID mouse to TI-2 Ags. We discovered that whereas serum BAFF levels were increased, the expression of the APRIL and BAFF receptor transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) was severely reduced in XID B cells. Moreover, B cells from XID mouse were unable to secrete Igs in response to APRIL or BAFF. In correlation with reduced TACI expression and impaired TACI function, APRIL or BAFF did not activate the classical NF-κB pathway in XID cells. Also correlating with the unaltered expression of BAFF receptor, BAFF stimulation induced the activation of the alternative NF-κB pathway in XID cells. Moreover, activation of MAPK pathway was ablated in APRIL-stimulated XID cells. Prestimulation of XID B cells with the TLR9 agonist, CpG led to a significant increase in TACI expression and restored TACI-mediated functions. CpG prestimulation also restored TACI-mediated signaling in APRIL- or BAFF-stimulated XID B cells. Finally, immunization of XID mouse with the prototype TI-2 Ag NP-Ficoll induced IgG and IgM Abs when CpG was given with NP-Ficoll. Collectively, these results suggest that reduced TACI expression is responsible for the unresponsiveness of XID mouse to TI-2 Ags and BCR activation controls TACI expression.
Farm Family By-employments in Preindustrial Japan

By-Employments, one may suppose, tend to ready preindustrial people for modern economic roles since they represent an incipient shift from agriculture to other occupations, spread skills useful to industrialization among the most backward and numerous part of the population, and stimulate ambition and geographical mobility. Although widespread in Western preindustrial societies, by-employments have been mainly treated there from the standpoint of the history of industry to the neglect of their effect on the habits, aptitudes, and outlook of fanners and their wives and children. This is partly due to the scattered and widely varied and changing forms of by-employments, which make it all but impossible to know what proportion of farmers practiced them and what part of their income they earned in this way.
Supporting research collaboration through bi-level file synchronization

In this paper, we describe the design and use of Cimetric, a file synchronization application that supports scholarly collaboration. The system design incorporates results of earlier studies that suggest replicating content on a user's personal devices may have different characteristics than replicating content to share it with collaborators. To realize this distinction, Cimetric performs bi-level synchronization: it synchronizes local copies of a versioned repository among collaborators' computers, while it separately synchronizes private working files between each user's personal devices. Through a year's worth of in-house use of Cimetric in a variety of configurations, we were able to investigate key file synchronization issues, including the role of cloud storage given the ability to sync between peers; the strengths and weaknesses of a bi-level design; and which aspects of the synchronization process to reveal to users.
Development of Through-Wafer Interconnects for MEMS Deformable Mirrors

A MEMS deformable mirror (DM) packaging process development effort is described. This development provides a path towards direct integration of future large actuator count optical MEMS arrays (> 4000) with underlying driver electronics. Characteristic features of the packaging process include creating electrical interconnection paths through the silicon wafer for each actuator, depositing gold bump bonds on the backside of the wafer, and fusing that array of bump bonds to an interposer substrate. This process differs from existing processes for MEMS arrays, which generally employ lithographically patterned wire-routing and peripheral wire bonding from the front surface of the MEMS array. In this article a feasibility experiment is described and successful results and process parameters are presented.
Speeding up control-dominated applications through microarchitectural customizations in embedded processors

We present a methodology for microarchitectural customization of embedded processors by exploiting application information, thus attaining the twin benefits of processor standardization and application-specific customization. Such powerful techniques enable increased application fragments to be placed on the processor, with no sacrifice in system requirements, thus reducing the custom hardware and the concomitant area requirements in SOCs. We illustrate these ideas through the branch resolution problem, known to impose severe performance degradation on control-dominated embedded applications. A low-cost late customizable hardware that uses application information to fold out a set of frequently executed branches is described. Experimental results show that for a representative set of control dominated applications a reduction in the range of 7%-22% in processor cycles can be achieved, thus extending the scope of low-cost embedded processors in complex co-designs for control intensive systems.
How Y-Family DNA polymerase IV is more accurate than Dpo4 at dCTP insertion opposite an N2-dG adduct of benzo[a]pyrene.

To bypass DNA damage, cells have Y-Family DNA polymerases (DNAPs). One Y-Family-class includes DNAP κ and DNAP IV, which accurately insert dCTP opposite N(2)-dG adducts, including from the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BP). Another class includes DNAP η and DNAP V, which insert accurately opposite UV-damage, but inaccurately opposite BP-N(2)-dG. To investigate structural differences between Y-Family-classes, regions are swapped between DNAP IV (a κ/IV-class-member) and Dpo4 (a η/V-class-member); the kinetic consequences are evaluated via primer-extension studies with a BP-N(2)-dG-containing template. Four key structural elements are revealed. (1) Y-Family DNAPs have discreet non-covalent contacts between their little finger-domain (LF-Domain) and their catalytic core-domain (CC-Domain), which we call "non-covalent bridges" (NCBs). Arg37 and Arg38 in DNAP IV's CC-Domain near the active site form a non-covalent bridge (AS-NCB) by interacting with Glu251 and Asp252, respectively, in DNAP IV's LF-Domain. Without these interactions dATP/dGTP/dTTP misinsertions increase. DNAP IV's AS-NCB suppresses misinsertions better than Dpo4's equivalent AS-NCB. (2) DNAP IV also suppresses dATP/dGTP/dTTP misinsertions via a second non-covalent bridge, which is ∼8A from the active site (Distal-NCB). Dpo4 has no Distal-NCB, rendering it inferior at dATP/dGTP/dTTP suppression. (3) dCTP insertion is facilitated by the larger minor groove opening near the active site in DNAP IV versus Dpo4, which is sensible given that Watson/Crick-like [dCTP:BP-N(2)-dG] pairing requires the BP-moiety to be in the minor groove. (4) Compared to Dpo4, DNAP IV has a smaller major groove opening, which suppresses dGTP misinsertion, implying BP-N(2)-dG bulk in the major groove during Hoogsteen syn-adduct-dG:dGTP pairing. In summary, DNAP IV has a large minor groove opening to enhance dCTP insertion, a plugged major groove opening to suppress dGTP misinsertion, and two non-covalent bridges (near and distal to the active site) to suppress dATP/dGTP/dTTP misinsertions; collectively these four structural features enhance DNAP IV's dNTP insertion fidelity opposite a BP-N(2)-dG adduct compared to Dpo4.
Molecular Ecological Analysis of Planktonic Bacterial Communities in Constructed Wetlands Invaded by Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes

The succession of the planktonic bacterial community during the colonization by Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes of 0.1-ha treatment wetlands was studied using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) methodology. Relationships between apparent bacterial diversity and ecological factors (water quality, total bacterial counts, and immature mosquito abundance) were determined during a 1-mo flooding period. Analysis of DGGE banding patterns indicated that days postflooding and temporal changes in water quality were the primary and secondary determinants, respectively, of diversity in bacterial communities. Lower levels of diversity were associated with later postflood stages and increases in ammoniacal nitrogen concentration and total bacterial counts. Diversity was therefore most similar for bacteria present on the same sampling date at wetland locations with similar flooding regimes and water quality, suggesting that wastewater input was the driving force shaping bacterial communities. Comparatively small changes in bacterial diversity were connected to natural processes as water flowed through the wetlands. Greater immature mosquito abundance coincided with less diverse communities composed of greater total numbers of bacteria. Five individual DGGE bands were directly associated with fluctuations in mosquito production, and an additional 16 bands were associated with hydrological aspects of the environment during the rise and fall of mosquito populations. A marked decline in mosquito numbers 21 d after inundation may have masked associations of bacterial communities and mosquito recruitment into the sparsely vegetated wetlands. DGGE was an effective tool for the characterization of bacteria in mosquito habitat in our study, and its potential application in mosquito ecology is discussed.
Abstract 55: Chronic Loss of Serotonin Transporter Function Alters Platelet Adhesion and Spreading

Clinical observations indicate that patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) have an increased risk of bleeding. However it remains unclear how SSRIs, which inhibit the serotonin transporter(SERT), modulate homeostasis and platelet activation. There are two primary mechanisms by which serotonin(5HT) affects platelet function: activation of the 5HT2A receptor and uptake by SERT. It has also been demonstrated that SERT regulates aIIbB3(GPIIbIIIa) function, the common signaling pathway in platelet activation and crucial for platelet aggregation. We sought to elucidate how the serotonergic system modulates aIIbB3 function by examining platelet spreading and attachment to immobilized fibrinogen. To model altered serotonergic tone, we used mice with a genetic deletion of SERT(SERT KO). As observed with SSRI use, the blood 5HT concentration in SERT KO mice is miniscule. We found that SERT KO mice display increased tail bleed time and thrombin time. Interestingly, SERT KO platelets showed reduced spreading but increased attachment on immobilized fibrinogen. 5HT(100nM) was able to rescue the reduced spreading on immobilized fibrinogen. To determine the mechanism, we examined platelet spreading with kentanserin(5HT2A antagonist) or citalopram(SSRI). We found that acute administration of citalopram did not alter spreading at physiologically relevant levels. Blockade of 5HT2A activation however, caused WT platelets to behave similarly to SERT KO with reduced spreading. Src is a tyrosine kinase that plays a major role in platelet spreading. Using in-cell western, P-Src(416) was decreased in SERT KO mice following spreading on immobilized. After addition of 5HT, P-Src(416) in SERT KO platelets was normalized to WT P-Src levels. Furthermore, treatment with ketanserin caused WT P-Src(416) to decreased to SERT KO P-Src(416) levels. These finding suggest that the peripheral serotonergic system is “recalibrated” in the absence of 5HT and leads to altered function of aIIbB3 via 5HT2A. From this data, we have elucidated a novel regulatory mechanism of 5HT for platelet fibrinogen binding that could regulate the recruitment of platelets by fibrinogen binding to a growing thrombus.
A Laryngeal Lesion

Awoman in her 90swith no significant medical history presented to the otolaryngology clinic with a chief concern of worsening hoarseness over several years. She had not experienced shortness of breath, gastric reflux, smoking, cough, dysphagia, odynophagia, fevers, or chills. Findings from a physical examination were remarkable for a rough voice. Flexible nasolaryngoscopy revealed normal abduction and adduction of the vocal folds with a white sessile lesion starting at the right midfold on the superior and medial surfaces that crossed the midline to involve the entire left vocal fold as shown in the Figure, A. Histopathologic images of the biopsied lesion are shown in the Figure, B-D. Vocal folds A
THE CONTRIBUTION OF SUSPENSION EVENTS TO SEDIMENT TRANSPORT IN THE SURF ZONE

Suspension of sand in the surf zone is intermittent. Especially striking in a time series of concentration are periods of intense suspension, suspension events, when the concentration is an order of magnitude greater than the mean. We used field data collected in the inner half of the surf zone during a large storm (greater than 1.5 m wave heights and 13 second periods) to define and describe suspension events and determine the contribution of events to the sediment transport. Large suspension events were found throughout the inner half of the surf zone, occurred about once every 1 to 2 minutes, and each had a duration of about 5 seconds. These events tended to occur during onshore flow under the wave crest, resulting in an onshore contribution to the suspended-sediment transport. Even though large events occurred less than 10 percent of the total time, at some locations onshore transport associated with suspension events was greater than the offshore directed transport during non-event periods, causing the net suspended sediment transport to be onshore. Events and longshore velocity were not correlated. However, events did increase the longshore suspended-sediment transport by approximately the amount they increase the mean concentration, ranging from 15 to 55 percent depending on the definition used for events. Because of the lack of correlation, the longshore suspended-sediment transport can be adequately modeled as the vertical integration of the product of the time-averaged longshore velocity and the time-averaged concentration.
New or Noteworthy Porto Rican Pyrenomycetes

(1925). New or Noteworthy Porto Rican Pyrenomycetes. Mycologia: Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 131-147.
The Effects of Three Folic Acid Antagonists on Reproduction of Habrobracon juglandis

Following ingestion of the folic acid antagonists methotrexate, aminopterin, and trimethoprim, reproductive performance was studied in the parasitic wasp Habrobracon juglandis Ashmead (= Bracon hebetor Say). Methotrexate produces a severe decrease in egg production and hatchability of eggs 2–4 days posttreatment. Aminopterin produces a moderate decline in egg production 3 days posttreatment and a dramatic decline in hatchability on days 2–4. Trimethoprim produces only a very weak decline in egg production for the 1st 3 days posttreatment and a sharp decrease in hatchability on day 1. The number of larvae obtained per female is reduced only moderately by trimethoprim. All 3 drugs demonstrate an excellent dose-response relationship. Methotrexate and aminopterin can be classified as antivitellogenic agents while trimethoprim does not appear to affect vitellogenesis.