cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining newborn metabolic and DNA analysis for second-tier testing of methylmalonic acidemia.

Improved second-tier tools are needed to reduce false-positive outcomes in newborn screening (NBS) for inborn metabolic disorders on the Recommended Universal Screening Panel (RUSP). We designed an assay for multiplex sequencing of 72 metabolic genes (RUSPseq) from newborn dried blood spots. Analytical and clinical performance was evaluated in 60 screen-positive newborns for methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) reported by the California Department of Public Health NBS program. Additionally, we trained a Random Forest machine learning classifier on NBS data to improve prediction of true and false-positive MMA cases. Of 28 MMA patients sequenced, we found two pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in a MMA-related gene in 24 patients, and one pathogenic variant and a variant of unknown significance (VUS) in 1 patient. No such variant combinations were detected in MMA false positives and healthy controls. Random Forest–based analysis of the entire NBS metabolic profile correctly identified the MMA patients and reduced MMA false-positive cases by 51%. MMA screen-positive newborns were more likely of Hispanic ethnicity. Our two-pronged approach reduced false positives by half and provided a reportable molecular finding for 89% of MMA patients. Challenges remain in newborn metabolic screening and DNA variant interpretation in diverse multiethnic populations.
Localization microscopy of single molecules enhanced by 3D imaging and light sheet illumination

Single-molecule super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has produced a revolution in the optical resolution available for study of the nanoscale details of cells and materials. The early work on two-dimensional imaging yielded images of samples that spanned only a small axial range on the order of ~500 nm. Much more useful information can be obtained in complex extended samples using three-dimensional (3D) single-molecule localization. Without 3D capability, visualization of structures extending in the axial direction can easily be missed or confused and the understanding of the science compromised. A variety of methods for obtaining 3D super-resolution images have been devised, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, ranging from point-spread-function engineering to steep axial illumination gradients. Imaging thicker samples, such as mammalian cells and tissue, in all three dimensions presents additional challenges due to increased background and large volumes to image. Light sheet illumination is a method that allows for selective irradiation of the image plane, and its inherent optical sectioning capability allows for imaging of biological samples with reduced background, photobleaching, and photodamage. Beyond these developments, there is a continuing need for better controllable fluorophores, additional novel optical system designs, and enhanced mathematical and statistical signal processing ideas to accurately extract the maximum information available from single emitters in the shortest possible time.
Hypofractionated versus standard radiation therapy in combination with temozolomide for glioblastoma in the elderly: a meta-analysis.

There is no clear consensus regarding the optimal treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) in the elderly. Hypofractionated radiation therapy (hRT) has emerged as a viable and comparable radiation regime compared to standard radiation therapy (sRT), however the survival effect of temozolomide (TMZ) with hRT is uncertain. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate survival outcomes of hRT + TMZ vs sRT + TMZ in this specific demographic. Searches of 7 electronic databases from inception to January 2019 were conducted following the appropriate guidelines. Articles were screened against pre-specified criteria. The progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) metrics were then extracted and pooled by meta-analysis evaluating mean difference (MD). A total of 7 individual comparative studies describing hRT + TMZ vs sRT + TMZ (n = 917) respectively satisfied inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis by random-effects modelling indicated that compared to sRT + TMZ, hRT + TMZ resulted in comparable PFS (MD 0.3 months; 95% CI − 2.4 to 2.9; I2 = 91.7%; P-effect = 0.85) and significantly shorter OS (MD − 3.5 months; 95% CI − 6.3 to − 0.6; I2 = 98.9%; P-effect = 0.02). Subgroup analysis between age definitions of elderly of > 65 vs > 70 years old both demonstrated the same significant trend with no statistical difference between the groups. The combination of hRT + TMZ is feasible in well-selected elderly GBM cases, and appears to confer a statistically comparable PFS compared to sRT + TMZ. However, expectations that the OS with hRT + TMZ is comparable to that of sRT + TMZ in all elderly GBM presentations should be tempered. It is likely a specific subgroup of elderly GBM patients will benefit greatly from the addition of TMZ to hRT, and greater investigation is needed to identify their characteristics.
PDRG, a novel tumor marker for colorectal cancer.

1804 Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths and an example of diseases for which peak incidence and death rates are highest in the ageing population. Cells are constantly exposed to a variety of stresses including genotoxic stress (DNA damage) and cellular ability to effectively manage stresses starts to decline with age. Cellular responses to genotoxic stress are complex and therefore, more studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms that control such responses. In this regard, we have previously cloned and characterized a novel p53 and DNA damage-regulated gene (PDRG) that is differentially regulated by genotoxic stress and p53. We have recently found that PDRG resides at chromosomal region 20q11.2 that is frequently amplified in human colorectal cancers. Based on this information, we sought to investigate the expression status of PDRG in primary colorectal tumors. First, we examined PDRG mRNA expression in cancer profiling arrays of primary colorectal tumors and matching normal tissues representing 39 patients. Our results indicated that PDRG expression was upregulated in ~82% of the primary colorectal tumors when compared with matching normal tissues. Next, we performed Western blot analysis to investigate PDRG expression at the protein level using 7 matched pairs of normal and tumor tissues; our results indicated PDRG levels to be significantly higher in all 7 cancer samples when compared to normal tissues. We also performed immunohistochemical analysis of PDRG in paired colorectal normal and tumor samples and the result showed its expression to be weaker in normal tissues but stronger in malignant tissues. Taken together, our results indicate that PDRG expression, at both the mRNA and protein levels, is significantly increased in primary human colorectal tumors suggesting PDRG to be a high-value novel tumor marker for colorectal malignancies.
Nutritional care of the extremely premature infant.

Nutritional requirements of extremely premature infants are greater than those of other premature and full-term neonates. Nutrition support for these infants should be initiated early in the neonatal period combined with the use of parenteral nutrition and minimal enteral feedings. Intermittent gastric gavage is the preferred method to provide enteral feeding until sucking and swallowing mechanisms are mature. Fortified preterm human milk is the first choice of feeding, and the best substitute is premature infant formulas. Multivitamin supplementation may be necessary, depending on the daily intake of infant formula. Iron supplementation can be initiated as early as two weeks of age.
Women-in-Prison TV Drama: Capadocia, Vis a vis

This first chapter on television charts the emergence in Mexico of a genre in drama that is well established elsewhere, the WIP or women-in-prison drama. As a control, it contrasts the Mexican series with a Spanish version of the same theme. The performers studied are Mexicans Dolores Heredia and Ana de la Reguera as the prison director and main inmate, respectively.
Significant Temperature Dependence of the IsostericHeats of Adsorption of Gases in Zeolites Demonstrated by Experimentsand Molecular Simulations

Heat of adsorption is an important factor in determining the utility of a porous material for gas separation and storage applications. Although theoretically the heat of adsorption can depend on temperature, it is common practice to assume that this dependence is so weak that it can be ignored. In this paper, we challenge this common wisdom. We simulated the adsorption isotherms and heats of adsorption of small molecules (CO2, CH4, and N2) in reference siliceous (LTA, CHA, MFI) and cation-exchanged (LTA-4A, Na-LTA Si/Al = 2,5) zeolites and found very significant temperature dependence of the isosteric heat of adsorption for CO2 at low loadings for some systems. In cation-exchanged LTA zeolites, we found more than a 15 kJ/mol decrease over a 300 K range (∼30% variation). We also found remarkable temperature dependence for CO2 in some siliceous zeolites with eight-membered-ring windows (e.g., ITQ-29). A weak temperature dependence was observed for CO2 on silica MFI and for CH4 and N2 adsorption in all mater...
Academic Vocabulary Support for Elementary Science Pre-Service Teachers.

The academic language of science includes science content words and words that describe the practices of scientists. The present study examined science vocabulary knowledge and science vocabulary i...
Analysis and Simulation of Dynamic Vision in the City

This paper proposes a computer-aided Dynamic Visual Research and Design Protocol for environmental designers to analyze humans’ dynamic visual experiences in the city and to simulate dynamic vision in the design process. The Protocol recommends using action cameras to collect massive dynamic visual data from participants’ first-person perspectives. It prescribes a computer-aided visual analysis approach to produce cinematic charts and storyboards, which further afford qualitative interpretations for aesthetic assessment and discussion. Employing real-time 3D simulation technologies, the Protocol enables the simulation of people’s dynamic vision in designed urban environments to support evaluation in design. Detailed contents and merits of the Protocol were demonstrated by its application in the Urbanscape Studio, a community participatory design course based at Watertown, South Dakota.
Cyber War and Nuclear Deterrence: A Manageable Partnership?

This chapter reminds us that future uses of nuclear deterrence or coercive diplomacy, including any nuclear crisis management, will take place in a post-Internet and cyber-impacted environment. The establishment of US Cyber Command is testimony to the Pentagon’s recognition that “cyber” or “information” warfare is now a core competency for defense planners in the United States and elsewhere. Cyberwar has the unique feature that it is a domain of warfare (in addition to land, sea, air and space) but also wraps itself around the other domains: all are impacted by cyber technology and therefore, eventually, cyber-defined ways of thinking. For US nuclear planners, an obvious concern is whether nuclear command-control or launch systems can be hacked for purposes of immediate disruption or, equally dangerous, for depositing malware that can be activated on demand by a foreign power to disable systems and confuse personnel. The relationship between nuclear stability and cyber stability may have to be made explicit in doctrine and in policy, but that calls for cooperation between nuclear command channels and cyber experts, each with their own institutional and professional perspectives.
Reynolds-stress modeling of cluster-induced turbulence in particle-laden vertical channel flow

We simulated particle-laden flow in a vertical channel with a Reynolds-averaged Navier--Stokes (RANS) two-fluid model including a Reynolds-stress model (RSM). Primary and turbulent statistics from counterpart Eulerian--Lagrangian (EL) and Eulerian--Eulerian Anisotropic-Gaussian (EE-AG) simulations were used to inform parameters and closures in the RSM. Flow in the channel center, including transitions, compared well with other simulations as mass loading increased. For small-Stokes particles, the RSM at greater mass loadings reproduced the transient clustering observed in the other models.
Modeling Deformation Behavior of Multiple Grained SAC305 Solder Joints

Lead-free solder joints are the most widely used interconnects in electronic packaging industries.Characterization of lead-free solder materials is essential to predict the performance and deformation behavior of joints under various loading conditions in practical applications. Hence, a significant portion of the studies in this field are concerned with the solder joints, each of which has a very small diameter, in sub-millimeter range. Although the solder balls have very small dimensions, most of the analyses considered them as a bulk material. However, with the decrease of ball dimensions, size effects might play a significant role in material response. As the specimen dimensions decrease, the number of grains becomes very small, and hence individual grain properties play a vital role on overall material response. Therefore, modeling from the grain structure and orientation point of view could be an effective and more accurate way to predict solder joint deformation behavior under loading.In this study, the effect of grain size and orientation of the solder material is investigated for predicting anisotropic behavior of solder joints under shear load. A simplified threedimensional model of beach-ball configuration solder joint was generated and simulated using ABAQUS finite element (FE) software. Experimentally obtained viscoplastic grain properties were assigned to the computational geometry to create material anisotropy. The effects of material anisotropy were studied for varying grain size specimens, as well as for specimens with varying grain orientation. Finally, a comparison was established between the simulation predictions and the experimental results obtained from shear test of SAC305 solder balls.
Determination of the Homing Range of Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Crabonidae)

Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) is a ground-dwelling wasp species that provisions its nests with wood-boring jewel beetles (Buprestidae), making it a useful tool for biosurveillance of buprestid forest pests, particularly the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis). The maximum foraging range of C. fumipennis has not yet been determined, but there have been limited studies on how far these wasps may fly when released from measured distances – an indication of their potential homing range. Careless (2008) determined the maximum homing range to be 2 km and hypothesized that the foraging range was limited to this distance. This study was coarsely-grained in that the wasps were released only at 1 km increments up to 3 km. Our study is finer-grained due to the release of wasps at intermediate distances within 3 km from the nesting area. Over 50% of the individuals released from 2.5 km and 3 km returned, indicating that the homing range of C. fumipennis is larger than previously estimated. The implications of this larger homing range and its effects on current predictions of foraging range are discussed.
Synthetic Production, In-house Utilization and Subsurface Disposal of Sodium Carbonate: A Novel Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Strategy

A novel geological CO2 (carbon dioxide) storage (GCS)-based carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) strategy is conceptualized and proposed in the present study. The main steps of the proposed GCS-based CCUS strategy, based on the synthetic production, in-house utilization and subsurface disposal of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), are described. The critical aspects of various apparatus, processes and schemes used in the main steps are briefly discussed. Based on the analyses of the main steps and their essential elements, it can be said that the proposed CCUS strategy has all the ingredients for being competitive and deployable on large and commercial scales. The novelty and various elements of the proposed CCUS strategy make it more suitable for countries like India and the US states like California.
System-Level Prognostics for the National Airspace

In the National Airspace System (NAS), safety is assured through a set of rules, regulations, and procedures to respond to unsafe events. However, safety stands to benefit immensely from the introduction of tools and methodologies from Prognostics and Health Management (PHM). PHM will enable the NAS to stochastically predict unsafe states within the NAS, enabling a proactive preventative response strategy, as opposed to a reactive mitigative one. However, current PHM methods do not directly apply to the NAS for several reasons: they typically apply only at the component level, are implemented in a centralized manner, and are focused only on predicting remaining useful life. In this paper, we extend the model-based prognostics approach to PHM in order to provide a framework that can be applied to the NAS. We offer a system-level approach that supports a distributed implementation, and provide algorithms to predict the probability of an unsafe state, either at a specific time or within a time interval,and to predict the time of an unsafe state. Experimental results in simulation demonstrate the new approach.
Maximum Uptake and Hypermetabolic Volume of 18F-FDOPA PET Estimates Overall Survival in Low-Grade Gliomas

17 Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), perfusion, and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), plays a significant clinical role in the evaluation of morphology, cellularity, and vascularity of low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Prior studies have suggested the use of amino acid PET, including 18F-FDOPA PET, can provide critical metabolic information that can complement MRI; however, evaluation of LGGs using both 18F-FDOPA and MRI have been limited to small pilot studies and long-time prognosis was previously not reported. Recently, molecular subtypes like isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene mutation or a chromosomal 1p/19q co-deletion have been used for histopathological diagnosis in 2016 WHO classification, and have become essential for brain tumor classification, treatment decisions, and predicting prognosis. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate imaging characteristics of LGGs using 18F-FDOPA PET and multi-parametric MRI in a large population and determine the association with OS or molecular status. Methods: Eighty-six patients who underwent 18F-FDOPA PET and were diagnosed as initial or recurrent LGGs according to the WHO 2007/2016 classification between 2007 and 2019 were retrospectively selected (IDH status, wild type 10, IDH mutant 58, unknown, 18; 1p19q status in IDH mutant, non-codeleted 20, codeleted 37, unknown 1; MGMT methylation status, unmethylated 17, methylated 25, unknown 44). FLAIRROI (hyperintensity area on FLAIR image) was segmented, and the normalized SUV max (nSUVmax) of 18F-FDOPA relative to striatum, FLAIRROI volume, 18F-FDOPA hypermetabolic volume (tumor-to-striatum ratios > 1), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and apparent diffusion coefficient low (ADClow), which was defined as the mean of lower Gaussian curve (a mixed model with a double Gaussian distribution fitting to the histogram of ADC), within FLAIRROI were calculated. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis and Cox univariate regression were used for statistical analyses. Results: ROC analysis revealed that combining PET and MRI parameters with sex and age could predict IDH and 1p19q status with 91.9% and 87.5% sensitivities and 71.4% and 85.7% specificities, respectively. Cox univariate regression analysis showed significant association between residual OS and IDH status (hazard ratio (HR)= 4.939, p=0.026), nSUVmax (HR=2.827, p=0.017), and 18F-FDOPA hypermetabolic volume (HR=1.048, p=0.001). Stratifying the LGGs into 3 groups by the nSUVmax ( 2), the log-rank test and trend test showed significant differences (p 0.17). Conclusions: In the largest study evaluating LGGs using 18F-FDOPA PET and MRI, nSUVmax and 18F-FDOPA hypermetabolic volume may be useful for estimating OS, and combining 18F-FDOPA PET and MRI may be useful for predicting molecular status in patients with LGGs.
Identification of INSR protein structural differences in Diabetes Mellitus type 2 subjects from protein sequences

In this paper, we constructed several models of the Insulin Receptor protein(abbreviated INSR) from protein sequences from pathogenic and benign variants of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Through modeling these variants, we were able to determine which sections of the tertiary structure of the INSR protein were linked to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Ultimately, we created a map of the INSR protein and indicated which parts of the protein structure had significant effects on type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. We concluded differences in the charged/polar amino acids on the lower right section of the structure(amino acid numbers 487 and 750) were associated with pathogenic variants, while charged/polar differences on the lower left of the structure(amino acid numbers 669 and 784) had no impact on pathogenicity. We observed several differences in the amino acid chain structure, however they were not unique to the pathogenic variants; they were also seen in the benign variants.
Amyloid beta acts synergistically as a pro-inflammatory cytokine

Abstract The amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide is believed to play a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. However, the natural, evolutionarily selected functions of Aβ are incompletely understood. Here, we report that nanomolar concentrations of Aβ act synergistically with known cytokines to promote pro-inflammatory activation in primary human astrocytes (a cell type increasingly implicated in brain aging and AD). Using transcriptomics (RNA-seq), we show that Aβ can directly substitute for the complement component C1q in a cytokine cocktail previously shown to induce astrocyte immune activation. Furthermore, we show that astrocytes synergistically activated by Aβ have a transcriptional signature similar to neurotoxic “A1” astrocytes known to accumulate with age and in AD. Interestingly, we find that this biological action of Aβ at low concentrations is distinct from the transcriptome changes induced by the high/supraphysiological doses of Aβ often used in in vitro studies. Collectively, our results suggest an important, cytokine-like function for Aβ and a novel mechanism by which it may directly contribute to the neuroinflammation associated with brain aging and AD.
Mixe-Zoquean Languages

The Mixe-Zoquean languages of southern Mexico are found in in the area of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The family has two branches, Mixe and Zoque. Historically, the Olmecs were the ancestors of the Mixe-Zoqueans. Mixe-Zoquean languages are typically Meso–American. Phonologically spare Proto-Mixe-Zoquean, with six vowels and a consonant system lacking voicing contrasts, developed patterns of voicing, metathesis, ablaut, and alternations involving glottal stop and h in the daughter languages, some of which are typologically unusual. Most of the daughter languages are headmarking with significant morphological elaboration. Ergativity and inverse person marking is widespread in the family.
Growth factors in the CNS and their effects on oligodendroglia.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the growth factors in the central nervous system (CNS) and discusses their effects on oligodendroglia. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are the growth factors that enhance oligodendrocyte survival in vitro, and thus may provide therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from demyelinating diseases. A potential caveat, however, to the exogenous use of CNTF and LIF in vivo is their influence on cell differentiation. Limitations to growth factor function may be observed within an in vivo context. Cell culture studies often display pleiotropic actions for a given growth factor; but this is an artificial environment and may not necessarily represent their actions in vivo . In addition to cell-type specificity, the influence of growth factors in vivo is limited by their developmental, physiological, and pathological profiles of expression. Potential target cells must also express the appropriate growth factor receptor. Thus, although these growth factors appear to have pleiotropic actions in vitro , it is likely that their actions will be restricted by an in vivo setting. The identification of growth factor receptors and the location of their ligands in vivo will increase the understanding of growth factor function and bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies.
Pyrazine composition as influenced by the smoking conditions of hickory sawdust

Abstract The role of smoke generation temperature (250 versus 350°C), air supply (presence or absence) and sawdust moisture content (12, 20, 30%) on resulting pyrazine composition was investigated. The major pyrazines identified with all variables were pyrazine, 2-methoxy-3-methylpyrazine, 2-ethoxy-3-ethylpyrazine, 2-propyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2-butyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2-acetyl-3-methylpyrazine, and 2-acetyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine. The presence or absence of air had little if any influence on resulting pyrazine composition. In contrast, the initial moisture content of the sawdust did influence final pyrazine ratios. As moisture content increased, the relative amount of 2-butyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine increased primarily as the result of decreased amounts of 2-methoxy-3-methylpyrazine. As would be expected, the temperature of smoke generation had a dramatic influence on pyrazine composition, with higher amounts of 2-ethoxy-3-ethylpyrazine and 2-propyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine present at the lower temperature, and higher levels of 2-butyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-acetyl-3-methylpyrazine present at the higher smoking temperature. Thus it is apparent that the level and intensity of smoke aroma associated with the pyrazine fraction can be altered as influenced by smoke generation conditions.
World class manufacturing CIM or sink

The authors consider the computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) system developed and implemented in IBM's semiconductor manufacturing line in its Essex Junction, Vermont, facility. The CIM system architecture and the features designed into the system to support the 16-Mb DRAM technology program are described. Major hardware, software, architecture, and integration components are discussed, including equipment control, automation, automatic processing, logistics management, supervision and control capabilities, database integration, networks, and interfaces. >
The Environmental Acoustic Tactical Support System: Low-Frequency Mesoscale Ocean Feature Environmental Acoustic Results

The Environmental Acoustic Tactical Support (EATS) System is a developmental tool created for test and evaluation of environmental acoustic software specifically related to antisubmarine warfare (ASW). The design of the EATS System is modular, which allows easier interchange of various ocean acoustic modules. A personal computer version of the EATS System will be discussed in conjunction with EATS System analyses of recent oceanographic exercise data and a modeled Gulf Stream regional oceanographic environment. Use of the EATS System led to the early discovery of a mesoscale eddy that occupied one exercise area. The EATS System model of the eddy caused convergence zone range differences of up to 6.7 nautical miles (nmi) at the fourth convergence zone, and up to 9.5-dB transmission loss differences for a high-frequency source over values that would have been calculated using standard U.S. Navy climatologies. Later exercise use of the EATS System led to the discovery of a temperature gradient change across a weak front. This discovery resulted in a 0.5-nmi change in the range to the first convergence zone. Multiple radial acoustic model runs made in a modeled Gulf Stream environment were used to investigate the combined effect of the front and associated eddies. When convergence zones coincided with warm-(cold-) water features, the turning depth sound energy at the next down-track convergence zone was determined to increase (decrease). In addition, ranges between convergence zones increased (decreased) down-track of convergence zones coinciding with warm (cold) oceanographic eddies.
Cascade of perfect reconstruction analysis and synthesis filter banks: the new architecture of next generation wideband receivers

We present here an innovative new receiver architecture with extreme computational efficiency that performs the multitude of DSP processing tasks required in a modern high bandwidth receiver with significantly reduced computational resources and with commensurate reduced power supply requirements. The system uses a pair of M-path perfect reconstruction polyphase filter banks to first form an input analysis filter bank and an output synthesis filter bank. The signal processing that implement the various signal processing tasks are applied as frequency dependent gains and additive corrections to the intermediate narrow band, reduced sample rate, time series residing between the analysis and synthesis filter banks. Sets of frequency dependent weights that represent each filtering task can simultaneously implement a channelizer, a matched filter, an equalizer, an intrusion canceller, an I-Q balancer, timing clock alignment, and carrier frequency and phase alignment. (8 pages)
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery outcome in adult transition patients with pediatric-onset hydrocephalus.

Background Ventriculoperitoneal shunting remains the most widely used neurosurgical procedure for the management of hydrocephalus, albeit with many complications. Objective To review and assess the long-term clinical outcome of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in adult transition patients with pediatric-onset hydrocephalus. Methods Patients 17 years or older who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for hydrocephalus during their pediatric years (younger than 17 years) were included. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies, and clinical follow- up evaluations were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 105 adult patients with pediatric-onset hydrocephalus were included. The median age of the patients was 25.9 years. The median age at the time of the initial ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was 1.0 year. The median follow-up time for all patients was 17.7 years. The incidence of shunt failure at 6 months was 15.2%, and the overall incidence of shunt failure was 82.9%. Single shunt revision occurred in 26.7% of the patients, and 56.2% had multiple shunt revisions. The cause of hydrocephalus was significantly associated with shunt survival for patients who had shunt failure before the age of 17 years. Being pediatric at first shunt revision, infection, proximal shunt complication, and other causes were independently associated with multiple shunt failures. Conclusion The findings of this retrospective study show that the long-term ventriculoperitoneal shunt survival remains low in adult transition patients with pediatric-onset hydrocephalus.
An examination of the efficiency of the sequential parallel design in psychiatric clinical trials.

Background Psychiatric clinical trials have a high failure rate, even among agents which are known to be effective. Because of this high failure rate, a novel clinical trial design has been proposed which incorporates a second phase in which non-responders to placebo are randomly reassigned to drug or placebo.Purpose The purpose of this research is to examine the efficiency of this new design compared to the conventional two arm clinical trial. We consider both binary and continuous endpoints.Methods The limiting distribution of a class of weighted average test statistics is obtained for the binary case which allows analytic calculation of the power for a given set of parameters. For the continuous case, we examine the efficiency of seemingly unrelated regression and a weighted average statistic via simulation.Results The novel design reduces the sample size 20—25% compared to the standard design under a wide range of parameters.Limitations There are no actual trials with the novel design therefore assump...
Cooperative Inversion of Transient Electromagnetic And Gravity Data For Depth Determination In a Basin

Cooperative inversion of surface transient electromagnetic(TEM) and gravity data, produces a more accurate model of basin depths than can be achieved with gravity or TEM alone. A two-dimensional, minimum-structure, least squares gravity inversion is used cooperatively with a onedimensional layered-earth TEM inversion to establish a basin model consistent with both data sets. Initial-guess resistivities and depths for the layered-earth TEM inversion are automatically provided by an approximate image inversion. A case study from Whirlwind Valley, Utah, demonstrates the efficacy of the method. TEM loops were sited based on the initial gravity models, minimizing multidimensional effects on 1-D inversions. Also, initial gravity models were used to estimate which layer represents the alluvium/bedrock interface in the TEM inversion results. Then TEM inversion depths to the alluvium/bedrock interface were used to establish a reasonable density contrast for the gravity inversion models of the basin.
The 21ΠgState of39K2Studied by cw Sub-Doppler Optical–Optical Double Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract The 21Πgstate of39K2, which dissociates to the 4s+ 3dasymptote, has been observed for the first time via the intermediate levels of theA1Σ+u(v = 1–12) state using high-resolution cw optical–optical double resonance excitation spectroscopy. Absolute vibrational numbering has been assigned. A set of molecular constants has been fitted by using the observed term values. The Rydberg–Klein–Rees potential curve is calculated with the fitted molecular constants. The dissociation energy of this state has been determined to be 2318.09 ± 0.13 cm−1.
Radiometric evidence for involvement of floating islands in the formation of Florida Everglades tree islands

Inversions of radiocarbon dates were determined on samples from the peat profiles of two small extant tree islands in the northeastern Everglades, Florida. These reversals were predicted from the theory that such tree islands developed on laterally displaced floating islands.
Oculomotor motion disorders: Current imaging of cranial nerves 3, 4, and 6

The eye movements are controlled by the cranial nerves 3, 4, and 6 working in close cooperation under the supervision of the voluntary cortex. Clinically, the most common presentation of abnormal ocular motor motion is double vision. A thorough clinical examination can usually separate a local orbital cause which can produce a restriction of the muscles moving the eye from a neurogenic cause due to an abnormality of one of the three nerves or their association pathways. Recent articles in the scientific literature have described major advances in our understanding of the anatomy and vascular relationships of the three ocular motor nerves (cranial nerves 3, 4, and 6) and of the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of pathological processes that damage these nerves, including ischemia, inflammation, and compression.
Role of viruses in type I diabetes

Viral infections frequently elicit strong cellular and humoral immune responses. This bears the inherent danger of co-activating autoreactive lymphocytes, either through bystander activation by cytokines or through direct sharing of conformational determinants between self and virus (mimicry). Autoimmune diseases could then result, even after clearance of the viral infection, if enough autoreactive cells are activated. Alternatively, viral infection of antigen presenting cells can locally enhance inflammation and drive autoreactive lymphocytes. Evidence for these mechanisms, as well as emerging therapeutic concepts, will be discussed.
Multistage entropy minimization for SAR image autofocus

This paper discusses a multistage approach to entropy minimization for SAR image autofocus. The new algorithm is compared to existing approaches, including point based autofocus, sub-aperture based autofocus, and hybrid methods. Monte Carlo statistical results are presented for simulated clutter scenes and point target scenes. The new minimum entropy autofocus provides improved speed and accuracy in correcting azimuth phase errors in both scenarios.
Mobile robots traversability awareness based on terrain visual sensory data fusion

In this paper, we have presented methods that significantly improve the robot awareness of its terrain traversability conditions. The terrain traversability awareness is achieved by association of terrain image appearances from different poses and fusion of extracted information from multimodality imaging and range sensor data for localization and clustering environment landmarks. Initially, we describe methods for extraction of salient features of the terrain for the purpose of landmarks registration from two or more images taken from different via points along the trajectory path of the robot. The method of image registration is applied as a means of overlaying (two or more) of the same terrain scene at different viewpoints. The registration geometrically aligns salient landmarks of two images (the reference and sensed images). A Similarity matching techniques is proposed for matching the terrain salient landmarks. Secondly, we present three terrain classifier models based on rule-based, supervised neural network, and fuzzy logic for classification of terrain condition under uncertainty and mapping the robot's terrain perception to apt traversability measures. This paper addresses the technical challenges and navigational skill requirements of mobile robots for traversability path planning in natural terrain environments similar to Mars surface terrains. We have described different methods for detection of salient terrain features based on imaging texture analysis techniques. We have also presented three competing techniques for terrain traversability assessment of mobile robots navigating in unstructured natural terrain environments. These three techniques include: a rule-based terrain classifier, a neural network-based terrain classifier, and a fuzzy-logic terrain classifier. Each proposed terrain classifier divides a region of natural terrain into finite sub-terrain regions and classifies terrain condition exclusively within each sub-terrain region based on terrain spatial and textural cues.
Misconceptions and Facts about Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade

Several common misconceptions can make the clinical diagnosis of subacute pericardial tamponade challenging. Widely known physical findings of pericardial tamponade lack sensitivity and specificity. Interpretation of echocardiographic signs requires good understanding of pathophysiology. Over-reliance on echocardiography may result in over-utilization of pericardial drainage procedures. Awareness of these misconceptions with an integrative approach to both clinical and imaging data will help clinicians to assess the hemodynamic impact of pericardial effusion and the need for drainage.
Abstract 2153: Metformin and aspirin synergistically inhibit mTOR and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and induce cell death in pancreatic cancer cells

Epidemiological studies have correlated a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer with patients who take either metformin or aspirin. In addition, animal studies have shown that either metformin or aspirin inhibits pancreatic tumor formation as well as the progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). Since the combination of metformin and aspirin and their potential synergistic effects on pancreatic cancer cells have not been investigated, we evaluated the effects of metformin and aspirin, alone or in combination, on cell viability, migration, and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1 and BxPC3. Cell viability and migration were determined using the MTT assay, colony formation, and the wound-healing assay, and the molecular changes in the mTOR and JAK/STAT3 and apoptotic signaling pathways were evaluated. The synergistic effects of the combination of metformin with aspirin were assessed using a method based on isobologram analyses. We observed that the combination of metformin and aspirin at low concentrations showed significant synergistic effects on the inhibition of cell viability, migration and colony formation in both PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. We also found that the combination of metformin and aspirin significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of mTOR, S6K, JAK2 and STAT3. Furthermore, the combination of metformin and aspirin significantly inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, which are the downstream targets of STAT3, in both mRNA and protein levels. We also observed increased apoptosis as measured by caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in PANC-1 cells treated with the combination of metformin and aspirin. These results suggest that metformin and aspirin synergistically induce cell death in pancreatic cancer cells associated with down-regulating Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 through the STAT3 pathway. Our results support the continued investigation of the combination of metformin and aspirin as chemopreventative or therapeutic agents in pancreatic cancer tumor models. Citation Format: Wen Yue, Yong Lin, Chunxia Chen, Darren R. Carpizo, Robert S. DiPaola, Xiang-Lin Tan. Metformin and aspirin synergistically inhibit mTOR and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and induce cell death in pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2153. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2153
Demonstration of Physiological Barrier Between Pulpal Odontoblasts and its Perturbation Following Routine Restorative Procedures: A Horseradish Peroxidase Tracing Study in the Rat

Vascular injection of the macromolecular tracer, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), was used to study the permeability of the odontoblast cell layer in developing and mature rat molar teeth, and to investigate the effect of cavity preparations on the permeability of this epithelioid cell layer in adult animals. HRP injected into the vascular system of normal animals 28 days of age and older was localized histochemically (from 5 to 90 min after injection) throughout the extracellular spaces of the maxillary dental pulps; however, the tracer did not penetrate beyond the tight junctions at the apical region of the odontoblast cell layer, and was absent from the predentin and dentin. In contrast, HRP injected into very young neonatal animals (e.g., day 3) resulted in free passage of HRP between odontoblasts and into the overlying predentin and dentin. When Class V cavities had been prepared in adult maxillary molars after HRP was injected into the blood stream, HRP reaction product penetrated the predentin and den...
Binding of complement component C1q to anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome

Objective: To determine if anti-β 2 GPI reactive with surface-bound β 2 GPI can bind C1q, i.e. to determine whether surface-bound β 2 GPI-anti-β 2 GPI immune complexes can initiate the classical pathway of complement activation.¶Methods: β 2 GPI was bound to chemically-activated microtiter plates which had previously been shown to promote anti-β 2 GPI reactivity with bound β 2 GPI. Wells with surface-bound β 2 GPI (capped with bovine serum albumin) were then reacted with complement-inactivated sera from antiphospholipid syndrome patients (APS) or with control sera. Following removal of unbound serum components, the wells were incubated with biotinylated C1q and probed with peroxidase-conjugated avidin D. Bound C1q was detected at 450nm using tetramethyl benzidine/peroxidase as a substrate system and expressed as absorbance units (Abs).¶Results: The identified 20 APS with elevated anti-β 2 GPI: 4 with IgG only, 4 with IgM only, 1 with IgA only, 1 with IgG and IgA, 6 with IgG and IgM and 4 with IgG, IgA and IgM. C1q binding from 20 healthy controls was 0.039 ± 0.029 (SD). Of the APS, 17/20 (85%) had Abs >5 SD above controls. The 3 APS with C1q Abs within normal limits had, respectively, IgM only (1), IgA only (1), and both IgG and IgM (1). Statistical analyses (Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn's post test) suggest differences in IgG and IgG + IgM groups compared to con (Kruskal-Wallis: p = 0.0002; Dunn's: con vs. IgG, p < 0.05; con vs. IgG + IgM, p < 0.01). ¶Conclusions: Anti-β 2 GPI from APS appear to have a variable degree of C1q affinity. Those patients with strong C1q binding responses are likely to have an inflammatory component to their disease processes.
Design of a Touch Screen Microwave Oven for Older Consumers

The purpose of this study was to add to the knowledge of older consumers and their use of electronic products. The work involved redesigning a microwave oven by employing a touch screen interface. ...
Real-time scalable visual analysis on mobile devices

Interactive visual presentation of information can help an analyst gain faster and better insight from data. When combined with situational or context information, visualization on mobile devices is invaluable to in-field responders and investigators. However, several challenges are posed by the form-factor of mobile devices in developing such systems. In this paper, we classify these challenges into two broad categories - issues in general mobile computing and issues specific to visual analysis on mobile devices. Using NetworkVis and Infostar as example systems, we illustrate some of the techniques that we employed to overcome many of the identified challenges. NetworkVis is an OpenVG-based real-time network monitoring and visualization system developed for Windows Mobile devices. Infostar is a flash-based interactive, real-time visualization application intended to provide attendees access to conference information. Linked time-synchronous visualization, stylus/button-based interactivity, vector graphics, overview-context techniques, details-on-demand and statistical information display are some of the highlights of these applications.
Medication effects on referent communication in schizophrenic patients: an evaluation with a structured task.

Objective measures of communication efficiency were collected twice on 10 schizophrenic patients while they participated in a structured interactive task which has seen considerable use in developmental studies of communication skills. Referential communication and thought disorder were assessed while patients were off and then on neuroleptic medication. While medicated, subjects produced more informative task-related responses. Drug-free subjects produced more unclear references and episodes of bizarre speech. These "interruptive" tendencies appeared to be a problem of dialogue maintenance and attentional focus, which improved with medication.
Comparative Advantage, Information and the Allocation of Workers to Tasks: Evidence from an Agricultural Labour Market

We use data from an agricultural labour market in which workers receive both time- and piece-rate wages and shift frequently among employers and tasks, to assess the roles of comparative advantage, information problems and preferences in determining the allocation of workers. The estimates which impose minimal structure not implied by economic theory are consistent with a one-factor productivity model, and indicate that information asymmetries are present but workers are sorted according to comparative advantage. In particular, the disproportionate presence of female workers in weeding activities is due not to worker or employer preferences but to comparative advantage and statistical discrimination.