cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trust Assessment for Internet of Things in Multi-access Edge Computing

Multi-access Edge Computing nowadays attracts much attention from researchers. It aims to provide end users with better performance via using mobile telecommunication infrastructure and techniques. Internet of Things (IoT) can connect a large number of things through communication networks for various types of applications. Through multiple-access edge cloud computing platforms, IoT can be connected to one of the nearby micro-clouds and then it can communicate with other devices, computers or cloud resources. Security is still a big challenge for this type of applications. In this paper, we proposed and applied a trust management framework which can assess trust for applications and computing resources. Moreover, the framework can help vendors to dynamically configure resources based on the real-time trust information.
Vascular Tumors: Infantile Hemangioma

Infantile hemangioma (IH), also known as hemangioma of infancy, is the most common soft tissue tumor of childhood. IH demonstrate significant clinical heterogeneity in their presentation, ranging from small self-limiting lesions to bulky tumors that impart significant morbidity. IH can present as superficial, deep, or mixed lesions depending on the depth of soft tissue involvement (Drolet et al, N Engl J Med 341: 173–181, 1999; Haggstrom et al, Pediatrics 117:698–703, 2006). Most lesions are superficial, presenting as bright red papules or plaques which are typically round and involve the superficial dermis, while deep lesions have a more bluish hue; mixed lesions have characteristics of both. The morphological pattern of IH tends to be localized or segmental (Haggstrom et al, Pediatrics 117:698–703, 2006; Chiller et al, Arch Dermatol 138: 1567–1576, 2002). Localized lesions tend to be discrete ovoid or rounded lesions, while segmental lesions, which impart higher risk of complications, tend to involve a broad region and are more geometric in shape.
High-capacity extraction chromatographic materials based on polysulfone microcapsules for the separation and preconcentration of lanthanides from aqueous solution.

Abstract Extractant-loaded polysulfone (PS) capsules suitable for the separation and preconcentration of rare earth ions from acidic media have been prepared and characterized. Specifically, PS macro- and microcapsules have been impregnated with bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP), and their performance in the extraction of europium (Eu3+) from nitric acid solution evaluated. The HDEHP-loaded microcapsules were found to exhibit sorption efficiency superior to those of analogous macrocapsules. Comparison to a conventional (i.e., commercial) extraction chromatographic (EXC) material (Ln•Resin), comprising HDEHP-loaded beads of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of comparable size (50–100 µm), showed that the capacity of the HDEHP-loaded microcapsules for europium is ca. 2.5-fold greater than that of the conventional material. This larger capacity is the apparent result of both the higher extractant loading achievable with the microcapsules and an unexpected change in the complexation stoichiometry of europium by HDEHP upon extractant encapsulation. The microcapsule-based sorbent equaled or exceeded the performance of the commercial EXC material in other respects as well, most notably uptake kinetics and column efficiency, making it a promising alternative to established EXC resins.
Assessing the relationship between community engagement and perceived ownership of an urban park in Philadelphia

Urban parks provide many benefits, though evidence of environmental injustice associated with certain park investments is growing. Some cities fail to engage communities in park planning, which can...
Exploring Stigma Among Lung Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Literature Review

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Lung cancer survivors face many challenges that affect their quality of life and survival. A growing concern is the layered effect of stigma related to cigarette smoking and the perceived life-threatening diagnosis of lung cancer. This experience may affect lung cancer survivors' physical, psychological, and social well-being, negatively influencing their quality of life. LITERATURE SEARCH CINAHL®, PubMed®, PsycINFO®, and Web of Science were searched from January 2000 through August 2017, using combinations of four keywords. DATA EVALUATION Extracted data included research aims, design, method, analytical approach, sample size, gender, ethnicity/race, setting, stigma measure, smoking status, and major results. SYNTHESIS Of 163 studies initially identified, 30 (19 quantitative, 8 qualitative, 2 theoretical reviews, and 1 mixed method) were included. Quantitative studies were analyzed by statistical significance and relevant findings. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate qualitative studies. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Future research should focus on the development and testing of tailored and multilevel interventions to support the management of stigma and lessen the negative impact it has on quality of life, with special considerations for vulnerable subpopulations.
COVID-19: Potential of Microalgae Derived Natural Astaxanthin As Adjunctive Supplement in Alleviating Cytokine Storm

The pandemic outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. Given that in absence of definitive COVID-19 treatment, and the presence of asymptomatic carriers, the conventional intervention measures to curb the rate of infection and deaths will be highly challenging. Accumulating evidences suggest that excessive reactive inflammation, oxidation, and an exaggerated immune response very likely to contribute to its pathology, leads by a violent immune response cytokine storm and subsequent progression to life threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI). Microalgae derived natural astaxanthin (nASX), a well-known potent anti-oxidant and broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory compound with impressive safety profile, is protective against cytokine storm, ALI/ARDS. This article summarizes the most likely benefits of nASX may provide as an adjunctive in attenuation of COVID-19 induced health adversaries based on its putative pathogenesis. There is rationale, pre-clinical evidences of effectiveness and evidence of safety from long-time use for other indications to justify possible inclusion of nASX as adjunctive in combination with primary anti-viral drugs therapy will hugely benefit COVID-19 patients by improving their health and reducing recovery time.
7 – Decision Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the basic concepts of decision theory. Variables involved in a design situation may be grouped into input, solution, and output variables. If the input variables are precisely given and a trial set of the system variables is chosen, the outputs become completely determined. Hence, provided a satisfactory criterion function has been constructed, the choice of the optimal solution becomes straightforward. The engineer's choice is that which will give the maximum value to the overall effectiveness as specified by the criterion function. If there is uncertainty as to the form of the criterion function or the exact values of the input variables, the sensitivity of the final choice will have to be checked for each variation. Presumably, the reliability of any decision can be improved by the acquisition of additional sample information on variables which may be expected to show considerable variation. The main problem lies in determining how good the information is, and this is the main substance of statistical inference.
Rediscovering a Forgotten System of Symbiosis: Historical Perspective and Future Potential

While the majority of symbiosis research is focused on bacteria, microbial eukaryotes play important roles in the microbiota and as pathogens, especially the incredibly diverse Fungi kingdom. The recent emergence of widespread pathogens in wildlife (bats, amphibians, snakes) and multidrug-resistant opportunists in human populations (Candida auris) has highlighted the importance of better understanding animal–fungus interactions. Regardless of their prominence there are few animal–fungus symbiosis models, but modern technological advances are allowing researchers to utilize novel organisms and systems. Here, I review a forgotten system of animal–fungus interactions: the beetle–fungus symbioses of Drugstore and Cigarette beetles with their symbiont Symbiotaphrina. As pioneering systems for the study of mutualistic symbioses, they were heavily researched between 1920 and 1970, but have received only sporadic attention in the past 40 years. Several features make them unique research organisms, including (1) the symbiont is both extracellular and intracellular during the life cycle of the host, and (2) both beetle and fungus can be cultured in isolation. Specifically, fungal symbionts intracellularly infect cells in the larval and adult beetle gut, while accessory glands in adult females harbor extracellular fungi. In this way, research on the microbiota, pathogenesis/infection, and mutualism can be performed. Furthermore, these beetles are economically important stored-product pests found worldwide. In addition to providing a historical perspective of the research undertaken and an overview of beetle biology and their symbiosis with Symbiotaphrina, I performed two analyses on publicly available genomic data. First, in a preliminary comparative genomic analysis of the fungal symbionts, I found striking differences in the pathways for the biosynthesis of two B vitamins important for the host beetle, thiamine and biotin. Second, I estimated the most recent common ancestor for Drugstore and Cigarette beetles at 8.8–13.5 Mya using sequence divergence (CO1 gene). Together, these analyses demonstrate that modern methods and data (genomics, transcriptomes, etc.) have great potential to transform these beetle–fungus systems into model systems again.
The Clinical Significance of Multiple Negative Surveillance Prostate Biopsies for Men on Active Surveillance-Does Cancer Vanish or Simply Hide?

Purpose:Men with low risk prostate cancer on active surveillance undergo multiple biopsies over time. The long-term clinical significance of consecutively negative biopsies is not known.Materials a...
The Aesthetic Effect of Identity on Native Couture of the Americas

An artistic genre or school is typically denoted by a commonality in theme, process, or outcome. While the native peoples of the North American continent have produced clothing and garments for centuries, contemporary Native designers are increasingly moving to the forefront of modern fashion, producing a particular oeuvre of couture that is consistently recognizable in contrast to other designers. Native North American fashion is as diverse as the more than 600 tribes living on the continent. However, Metcalfe (2013) suggests that Native fashion is defined by three variables of expression of cultural art, historical connotations, and contemporary form of ancient traditions, all encompassing the identity of the designer as a Native. This paper will systematically evaluate the couture of 29 contemporary Native fashion designers from North America including the United States and Canada to test whether identity does have an aesthetic effect on the fashion produced by Native designers. Further, this paper identifies that two additional mechanisms, that of activism and storytelling, are key in what it means to be a designer producing Native couture.
Structure Learning for Hierarchical Regulatory Networks

Network analysis offers a powerful technique to model the relationships between genes within biological regulatory networks. Inference of biological network structures is often performed on high-dimensional data, yet is hindered by the limited sample size of high throughput "omics" data typically available. To overcome this challenge, we exploit known organizing principles of biological networks that are sparse, modular, and likely share a large portion of their underlying architecture. We present SHINE - Structure Learning for Hierarchical Networks - a framework for defining data-driven structural constraints and incorporating a shared learning paradigm for efficiently learning multiple networks from high-dimensional data. We show through simulations SHINE improves performance when relatively few samples are available and multiple networks are desired, by reducing the complexity of the graphical search space and by taking advantage of shared structural information. We evaluated SHINE on TCGA Pan-Cancer data and found learned tumor-specific networks exhibit expected graph properties of real biological networks, recapture previously validated interactions, and recapitulate findings in literature. Application of SHINE to the analysis of subtype-specific breast cancer networks identified key genes and biological processes for tumor maintenance and survival as well as potential therapeutic targets for modulating known breast cancer disease genes.
Abstract 1208: Identifying a novel glycolytic inhibitor for treatment of aggressive prostate cancer

Among men, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality, with advanced disease remaining a major clinical challenge. Chalcones are a major class of widely occurring natural products that are intermediates in plant flavonoid isoflavonoid synthesis. They are characterized by an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl structure with two aromatic rings and commonly act as free-radical scavengers. Herein, we describe a chalcone derivative, SU086, as an anticancer agent for prostate cancer. Proteomic and metabolomic profiling demonstrate that SU086 impairs glycolysis, a critical pathway for cancer growth and survival. SU086 inhibited prostate cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro. Moreover, SU086 significantly delayed the tumor growth of cell line-derived xenograft models of CRPC as well as patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) in vivo, and the proliferation of primary human prostate cancer patient-derived tissues ex vivo. Furthermore, SU086 strongly synergized with standard of care second-generation anti-androgens, enzalutamide and abiraterone, in inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Our study identifies SU086 alone or in combination therapy settings as a novel treatment for aggressive prostate cancer. We demonstrate that SU086 represents a highly effective therapeutic strategy for both AR-sensitive and AR-insensitive prostate cancers and may potentially be applicable across multiple cancer types. Citation Format: Tanya Ivanova Stoyanova. Identifying a novel glycolytic inhibitor for treatment of aggressive prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1208.
New species of Laboulbenia (Laboulbeniales, Ascomycota) on Heteroptera (Hemiptera, Insecta) from South America.

Four new species of Laboulbenia are described, adding substantially to the known species recorded from Heteroptera hosts. Previously, only 12 species of Laboulbenia and only 96 of the approximate 2...
Development of a Quality Improvement Culture in the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

This chapter provides an overview on the definition of quality improvement, the importance of quality improvement in the congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory, and how to create a culture of safety at your institution. The importance of quality improvement is becoming mainstream within the healthcare environment and quality improvement methodologies have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce safety events. Now with more governing agencies taking an interest in patient safety, it is imperative that a successful catheterization laboratory has the foundation necessary to provide optimal patient-centered care with a focus on quality and analysis of important safety events. Having an improved understanding of safety and important quality improvement domains will allow cath lab staff to more rapidly identify areas in which quality improvement activities are warranted to optimize patient care. Furthermore, creation of a team-based approach to quality care through promotion of a quality improvement culture will help facilitate these changes and allow for the adoption of a patient-centered approach to clinical care.
Original ContributionsChronic hepatitis C infection in patients with end stage renal disease: characterization of liver histology and viral load in patients awaiting renal transplantation

OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) awaiting renal transplantation (RT). However, few data are available on the liver histology and viral titer in these patients relative to patients with HCV and normal renal function. The aims of this study were to assess liver histology, quantitative HCV-RNA titer, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in patients with ESRD awaiting RT, and to identify clinical predictors of histological progression to advanced bridging fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients (mean age 42 yr, 62% male) with ESRD and HCV, who were awaiting RT, underwent liver biopsy. Two HCV populations, one with persistently normal ALT and another with elevated ALT, both with normal renal function, served as controls. HCV-RNA titer was assessed by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Of the patients with ESRD, 94% had normal ALT. Log HCV RNA titer was significantly higher in patients with ESRD (5.8 ± 0.3) than in either normal ALT (5.4 ± 0.1) or elevated ALT (5.3 ± 0.1) controls (p < 0.05). Knodell Histological Activity Index (HAI) in patients with ESRD was similar to that observed in control patients with normal ALT (4.8 ± 0.4 vs 4.9 ± 0.4) but significantly less (p < 0.05) than that observed in control patients with elevated ALT (8.4 ± 0.5). The percentage of patients with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis was similar in patients with ESRD and controls with persistently normal ALT (22% vs 13%) but significantly less (p < 0.001) than that observed in control patients with elevated ALT (48%). No significant differences in ALT, HCV-RNA titer, duration on hemodialysis, or time from first possible exposure was observed between ESRD patients with advance fibrosis (n = 11) and those with mild disease (n = 39). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that liver biopsy is necessary to exclude significant liver pathology in patients with HCV and ESRD, and to help define those patients in whom interferon treatment might be helpful.
Early buprenorphine-naloxone initiation for opioid use disorder reduces opioid overdose, emergency room visits and healthcare cost compare to late initiation.

BACKGROUND Although the effectiveness of buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NX) has been established, real-world evidence on the benefits of early treatment initiation is limited. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between early BUP-NX initiation and health-related outcomes among insured adults with opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database from 2010 to 2018. Patients who initiated BUP-NX within 30 days of OUD diagnosis were classified as early initiators. Patients who initiated BUP-NX later, but within the one-year follow-up, were defined as late initiators. Outcomes included opioid overdose, opioid overdose-related emergency department (ED) visits, and all-cause healthcare cost during the year after OUD diagnosis. We employed generalized linear models to compare outcomes between early and late initiators, adjusting for baseline covariates and accounting for missing information for covariates using multiple imputation. RESULTS A total of 8,388 patients with OUD were identified; mean age was 39.9 years; 36% were female; and 67.6% were early initiators. Early initiators had an estimated 42% lower rate of opioid overdose (adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52, 0.64); 51% lower rate of opioid overdose-related ED visits (aRR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.55); and 31% lower total healthcare cost (adjusted cost ratio = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.72), compared to late initiators. CONCLUSION Compared to late BUP-NX initiation, early initiation was associated with a lower risk of opioid overdose and opioid overdose-related ED visits, and reduced total healthcare cost among insured adult patients with OUD.
Hepatitis C Positive Organ Donation in Heart Transplantation.

Purpose of Review To summarize outcomes to date, as well as important considerations and unanswered questions related to the use of hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive donors for heart transplantation. Recent Findings Outcomes from single-center studies and registry data to date suggest that among patients who develop donor-transmitted HCV after heart transplantation, direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAT) are effective and well-tolerated, and that short-term survival is similar to that of patients transplanted with HCV - donors. Summary In an era marked by increasing numbers of HCV positive deceased donors and a growing imbalance between the demand and supply of donor hearts, utilization of HCV + donors is a feasible strategy to expand the donor pool and reduce waitlist times. Ongoing work is needed to clarify longer-term outcomes with the use of this strategy.
Biodegradability Enhancement of Two Xenobiotics in an Industrial Waste as Measured by Respirometry

Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether (Chlorex or CX) and 2-ethoxyethanol (Cellosolve or CS) were studied earlier to determine the toxicity level of each to the overall function of industrial waste stabilization ponds (Sullivan, 1988; Davis et al, 1989). These three waste stabilization ponds (WSP) operate in series at a major chemicals and plastics industry as follows. A set of primary anaerobic ponds of 28.8 ac (11.72 ha) are followed by a secondary facultative-anaerobic WSP of 153 ac (62.1 ha). That is followed by the tertiary WSP which has 246 ac (100 ha). The detention time through these ponds is 60, 50 and 40 days (150 total), respectively. The flow to the primary WSP is about 0.86 mgd (3.255 × 10 3m 3/d) and with other wastewater streams entering the secondary WSP, the final (tertiary) effluent flow is a maximum of 5.04 mgd (1.91 × 104m3/d). Depths in the ponds are 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m) for the primary, 5.6 ft (1.7 m) in the secondary, and 3 ft (0.9 m) in the tertiary WSP. Since the earlier work (Sullivan, 1988) showed the primary WSP influent to have been practically devoid of phosphorus, an investigation was initiated to determine whether the addition of nutrients to the influent would stimulate an oxygen uptake response. Nutrient enhancement of wastewater is not practiced as often as perhaps it should be. Bhargaua et al., (1986) achieved greater B.O.D. removal in WSP’s by nutrient supplementation of the wastewater.
Efficacy of pectin and insoluble fiber extracted from soy hulls as a functional non-meat ingredient

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate various chemical extraction methods of soy hulls for pectin and insoluble fiber and to determine the impacts of these fibers on physico-chemical and textural properties of meat emulsion systems. Crude soy hulls (CSH), lime treated soy hulls (LSH), acid and lime treated soy hulls (ALSH), and soy hull pectin (SHP) were extracted through various successive acid and lime treatments and incorporated in pork emulsion systems. Chemical extraction increased the redness, yellowness, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and ash content of soy hulls. Similar hydration properties were observed for CSH, LSH, and ALSH. In meat emulsions, LSH and ALSH influenced positive effects on reduction in cooking loss and increase in hardness without any adverse effect on springiness and cohesiveness ( P
Well-defined series and parallel D-spectra for linear time-varying systems

An nth-order, scalar, linear time-varying (LTV) systems y(n)+/spl Sigma//sub k=1//sup n//spl alpha//sub k/(t)/sup (k-1)/=0 can be conveniently represented as /spl Dscr//sub /spl alpha//{y}=0 using the scalar polynomial. Differential operator (SPDO) /spl Dscr//sub /spl alpha//=/spl delta//sup n/+/spl Sigma//sub k=1//sup n//spl alpha//sub k/(t)/spl delta//sup k-1/, where /spl delta/=d/dt is the derivative operator. Based on a classical result of Floquet (1879) on the factorization of SPDO /spl Dscr//sub /spl alpha//=(/spl delta/-/spl lambda//sub n/(t))...(/spl delta/-/spl lambda//sub 1/(t)), a unified eigenvalue theory has recently been developed. In that theory the collection {/spl lambda//sub k/(t)}/sub k=1//sup n/ are called a series D-spectrum (SD-spectrum) for /spl Dscr//sub /spl alpha// and an n-parameter family {/spl rho//sub k/(t)=/spl lambda//sub 1,k/(t)}/sub k=1//sup n/ are called a parallel D-spectrum (PD-spectrum) for /spl Dscr//sub /spl alpha//, where /spl lambda//sub 1,k/(t) are particular solutions for /spl lambda//sub 1/(t) satisfying some nonlinear independence constraints. Although more than a century old, the important Floquet factorization has apparently not been fully harnessed in LTV system theory and control, due mainly to the well-known fact that even for a 2nd-order time-invariant SPDO, the PD-eigenvalue /spl rho/(t)=/spl lambda//sub 1/(t) satisfying the scalar Riccati equation /spl lambda//spl dot//sub 1/+/spl lambda//sub 1//sup 2/+/spl alpha//sub 2//spl lambda//sub 1/+/spl alpha//sub 1//spl lambda//sub 1/=0 may suffer from finite-time singularities known as finite-escapes. In this paper, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of well-defined (free of finite-time singularities) SD- and PD-spectra for SPDOs with complex- and real-valued coefficients are presented. The new results will have significant impact on applications of the unified eigenvalue theory to the analysis and control of LTV systems, and its further development.
The Future of Conflict between Islamic and Western Financial Systems: Profit, Principle and Pragmatism

This Note offers a brief analysis of the Shari'a-Compliant financial system, its history and its emergence in the modern era, and explores areas where it has come into conflict with Western financial systems. The Note seeks to illustrate the compromises which have been necessary to allow these two systems to operate concurrently in these areas, and asserts that the compromises made by Western financial systems have been chiefly formalistic in nature, while those made by the Islamic system have been primarily from principle. Ultimately, the Note argues that the result of continuing convergence between these systems will be areas of the law which formally adhere to Shari'a requirements, but substantively and functionally most closely resemble the Western model.
An evaluation of ensign wasp classification (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) based on molecular data and insights from ribosomal RNA secondary structure

. Ensign wasps (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) are colourful, frequently collected and easily distinguished from other parasitic Hymenoptera. Despite many fascinating biological attributes, this group of insects has been overlooked by ecologists and systematists. An imposing obstacle inhibiting research on these wasps is the current state of their chaotic and potentially flawed classification, which has more than 50% of all described species assigned to the genus Evania– a taxon long suspected of being polyphyletic. The generic classification has recently been redefined on the basis of morphological characters. We tested this reinterpreted classification by analysing sequence data from three genes [28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I (COI)] under parsimony and Bayesian criteria. For the 28S and 16S rRNAs, we illustrate the predicted secondary structures and provide a series of summary statistics for them; information pertaining to these structures was incorporated into our phylogenetic analyses where appropriate. Phylogenetically, our results indicate that this new generic classification is relatively sound, but that more data are required to understand intergeneric relationships.
Cosmos: a Wiki data management system

Wiki applications are becoming increasingly important for knowledge sharing between large numbers of users. To prevent against vandalism and recover from damaging edits, wiki applications need to maintain revision histories of all documents. Due to the large amounts of data and traffic, a Wiki application needs to store the data economically on disk and processes them efficiently. Current wiki data management systems make a trade-off between storage requirement and access time for document update and retrieval. We introduce a new data management system, Cosmos, to balance this trade-off.
Machine-intelligent approach to automated gust-front detection for Doppler weather radars

Automated gust front detection is an important component of the airport surveillance radar with wind shear processor (ASR-9 WSP) and terminal Doppler weather radar (TDWR) systems being developed for airport terminal areas. Gust fronts produce signatures in Doppler radar imagery which are often weak, ambiguous, or conditional, making detection and continuous tracking of gust fronts challenging. A machine intelligent gust front algorithm (MIGFA) has been developed that makes use of two new techniques of knowledge-based signal processing: functional template correlation (FTC), a generalized matched filter incorporating aspects of fuzzy set theory; and the use of `interest' as a medium for pixel-level data fusion. This paper focuses on the more recently developed TDWR MIGFA, describing the signal-processing techniques used and general algorithm design. A quantitative performance analysis using data collected during recent real-time testing of the TDWR MIGFA in Orlando, Florida is also presented. Results show that MIGFA substantially outperforms the gust front detection algorithm used in current TDWR systems.
Multiple relaxation and inhomogeneous broadening in resonance enhanced Raman scattering: Application to tunable infrared generation

The solutions for the imaginary susceptibility of the Raman field transition with arbitrary relaxation rates and field strengths are examined for differeing sets of relaxation rates with emphasis on alkali metal vapors which have spontaneous emission dominated relaxation. The model is further expanded to include Doppler broadening and used to predict the peak gain as a function of detuning for a frequency doubled alexandrite laserpumped cesium vapor gain cell.
Procidentia: The etiology of rectal procidentia

Rectal procidentia is a complex problem caused by a breakdown of one or more of the components which maintain the rectum in its normal position. It may be caused by increased pressures applied to the pelvic floor, by a defect in the support mechanism, or by a combination of the two. The deficiencies vary, and they may be either acquired or congenital. It is quite likely that rectal procidentia is most often due to a combination of both increased stress and a weakness of one or more components which stabilize the rectum. In choosing an operation for rectal procidentia for a good-risk patient, it is logical to design a procedure which will correct the principal abnormality found in that patient, rather than to use one procedure for all patients, regardless of the findings.
Optimized NIF laser system based on ICF target requirements

The design of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the result of optimization studies that maximized laser performance and reliability within a restricted cost budget. We modeled the laser using a suite of tools that included a 1D propagation code, a frequency conversion code, a 2D ray trace code for calculating the gain profile, thermo- mechanical codes for calculating the pump-induced distortions in the slabs, a database giving estimates of optics bulk/finish quality, and costing models of the laser/building. By exploiting parallel processing, we were able to consider approximately 750 possible designs per hour using a cluster of 28 workstations. For our optimization studies, we used a temporally shaped (ICF indirect drive) pulse producing at least 2.2 MJ and 600 TW in a 600 micron diameter hole at the target entrance plane. We varied as many as 20 design variables (e.g., slab counts, slab thickness, Nd concentration, amplifier pulse length) and applied as many as 40 constants (e.g., flashlamp voltage and fluence damage/filamentation at various points in the chain). We did not vary the number of beamlets (fixed at 192 or the aperture (fixed at 40 cm). We used three different optimization approaches: a variable metric algorithm, an exhaustive grid search of more than 50,000 candidate designs, and a parabolic interpolation scheme. All three approaches gave similar results. Moreover, a graphical analysis of the parameter scan data (analogous to sorting and pruning designs using a spreadsheet) has allowed us to understand why the optimizers eliminated alternate designs. The most inexpensive main-switch-boot slab configuration meeting the mission requirements and satisfying all constraints was 9-5-3. The cost of this configuration is approximately $DOL10M less than the 9-5-5 conceptual design. However, the NIF Project has chosen a slightly more expensive 11-0-7 configuration for continued Title I engineering because of its similarity to the Beamlet 11-0-5 design and a lower B-integral.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Clearance times and the forensic significance of the dietary anthelmintic pyrantel tartrate in performance horses

Summary Six performance bred (Thoroughbred or Standardbred) mares were fed the anthelmintic pyrantel tartrate as a daily supplement for a period of 21 days to assure steady state concentrations would be achieved. The forensic "clearance times" and potential for analytical interference of pyrantel tartrate were then investigated. This investigation was intend- ed to enable guidelines to be established for veterinarians and trainers to avoid a "positive" test result for pyrantel which might violate existing rules or regulations. The analysis of blood and urine samples from these horses was conducted by the University of Kentucky Equine Drug Testing Laboratory, and were performed on samples obtained on days -3, -2, -1, 7, 14, 21, +1, +2, +3 and +4. Pyrantel tartrate was readily detected by standard thin layer chromatography analysis in urine samples on days 7, 14 and 21 during the administration portion of the study, and on day + 1 of the post-adminislxation time period. Further analysis of the positive urine samples by direct probe mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of pyrantel. In our analysis of equine serum samples pyrantel tartrate was not detected. Pyrantel positive urine samples were additionally ana- lyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays designed to detect fluphenazine,butorphanol, morphine, oxymorphone, fentanyl, sufentanil and etorphine, with no cross-reactivity found. We concluded that, from a drug testing perspective, the use of pyrantel is unlikely to interfere with normal post- race drug testing.
Molecular self-assembly inhibition leads to basket-shaped cyclophane formation with chiral dynamics.

Planar perylene derivatives form macrocyclic dimers and concatenated dimer−dimer rings under the action of molecular self-assembly. If this underpinning principle is true, highly twisted perylene derivatives should be more frustrated toward formation of multimeric cyclic compounds such as macrocyclic dimers and concatenated dimer−dimers because of perturbation resulting from intermolecular π−π stacking. Indeed, 1,6,7,12- tetraphenoxy-substituted perylene is highly twisted and undergoes unimolecular cyclization rather than bimolecular or multimolecular cyclization. The resulting monocyclic monomer exhibits interesting conformation switching from one chiral structure (left-handedness) to another chiral structure (right-handedness) at room temperature. NMR studies of conformational dynamics reveal that such configuration change between the two enantiomers can be frozen at low temperature (−45 °C). An activation enthalpy barrier of 13.4 ± 0.5 kcal·mol-1 for twisting the perylene plane in order to convert from...
Expression, production, and characterization of full-length vitronectin in Escherichia coli

Vitronectin (VN) is one of the primary adhesive proteins in serum and serves to promote the attachment and spreading of a wide variety of cell types to tissue culture plastic. In this study, the pGEX2t expression vector was used to express full-length human VN as a GST-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli. GST/VN production was induced with IPTG and the protein was found to localize to inclusion bodies. The inclusion bodies were isolated from cell lysates, washed once with 2 M urea and Triton X-100, and then solubilized with 8 M urea in the presence of a reducing compound. Solubilized GST/VN was purified by heparin affinity chromatography and refolded by dialysis against phosphate buffered saline. Approximately 40 mg of GST/VN was recovered from 1L of bacterial culture. Purified GST/VN migrated at the predicted molecular mass on SDS-PAGE and was recognized by both anti-GST and anti-VN antibodies. GST/VN bound to heparin and promoted cell adhesion, spreading, and growth to a similar extent as that observed with plasma-derived VN. As such, the production of recombinant VN in bacteria represents a rapid and convenient method to produce large quantities of VN for cellular studies.
CNS involvement in Ewing's sarcoma.

Ewing's sarcoma is an unocommon malignant neoplasm of the bone. Metastatic CNS involvement in this disease has been only rarely mentioned. Out of 27 patients in this series, 15 patients had one or more neurologic symptoms. The most common neurologic symptom was headache, and the most common sign was papilledema. These patients should have an adequate minimal workup, perhaps only a brain scan, and should receive prompt radiotherapy to alleviate their symptomatology. Six out of 7 patients in this series who received palliative radiotherapy showed significant symptomatic relief. With present aggressive local radiotherapy to the primary disease, combined with the chemotherapy, the outlook has improved. With improves survival more patients will present with CNS metastatic disease. We concur with Johnson9 about prophylactic CNS treatment with radiation to supplement the chemotherapy. It is interesting to note that out of 6 patients who received total body irradiation, only on developed frontal headache as the only neurologic symptom.
A comparison of nonlinear Kalman filtering applied to feed-forward neural networks as learning algorithms

In this article we present an application of Kalman filtering in Artificial Intelligence, where nonlinear Kalman filters were used as a learning algorithms for feed-forward neural networks. In the first part of this article we have examined two modern versions of nonlinear filtering algorithms i.e. Unscented Kalman Filter and Square Root Central Difference Kalman Filter. Later, we present performed experiments, where we have compared UKF and SRCDKF with an reference algorithm i.e. Error Backpropagation being the most popular neural network learning algorithm. To prove filters high learning abilities in case of noisy problems, we have used a noisy financial dataset during the experiments. This dataset was selected due to uneasily separable classes subspaces. The results of experiments, presented in the last part of this paper, show greater accuracy for nonlinear Kalman filters that overperformed popular Error Backpropagation learning algorithm.
Effect of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Serum Potassium Levels and Renal Function in Ambulatory Outpatients: Risk Factors Analysis

ABSTRACT Background Angiotensin II inhibition with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEinh) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) has reno- and cardioprotective effects but can also cause acute renal insufficiency and/or hyperkalemia. Study Design A retrospective analysis was performed in an ambulatory population, to define the incidence and risk factors for hyperkalemia in ACEinh/ARB naive patients. Setting and Participants Records of patients from 10 Oklahoma regional VA outpatient facilities, in whom ACEinh/ARB was initiated from January 2000 to May 2004, were reviewed. Diabetes mellitus, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), in mL/min/1.73 m 2 , according to the KDOQI guidelines for chronic kidney disease (CKD), and concurrent medications were recorded. Results ACEinh/ARB were well tolerated in unselected consecutive ACEinh/ARB naive patients with baseline serum potassium (sK) ≤5.0 mEq/L in a general ambulatory population with 2.5% (23) of 931 developing hyperkalemia (sK ≥5.5 mEq/L). sK ≥6 mEq/L was seen in 5.0 mEq/L also tolerated ACEinh/ARB with 7.5% (3/40) developing sK >6.0 mEq/L. Diabetes mellitus did not affect the incidence of hyperkalemia independent of GFR. Conclusions Although generally safe, ACEinh/ARB poses a small risk for hyperkalemia in patients with reduced GFR. Because the propensity is incremental with declining GFR, these agents should be used with caution in advancing stages of CKD. Presence of diabetes does not affect the development of hyperkalemia.
Acceptance Testing And Calibration Of Digital Subtraction Angiography Systems

Based on an acceptance testing procedure by means of the American Association of Physicists ini Medicine (AAPM) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) phantom described previously , experiences were gained with respect to the expected level of system performance and the image quality reproducible for typical DSA systems currently installed in the clinical environment. There were more than 20 DSA systems involved in this study and encompassed several DSA manufacturers' products. A DSA system is employed as an example to highlight the importance of the initial calibration of the DSA imaging chain, and to demonstrate the differences in the image quality obtainable for the same system.
Comparison between dynamic cystocolpoproctography and dynamic pelvic floor MRI: pros and cons: Which is the “functional” examination for anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction?

“Functional” imaging of anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction has assumed an important role in the diagnosis and management of these disorders. Although defecography has been widely practiced for decades to evaluate the dynamics of rectal emptying, debate concerning its clinical relevance, how it should be done and interpreted continues. Due to the recognition of the association of defecatory disorders with pelvic organ prolapse in women, the need to evaluate the pelvic floor as a unit has arisen. To meet this need, defecography has been extended to include not only evaluation of defecation disorders but also the rest of the pelvic floor by opacifying the small bowel, vagina, and the urinary bladder. The term “dynamic cystocolpoproctography” (DCP) has been appropriately applied to this examination. Rectal emptying performed with DCP provides the maximum stress to the pelvic floor resulting in complete levator ani relaxation. In addition to diagnosing defecatory disorders, this method of examination demonstrates maximum pelvic organ descent and provides organ-specific quantification of organ prolapse, information that is only inferred by means of physical examination. It has been found to be of clinical value in patients with defecation disorders and the diagnosis of associated prolapse in other compartments that are frequently unrecognized by history taking and the limitations of physical examination. Pelvic floor anatomy is complex and DCP does not show the anatomical details pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides. Technical advances allowing acquisition of dynamic rapid MRI sequences has been applied to pelvic floor imaging. Early reports have shown that pelvic MRI may be a useful tool in pre-operative planning of these disorders and may lead to a change in surgical therapy. Predictions of hypothetical increase cancer incidence and deaths in patients exposed to radiation, the emergence of pelvic floor MRI in addition to questions relating to the clinical significance of DCP findings have added to these controversies. This review analyses the pros and cons between DCP and dynamic pelvic floor MRI, addresses imaging and interpretive controversies, and their relevance to clinical management.
ATP hydrolysis by mammalian RAD51 has a key role during homology-directed DNA repair

Disruption of the gene encoding RAD51, the protein that catalyzes strand exchange during homologous recombination, leads to the accumulation of chromosome breaks and lethality in vertebrate cells. As RAD51 is implicated in BRCA1- and BRCA2-mediated tumor suppression as well as cellular viability, we have begun a functional analysis of a defined RAD51 mutation in mammalian cells. By using a dominant negative approach, we generated a mouse embryonic stem cell line that expresses an ATP hydrolysis-defective RAD51 protein, hRAD51-K133R, at comparable levels to the endogenous wild-type RAD51 protein, whose expression is retained in these cells. We found that these cells have increased sensitivity to the DNA-damaging agents mitomycin C and ionizing radiation and also exhibit a decreased rate of spontaneous sister-chromatid exchange. By using a reporter for the repair of a single chromosomal double-strand break, we also found that expression of the hRAD51-K133R protein specifically inhibits homology-directed double-strand break repair. Furthermore, expression of a BRC repeat from BRCA2, a peptide inhibitor of an early step necessary for strand exchange, exacerbates the inhibition of homology-directed repair in the hRAD51-K133R expressing cell line. Thus, ATP hydrolysis by RAD51 has a key role in various types of DNA repair in mammalian cells.
Properties of ribonucleic acid from alfalfa mosaic virus and related components.

Abstract Purified unfractionated preparations of alfalfa mosaic virus yielded three major classes of RNA with sedimentation coefficients of 21.9, 17.4, and 12 S. The fastest-sedimenting RNA was infectious and it was associated only with the infectious 99 S bottom component nucleoprotein. The noninfectious middle and top b nucleoproteins yielded 17.4 S RNA along with varying amounts of 12 S RNA. Top a nucleoprotein yielded 12 S RNA along with a minor 15 S fraction.
An Investigation of the Likelihood Ratio Test for Detection of Differential Item Functioning.

Type I error rates for the likelihood ratio test for de tecting differential item functioning (DIF) were investi gated using monte carlo simulations. Two- and three-parameter item response theory (IRT) models were used to generate 100 datasets of a 50-item test for samples of 250 and 1,000 simulated examinees for each IRT model. Item parameters were estimated by marginal maximum likelihood for three IRT models: the three-parameter model, the three-parameter model with a fixed guessing parameter, and the two-parameter model. All DIF comparisons were simulated by ran domly pairing two samples from each sample size and IRT model condition so that, for each sample size and IRT model condition, there were 50 pairs of reference and focal groups. Type I error rates for the two-param eter model were within theoretically expected values at each of the α levels considered. Type I error rates for the three-parameter and three-parameter model with a fixed guessing parameter, however, were different from the theoretic...
Two novel macrocyclic monooxo-tetraamines and the stabilities of their Cu(II) complexes

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of two novel macrocyclic monooxo-tetraamines: 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-3-one (1) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-2-one (2) are described. Equilibrium constants for their Cu(II) complexes were determined by direct potentiometry. The formation constants (KMH−1L=[MH−1L]/[M][L][H−1]) of Cu(II)−1 in 0.100 M KCl at 25.0 °C is 1013.26; that for the 2 isomer is 103.35. The pM values of ligands 1 and 2 are 17.9 and 8.5, respectively. The results are compared with three monooxo-macrocyclic tetraamines (3, 4, 5) and some dioxomacrocyclic tetraamines.