cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs in alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by hepatocyte damage, inflammatory cell activation and increased intestinal permeability leading to the clinical manifestations of alcoholic hepatitis. Selected members of the family of microRNAs are affected by alcohol, resulting in an abnormal miRNA profile in the liver and circulation in ALD. Increasing evidence suggests that mRNAs that regulate inflammation, lipid metabolism and promote cancer are affected by excessive alcohol administration in mouse models of ALD. This communication highlights recent findings in miRNA expression and functions as they relate to the pathogenesis of ALD. The cell-specific distribution of miRNAs, as well as the significance of circulating extracellular miRNAs, is discussed as potential biomarkers. Finally, the prospects of miRNA-based therapies are evaluated in ALD.
Preparation and properties of high purity yttrium metal

Abstract Yttrium metal in 99·8 per cent purity was prepared by lithium reduction of anhydrous yttrium chloride prepared from commercial yttrium oxide. Physical properties of the metal so prepared are given and analytical procedures for its evaluation are discussed.
A microbial genetic journey.

Fortunately, I began research in 1950 when the basic concepts of microbial genetics could be explored experimentally. I began with bacteriophage λ and tried to establish the colinearity of its linkage map with its DNA molecule. My students and I worked out the regulation of λ repressor synthesis for the establishment and maintenance of lysogeny. We also investigated the proteins responsible for assembly of the phage head. Using cell extracts, we discovered how to package DNA inside the head in vitro. Around 1972, I began to use molecular genetics to understand the developmental biology of Myxococcus xanthus. In particular, I wanted to learn how myxococcus builds its multicellular fruiting body within which it differentiates spores. We identified two cell-to-cell signals used to coordinate development. We have elucidated, in part, the signal transduction pathway for C-signal that directs the morphogenesis of a fruiting body.
Multisession gamma knife radiosurgery: a preliminary experience with a noninvasive, relocatable frame.

Objective To evaluate preliminary outcomes for a cohort of patients who were treated with multisession Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) using the new noninvasive vacuum-assisted immobilization system. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 15 consecutive cases treated with multisession GKRS. Radiosurgical targets included 12 meningiomas, 1 nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma, 1 growth hormone–secreting pituitary adenoma, and 1 pilocytic astrocytoma. GKRS was delivered in 3–5 sessions to a mean tumor volume of 8.55 mL (median, 7.3 mL; range, 1.24–22.7 mL) with a mean margin dose of 19.7 Gy (median, 20 Gy; range, 15–25 Gy). The optic nerves, chiasm, and tracts received mean doses of 3.5 Gy (range, 0.7–5.7 Gy), 3.1 Gy (range, 1–4.4 Gy), and 2.6 Gy (range, 0.83–5.45 Gy) per session. Mean biologic equivalent dose (α/β = 2.5) was 60.9 Gy (median, 60 Gy; range, 45–79.8 Gy). Follow-up examinations were performed at 3- to 6-month intervals. Results Mean follow-up was 17.7 months (median, 13.8 months; range, 4–44.3 months), and tumor control was noted in all patients, with regression in 5 patients and stability in 10 patients. New neurologic deficits developed in 3 patients after treatment, but none of these deficits were permanent. Resection was performed in 1 patient with expressive aphasia with worsening of peritumoral T2 signal but a stable tumor on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. The other 2 patients were managed conservatively for minor complications (ptosis, taste dysfunction), and their symptoms resolved. No patients developed deterioration in vision during the follow-up period. Conclusions Preliminary experience with multisession GKRS appears promising, with reasonable tumor control and complication rates. Multisession stereotactic radiosurgery may expand the treatment envelope for intracranial pathologies, including targets with larger volumes and locations in close proximity to radiosensitive structures.
The passive and active nature of ocean heat uptake in idealized climate change experiments

The influence of ocean circulation changes on heat uptake is explored using a simply-configured primitive equation ocean model resembling a very idealized Atlantic Ocean. We focus on the relative importance of the redistribution of the existing heat reservoir (due to changes in the circulation) and the contribution from anomalous surface heat flux, in experiments in which the surface boundary conditions are changed. We perform and analyze numerical experiments over a wide range of parameters, including experiments that simulate global warming and others that explore the robustness of our results to more general changes in surface boundary conditions. We find that over a wide range of values of diapycnal diffusivity and Southern Ocean winds, and with a variety of changes in surface boundary conditions, the spatial patterns of ocean temperature anomaly are nearly always determined as much or more by the existing heat reservoir redistribution than by the nearly passive uptake of temperature due to changes in the surface boundary conditions. Calculating heat uptake by neglecting the existing reservoir redistribution, which is similar to treating temperature as a passive tracer, leads to significant quantitative errors notably at high-latitudes and, secondarily, in parts of the main thermocline. Experiments with larger circulation changes tend to produce a relatively larger magnitude of existing reservoir redistribution, and a faster growing effective heat capacity of the system. The effective heat capacity is found to be sensitive to both vertical diffusivity and Southern Ocean wind.
Development of a high-volume aerosol collection system for the identification of air-borne micro-organisms.

Aims: A high-volume aerosol collector was developed to efficiently capture airborne bacteria in order to assess levels of diversity in the air. Methods and Results: Particulate matter was collected on a device designed to filter 1·4 × 106 litres of air in a 24 h period on a 1-lm pore size polyester membrane. Methods were optimized for extraction of genomic DNA from the air filter concentrate. Preparation times of 90 s with 0·5-0·05 mm diameter zirconia/silica beads yielded the highest concentration genomic DNA that was able to support PCR. A 24-h air sample was taken in Salt Lake City, Utah and the microbial composition was determined by the amplification and sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA fragments. Conclusions: Sequence analysis revealed a large diversity in the type of microbial species present including clones matching the sequence of Clostridium botulinum. The primary components of the aerosol sample included many different spore-forming bacteria as well as more fragile members of the Proteobacteria division. Significance and Impact of the Study: The high-volume air collection and genomic DNA recovery system allows for the rapid detection of both cultivable as well as culture-resistant organisms in the environment.
Interpreting analyses of continuous covariates in affected sibling pair linkage studies

Datasets collected for linkage analyses of complex human diseases often include a number of clinical or environmental covariates. In this study, we evaluated the performance of three linkage analysis methods when the relationship between continuous covariates and disease risk or linkage heterogeneity was modeled in three different ways: (1) The covariate distribution is determined by a quantitative trait locus (QTL), which contributes indirectly to the disease risk; (2) the covariate is not genetically determined, but influences the disease risk through statistical interaction with a disease susceptibility locus; (3) the covariate distribution differs in families linked or unlinked to a particular disease susceptibility locus. We analyzed simulated datasets with a regression-based QTL analysis, a nonparametric analysis of the binary affection status, and the ordered subset analysis (OSA). We found that a significant OSA result may be due to a gene that influences variability in the population distribution of a continuous disease risk factor. Conversely, a regression-based QTL analysis may detect the presence of gene-environment (G × E) interaction in a sample of primarily affected individuals. The contribution of unaffected siblings and the size of baseline lod scores may help distinguish between QTL and G × E models. As illustrated by a linkage study of multiplex families with age-related macular degeneration, our findings assist in the interpretation of analysis results in real datasets. They suggest that the side-by-side evaluation of OSA and QTL results may provide important information about the relationship of measured covariates with either disease risk or linkage heterogeneity. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Visual challenges in the everyday lives of blind people

The challenges faced by blind people in their everyday lives are not well understood. In this paper, we report on the findings of a large-scale study of the visual questions that blind people would like to have answered. As part of this year-long study, 5,329 blind users asked 40,748 questions about photographs that they took from their iPhones using an application called VizWiz Social. We present a taxonomy of the types of questions asked, report on a number of features of the questions and accompanying photographs, and discuss how individuals changed how they used VizWiz Social over time. These results improve our understanding of the problems blind people face, and may help motivate new projects more accurately targeted to help blind people live more independently in their everyday lives.
Cleavage and gastrulation in the shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei (Malacostraca, Decapoda, Dendrobranchiata)

Abstract While most malacostracan crustaceans develop through superficial cleavage, in the Amphipoda, Euphausiacea, and Dendrobranchiata (Decapoda) cleavage is complete. Euphausiaceans and dendrobranchiate shrimp share a similar early cleavage pattern, early cleavage arrest and ingression of mesendoderm progenitor cells, a ring of crown cells (prospective naupliar mesoderm) around the blastopore, and hatching as a nauplius larva. Yet recent phylogenies do not support a close relationship between Euphausiacea and Decapoda. In addition, some variation is reported in the timing of mesendoderm cell arrest and number of crown cells for a number of dendrobranchiates. To determine the representative pattern of development in the Dendrobranchiata, embryos of the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus ( Litopenaeus ) vannamei were stained with Sytox Green to label chromosomes and nuclei and examined with confocal microscopy. The early cleavage pattern, mesendoblast arrest and subsequent ingression at the 32-cell stage, presence of 8 initial crown cells, and fates of the mesendoblasts are the same for P. vannamei (family Peneaeidae) and Sicyonia ingentis (family Sicyoniidae). The lineage of the primordial endoderm cells differs from that reported for P. kerathurus . These characters were discussed in the context of the evolution of development in the Dendrobranchiata and in comparison to the Euphausiacea.
Modeling of degradation effects considering side reactions for a pouch type Li-ion polymer battery with carbon anode

Abstract When a lithium ion polymer battery (LiPB) is being cycled, one major cause for degradations is the irreversible side reactions between ions and solvent of electrolyte taking place at the surface of anode particles. SEM analysis of cycled battery cells has revealed that the deposits from the side reactions are dispersed not only on particles, but also between the composite anode and the separator. Thus, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) becomes thicker and extra deposit layers are formed between composite anode and separator. Also, XPS analysis showed that the deposits are composed of Li 2 CO 3 , which is ionic conductive and electronic nonconductive. Based on the mechanisms and findings, we identified four degradation parameters, including volume fraction of accessible active anode, SEI resistance, resistance of deposit layer and diffusion coefficient of electrolyte, to describe capacity and power fade caused by the side reactions. These degradation parameters have been incorporated into an electrochemical thermal model that has been previously developed. The terminal voltage and capacity of the integrated model are compared with experimental data obtained for up to 300 cycles. Finally, the resistance of the deposit layer calculated by the model is validated against the thickness of the deposit layer measured by SEM.
Power-spectrum centroid detection for doppler systems applications

Abstract The theoretical basis for the development of a power-spectrum centroid detector is presented, and known and new applications to centroid detection are described. Based on these applications, the requirements are formulated for a versatile centroid detector which can be employed in various types of ultrasonic doppler systems. An analysis method for centroid estimation is developed and applied to the correlation- and √f detectors. Closed-form expressions for estimation errors are derived and used for detector evaluation with and without additive noise at the input. A noise-reduction technique is introduced that enables accurate centroid detection despite the presence of strong input noise. Based on the results of this analysis, theoretical comparisons of the detectors, and system requirements, the √f detector is selected for implementation and use.
The TAERF scientific railgun theoretical performance

The successful demonstration of direct-current railguns during the last decade has shown that these simple devices have the capability of accelerating gram-sized projectiles to very high velocities, provided that the current and energy is fed into the accelerator in an appropriately controlled manner. Two current-control devices have been used successfully, the large inductor and the explosive flux compressor. In the experiments done to date, only a single power supply device has been used, connected to the breech end of the rails. The performance of these railguns was limited by such factors as the electrical resistance of the rails, however, and improved performance is expected to be obtained by using many energy stores distributed along the length of the gun The Center for Electromechanics at the University of Texas at Austin is funded to build a distributed energy store railgun. The theoretical performance of this gun is examined for several cases in which different numbers of energy stores are used.
An investigation of concentric ring antennas with low sidelobes

An analysis is made of circular antenna arrays with diameters being 2 to 9\lambda (the minimum inner circle diameter being 0.4\lambda ) containing 3 to 18 concentric circles. For the purpose of computation of the array factor the elements of the array are assumed to be isotropic radiators. The elements of each circle have equal current amplitudes and are phased so that the contributions of all the elements add in phase in the direction of the main beam. The Chebyshev radiation pattern function is approximated by a truncated Fourier-Bessel series, from which the current amplitude of each circle is obtained. From these current amplitudes a method for computing the current amplitude to excite a new distribution of fewer circles is shown. Also, an empirical method is given for improving the sidelobe level of the radiation pattern by adding an element to the center of the array. A number of circles in the array sufficient to avoid pattern deterioration is found to be the integer nearest to 5d/4\lambda for -20 and -30 dB sidelobe level and 4d/3\lambda for -40 dB, where d is the diameter of the array. This represents a large reduction in the number of circles needed over the Fourier-Bessel series representation in the case of large antennas. Experimental verification of the computed pattern is made for an array of two concentric circles with diameters of 0.8\lambda and 1.6 at a frequency of 90 Mc/s. The elements of the array were vertical monopoles.
Data First: Building Scientific Reasoning in AP Chemistry via the Concept Development Study Approach

This article introduces the “Data First” approach and shows how the observation and analysis of scientific data can be used as a scaffold to build conceptual understanding in chemistry through inductive reasoning. The “Data First” approach emulates the scientific process by changing the order by which we introduce data. Rather than using data to solve problems after the concept is taught, the “Data First” approach allows students to analyze trends, evaluate discrepant events, and construct knowledge by developing a strong conceptual foundation. Not only is this approach aligned to the AP Chemistry Curriculum Framework, it also is based on research about how people learn. Included are examples showing how this approach can be used to teach a range of chemistry topics. These include using photoelectron spectroscopy data to understand electron configuration, using heats of vaporization to understand intermolecular forces, and using vapor pressure to understand dynamic equilibrium. The “Data First” approach i...
Fluctuation‐based computer calculation of partial molar properties. I. Molecular dynamics simulation of constant volume fluctuations

Partial molar volumes, energies, and enthalpies are calculated via the (N,U,V) molecular dynamics implementation of their corresponding operational definitions in terms of constant volume fluctuations. The method is exact for the former property but only approximate for the latter two. The partial molar volume operational definition satisfies Euler’s homogeneous function theorem identically. The corresponding energy definition is based upon a differential equation and does not, therefore, satisfy the homogeneity constraint identically. A numerically unimportant but conceptually profound correction to the recently derived partial molar energy operational definition is incorporated and its theoretical implications discussed.
EPICS controlled sample mounting robots at the GM/CA CAT

Abstract GM/CA CAT at Sector 23 of the advanced photon source (APS) is an NIH funded facility for crystallographic structure determination of biological macromolecules by X-ray diffraction [R.F. Fischetti, et al., GM/CA canted undulator beamlines for protein crystallography, Acta Crystallogr. A 61 (2005) C139]. The facility consists of three beamlines; two based on canted undulators and one on a bending magnet. The scientific and technical goals of the CAT emphasize streamlined, efficient throughput for a variety of sample types, sizes and qualities, representing the cutting edge of structural biology research. For this purpose all three beamlines are equipped with the ALS-style robots [C.W.Cork, et al. Status of the BCSB automated sample mounting and alignment system for macromolecular crystallography at the Advanced Light Source, SRI-2003, San-Francisco, CA, USA, August 25–29, 2003] for an automated mounting of cryo-protected macromolecular crystals. This report summarizes software and technical solutions implemented with the first of the three operational robots at beamline 23–ID–B. The automounter's Dewar can hold up to 72 or 96 samples residing in six Rigaku ACTOR magazines or ALS-style pucks, respectively. Mounting of a crystal takes approximately 2 s, during which time the temperature of the crystal is maintained near that of liquid nitrogen.
Thermally induced self-locking of an optical cavity by overtone absorption in acetylene gas

Strong self-locking phenomena are observed when laser power is converted into heat by a weakly absorbing medium within a high-finesse cavity. Deposited heat leads to increased temperature and, for the case of weakly absorbing intracavity gases studied here, to an associated reduction of density and refractive index. This thermal change in refractive index provides self-acting cavity tuning near resonant conditions. In the experiments reported here a Fabry–Perot cavity of finesse 274 was filled with acetylene gas and illuminated with a titanium:sapphire laser tuned to the P(11) line of the ν1 + 3ν3 overtone band near 790 nm. The dependencies of maximum frequency-locking range on gas pressure, laser power, and laser frequency sweep rate and direction were measured and could be well unified by analysis based on the thermal model. In the domain of strong self-tuning an interesting self-sustained oscillation was observed, with its several sharp frequencies directly and quantitatively linked to the acoustic boundary conditions in our cylindrical cell geometry. The differences between the behavior of acetylene near 790 nm and molecular oxygen with electronic transition near 763 nm are instructive; whereas the absorbed powers were similar, they differed strongly in their rates for internal to translational energy conversion by collisional relaxation.
On the Instability of Certain Motions of an Ideal Incompressible Fluid

Short-wave instabilities in the general three-dimensional time-dependent flows of an ideal incompressible fluid are considered. A new geometrical optics equation for the perturbed vorticity amplitude is derived. It is shown that under certain conditions this equation can be solved explicitly. Using this observation a number of known instability conditions are obtained and some new ones are derived.
Nucleation of Alpha Alumina in Boehmite Gel

Transformation of boehmitc-derived alumina gel to α–Al2O3 in unseeded gels is strongly influenced by the parent phase, θ-Al2O3. In seeded gels the perfect structure of the epitaxial substrate (α–Al2O3, 0.3 wt. %) influences the surrounding defect θ-phase resulting in (a) fewer imperfections due to lower transformation enthalpy to α–Al2O3, and (b) multiple nucleation sites of α–Al2O3 at the α–Al2O3 seed surface. The rate of transformation expressed for the same number of α–Al2O3 nuclei in unseeded and seeded gels indicates that it is faster in the unseeded gel than in the seeded gel.
Comparison of surface layer analysis techniques

Abstract A comparison is given of the microanalytical techniques for measurement of concentration profiles (0.01 to 10 μm) that have been presented at the International Conference on Ion Beam Surface Layer Analysis. These techniques include Auger electron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, beam generated X-rays and photons, the electron microprobe, low and high energy back-scattering, and nuclear reactions. In general, techniques which measure the composition of the outermost layers can possess high sensitivity but absolute measurements are difficult. Depth profiling is not satisfactory because sputtering processes are not yet under control. Analyses with high energy ion beams provide quantitative measurements and depth profiles with relative ease, but generally at reduced levels of sensitivity. These two classes of techniques thus furnish complementary methods of surface layer analysis.
Experimental Investigation of Gurney Flaps

The aerodynamics of a Gurney-flap-equipped airfoil has been explored by means of low-speed wind-tunnel experiments performed at a chord Reynolds number of 1:0 10. Various chordwise locations and sizes of Gurney flaps were tested. Surface-pressure distributions and the wake momentum deficit were measured and used to determine lift, pitching moment, and drag. Compared with the clean airfoil, the measured maximum lift coefficient can be increased by nearly 30%with these simple devices. The amount of lift increase has a nearly linear dependency on the chordwise location and size of the Gurney flap. Minimum drag is primarily affected by the flap size and, to a lesser extent, by the chordwise location. The Gurney flap increases in maximum lift are obtained by increasing the lower-surface pressures over the aft part of the airfoil. At the same time, themagnitude of pressure peak on the upper surface near the leading edge is reduced such that the upper-surface pressures over themiddle parts of the airfoil are reduced and the separation point is moved aft by the reduced pressure-recovery gradients. As expected, this increases the aft loading and results in an increased nose-down pitchingmoment. As the angle of attack is decreased, the influence of a Gurney flap extending from the lower surface likewise decreases as the flap is increasingly immersed in the thickening boundary layer. A Gurney flap mounted to the upper surface behaves in the opposite way: increasing the negative lift at low angles of attack and having less and less influence as the angle of attack is increased. AlthoughGurney flaps result in significantly higher drags for airfoils with extensive runs of laminar flow, this disadvantage disappears as the amount of turbulent boundary-layer flow increases, as is the case with fixed transition near the leading edge of the airfoil.
Estimates of PAHs burdens in a population of ampeliscid amphipods at the head of the Mississippi Canyon (N. Gulf of Mexico)

Abstract The bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by a dense population of ampeliscid amphipods (12,094±2499 ind m −2 ) in the head of the Mississippi Canyon at a depth of 480 m is examined and compared with estimation for amphipods from a shallow-water location, the Houston Ship Channel. The distribution of individual PAHs in sediments varies from the distribution in the organisms both in deep and shallow water, suggesting preferential uptake/depuration or uptake from pore or bottom waters. The average bioaccumulation factor (4.36±2.55) and the biota sediment accumulation factor (0.24±0.13) of total PAHs by the ampeliscid amphipods at the canyon's head are within the range reported for other benthic invertebrates. The average bioaccumulation factors are highest for dibenzothiophenes (up to 132 for C1-dibenzothiophenes) and alkylated PAHs and lowest for parent high molecular weight PAHs (HPAHs). Shallow-water amphipods are similar to deep-water amphipods in showing high preference to bioaccumulate alkylated PAHs and low preference to bioaccumulate parent HPAHs.
Thioesterase portability and peptidyl carrier protein swapping in yersiniabactin synthetase from Yersinia pestis

Multimodular enzymes, including polyketide synthases (PKSs), nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), and mixed PKS/NRPS systems, contain functional domains with similar functions. Domain swapping and module fusion are potential powerful strategies for creating hybrid enzymes to synthesize modified natural products. To explore these strategies, yersiniabactin (Ybt) synthetase containing two subunits, HMWP2 [two NRPS modules (N-terminus-ArCP-Cy1-A-PCP1 and Cy2-PCP2-C-terminus)] and HMWP1 [one PKS (N-terminus-KS-AT-MT1-KR-ACP) one NRPS module (Cy3-MT2-PCP3-TE-C-terminus)], was used as a model system to study peptidyl carrier protein (PCP) domain swapping, thioesterase (TE) portability, and module-module fusion. The PCP1 domain of the N-terminal NRPS module of HMWP2 was swapped with either PCP2 or PCP3. The fusion proteins were 3-8-fold less active than the wild-type protein. The swapping of PCP2 of HMWP2 abolished the heterocyclization activity of the Cy2 domain while retaining its condensation function. When the two PCPs of HMWP2 were swapped by PCP3TE, it created two active fusion proteins: one or two NRPS modules fused to the TE domain. The internal TE domain of the two fusion proteins catalyzed the hydrolysis of enzyme-bound intermediates HPT-S-PCP3 to form HPT-COOH and HPTT-S-PCP3 to form HPTT-COOH. The TE activity was eliminated by the S2980A point mutation at its active site. Therefore, the three PCPs of the Ybt synthetase were swappable, and its lone TE domain was portable. The reasons for the observed low activities of the fusion proteins and lessons for protein engineering in generating novel modular enzymes were discussed.
Disruption of activity of induced permeases by tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane in combination with ethylenediaminetetraacetate

Abstract Incubation of P . aeruginosa with EDTA and Tris buffer resulted in a loss of induced permease activity of pre-induced restored cells and in the inability of such restored cells to form induced permease activity in the presence of inducers.
Wave-equation datuming for improving deep crustal seismic images

Abstract Reflection quality in deep crustal seismic sections is often poor due to surface waves, irregularities in the surface layer and variations in topography. In an effort to remove the effects of the variable near-surface layer and topography, we have used wave-equation datuming to downward continue shot gathers to the base of the surface layer, and then redatumed upward to a flat surface using the basement velocity as the replacement velocity. We discuss briefly the theory behind the method, present a simple synthetic example of a datumed shot gather, and conclude with an example of a datumed shot gather from the RISC crustal seismic experiment in southeastern California.
Outcomes of mandibular distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of severe micrognathia.

Importance Patients with severe micrognathia are predisposed to airway obstruction. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is an alternative to tracheotomy that lengthens the mandible in order to improve the retrolingual airway. This study presents outcomes from one of the largest cohorts reported. Objective To assess the rate and predictors of surgical success and complications among (1) patients who underwent MDO prior to other airway procedures (MDO first), and (2) patients who required an initial tracheotomy and were subsequently treated with MDO (tracheotomy first). Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care pediatric medical center of patients diagnosed as having micrognathia resulting in symptomatic airway obstruction (Pierre Robin sequence) and who underwent MDO from September 1995 to December 2009. Interventions Electronic medical records were reviewed. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess for predictors of outcome. Main Outcomes and Measures Rates of surgical success (defined as either tracheotomy avoidance or decannulation) and complications. Potential predictors included demographics, syndrome presence, follow-up time, and surgical history. Results A total of 123 patients (61 in MDO-first subgroup, 62 in tracheotomy-first subgroup) underwent MDO during the study period. Median age at time of distraction was 21 months (range, 7 days–24 years). Surgical success and complication rates were 83.6% and 14.8% in the MDO-first subgroup and 67.7% and 38.7% in the tracheotomy-first subgroup. Tracheotomy-first patients were more likely to have a syndromic diagnosis (66.0% vs 43.0%; P = .009) and were older at the time of MDO (median age, 30 months vs 5.1 months; P Conclusions and Relevance Mandibular distraction osteogenesis has a high rate of success in avoiding tracheotomy. Patients who required a tracheotomy before MDO had a lower success rate in achieving decannulation and a higher rate of complications. However, these patients also had a higher rate of syndromic diagnoses and associated comorbidities. Patients with Goldenhar syndrome have a decreased likelihood of surgical success.
The determinants of marital happiness

This study contributes to the literature by providing an empirical analysis of the determinants of marital and general happiness. The empirical analysis is conducted using US data from the General Social Survey (GSS) and an Ordered Probit Model. We also attempt to overcome the endogeneity problem between marital happiness and infidelity using a recursive bivariate probit model. One of the advances of this study is to show that the determinants of marital happiness differ between men and women in interesting ways. While infidelity has similar effects for both sexes, we find that women have a detectable preference for a traditional division of labour within the household. In addition, social class, religion, age, children and income have differential effects between men and women. In particular, for marital happiness we find diminishing returns from household income for women and satiation for men. Hence, we find that most of the existing literature has left hidden important differences in the determinants ...
Measuring molecular biomarkers in epidemiologic studies: laboratory techniques and biospecimen considerations

The future of personalized medicine depends on the ability to efficiently and rapidly elucidate a reliable set of disease-specific molecular biomarkers. High-throughput molecular biomarker analysis methods have been developed to identify disease risk, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in human clinical samples. Currently, high throughput screening allows us to analyze thousands of markers from one sample or one marker from thousands of samples and will eventually allow us to analyze thousands of markers from thousands of samples. Unfortunately, the inherent nature of current high throughput methodologies, clinical specimens, and cost of analysis is often prohibitive for extensive high throughput biomarker analysis. This review summarizes the current state of high throughput biomarker screening of clinical specimens applicable to genetic epidemiology and longitudinal population-based studies with a focus on considerations related to biospecimens, laboratory techniques, and sample pooling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Membrane lipid microdomains and the role of PKCtheta in T cell activation.

Productive T cell activation depends on the assembly of a highly ordered and compartmentalized immunological synapse or supramolecular activation complex (SMAC). Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and clustering of specialized membrane microdomains, or lipid rafts, occur early following TCR/CD3 and costimulatory receptor ligation. Many key signaling molecules localize in lipid raft patches during T cell activation. Lipid raft reorganization is required for T cell activation, where it plays an apparently important role in stabilizing the T cell synapse. Here we review recent evidence supporting the role of lipid rafts in T cell activation. Particular emphasis is placed on the coupling of protein kinase C-theta(PKCtheta), which is selectively expressed in T cells and is known to function as an essential signal for T cell activation, and lipid rafts.
Computer programs for paired and triad radioiodine label techniques in radioimmunochemistry.

Abstract Paired and triad label techniques using I 131 and I 125 as a pair or I 131 , I 125 and I 130 as a triad are of considerable importance in immunochemical and protein structure studies. They provide a means for direct measurement of antibody and control proteins picked up in vivo in the case of tissue-localizing antibodies. They also provide a means of studying the chemical composition of protein molecules. Computer programs have been written in FORTRAN II language that analyzes counting measurements on tissues which have taken up proteins labeled with a pair or triad of radioisotopes. The programs are also applicable to measurements on products obtained by various procedures carried out on a mixture of proteins so labeled. In this paper, the method of analysis is discussed and the mathematical relationships which have been programmed are presented.
An Unusual Perforating Dermatitis in a Siamese Cat

— An unusual perforating dermatitis clinically resembling cutaneous horns is reported in a 2-year-old Siamese cat. The lesions were neither pruritic nor painful and the cat was otherwise healthy. The dermatosis was unresponsive to antibiotics, glucocorticoids and megestrol acetate. Skin biopsies revealed a superficial interstitial dermatitis rich in collagen and inflammatory cells. The dermatosis responded completely to the oral administration of ascorbic acid. Resume— Une dermatite perforante inhabituelle, ressemblant a des comes cutanees est rapportee chez un chat siamois de deux ans. Les lesions n'etaient ni prurigineusses ni douloureuses et le chat etait en bonne sante. La dermatose etait refractaire aux antibiotiques, aux corticoides et a l'acetate de megestrol. Les biopsies cutanees ont revele l'existence d'une dermite intereticielle superficielle riche en collagene et en cellules inflammatoires. La dermatose a repondu completement a l'administration d'acide ascorbique. Zausammenfassung— Bei einer 2 Jahre alten Siamkatze wird uber eine ungewohnliche perforierende Dermatitis berichtet, die klinisch kutanen Honern ahnelt. Die Hautveranderungen waren weder pruritisch noch schmerzhaft und die Katze war in jeder anderen Hinsicht gesund. Die Dermatose sprach nicht auf Antibiotika, Glukokortikoide oder Megestrolazetat an. Hautbiopsien ziegten eine oberflachliche interstitielle Dermatitis, reich an Kollagen und Entzundungszellen. Die Hauterkrankung reagierte vollstadig aif die orale Verabreichung von Askorbinsaure. Resumen En este articulo se documenta una dermatitis perforante poco comun, et un gato de 2 anos, que asemeja a proyecciones cutaneas. Las lesiones no eran pruriginosas ni dolorosas y el gao gozaba de buena salud. La dermatosis no respondio a antibioticos, glucocorticoides, o acetato de megaestrol. Biopsias dermicas revelaron una dermatitis superficial intersticial, rica en colageno y celulas inflamatorias. La administracion oral de acido ascorbico, produjo una respuesta completamente satisfactoria.
Tobacco and cannabis co-occurrence: does route of administration matter?

Background Qualitative research suggests that a shared route of administration (i.e. via inhalation) for the common forms of both tobacco (i.e. cigarettes) and cannabis (i.e. joints) may contribute to their co-occurring use.
Additive fabrication of custom pedorthoses for clubfoot correction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the most‐practical means of transforming computer‐aided‐design models of custom clubfoot pedorthoses into functional pedorthoses for testing on patients in a clinical trial.Design/methodology/approach – The materials used in conventional orthosis fabrication are not yet available for solid free‐form fabrication; therefore, to fabricate the pedorthoses, several approaches were considered, including direct manufacturing, additive‐based moulding, laser cutting of foam and combinations of several of these approaches.Findings – The chosen approach of additively manufacturing the custom hard shell, and moulding the polyurethane‐foam insert, resulted in accurate, durable and effective pedorthoses that fit well, and could be adjusted as needed. The pedorthoses that were produced are currently being tested on the respective patients for their improvement in mobility and degree of clubfoot correction, and will continue through early 2010.Practical implications – A...
An algorithm for the 0-1 equality knapsack problem.

The 0-1 knapsack problem is a linear integer-programming problem with a single constraint and binary variables. The knapsack problem with an inequality constraint has been widely studied, and several efficient algorithms have been published. We consider the equality-constraint knapsack problem, which has received relatively little attention. We describe a branch-and-bound algorithm for this problem, and present computational experience with up to 10,000 variables. An important feature of this algorithm is a least-lower-bound discipline for candidate problem selection.
Clinical outcome of simultaneous self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction

Background: Previous studies have shown that self-expanding metal stents are an effective method for palliation of malignant biliary or duodenal obstruction. We present our experience with the use of simultaneous self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing simultaneous biliary and duodenal self-expandable metal stent placement between November 98 and May 2001. All the patients had documented evidence of biliary obstruction and symptomatic duodenal obstruction. The patients received endoscopic biliary stenting with biliary Ultraflex or Wallstents, and endoscopic duodenal stenting using enteral Wallstents. They were followed until their death. Results: We identified 18 patients (11 men and 7 women) whose mean age was 65 years, (range, 46–85 years). Malignancies included pancreatic 14 (78%), biliary 2 (11%), lymphoma 1 (5%), and metastatic 1 (5%) disorders. Ten patients previously had plastic biliary stents placed for past malignant biliary obstruction (4 patients had recurrent biliary obstruction). All the patients had evidence of duodenal obstruction. Combined metal stenting was successful in 17 patients. One procedure failed due to a tortuous duodenal stricture. All the patients had effective palliation of biliary obstruction, as evidenced by a decrease in the level of total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Of the 17 patients with successful duodenal stenting, 16 had a good clinical outcome, with relief of obstructive symptoms. No immediate stent-related complications were noted. During the follow-up period, 12 patients died of progression of the underlying malignancy. None of the deaths were stent related. Median survival time was 78 days. Two patients had recurrent biliary obstruction from tumor ingrowth at 45 and 68 days, respectively. Both underwent restenting: one by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and the other by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC). Two other patients had recurrent duodenal obstruction, respectively, 36 and 45 days after the initial stenting. One obstruction was secondary to tumor ingrowth, and the other was caused by distal stent migration. Both patients had successful duodenal restenting. Conclusion: Combined self-expandable metal stenting for simultaneous palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction may provide a safe and less invasive alternative to surgical palliation with an acceptable clinical outcome. Simultaneous self-expandable metal stents should be considered as a treatment option for patients who are poor candidates for surgery.
New position‐sensitive hard x‐ray spectrometer

A new prototype Lixiscope (Low intensity x‐ray imaging scope) is described. In addition to good spatial and temporal resolution in the 20 keV to 200 keV region, it is capable of single‐photon counting, imaging, as well as good energy resolution. The new device is well‐suited for future low‐flux applications in astronomy, medicine, and industry.
A Simulation Framework to Evaluate Virtual CPU Scheduling Algorithms

Virtual CPU (VCPU) scheduling algorithms that efficiently manage processing-resource at the machine virtualization layer are key to facilitate resource sharing and workload consolidation in Clouds. Such algorithms are mostly inherited from pre-virtualization designs, thus need to be revamped and re-evaluated. This paper presents a simulation framework based on SAN model to rapidly evaluate Virtual CPU scheduling algorithms. The paper also demonstrates an evaluation of three VCPU scheduling algorithms using this framework.
Lab-scale Experimentation and CFD Modeling of a Small Particle Heat Exchange Receiver☆

Abstract Concentrating solar power currently relies on high temperature central receivers that utilize liquid cooling and operate in power steam cycles. However, highly efficient central receivers are being designed to operate at higher temperatures in a gas turbine power cycle. To address this, San Diego State University's (SDSU) Combustion and Solar Energy Laboratory is experimenting with a lab-scale Small Particle Heat Exchange Receiver (SPHER) in order to understand performance and develop experience for designing and operating a full-scale 5 MW design. The full-scale design will be tested at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility at Sandia National Laboratories as part of the Department of Energy SunShot Initiative grant. The SPHER relies on carbon nanoparticles as an absorption medium and air as a working fluid. The carbon particles are generated onsite by the Carbon Particle Generator (CPG) and are mixed with dilution air prior to entering the SPHER. Lab scale on-sun testing is carried out with a 15kWe solar simulator. The lab scale experimental goal is to achieve an outlet flow of 650 °C at 5 bar absolute operating pressure. To model the performance of the SPHER, CFD analysis is being used for comparison to lab scale testing. The lab scale SPHER is being modeled in ANSYS Fluent with coupled codes for oxidation and radiation input. In this paper, we present results of testing the lab-scale receiver and compare the measured outlet temperatures to predictions from the computer model. Finally, correlations are drawn for future experimenation and feasibility.
Different domain decompositions at different times for capturing moving local phenomena

Abstract A conservative Galerkin domain decomposition method for time-dependent problems is given and analyzed. This method allows one to apply different domain decompositions at different time levels when necessary, in order to capture time-changing local phenomena, such as, propagating fronts or moving layers. Error estimates in the energy and L 2 norms are established. Numerical results are presented.
From Broadway to Berlin: Transformative Learning through German Hip‐Hop

This article explores the possibilities for effecting Transformative Learning in students of German language and culture through the use of popular music videos, in both the target and the students’ own languages. Transformative Learning, a term that has differing valences in numerous academic disciplines, is employed here in its social-scientific context to denote the ability of learners to negotiate successfully between different cultural frames of reference in order to understand their experiences of cultural dissonance (Anderson & Cunningham, 2010). While Transformative Learning is indeed a higher order cognitive goal, the author argues here that the German language classroom can be an ideal location for building the skills (reflection, interpretation, acquisition of concepts and nuanced self understanding) that set the stage for Transformative Learning to take place over time. The author first lays the theoretical groundwork for this type of learning, followed by a brief introduction to the concept of transculturation (Pratt, 2005) as an important framework for understanding developments in German hip-hop musical and visual styles from the early 1990s to the present. The article includes an in-depth comparison of music videos from Germany and the United States.
Serum and plasma proteins, lipoproteins and glycoproteins. III. Hereditary muscular dystrophy in mice.

Summary1. Paper electrophoretic patterns of sera from mice with hereditary form of muscular dystrophy and from normal litter mates as controls showed no change in relative concentrations of the protein fractions themselves, but did indicate a shift in distribution particularly of lipoproteins and, to a smaller extent, of glycoproteins. 2. Concentrations, in plasma, of protein nitrogen, protein-bound lipids (free and esterified cholesterol, phospholipids, esterified fatty acids) and carbohydrates (hexoses, hexosamines and sialic acid) did not vary significantly from those of controls. 3. Results have been compared with those from previous, similar studies on clinical forms of muscular dystrophy and on myopathy of Vit. E-deficiency in rabbits.