cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lunar meteoritic gardening rate derived from in situ LADEE/LDEX measurements

The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) orbited the Moon for approximately 6 months, taking data with the Lunar Dust Experiment (LDEX). LDEX was uniquely equipped to characterize the current rate of lunar impact gardening as it measured the very particles taking part in this process. By deriving an average lunar dust density distribution, we calculate the rate at which exospheric dust rains back down onto the lunar surface. Near the equatorial plane, we find that approximately 40 μm/Myr of lunar regolith, with a cumulative size distribution index of 2.7, is redistributed due to meteoritic bombardment, a process which occurs predominantly on the lunar apex hemisphere.
Loss of vision

Assessment of the patient with vision loss includes measurement of visual acuity, examination of the pupil, a finger-counting confrontation field examination, and an ophthalmoscopic examination. Opticokinetic testing is useful when functional blindness is being considered. A scheme is presented to use these findings to arrive at the anatomic level of this dysfunction. A differential diagnosis can then be generated. Some specific disorders causing vision loss are presented by anatomic location.
Temperature dependence of spectral characteristics of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers

Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) have potential applications in optical interconnections, optical logic devices and optical communications. Temperature characteristics are very important for these system applications and several papers have been reported the temperature dependences of threshold current, voltage, differential efficiency and wavelength.1–3 Our work concerns the temperature dependence of spectral characteristics of VCSELs, such as threshold for higher order transverse modes, linewidth and polarization variations, over 100 K to 380 K of ambient temperature changes.
Common carotid artery end-diastolic velocity and acceleration time can predict degree of internal carotid artery stenosis.

Abstract Objective Whereas duplex ultrasound parameters for predicting internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis are well defined, the use of common carotid artery (CCA) Doppler characteristics to predict ICA stenosis when the ICA cannot be insonated directly or accurately because of anatomy, calcification, or tortuosity has not been studied. The objective of this study was to identify CCA Doppler parameters that may predict ICA stenosis. Methods We reviewed all patients at our institution who underwent carotid duplex ultrasound (CDU) from 2008 to 2015 and also had a comparison computed tomography, magnetic resonance, or catheter angiogram. We excluded patients whose CDU examination did not correlate with the comparison study, those whose arteries were not visualized on the comparison study, and those with complete occlusion of the CCA. We collected CCA peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and acceleration time (AT) in addition to CDU and comparison imaging interpretation of degree of stenosis. A multivariate model was used to identify predictors of ICA stenosis. Results There were 99 CDU examinations with corresponding comparison imaging included. For every increase of 10 cm/s in EDV in the CCA, the odds of a >50% ICA stenosis being present vs a ≤50% ICA stenosis decreased by 37% (odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.97; P = .03). For every increase of 10 cm/s in EDV in the CCA, the odds of a 70% to 99% ICA stenosis being present vs a ≤50% ICA stenosis decreased by 48% (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.94; P = .03). A CCA EDV of 19 cm/s or below was associated with a 64% probability of a 70% to 99% ICA stenosis. For every 50-millisecond increase in AT in the CCA, the odds of a >50% stenosis being present vs a ≤50% ICA stenosis increased by 56% (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03-2.35; P = .04). A CCA AT of 80 milliseconds or above was associated with a 69% probability of a >50% ICA stenosis. There was no correlation between CCA PSV and ICA stenosis. Conclusions CCA EDV and AT are independent predictors of ICA stenosis and may be used in the setting of patients whose ICA cannot be directly insonated or when standard duplex ultrasound parameters of ICA PSV, EDV, or ICA/CCA ratio conflict.
To predict and serve

Predictive policing systems are used increasingly by law enforcement to try to prevent crime before it occurs. But what happens when these systems are trained using biased data? Kristian Lum and William Isaac consider the evidence – and the social consequences
Intravascular and hybrid intraoperative stent placement for baffle obstruction in transposition of the great arteries after atrial switch

Objectives To report our experience with intravascular and hybrid intra-operative stent placement for baffle obstruction in patients with complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after the atrial switch (Mustard/Senning) operation. Background Venous baffle obstruction is a challenging complication after atrial switch operation in patients with TGA. Traditional treatment options include intravascular stenting or surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of Mayo Clinic's electronic medical record was completed to identify consecutive pediatric and adult patients with TGA after atrial switch who underwent baffle stent implantation from 1994 to 2015. Results Overall, 64 patients were referred for cardiac catheterization, in whom 47 (73%) were noted to have hemodynamic and angiographic evidence of baffle obstruction. A total of 20 patients mean age 33 (range: 8–46) years old underwent stent implantation of baffle stenosis at a mean of 33 (range: 7.5–45) years after initial atrial switch operation (Mustard, n = 19; Senning, n = 1). Overall, 27 baffles were stented in 20 patients via the following approaches: intravascular (17); hybrid surgical (3); staged intravascular & hybrid (2). Sites of stent placement were: superior vena cava (SVC) (13); inferior vena cava (IVC) (9); pulmonary venous baffle (5). Three patients had stent placement in the SVC and IVC baffles during the same procedure. Procedural adverse events occurred in 2/22 cases (9%) including creation of unintentional baffle leak (n = 1) and stent migration (n = 1). There was no procedure-related mortality. At follow-up (median 2, range 0.02–10 years), significantly improved NYHA class and mean Doppler baffle gradient were demonstrated (P < 0.05). Mild baffle re-stenosis (mean Doppler gradient; 2–3 mmHg) occurred in two patients who have not required re-intervention. Trivial baffle leak was noted in four patients. Baffle re-intervention was only occurred in one patient. One patient with pre-procedural Class IV symptoms died 3.5 months after stent implantation. Conclusions This study is the largest reported experience of intravascular and intra-operative hybrid stent placement for patients with TGA after atrial switch. Transcatheter and minimally invasive hybrid intraoperative surgical stent placement are an effective strategy for relief of systemic and pulmonary venous baffle obstruction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonic hedgehog pathway activation increases mitochondrial abundance and activity in hippocampal neurons.

Activation of the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway affects multiple aspects of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons. It increases mitochondrial mass significantly, reduces fission, and promotes elon...
Expansion of Genetically Modified Primary Human Hematopoietic Cells Using a Cell Growth Switch.

Abstract Methods for regulating the growth of transplanted cells have many applications in gene and cell therapy. One such method uses conditional signaling molecules that are activated by artificial ligands called chemical inducers of dimerization (CIDs). Here we examine the response of human cord blood cells to a CID-triggered Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (F36VFGFR1) signal in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, CD34+ cord blood cells were transduced with a lentivirus vector incorporating a chicken b-actin promoter/cytomegalovirus enhancer (CAG) that also allows for expression in human embryonic stem cells, but which is not expressed in human erythroid cells. Cells cultured in the presence of the CID expanded 40-fold relative to cells cultured in the absence of CID. The cell types evident in culture were predominantly granulocytes/monocytes but B-lymphocytes were also observed. The absence of an effect on erythroid cells is most likely attributable to the lack of transgene expression by the CAG element in erythroid cells. Contrary to our results in murine system using F36VFGFR1, cell expansion was transient, peaking at week 3 of culture. Activation of F36VFGFR1 was associated with a transient increase in CFU-GM. Ex vivo studies using a lentivirus vector in which F36VFGFR1 expression is regulated by an MSCV promoter, allowing for expression in all hematopoietic lineages, have been initiated. Preliminary results from immune deficient mice transplanted with cord blood CD34+ cells transduced with the MSCV based vector lentivirus indicate that F36VFGFR1 activation can support the CID-dependent expansion of a much wider repertoire of hematopoietic lineages, including granulocytes/monocytes, erythroid cells and lymphocytes, compared to our previous studies using a conditional derivative of the thrombopoietin receptor (F36VMpl). These findings establish CID-activated receptors as growth factors for genetically modified human hematopoietic cells.
Processing and characterization of TiB2-TiNiFeCrCoAl high-entropy alloy composite

A series of TiB2-TiNiFeCrCoAl high-entropy alloy (HEA) composites with HEA contents of 5, 10, and 20 wt.% were fabricated to a relative density of above 95% without applied external pressure at 1550°C in flowing argon. Research indicates (i) the formation of liquid HEA is promoted with the assistance of an optimized ball mill process, which facilitates the sintering through a liquid phase sintering mechanism, and (ii) HEA can react with the oxide impurities in TiB2 and can consequently enhance the densification. Continual observations on microstructures and properties indicate that the sintered composites have a submicronmeter grain size of 0.90±0.11, 0.79±0.09, and 0.74±0.07 μm; a high hardness of 23.3±0.9, 21.6±1.0, and 17.5±1.2 GPa; and a high indentation fracture toughness of 8.7±0.4, 11.1±0.6, and 12.8±0.6 MPa·m1/2, respectively, for samples with 5, 10, and 20 wt.% HEA. The addition of HEA to TiB2 can significantly enhance the densification, results in fine microstructures, and improve the mechanical performance.
Industrial Marketing — A Value Oriented Perspective

Value lies at the heart of marketing and is receiving increased attention from business marketers and scholars. The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (2001) defines value as: 1. a fair return or equivalent in goods, services or money for something exchanged, 2. the monetary worth of “something”. It is clear that value involves money or its equivalent and an exchange of something of worth to the participants in an exchange. There are a number of definitions of value in the literature. Anderson, Jain and Chintagunta (1993) define value in terms of the monetary worth of benefits that customers receive for the price paid. The authors discuss nine methods that have been used to measure value, ranging from an internal engineering assessment that measures the value of the product through laboratory tests within the supplier’s firm, to conjoint or tradeoff analysis. We will use the definition suggested by Anderson and Narus (2004). They define value as “the worth in monetary terms of the economic, technical, service, and social benefits a customer firm receives for the price it pays for a market offering” (Anderson/Narus, 2004, p. 6). The authors emphasize that value is expressed in monetary terms. Further, they state, “we can conceptually represent any market offering as a set of economic, service and social benefits a customer firm receives. By benefits, we mean net benefits where any costs a customer incurs in obtaining the desired benefit, except for purchase price are also included” (Anderson/Narus, 2004, p. 6). The third point the authors stress is that market offerings are defined by value and price. Value considerations take place within some context, where it is possible that customers may decide to make the product themselves. Value requires a price to be set for the market offering to a buyer. If the price is set too low, the buyer gains value and the seller leaves money on the table. If the price is set too high, the value to the buyer shrinks, and the chances of the going to another supplier increase.
Photodynamic therapy and bone marrow transplantation

This review discusses various opportunities for applications of photodynamic therapy in the field of bone marrow trans- plantation. These include the elimination of tumor cells from autologous bone marrow grafts (marrow purging), the pro- phylaxis and treatment of graft-versus-host disease, the prevention of graft rejection, and the inactivation of viruses in bone marrow grafts and blood products.
Muscle specific stress fibers give rise to sarcomeres and are mechanistically distinct from stress fibers in non-muscle cells

Abstract The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit within cardiomyocytes driving heart muscle contraction. We sought to test the mechanisms regulating thin (i.e., actin) and thick (i.e., myosin) filament assembly during sarcomere formation. Thus, we developed an assay using human cardiomyocytes to test de novo sarcomere assembly. Using this assay, we report a population of muscle-specific stress fibers are essential sarcomere precursors. We show sarcomeric actin filaments arise directly from these muscle stress fibers. This process requires formin-mediated but not Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization and nonmuscle myosin IIB but not non-muscle myosin IIA. Furthermore, we show a short species of β cardiac myosin II filaments grows to form ~1.5 long filaments that then “stitch” together to form the stack of filaments at the core of the sarcomere (i.e., A-band). Interestingly, these are different from mechanisms that have previously been reported during stress fiber assembly in non-muscle cells. Thus, we provide a new model of cardiac sarcomere assembly based on distinct mechanisms of stress fiber regulation between non-muscle and muscle cells.
Evidence of Racial and Geographic Disparities in the Use of Medicare Observation Stays and Subsequent Patient Outcomes Relative to Short-Stay Hospitalizations

Abstract Purpose: To examine racial and geographic disparities in the use of—and outcomes associated with—Medicare observation stays versus short-stay hospitalizations. Methods: We used 2007–2010 f...
Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease Outbreaks in the United States, 2009-2013.

Background Although the incidence of meningococcal disease is low in the United States, outbreaks remain a serious public health concern. In this evaluation, we identify and describe outbreaks of meningococcal disease. Methods A retrospective review of all meningococcal disease cases reported from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013 was performed by state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify meningococcal disease outbreaks. An outbreak was defined as ≥2 primary cases of the same serogroup within <3 months in an organization, or a ≥2-fold increase in disease rates in a community. Results From 2009 to 2013, a total of 3686 cases of meningococcal disease were reported in the United States. Among these, 180 primary cases (4.9%) occurred as part of 36 outbreaks (17 organization-based and 19 community-based). Serogroup B accounted for 8 (47.1%) of the organization-based outbreaks, including 6 of 8 university outbreaks. Serogroup C accounted for 10 (52.6%) of the community-based outbreaks, including both of 2 outbreaks identified among men who have sex with men. Organization- and community-based outbreaks differed in predominant serogroup, age distribution of cases, and clinical syndrome. Among 33 outbreaks with known information, a vaccination and/or expanded chemoprophylaxis campaign was conducted in 16 (48.5%). Conclusions Outbreak-associated cases account for approximately 5% of all meningococcal disease cases in the United States. Serogroup B is the primary cause of organization-based outbreaks, with the majority of university outbreaks due to serogroup B, and serogroup C is the primary cause of community-based outbreaks.
ACEnet: Facilitating Economic Development Through Small Business Electronic Commerce

With the advent of Web-based electronic commerce (e-commerce), businesses of all sizes rushed to take advantage of the potential of e-commerce technologies. While large organizations often have ready access to the resources necessary to implement e-commerce strategies, smaller organizations may lack some or all of these resources. Conversely, the increased reach facilitated by e-commerce may allow some small businesses to be viable in areas where limited access to customers might otherwise prevent success. This increased reach may be particularly beneficial in economically depressed rural areas, which may stand to gain greatly from the economic development potential of small businesses. Small businesses in general, and rural small businesses in particular, face a number of hurdles that must be overcome if they are to benefit from e-commerce. This case describes how a not-for-profit agency, the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet), facilitates the use of e-commerce by rural small businesses as a part of an overall strategy for spurring economic development through small businesses. ACEnet provides a number of resources that help small businesses take advantage of e-commerce, including computer labs, Web site hosting, consultative services, and technical and business training. This case illustrates how these services help rural small businesses overcome many of the barriers to successful implementation of e-commerce.
Progression of Alzheimer's disease: variability and consistency: ontogenic models, their applicability and relevance.

Much has been learned about the clinical symptomatology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and ontogenic reciprocal relationships in the past few decades. It is now possible to describe and verify inexorable symptomatic sequences and corresponding temporal relationships. It is also possible to identify more variable symptoms in AD. Ontogenic models can be useful in providing a clearer understanding of the nature of AD symptomatology in terms of both consistency and variability. These models can also be informative in explicating the management needs of AD patients and the treatment possibilities of AD symptoms as well as the etiology of variability in AD symptoms.
Intellectual Property and Identity Politics: Playing With Fire

Fears that globalization and heightened cultural traffic will lead to homogenization and the loss of culture has scholars and activists turning to intellectual property law to provide minority cultures with a legal means to protect their cultures from dilution and appropriation. This Article criticizes current arguments for using intellectual property to help minority cultures regain control of their communities. While acknowledging concerns about cultural integrity, Professor Sunder fears that appeals to law to reinforce a culture's borders may often be motivated by cultural elites' desire to suppress internal cultural movements for reform, rather than to protect a culture from external attack. Using as a case study the Indian right-wing assault on "Fire," a film depicting an Indian lesbian relationship, Professor Sunder argues that today, it is increasingly difficult to determine what cultural changes are part and parcel of modernity and what changes are spurred by a culture falling prey to imperialism. She warns that legal intervention in the name of preserving "cultural integrity" could have the effect of making cultural boundaries even more difficult to transgress. To the extent that legally regulated cultural boundaries could lead to greater repression of individual autonomy within culture, Professor Sunder argues that mixing intellectual property and identity politics is playing with fire.
Modeling Membrane Curvature Generation due to Membrane–Protein Interactions

To alter and adjust the shape of the plasma membrane, cells harness various mechanisms of curvature generation. Many of these curvature generation mechanisms rely on the interactions between peripheral membrane proteins, integral membrane proteins, and lipids in the bilayer membrane. Mathematical and computational modeling of membrane curvature generation has provided great insights into the physics underlying these processes. However, one of the challenges in modeling these processes is identifying the suitable constitutive relationships that describe the membrane free energy including protein distribution and curvature generation capability. Here, we review some of the commonly used continuum elastic membrane models that have been developed for this purpose and discuss their applications. Finally, we address some fundamental challenges that future theoretical methods need to overcome to push the boundaries of current model applications.
Using intraoperative optical coherence tomography to image pediatric unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Abstract Objectives Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) impairs communication and reduces academic performance and social interactions in children. Deciding between temporary, permanent, or potentially destructive surgical interventions can be challenging, as there currently exists no reliable means of predicting vocal fold recovery or assessing the presence of vocal fold atrophy. Regarding vocal fold atrophy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to be an appealing non-invasive alternative for accessing vocal fold structures. This study describes UVFP microanatomy and identifies possible vocal fold atrophy using OCT. Methods Three UVFP patients (ages 1, 11, and 17 years) underwent bilateral OCT imaging using a handheld probe while under general anesthesia for direct laryngoscopy, and the laryngoscopic images were compared with images obtained from OCT. Structural morphological features were extracted and compared to a healthy patients' cohort. Results While endoscopy showed no evidence of vocal fold atrophy in two of three cases, OCT images revealed distinct differences between the lamina propria of the paralyzed and functional vocal folds in all patients. In two cases, the paralyzed vocal fold morphology was similar to a healthy patient at the age of nerve injury. The third case exhibited extensive scarring in the lamina propria of the paralyzed vocal fold. Conclusion This pilot study characterizes and compares vocal fold microanatomy in three UVFP patients. In most cases, lamina propria development halted at the age of paralysis, suggesting that lamina propria maturation may be dependent on vocal fold functionality. OCT shows potential to aid UVFP assessment and treatment decisions by evaluating the presence of atrophy.
Desert Kingdoms to Global Powers: The Rise of the Arab Gulf

The startling rise of the Arab Gulf states to positions of prominence in regional and international affairs has been the object of numerous monographs and articles in recent years, but none has qui...
The NANOOS Visualization System (NVS): A Decade of Development and Progress Addressing Stakeholder Needs

Over the past few decades coastal regions have experienced considerable socio-economic change. Accompanying these socio-economic shifts are unprecedented environmental changes, which include variation in magnitude and frequency of extreme weather events, marine heatwaves, increased ocean acidification, expansion of dead zones, extreme harmful algal blooms, and accelerating sea level rise. To understand these emerging environmental shifts, the past two decades have witnessed increased capacity to monitor changing environmental conditions and predict with greater accuracy such variations and events. These observation and prediction systems produce ever increasing amounts of data. Ongoing efforts to deliver this information using standard data models, metadata, data access protocols, and community accepted data server applications have helped reduce the heterogeneity of these data and improved data distribution. However, delivering critical information to stakeholders in a user-friendly and accessible manner remains a challenge. Beginning in 2009, the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) regional association for the Pacific Northwest, began to address this challenge by developing the NANOOS Visualization System (NVS), a map-based platform that aggregated a multitude of diverse data sets and forecast model fields into one system with the goal of delivering a more seamless, one-stop-shopping experience for users of coastal, ocean and atmospheric data. Here we describe the early vision and development of NVS and how it evolved into a flexible, multi-application platform where customized web applications can be developed to meet the needs of specific stakeholder groups. We focus on three applications (Seacast, Shellfish Growers, and Tsunami Evacuation Zones) that were developed using more formal design processes in close coordination with commercial crab fishermen, shellfish growers, and state and local emergency managers. In addition, we briefly describe the Tuna Fishers application, which evolved out of informal discussions with recreational tuna fishers. In highlighting these applications, we demonstrate the flexibility of NVS to quickly spin up prototype applications using pre-existing NVS framework elements. Working closely with small groups of dedicated stakeholders, we are then able to refine and extend an application before releasing it to the broader audience. Such a capability has enabled NANOOS to truly meet stakeholder needs, while increasing user capacity to understand and better respond to ongoing regional environmental changes.
Anchoring comunidad: how first- and continuing-generation Latinx students in STEM engage community cultural wealth

Using a phenomenological approach, we interviewed 16 Latinx college students pursuing STEM degrees at four Northeastern universities to explore the forms of capital that first- and continuing-gener...
Endothelial JAK2V617F mutation leads to thrombosis, vasculopathy, and cardiomyopathy in a murine model of myeloproliferative neoplasm

Objective Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The acquired kinase mutation JAK2V617F plays a central role in these disorders. Mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular dysfunction in MPNs are not fully understood, limiting the effectiveness of current treatment. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) carrying the JAK2V617F mutation can be detected in patients with MPNs. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that the JAK2V617F mutation alters endothelial function to promote cardiovascular complications in patients with MPNs. Approach and results We employed murine models of MPN in which the JAK2V617F mutation is expressed in specific cell lineages. When JAK2V617F is expressed in both blood cells and vascular ECs, the mice developed MPN and spontaneous, age-related dilated cardiomyopathy with an increased risk of sudden death as well as a prothrombotic and vasculopathy phenotype on histology evaluation. In contrast, despite having significantly higher leukocyte and platelet counts than controls, mice with JAK2V617F-mutant blood cells alone did not demonstrate any cardiac dysfunction, suggesting that JAK2V617F-mutant ECs are required for this cardiovascular disease phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the JAK2V617F mutation promotes a pro-adhesive, pro-inflammatory, and vasculopathy EC phenotype, and mutant ECs respond to flow shear differently than wild-type ECs. Conclusions These findings suggest that the JAK2V617F mutation can alter vascular endothelial function to promote cardiovascular complications in MPNs. Therefore, targeting the MPN vasculature represents a promising new therapeutic strategy for patients with MPNs.
Tropidogyne lobodisca sp. nov., a third species of the genus from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber

The fossil flower described here is the third species of Tropidogyne to have been collected from mid-Cretaceous amber deposits in the Hukawng Valley of northwestern Myanmar. The flower of Tropidogyne lobodisca differs from the 2 previously described species, T. pikei and T. pentaptera, in lacking stamens and having a 5-lobed nectar disc covering the apex of the ovary. Its 2 slender, curved, attenuate styles are like those of T. pentaptera in being stigmatic along the adaxial surface. The new species has 5 spreading, reticulately-veined sepals, a generic character of Tropidogyne. An unusual, probably teratological, feature is the presence of 2 sepal-like staminodes on one side of the flower, inserted at the base of the nectar disc where stamens would otherwise be found. The inferior portion of the pistil is obconic, with 5 distinct veins that connect to the mid-nerves of the sepals.
Gene transcripts expressed in equine white blood cells are potential biomarkers of extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment applied to musculoskeletal injuries in equine athletes to alleviate pain and accelerate healing. ESWT also causes acute tissue damage. Therefore, its ability to act as an analgesic and cause tissue damage potentially increases the risk of a catastrophic event if used shortly before a strenuous competition such as horseracing. While ESWT is prohibited by many racing jurisdictions within 10 days prior to competition, a test to detect whether a horse has received ESWT is needed. ESWT changes the protein levels of inflammatory mediators in blood, and white blood cells (WBC) typically produce these proteins. Changes in gene expression precede changes in protein production; thus, it was hypothesized that WBC gene transcripts might serve as biomarkers of ESWT. To test this hypothesis, six thoroughbred horses received a single administration of ESWT to the distal limb, and WBC RNA was extracted from blood samples collected before (0 h) and after ESWT (2, 4, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h). Targeted and untargeted analyses evaluated the transcriptome using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and microarray. The expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-1Ra1, IL-1Ra2 and TGF-β1, and BMPR1A in circulating WBCs was significantly up-regulated, while IFN-γ, ZNF483, TMEM80, CAH6, ENPP, and S8723 were significantly down-regulated at various time points following ESWT. These data support the hypothesis that changes in WBC gene transcripts could serve as biomarkers for ESWT.
A Long-Acting Curcumin Nanoparticle/In Situ Hydrogel Composite for the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults with high mortality. In order to improve prognosis and survival of UM patients, it is critical to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis as early as possible after the initial presentation/diagnosis of the disease. Sustained local delivery of antitumor therapeutics in the posterior region can potentially achieve long-term UM inhibition, improve target therapeutic delivery to the posterior segments, as well as reduce injection frequency and hence improved patient compliance. To address the highly unmet medical need in UM therapy, a bioinspired in situ gelling hydrogel system composed of naturally occurring biopolymers collagen and hyaluronic acid was developed in the present research. Curcumin with anti-cancer progression, anti-metastasis effects, and good ocular safety was chosen as the model therapeutic. The developed in situ gelling delivery system gelled at 37 °C within two minutes and demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and slow degradation. The curcumin-loaded nanoparticle/hydrogel composite was able to sustain release payload for up to four weeks. The optimized nanoparticle/hydrogel composite showed effective inhibition of human UM cell proliferation. This novel nanoparticle/in situ hydrogel composite demonstrated a great potential for the treatment of the rare and devastating intraocular cancer.
Mechanistic insights into posterior mitral leaflet inter-scallop malcoaptation during acute ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Background Three-dimensional dynamics of the 3 individual scallops within the posterior mitral leaflet during acute ischemic mitral regurgitations have not been previously measured. Methods Radiopaque markers were sutured to the mitral annulus, papillary muscle tips, and leaflet edges in 13 sheep. Immediately postoperatively, under open-chest conditions, 3-D marker coordinates were obtained using high-speed biplane videofluoroscopy before and during echocardiographically verified acute ischemic mitral regurgitation produced by occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Results During acute ischemic mitral regurgitation, at end systole, the anterolateral edge of the central scallop was displaced 0.8±0.9 mm laterally and 0.9±0.6 mm apically away from the anterolateral scallop; such displacement correlated with lateral displacement of the lateral annulus (R2=0.7, SEE=0.7 mm, P <0.001) and movement of the right lateral annulus away from the nonischemic anterior papillary tip (R2=0.6, SEE=0.8 mm, P =0.002), respectively. End-systolic displacement of the posteromedial edge of the central scallop was 1.4±0.9 mm anteriorly and 0.9±0.6 mm laterally away from the posteromedial scallop, corresponding to anterior displacement of the mid-lateral annulus (R2=0.5, SEE=1.0 mm, P <0.001). Conclusions Malcoaptation of the scallops within the posterior leaflet during acute left ventricular ischemia is a novel observation. The primary geometric mechanism underlying scallop malcoaptation in acute ischemic mitral regurgitation was annular dilatation, which hindered leaflet coaptation by drawing the individual scallops apart. These findings support the use of annular reduction in the repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation and also suture closure of prominent subcommissures between posterior leaflet scallops.
Telemetered heart rates recorded during karate katas: a case study.

(1973). Telemetered Heart Rates Recorded during Karate Katas: A Case Study. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 44, No. 4, pp. 501-505.
Class-Conscious TCR?

Resolution of the structure of the T cell receptor (TCR) bound to a complex between an MHC class I molecule and a peptide of processed antigen sheds new light on the molecular complexities of this interaction. Now, in a Perspective, Ian Wilson discusses new work ( Reinherz et al.) that reveals the structure of TCR bound to an MHC class II-peptide complex and compares and contrasts the two classes of structure.
Education for Innovation: Entrepreneurial Breakthroughs vs. Corporate Incremental Improvements

This paper explores the following hypotheses on the appropriate education for innovating entrepreneurship: a) breakthrough inventions are contributed disproportionately by independent inventors and entrepreneurs, while large firms focus on cumulative, incremental (and often invaluable) improvements; b) education for mastery of scientific knowledge and methods is enormously valuable for innovation and growth, but can impede heterodox thinking and imagination; c) large-firm RD d) while procedures for teaching current knowledge and methods in science and engineering are effective, we know little about training for the critical task of breakthrough innovation.
The Quantification of Mixture Stoichiometry When Fuel Molecules Contain Oxidizer Elements or Oxidizer Molecules Contain Fuel Elements

The accurate quantification and control of mixture stoichiometry is critical in many applications using new combustion strategies and fuels (e.g., homogeneous charge compression ignition, gasoline direct injection, and oxygenated fuels). The parameter typically used to quantify mixture stoichiometry (i.e., the proximity of a reactant mixture to its stoichiometric condition) is the equivalence ratio, Φ. The traditional definition of Φ is based on the relative amounts of fuel and oxidizer molecules in a mixture. This definition provides an accurate measure of mixture stoichiometry when the fuel molecule does not contain oxidizer elements and when the oxidizer molecule does not contain fuel elements. However, the traditional definition of θ leads to problems when the fuel molecule contains an oxidizer element, as is the case when an oxygenated fuel is used, or once reactions have started and the fuel has begun to oxidize. The problems arise because an oxidizer element in a fuel molecule is counted as part of the fuel, even though it is an oxidizer element. Similarly, if an oxidizer molecule contains fuel elements, the fuel elements in the oxidizer molecule are misleadingly lumped in with the oxidizer in the traditional definition of Φ. In either case, use of the traditional definition of Φ to quantify the mixture stoichiometry can lead to significant errors. This paper introduces the oxygen equivalence ratio, Φ Ω , a parameter that properly characterizes the instantaneous mixture stoichiometry for a broader class of reactant mixtures than does Φ. Because it is an instantaneous measure of mixture stoichiometry, Φ Ω can be used to track the time-evolution of stoichiometry as a reaction progresses. The relationship between Φ Ω and Φ is shown. Errors are involved when the traditional definition of Φ is used as a measure of mixture stoichiometry with fuels that contain oxidizer elements or oxidizers that contain fuel elements; Φ Ω is used to quantify these errors. Proper usage of Φ Ω is discussed, and Φ Ω is used to interpret results in a practical example.
Tools and algorithms for mobile robot navigation with uncertain localization

The ability for a mobile robot to localize itself is a basic requirement for reliable long range autonomous navigation. This thesis introduces new tools and algorithms to aid in robot localization and navigation. I introduce a new range scan matching method that incorporates realistic sensor noise models. This method can be thought of as an improved form of odometry. Results show an order of magnitude of improvement over typical mobile robot odometry. In addition, I have created a new sensor-based planning algorithm where the robot follows the locally optimal path to the goal without exception, regardless of whether or not the path moves towards or temporarily away from the goal. The cost of a path is defined as the path length. This new algorithm, which I call "Optim-Bug", is complete and correct. Finally, I developed a new on-line motion planning procedure that determines a path to a goal that optimally allows the robot to localize itself at the goal. This algorithm is called "Uncertain Bug". In particular, the covariance of the robot's pose estimate at the goal is minimized. This characteristic increases the likelihood that the robot will actually be able to reach the desired goal, even when uncertainty corrupts its localization during movement along path. The robot's path is chosen so that it can use known features in the environment to improve its localization. This thesis is a first step towards bringing the tools of mobile robot localization and mapping together with ideas from sensor-based motion planning.
What Sunscreen Should I Use for My 3-Month-Old Baby?

To the Editor.— With the commercial availability of sunscreens for children, we are frequently asked by parents and by our colleagues in Pediatrics, "What sunscreen should be used on babies under 6 months?" Our answer is simple. "None." Although there is no evidence to suggest that sunscreens are harmful to infants, there is no compelling reason for infants less than 6 months to have sun exposure prolonged enough to require sunscreens. Babies younger than 6 months are not mobile and will not be exposed to the sun unless placed there.
UV curable system for ceramic tape casting

An ultraviolet curable binder system with rheology suitable for tape casting has been developed. High volume loadings of ceramic powder were mixed with this binder, tape cast, and selectively exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Exposed areas polymerized, creating a patterned green tape. The ceramic powders used were PMN-7.5 PT and a BaTiO/sub 3/-based high K capacitor formulation. Parameters studied included binder burnout characteristics, slip rheology, curing times, cured thicknesses. green densities, flexibility of the cured tape, powder dispersion in the green tape, and patterning capabilities. >
Initiation of Discharge in Arcs of the Thyratron Type

When a grid overvoltage is applied to a thyratron, the resulting electron current produces positive ions which move back toward the cathode of the tube. Some of these ions are "trapped" in the potential well formed near the cathode by the electron space charge. The "trapped" positive ions diminish the depth of the potential well and thus permit a larger current to be emitted from the cathode. When the number of positive ions "trapped" in the potential well becomes sufficient to decrease the depth of the well to zero, the saturation value of the cathode current is emitted, and the initiation of the discharge is completed. From this model of the initiation of the discharge, an equation for the anode current as a function of time during the initiation of the discharge has been derived. This equation yields current versus time curves which are in good agreement with experiment. From this equation, estimates of the ionization time can be made. The calculations give ionization times of the correct order of magnitude. The calculated ionization times show the experimentally observed dependence upon the grid overvoltage, gas pressure, and anode voltage.
Severe Plastic Deformation Induced Sensitization of Cryo-milled Nanocrystalline Al-7.5 Mg

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to investigate the sensitization behavior in nanocrystalline Al-7.5 pct Mg synthesized by cryomilling and hot isostatic pressing. High-resolution TEM reveals the formation of β phase in as-extruded condition as well as in aged condition. Grain boundaries are enriched with Mg during milling as a result of flux of defects, such as vacancy and dislocations that are strongly coupled to Mg atoms, to grain boundaries. It is suggested that sensitization is enhanced due to severe plastic deformation during high energy ball milling.
Lower mortality in sepsis patients admitted through the ED vs direct admission.

Abstract Purpose Early aggressive resuscitation in patients with severe sepsis decreases mortality but requires extensive time and resources. This study analyzes if patients with sepsis admitted through the emergency department (ED) have lower inpatient mortality than do patients admitted directly to the hospital. Procedures We performed a cross-sectional analysis of hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of sepsis in institutions with an annual minimum of 25 ED and 25 direct admissions for sepsis, using data from the 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Analyses were controlled for patient and hospital characteristics and examined the likelihood of either early (2-day postadmission) or overall inpatient mortality. Findings Of 98 896 hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of sepsis, from 290 hospitals, 80,301 were admitted through the ED and 18 595 directly to the hospital. Overall sepsis inpatient mortality was 17.1% for ED admissions and 19.7% for direct admissions ( P P = .005). Emergency department patients had a greater proportion of comorbid conditions, were more likely to have Medicaid or be uninsured (12.5% vs 8.4%; P P Conclusion Admission for sepsis through the ED was associated with lower early and overall inpatient mortality in this large national sample.
Abnormal white matter in a neurologically intact child with incontinentia pigmenti.

Incontinentia pigmenti is an X-linked neurocutaneous disorder which is often lethal in males. Ectodermal tissues are involved, and affected females often have abnormalities of skin, teeth, hair, eyes, and the central nervous system. Central nervous system involvement ranges from none to multiple strokes, seizures, and mental retardation. Deletions in the nuclear factor kappa β essential modulator gene at Xq28 are present in 70-80% of patients with incontinentia pigmenti. White matter abnormalities have been reported in females with significant neurologic involvement. This report describes a neurologically intact child with deletion positive incontinentia pigmenti with significant white matter involvement, broadening the scope of this finding in incontinentia pigmenti.
Inhibition of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases by p-chloroamphetamine and its role in protein synthesis inhibition

Abstract p -Chloroamphetamine inhibited to some degree all amino acid-dependent pyrophosphate-exchange activities which could be detected in a rabbit reticulocyte extract. A detailed kinetic analysis of the reaction catalyzed by reticulocyte leucyl-tRNA synthetase demonstrated that the inhibitor affected only amino acid binding. Less rigorous studies of other synthetases from both rabbit reticulocyte and Escherichia coli could be similarly interpreted, suggesting that this compound interacts in a common manner with these several enzymes. The contribution of such effects to the inhibition of protein synthesis by the drug was investigated using cell-free translation systems in which rates of amino acid incorporation were limited to varying degrees by the synthesis and availability of aminoacyl-tRNA. In a wheat germ system programmed with globin mRNA, in which levels of amino acids and aminoacyl-tRNAs were shown to limit the rate of protein synthesis, the inhibition produced by p -chloroamphetamine could be partially reversed by increasing the concentration of the limiting amino acid. In a reticulocyte lysate, in which amino acid concentrations were not limiting, inhibition failed to show an amino acid-reversible component. Thus, while the inhibition of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases by amphetamines can be shown in some cases to play a role in the effects of these compounds on in vitro protein synthesis, other sites of interference with initiation and/ or elongation reactions may predominate, depending on the construction of the system under study.
Hadron masses with two quark flavors.

We investigate the hadron mass spectrum in lattice QCD with two flavors of dynamical quarks. We use ${6}^{3}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}24, ${8}^{3}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}24, and ${10}^{3}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}24 lattices with 6/${g}^{2}$ adjusted so that the thermal crossover temperature is 1/4a or 1/6a. At these values of 6/${g}^{2}$ flavor symmetry is not restored and the familiar problem of the nucleon to \ensuremath{\rho} mass ratio is not fixed by the dynamical fermions. For comparison and checking we measure the spectrum in the quenched approximation using analogous couplings and identical methods. The effects of the finite spatial size are investigated and found to be small. We discuss our fitting procedures and our control of systematic errors in some detail. We combine our mass measurements with previous calculations to estimate the temperature for the transition to a chirally symmetric phase of QCD in physical units.
An Analysis of the Market Share-Profitability Relationship:

A number of researchers in the marketing, management, and economics disciplines have expressed reservations regarding the validity and generalizability of the reported relationships between market ...