cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of synthetic MRI in knee imaging in routine practice.

BackgroundSynthetic magnetic resonance (MR) is a method allowing reduction of examination time and access to quantitative imaging.PurposeThis study sought to assess the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to standard MRI in patients with knee pain.Material and MethodsIn total, 22 patients underwent standard 1.5 knee MRI with an added synthetic sequence. Quantitative T1, T2, and proton density (PD) images were generated synthetically; T1, PD, and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) weighted images were created with chosen echo time (TE), repetition time (TR), and inversion time (TI). Two blinded musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated the overall sequence quality, visualization of anatomic structures, and presence of artifacts using a 3-point score.ResultsThe synthetic sequence was acquired in 39% less time than the conventional MRI. Synthetic PD, T1, and STIR images were rated fair (2%, 5%, and 2%, respectively) or good quality (98%, 95%, and 98%, re...
The Middle Ages in 50 Objects

The extraordinary array of images included in this volume reveals the full and rich history of the Middle Ages. Exploring material objects from the European, Byzantine and Islamic worlds, the book casts a new light on the cultures that formed them, each culture illuminated by its treasures. The objects are divided among four topics: The Holy and the Faithful; The Sinful and the Spectral; Daily Life and Its Fictions, and Death and Its Aftermath. Each section is organized chronologically, and every object is accompanied by a penetrating essay that focuses on its visual and cultural significance within the wider context in which the object was made and used. Spot maps add yet another way to visualize and consider the significance of the objects and the history that they reveal. Lavishly illustrated, this is an appealing and original guide to the cultural history of the Middle Ages.
Laser velocimetry for transonic aerodynamics

Applications of laser velocimetry to the measurement of turbulent flow properties of strong transonic viscous-inviscid interactions are reviewed. The data resulting from these studies are then discussed in relation to their importance in the development of improved viscous-flow calculation methods. Also considered are the current limitations of laser velocimetry, the need for further improvements in the method, and potential future applications.
Bam HI, Hind III, and Eco RI Restriction Endonuclease Cleavage Sites in the argECBH Region of the Escherichia coli Chromosome

Restriction endonuclease analysis has been widely applied to DNA's from animal viruses, bacteriophages, and plasmids (1,2). Much less detailed information is available on the distribution of restriction endonuclease cleavage sites in various regions of bacterial chromosomes. In the context of regulatory studies (3), our interest has focused on the four-gene cluster of the argECBH region of E. coli. The exploration of this region, as of others, was greatly facilitated by the availability of appropriate specialized transducing phages (4).
Dosimetric Benefits and Practical Pitfalls of Daily Online Adaptive MRI-Guided Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract Purpose Magnetic resonance imaging guided (MRI-g) radiation therapy provides visualization of the target and organs at risk (OARs), allowing for daily online adaptive radiation therapy (OART). We hypothesized that MRI-g OART would improve OAR sparing and target coverage in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials Ten patients received pancreas SBRT to a dose of 33 to 40 Gy in 5 fractions. The dose was prescribed to 90% coverage of the planning target volume at 100% isodose (PTV100). After each fraction's setup magnetic resonance imaging scan, the target position was aligned by 3-dimensional shifts, the normal anatomy was recontoured, and the original radiation therapy plan was recalculated to create a nonadaptive plan. A reoptimized (adaptive) plan was then generated for each fraction and renormalized to 90% coverage of PTV100. Target and OAR doses between nonadaptive and adaptive plans were compared to assess the dosimetric impact of daily adaptation. Results The PTV100 mean for adaptive and nonadaptive techniques was 90% and 80.4% (range, 46%-97%), respectively (P = .0008). Point maximum (Dmax) 38 Gy duodenum objectives were met in 43 adaptive fractions compared with 32 nonadaptive fractions (P = .022). Both PTV100 ≥90% and all OAR objectives were achieved in 28 adaptive fractions compared with only 3 nonadaptive fractions. For nonadaptive plans, interfraction increases in stomach volume correlated with higher stomach V33 (P = .004), stomach Dmax (P = .009), duodenum V33 (P = .021), and duodenum Dmax (P = .105). No correlation was observed between stomach volume and OAR doses for adaptive plans. OART plans with Dmax violations of the spinal cord (20 Gy) in 4 fractions and large bowel (38 Gy) in 5 fractions were identified (although not delivered). Conclusions MRI-g OART improves target coverage and OAR sparing for pancreas SBRT. This benefit partially results from mitigation of interfraction variability in stomach volume. Caution must be exercised to evaluate all OARs near the treatment area.
Standardization of I-124 by three liquid scintillation-based methods

Abstract A solution of 124I was standardized for activity by 4πβ(LS)-γ(NaI) live-timed anticoincidence (LTAC) counting, with confirmatory measurements by triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) and CIEMAT-NIST efficiency tracing (CNET) liquid scintillation counting. The LTAC-based standard was shown to be in agreement (within k = 1 uncertainties) with previous measurements at NIST and elsewhere. Calibration settings for radionuclide calibrators were determined and a discrepancy with literature values, partially due to a calibration methodology dependent upon an erroneous setting for 18F, was identified and explained.
Pluralism and Perspectivism in the American Pragmatist Tradition

This chapter explores perspectivism in the American Pragmatist tradition. On the one hand, the thematization of perspectivism in contemporary epistemology and philosophy of science can benefit from resources in the American Pragmatist philosophical tradition. On the other hand, the Pragmatists have interesting and innovative, pluralistic views that can be illuminated through the lens of perspectivism. I pursue this inquiry primarily through examining relevant sources from the Pragmatist tradition. I will illustrate productive engagements between pragmatism and perspectivism in three areas: in the pragmatists’ fallibilistic theories of inquiry and truth, in their pluralistic metaphysics, and in their views on cultural pluralism. While there are some potential sticking points between pragmatism and perspectivism, particularly around the visual metaphor of perspective, these philosophical approaches nonetheless have much to learn from each other. Perspectivism is in danger of falling between the horns of pernicious relativism and a platitudinous view of the limits of human perception and cognition. The pragmatists accounts of truth and reality open the possibility of a more thoroughgoing perspectivism. I will follow this thread through Charles S. Peirce’s, William James’, and John Dewey’s theories of inquiry and truth, Peirce’s evolutionary metaphysics, James’ radical pluralism, Dewey’s cultural naturalism, Richard Rorty’s anti-essentialism, Jane Addams’ standpoint epistemology, W.E.B. Du Bois’ theory of race consciousness, Horace Kallen’s and Alain LeRoy Locke’s cultural pluralism, and Mary Parker Follett’s account of pluralistic integration.
The materials science of skin: Analysis, characterization, and modeling

Abstract Skin is the outermost layer of the body and acts as a primary protective barrier against external agents such as heat, light, infection, and injury. Additionally, skin regulates the temperature of the body and the exchange of fluids. Skin contains a vast network of nerves, glands, and vessels that enable sensing of heat, touch, pressure and pain, and is also a crucial interface that regulates our body temperature and stores water and lipids to maintain a healthy metabolism. In order to fulfill such a broad range of functions throughout life, skin must be able to withstand and recover from significant deformation as well as mitigate tear propagation that can occur during growth, movement, and injuries affecting its integrity. Hence, characterizing the mechanical behavior of skin and understanding the underlying mechanisms of deformation at different spatial scales is essential in a large spectrum of applications such as surgery, cosmetics, forensics, biomimetics and engineering of protective gear or artificial grafts, among others. The present review draws a comprehensive list of experimental techniques that have been developed over the years to test skin’s nonlinear elastic, viscoelastic, and dissipative properties. To identify parameters affecting its behavior, a significant number of models have been developed, some of which are detailed here; they range from macroscopic constitutive laws to structurally-based formulations, involving nonlinear, dynamic, or damage-inducing processes. The principal structural elements within the dermis, and especially the arrangement and orientation of the collagen fibrils and fibers, are presented; their incorporation into the constitutive models is discussed. Future challenges and perspectives in implementing more accurate structural models are highlighted. Major efforts at developing and using synthetic skin are described.
Who Makes Art on Instagram? Understanding Literacy Representation Through a Case Study of Instagram Photographers

Photography has become exceedingly prevalent in Americans’ lives due to social media platforms that rely on photo-sharing. While the public now has increased access via tools and technologies to engage in Photography’s discourse, we do not see an increase in those who are considered literate. To gain an understanding of who is accepted into Photography’s discourse, and, more broadly, how our understanding of literacy does not necessarily represent all literate individuals, ethnographic data was collected from members of Photography’s discourse community. The Photographers discussed who is considered a Photographer, and how increased access affects the community. The study found that increased access does not necessarily result in an increase of individuals who are considered literate, and that the role of gatekeeping is blurred between members and non-members. Inaccurate representations of who is considered a Photographer appear to come from a necessity for Photography to maintain its power by withholding access to its discourse community; if access to a discourse community is increased, acceptance is repressed in order to maintain its power. Additional exploration of this process is necessary to fully grasp who is considered literate.
Is Scheler’s Ethic An Ethic of Virtue?

In addressing the question at issue, I consider (1) Scheler’s distinction between Kant’s “ethics of duty” and his own “ethics of insight”; (2) Kant’s weakened conceptions of moral virtue and vice, which are roughly equivalent to Aristotle’s encrates and akrates, disqualify his ethic as a classical ethic of virtue; (3) Scheler’s phenomenological articulation of moral virtue as a moral disposition (Gesinnung); and (4) whether Scheler develops his theory so as to provide anything like a view of “man-as-he-could-be-if-he-realized-his-telos,” which Alasdair Maclntyre finds in classical virtue-ethics. I conclude that Scheler’s ethic has some of the basic features of classical ethics of virtue, but also some of the basic difficulties of “post-aretaic” ethics.
Experimental Validation of an Adaptive Controller for Manipulators on a Dynamic Platform

This paper reports on laboratory and field experimental results for controlled robotic manipulators operating on moving platforms with unmodeled dynamics. The aim is to validate theoretical predictions for the dependence on control parameters of an adaptive control strategy. In addition, the results provide insight into different discretizations of the continuous-time formulation, suggesting the most suitable discretization scheme for hardware implementation. The second set of experimental results, obtained from an implementation of the control framework for synchronization and consensus in networks of robotic manipulators, similarly validate theoretical predictions on the sensitivity to network communication delays.
Review of “Epileptic Seizures and the EEG: Measurement, Models, Detection and Prediction,” by Andrea Varsavsky, Iven Mareels, and Mark Cook.

Epileptic Seizures and the EEG: Measurement, Models, Detection and Prediction was written with the goal of increasing communication between its target audiences: medical doctors and electrical engi...
Adopting DOI in Legal Citation: A Roadmap for the Legal Academy

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique string of numbers, letters, and symbols used to identify web-based information assets such as articles, multimedia items, and datasets. A digital object minted with a DOI will be persistently discoverable through this identifier, as long as it lives on the Web. DOIs are already ubiquitous in citations in the medical and scientific literature, primarily because the discovery of, access to, and linkages between the scholarship in these disciplines happens almost exclusively online. As is true with most content on the web, scholarly content in the sciences is published on multiple platforms and may be archived in multiple locations. In light of the fact that one may be hard-pressed to create a reliable static URL that other researchers can refer to under these circumstances, those who publish in the sciences have arrived at a consensus that DOIs are the gold standard for making research outputs easier to find, use, and share. Why, then, has the legal academy largely eschewed DOIs for legal citation? Discussions are certainly taking place, but currently there are no practical guidelines for implementing DOIs in legal citations. The Bluebook takes no position on them and authors and law review editors either ignore them or are largely unaware of their benefits. This paper argues that the implementation and development of a standard for DOI in legal citation is long past due. It will lay out a roadmap for legal scholars, institutions, and vendors for implementing DOI, with helpful tips for authors, librarians, and law journals on minting DOIs; and will provide examples for the Bluebook on what a rule for integrating DOI in legal citation might look like.
Low gestational vitamin D level and childhood asthma are related to impaired lung function in high-risk children.

Background Lung function impairment in early life often persists into adulthood. Therefore, identifying risk factors for low childhood lung function is crucial. Objective We examined the effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level and childhood asthma phenotype on childhood lung function in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART). Methods The 25(OH)D level was measured at set time points in mothers during pregnancy and in children during early life. On the basis of parental reports, children were categorized into 3 clinical phenotypes: asymptomatic/infrequent wheeze, early transient wheeze, and asthma at age 6 years. Lung function was assessed with impulse oscillometry at ages 4, 5, and 6 years and with spirometry at ages 5 and 6 years. Results A total of 570 mother-child pairs were included in this post hoc analysis. Mean gestational 25(OH)D-level quartiles were negatively associated with child respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R5) from age 4 to 6 years (β, −0.021 kPa/L/s; 95% CI, −0.035 to −0.007; P = .003) and positively associated with FEV1 (β, 0.018 L; 95% CI, 0.005-0.031; P = .008) and forced vital capacity (β, 0.022 L; 95% CI, 0.009-0.036; P = .002) from age 5 to 6 years. Children with asthma at age 6 years had lower lung function from age 4 to 6 years than the asymptomatic/infrequent wheeze group (β, 0.065 kPa/L/s; 95% CI, 0.028 to 0.102; P Conclusions Low gestational 25(OH)D level and childhood asthma are important risk factors for decreased lung function in early childhood.
Clinical risk factors for mortality in an analysis of 1375 patients admitted for COVID treatment.

The goal of the present work was to examine clinical risk factors for mortality in 1375 COVID + patients admitted to a hospital in Suffolk County, NY. Data were collated by the hospital epidemiological service for patients admitted from 3/7/2020 to 9/1/2020. Time until final discharge or death was the outcome. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate time until death among admitted patients. In total, all cases had resolved leading to 207 deaths. Length of stay was significantly longer in those who died as compared to those who did not (p = 0.007). Of patients who had been discharged, 54 were readmitted and nine subsequently died. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression revealed that in addition to older age, male sex, and a history of chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes, that a history of premorbid depression was a risk factors for COVID-19 mortality (aHR = 2.42 [1.38-4.23] P = 0.002), and that this association remained after adjusting for age and for neuropsychiatric conditions as well as medical comorbidities including cardiovascular disease and pulmonary conditions. Sex-stratified analyses revealed that associations between mortality and depression was strongest in males (aHR = 4.45 [2.04-9.72], P < 0.001), and that the association between heart failure and mortality was strongest in participants aged < 65 years old (aHR = 30.50 [9.17-101.48], P < 0.001). While an increasing number of studies have identified several comorbid medical conditions including chronic heart failure and age of patient as risk factors for mortality in COVID + patients, this study confirmed several prior reports and also noted that a history of depression is an independent risk factor for COVID-19 mortality.
Food allergens: II. Atopic reagins and the botanical classification of foods

Abstract Sera of patients clinically sensitive and skin negative to one food, and clinically negative but skin positive to another in the same botanical family, may or may not contain atopic reagins. These findings and conclusions coincide with those of Peshkin, Chobot, and Herwitz. However, our data were obtained from adults clinically sensitive to botanically related foods while their findings were obtained from children, and the investigation was not conducted from the standpoint of botanically related foods.
Location of Zeros Part II: Ordered fields

In this sequel to [6], we continue the investigation into the behavior of multiplier sequences and n-sequences (of the first kind) begun in Part I. The definitions and notation used in Part I for studying the real numbers will be carried over to arbitrary fields in this part. In particular, a multiplier sequence for a fieldF is an infinite sequence F (y0, Yl, y2, ...) of elements ofF with the property that iff(x) Eakx k is a polynomial which splits in F, then F[f] Eykax also splits in F. An n-sequence is a finite sequence r (v0, v, v with the above property for polynomials of degree at most n. A multiplier sequence F will be called an exponential sequence if Yk Cr, k O, 1, 2, for some elements c and r in the field. These sequences, together with those such that y 0 for k 4: n, n + 1 (some fixed n), will be called trivial multiplier sequences; they are precisely the multiplier sequences which work for all fields [4]. If F {’0, yl, Y2, ...} and s is a positive integer, the sequence {y, y+, Ys+2, ""} will be called a shift of F; it is again a multiplier sequence [4, Proposition 2.2]. For further definitions and notation see Part I [6]. We shall refer to results in Part I by using the form Theorem 1.2.3 to mean Theorem 2.3 of Part I. Recall that a field is said to be formally real if it can be ordered [2], [11]. In the next section, we explore the extent to which multiplier sequences and n-sequences can be characterized over arbitrary formally real fields in ways similar to that for the real numbers as first proved by P61ya and Schur [4, Theorem 3.1]. This leads us to study certain special classes of formally real fields. In the third section, we take one of the main results of Part I for the real numbers and try to extend it to arbitrary real closed fields. In Part I we showed that a multiplier sequence F for the real numbers can be applied to an arbitrary polynomial with real coefficients, giving a new polynomial
Using finite difference delay modeling and the Nyström method for the discretization of two-dimensional scattering problems

The finite difference delay modeling method is applied to the solution of two-dimensional electromagnetic scattering problems. The spatial discretization is carried out by the locally corrected Nystrom method with arbitrary, analytically-described geometry models to achieve a method that exhibits higher-order convergence in both space and time. The efficacy and accuracy of the method are demonstrated with numerical results.
A sparing SC filter design approach with reduced transmission zeros

A systematic switched-capacitor (SC) filter design method that satisfies a set of frequency specifications while its implementation requires less total capacitance than the conventional design using the bilinear mapping is presented. The design approach is based on: (i) a prewarping scheme for different mappings of the 1/s and 1/s/sup 2/ terms of each biquadratic factor forming the transfer function; (ii) strategic addition of zeros at z=-1; and (iii) iterative modification of the frequency responses rendering different transfer functions that eventually satisfy the original frequency design specifications. A detailed algorithm is discussed together with an examples showing the attractive properties of the proposed method. >
CPL: Enhancing Mobile Phone Functionality by Call Predicted List

In this paper, we present a concept of a new advanced feature for a mobile phone that provides its user functionality for predicting future calls. The feature is envisaged as a Call Predicted List (CPL) which makes use of the user's call history to build a probabilistic model of calling behavior based on the caller's calling patterns and reciprocity. The calling behavior model is then used to generate a list of numbers/contacts that are the most likely to be callers in the next hour. The performance of the CPL is evaluated with the real-life call logs and it shows promising results in accuracy.
Topical clobetasol propionate in the treatment of psoriasis: a review of newer formulations.

Ultrapotent topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of psoriasis treatment, used either alone or in combination with a topical vitamin D analog. Traditionally used in an ointment vehicle for psoriasis, clobetasol propionate 0.05% is also available in spray, foam, lotion, and shampoo formulations, which may provide for improved convenience and acceptance in many patients with similar efficacy, safety, and tolerability as the traditional ointment and cream formulations. To compare newer formulations with traditional ointment and cream formulations, we performed a systematic review of the literature. Search terms included ‘clobetasol propionate,’ in combination with ‘psoriasis,’ ‘vasoconstriction,’ ‘vasoconstrictor,’ or ‘absorption’ for each of the four vehicles (‘spray,’ ‘foam,’ ‘lotion,’ and ‘shampoo’). While there are very few direct comparison studies between clobetasol propionate in different vehicles, the efficacy rates (with success defined as clear or almost clear of psoriasis) for more recent formulations are high, with most patients achieving success after 2–4 weeks of treatment in well controlled clinical trials, with response rates that are similar to those with the traditional clobetasol propionate ointment. Small differences in vasoconstrictor potency or cutaneous absorption have been noted among the formulations, but the clinical significance of these observations is difficult to discern. Recent research has emphasized the importance of treatment adherence in the management of psoriasis. Adherence to treatment is likely to be a far more important determinant of success than are small differences in drug delivery, especially in actual clinical use as opposed to the well controlled environment of clinical trials. For patients who prefer a less messy vehicle, adherence and outcomes are likely to be better with the more recent formulations compared with the traditionally recommended ointment.
Writer's cramp

Writer's cramp is the most common form of focal, task-specific dystonia. Symptoms frequently evolve in the setting of repetitive hand movements and increased writing demands, and clinical presentations demonstrate a variety of different dystonic patterns of the upper extremity such as while writing or holding a writing utensil. However, why writer's cramp develops still remains much of a mystery. Clinical evaluation of patients with writer's cramp and various theories regarding its pathophysiology are reviewed. Treatment can be challenging and often involves a combination of pharmacologic (e.g., oral medications, botulinum toxin injections) and non-pharmacologic approaches (e.g., neurosurgical or neurostimulatory interventions, rehabilitation therapies, adaptive devices). Management strategies for writer's cramp using both of these approaches will be discussed.
A prediction-based resampling method for estimating the number of clusters in a dataset

Microarray technology is increasingly being applied in biological and medical research to address a wide range of problems, such as the classification of tumors. An important statistical problem associated with tumor classification is the identification of new tumor classes using gene-expression profiles. Two essential aspects of this clustering problem are: to estimate the number of clusters, if any, in a dataset; and to allocate tumor samples to these clusters, and assess the confidence of cluster assignments for individual samples. Here we address the first of these problems. We have developed a new prediction-based resampling method, Clest, to estimate the number of clusters in a dataset. The performance of the new and existing methods were compared using simulated data and gene-expression data from four recently published cancer microarray studies. Clest was generally found to be more accurate and robust than the six existing methods considered in the study. Focusing on prediction accuracy in conjunction with resampling produces accurate and robust estimates of the number of clusters.
Functional Outcomes Following Bridge Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures.

Purpose To determine the functional outcomes of patients treated with dorsal spanning distraction bridge plate fixation for distal radius fractures. Methods All adult patients at our institution who underwent treatment of a unilateral distal radius fracture using a dorsal bridge plate from 2008 to 2012 were identified retrospectively. Patients were enrolled in clinical follow-up to assess function. Wrist range of motion, grip strength, and extension torque were measured systematically and compared with the contralateral, uninjured wrist. Patients also completed Quick -Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation outcomes questionnaires. Results Eighteen of 100 eligible patients, with a minimum of 1 year from the time of implant removal, were available for follow-up (mean, 2.7 y). All fracture patterns were comminuted and intra-articular (AO 23.C3). There were significant decreases in wrist flexion (43° vs 58°), extension (46° vs 56°), and ulnar deviation (23° vs 29°) compared with the contralateral uninjured wrist. Grip strength was 86% and extension torque was 78% of the contralateral wrist. Comparison of dominant and nondominant wrist injuries identified nearly complete recovery of grip (95%) and extension (96%) strength of dominant-sided wrist injuries, compared with grip (79%) and extension (65%) strength in those with an injured nondominant wrist. Mean Quick -Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores were 16 and 14, respectively. There were 2 cases of postoperative surgical site pain and no cases of infection, tendonitis, or tendon rupture. Conclusions Distraction bridge plate fixation for distal radius fractures is safe with minimal complications. Functional outcomes are similar to those published for other treatment methods. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Calcium-Assisted Glass-to-Glass Bonding for Fabrication of Glass Microfluidic Devices

Glass is a desired material for many microfluidics applications. It is chemically resistant and has desirable characteristics for capillary electrophoresis. The process to make a glass chip, however, is lengthy and inconvenient, with the most difficult step often being the bonding of two planar glass substrates. Here we describe a new glass bonding technique, which requires only washing of the glass surfaces with a calcium solution and 1−2 h of bonding at 115 °C. We found calcium uniquely allows for this simple and efficient low-temperature bonding to occur, and none of the other cations we tried (e.g., Na+, Mg2+, Mn3+) resulted in satisfactory bonding. We determined this bond is able to withstand high applied field strengths of at least up to 4 kV·cm−1. When intense pressure was applied to a fluid inlet, a circular portion of the coverslip beneath the well exploded outward but very little of the glass−glass interface debonded. In combination with the directed hydrofluoric acid etching of a glass substrat...
Dual Ser and Thr phosphorylation of CPI-17, an inhibitor of myosin phosphatase, by MYPT-associated kinase.

Phosphorylation of CPI-17 and PHI-1 by the MYPT1-associated kinase (M110 kinase) was investigated. M110 kinase is a recently identified serine/threonine kinase with a catalytic domain that is homologous to that of ZIP kinase (ZIPK. GST-rN-ZIPK, a constitutively active GST fusion fragment, phosphorylates CPI-17 (but not PHI-1) to a stoichiometry of 1.7 mol/mol. Phosphoamino acid analysis revealed phosphorylation of both Ser and Thr residues. Phosphorylation sites in CPI-17 were identified as Thr 38 and Ser 12 using Edman sequencing with 32P release and a point mutant of Thr 38.
Effects of native predators and eelgrass habitat structure on the introduced Asian mussel Musculista senhousia (Benson in Cantor) in southern California

Abstract The ability of predators to control the abundance of non-native species has been little explored in marine systems. Native predators may be used to control non-native species or may confer invasion resistance to communities if predation rates on invaders are density-dependent. We studied the response of southern California native predators to the density of Musculista senhousia (Benson in Cantor, 1842), a small, fast growing mussel that has been introduced from Japan to several coastlines worldwide. We performed field experiments to determine if M. senhousia proportional mortality is density-dependent and if eelgrass Zostera marina L. habitat structure influenced mussel density-dependent mortality. We also evaluated the effect of seagrass habitat structure on the aggregative and functional responses of the predatory gastropod Pteropurpura festiva (Hinds, 1844) to Asian mussel density. In the summer of 2002, P. festiva aggregated in plots with high mussel density and was responsible for nearly all predation on M. senhousia . However, M. senhousia proportional mortality was inversely density-dependent at all levels of eelgrass above-ground and below-ground habitat structure. Asian mussel proportional mortality also was inversely density-dependent and was not influenced by eelgrass habitat structure in the spring of 2004 when wading birds were the chief predator of mussels. In contrast to results for mussel proportional mortality, the aggregative and functional responses of P. festiva varied with seagrass habitat structure. P. festiva density increased with Asian mussel density in plots with low simulated habitat structure, but the relationship between P. festiva density and Asian mussel density was parabolic at zero, intermediate and high levels of habitat structure. In field enclosures, P. festiva exhibited a Type I (linear) functional response to Asian mussel density at low levels of eelgrass structure, and a Type II (hyperbolic) functional response to mussel density at high levels of eelgrass structure. Our results and those of others suggest that the degree to which local benthic communities in southern California are resistant to Asian mussel invasion depends on habitat structure, mussel settlement rates, and the density and diversity of predators.
Cardiac Rehabilitation after Heart Transplantation Reduces Development of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy

Purpose Cardiac rehabilitation after heart transplantation has been documented to be beneficial for increased physical activity via a randomized trial using cardiopulmonary stress testing. It is not clear as to whether cardiac rehabilitation in the first year after transplant leads to better long-term outcome. Methods and Materials We queried 164 heart transplant patients transplanted between 1991 and 2011, who underwent formal cardiac rehabilitation in the first year post-transplantation and compared them to 233 patients who did not undergo cardiac rehabilitation. End points include 5-year freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). And non-fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF-MACE, defined as myocardial infarction, heart failure, need for percutaneous cardiac intervention, stroke). Results Patients who underwent cardiac rehabilitation compared to those that did not had significantly greater 5-year freedom from CAV (85% vs 76%, p=0.024). There was no difference in baseline risk factors (except the rehab group being older) and 1-year freedom from treated rejection between groups. Conclusions Cardiac rehabilitation is associated with less development of CAV at 5-years. Further study into the mechanisms of this finding is to be pursued. Outcomes No Cardiac Rehab (N=233) Cardiac Rehab (N=164) p-value 5-Year Freedom from CAV 76% 85% 0.024 5-Year Freedom from NF-MACE 87% 89% 0.526 1-Year Freedom from Any-Treated Rejection 87% 85% 0.644 BMI at Baseline, Mean ± SD 25.0 ± 4.3 25.4 ± 4.7 0.381 Diabetes at Baseline, n (%) 57 (24%) 44 (27%) 0.595 Recipient Age, Mean Years ± SD 54 ± 12 58 ± 11 0.001 Donor Age, Mean Years ± SD 31 ± 12 33 ± 13 0.115
Posterior Blade Plate Fusion: A Salvage Procedure in Severe Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis of the Tibiotalar Joint

The treatment of tibial plafond fractures is challenging and often is complicated by the compromise of the anterior ankle soft-tissue envelope and a high degree of fracture comminution. Many of these injuries are nonreconstructable and posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the tibiotalar joint is unavoidable. These patients may benefit from a salvage procedure using a posterior blade plate fusion of the tibiotalar joint. This procedure avoids the compromised anterior ankle soft-tissue envelope and allows simultaneous reconstruction of the metaphyseal defect as well as fusion of the tibiotalar joint. Indications include the acute treatment of severely comminuted tibial plafond fractures that appear nonreconstructable, management of posttraumatic tibiotalar osteoarthritis that is associated with significant compromise of the anterior ankle soft tissue envelope, and salvage of distal metaphyseal nonunions or delayed unions that are associated with posttraumatic tibiotalar osteoarthritis. We suggest posterior blade plate fusion as a standard procedure for these patient populations. Further clinical trials are required to investigate the clinical long-term outcomes in these patients.
Postinsertion denture problems

Abstract Postinsertion problems can be serious problems for dentists. A systematic approach to the solution of these problems has been suggested.
Mapping dynamic programming onto a linear systolic array

In the paper we show a single, efficient implementation of dynamic programming on alinear array using a new mapping methodology. In this method, we start with a known 2-D array onto which the dynamic programming algorithm has been mapped. By partitioning and stretching, this 2-D array is mapped onto a linear array. We derive a data movement scheme to simulate the data streams and the computations in the 2-D array. This scheme is implemented usingfast/slow data channels. Compared to known designs in the literature our design uses constant storage in each PE, constant number of I/O lines and continuous I/O sequence. Besides, the data and control flow in the array is unidirectional. This property makes the design suitable for implementation on the well-known fault-tolerant Wafer Scale Integration model.
Narcissism and Negotiation: Economic Gain and Interpersonal Loss

Successful negotiation involves satisfying two seemingly contradictory goals: maximizing personal gain while forming a positive interpersonal relationship with negotiation counterparts. We hypothesized that individuals high on narcissism would gain economically but loose interpersonally in a negotiation. Seventy MBA students engaged in a negotiation simulation, completed a measure of narcissism, reported their emotional states, evaluated their negotiation counterparts' emotional states, and evaluated how much they trusted and liked their counterparts. Consistent with the hypothesis, results revealed that in negotiations, narcissistic personality characteristics can lead to economic gain but are accompanied by interpersonal loss.
On minimal/maximal ground-state thresholds in uniform classes of 2D ±J Ising models

Abstract We start from the so-called uniform classes HCz, SQz, TRz of honeycomb, square and triangular ±J Ising models without exterior magnetic field; z is a fixed number of PAF-bonds on the plaquette perimeter where these bonds have the same positive probability p to be antiferromagnetic and the probability 1−p to be ferromagnetic, the other bonds are always ferromagnetic. For each of these classes we investigate the minimal/maximal ground-state threshold lz,type, uz,type of spontaneous magnetization (type=hc,sq,tr). Based on the notion of PAF-bond node-degree distribution (with respect to a fixed model) we derive special models for which we have strong indications that they just produce the lz,type, uz,type. Estimates for the critical concentrations pc, from simulations with these models, are in good agreement with presumably exact values for the lz,type, uz,type (e.g., in the isotropic cases l 6,hc =u 6,hc = 1 15 , l 4,sq =u 4,sq = 1 10 , l 3,tr =u 3,tr = 3 20 ).
Cell sorting out according to species in aggregates containing mouse and chick embryonic limb mesoblast cells

Aggregates were prepared containing mouse and chick embryonic limb mesoblast cells. After 21 to 33 hours in culture, these aggregates showed prominent sorting out of the mouse cells from the chick cells. This sorting out was even more extensive after 46 to 54 hours. This sorting out is contrary to previous reports for mouse-chick limb aggregates. After three to four days of culture, chondrification became quite prominent within the aggregates. Accompanying this event, the segregation of mouse and chick cells became less extensive within the chondrified zones. This rescrambling seems to be due at least in part to the interpenetration of neighboring chondrifying regions. Such interpenetration would be expected, due to the expansion which occurs within chondrifying areas. This reshuffling is the probable reason why sorting out was not observed in earlier experiments with mouse-chick limb aggregates. In these earlier studies, the reports were limited to aggregates which had extensive matrix secretion. The finding that mouse and chick limb mesoblast cells sort out from each other, together with recent reports that similar sorting out occurs in mouse-chick heart ventricle aggregates and in mouse-chick mesonephric aggregates, invalidates the generalization that cell sorting properties for any one tissue are constant from species to species among warm-blooded vertebrate embryos.
Apoptosis and proliferation in the neonatal murine heart.

The spatial and temporal patterns of apoptosis and proliferation in timed fetal, neonatal, and adult murine hearts have been determined using an in situ end-labeling technique for detecting fragmented DNA, and bromodeoxyuridine immunofluorescence as a marker for DNA synthesis. Also, cardiac expression of apoptosis-related proteins was assessed by immunofluorescence. Prominent apoptotic labeling was found in the right ventricular subendocardium and the basal septum in the area of the developing conduction system. In the right ventricle, apoptotic labeling surged late in the first day postpartum, then declined to levels similar to the left ventricle by postpartum day 8.5. Apoptotic labeling at the basal septum was greatest peripartum and gradually declined to levels seen in the rest of the heart by postpartum day 8.5. Cessation of proliferation did not occur simultaneously throughout the neonatal heart. Through postpartum day 4.5, incorporation of BrdU was greater in the left ventricle than in the right ventricle, particularly in the subendocardium. Bax and Fas, proapoptotic proteins, were detected homogeneously throughout both ventricles in the neonate, while Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein, was not detectable. These data suggest that postnatal cardiac remodeling results from changes in both apoptosis and proliferation. Furthermore, the temporal and spatial pattern of these processes, coincident with the hemodynamic changes associated with parturition, suggests that both processes may be regulated by mechanical factors.
The solubility of calcite — probably containing magnesium — in seawater

The apparent solubility product of calcite was measured by saturometry as a function of temperature and salinity. Simplified equations for the carbonic-acid dissociation constants of Mehrbach et al., 1973 (Limnol. Oceanogr., 18: 897–907) have been derived from their experimental data and used to calculate apparent solubility product, K′sp, K′sp at 25°C and 35‰ salinity, was found to be K′sp = 4.70 × 10−7(mol2 kg seawater−2) An equation was fitted to the experimental data, resulting in pK′sp = 6.5795 − 3.7159 × 105(TS) + 0.91056(T/S) − 22.110(1.0/S) The mean activity coefficients, γ±CaCO3, were calculated at various temperatures and salinities, using the thermodynamic solubility product of Jacobson and Langmuir, 1974 (Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 38: 301–318) and the apparent solubility products quoted in their paper. The change in K′sp at each salinity, as a function of temperature, was used to calculate the apparent enthalpy of dissociation for calcite, ΔH′, and the extrapolated value of ΔH0 was in good agreement with that of Jacobson and Langmuir. Finally, this work was used to calculate saturation profiles for oceanic stations and as a basis for comment of the accuracy of in-situ saturometry, as well as the applicability of in-situ K′sp pressure corrections.
Multidimensional interpolation using a model-constrained minimum weighted norm interpolation

ABSTRACTFourier-based minimum weighted norm interpolation (MWNI) has been widely used to regularize land seismic data. However, it has difficulty interpolating regular missing data that are spatially aliased. Minimizing the aliasing artifacts is still a technical challenge in MWNI. I have developed a novel method to address the aliasing problem in MWNI using a prior model as constraints. The prior model was constructed by a linear interpolation along dominant dips to produce a fully regular initial model. The spectral weights derived from this initial model are typically not aliased and can be used to constrain the least-squares inversion in MWNI, frequency by frequency, to overcome the aliasing artifacts. This new interpolation scheme expands the capability of conventional MWNI to handle spatially aliased data that are often associated with steeply dipping structures, and it reconstructs more reliable interpolation results. Decimation tests of a simple 2D synthetic data set and a complex 3D synthetic sal...
Gas-phase H/D exchange of sodiated glycine oligomers with ND3: exchange kinetics do not reflect parent ion structures.

H/D exchange is a method commonly used to probe molecular structure. The majority of studies in the gas phase have involved protonated molecular ions. The present study gives attention to molecular ions formed by coordination with a sodium ion. In particular, ND_3 is reacted with sodiated glycine oligomers, Gly_n, where n = 1−5, and the results are interpreted using density functional calculations. Experimentally, Gly1Na^+, Gly_4Na^+, and Gly_5N^a^+ all undergo three fast exchanges with ND_3, while Gly2Na+ and Gly3Na+ undergo one fast and two slow exchanges with ND3. The methyl esters Gly3OMeNa+ and Gly5OMeNa+ do not exchange with ND3. In agreement with earlier experimental studies, theoretical calculations show that the lowest-energy conformers of the sodiated glycine oligomers are charge-solvated structures. Calculations further indicate that, in the process of H/D exchange with ND3, sodiated monoglycine and tetraglycine adopt zwitterionic structures, sodiated diglycine adopts a salt-bridge form, and sodiated triglycine takes on an ion-stabilized ion pair form. Sodiated monoglycine and diglycine exchange via an onium-ion mechanism. The proposed exchange mechanisms require a carboxylic acid hydrogen to complete the exchange, which is in agreement with the experimental results showing that no exchange occurs with methyl ester glycine oligomers. These studies clearly demonstrate that, in the process of H/D exchange, noncovalent complexation of the exchange reagent provides the energy required to access intermediates structurally distinct from the parent ions. H/D exchange is facile for these intermediates. Contrary to the assumption often expressed in earlier studies, H/D exchange kinetics may not directly reflect ion structures.
Comparing Process Efficiency in Reducing Steryl Glucosides in Biodiesel

A significant obstacle to the commercial acceptance of biodiesel is the potential for filter plugging due to precipitates in the fuel. The majority of these precipitates can be attributed to either steryl glucosides (SGs) or monoacylglycerols in biodiesel. A GC–FID method to quantify minor components content in biodiesel is presented. The effectiveness of room temperature and cold soak filtration, adsorbent treatment, centrifuge, and vacuum distillation processes for SG removal was studied. The vacuum distillation process is the most effective method of removing the SG from biodiesel.
Radiation therapy is well tolerated and produces excellent control rates in elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers

Purpose Management of locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) in the elderly is challenging due to multiple co-morbidities, poor organ function and performance status. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) in elderly patients, defined as 65 years and older, with high-risk LAHNC.
Contribution to the system indium-arsenic-tellurium

Abstract Portions of the ternary system In-As-Te have been investigated by thermal analysis and X-ray procedures. The InAs-As2Te3 join has been determined to be a true quasibinary section. The InAs-InTe isopleth has been reinvestigated. The existence of an intermediary phase, In8As5Te3, could not be confirmed; the solid alloys consist of either a solid solution rich in InAs or a mixture of the solid solution and InTe. A eutectic in the InAs-InTe join melts at 679.5 °C and contains 96.5 wt.% InTe-3.5 wt.% InAs.