cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Preterm Infants following Discussions about Withdrawal or Withholding of Life Support.

Objectives To describe the frequency of postnatal discussions about withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining therapy (WWLST), ensuing WWLST, and outcomes of infants surviving such discussions. We hypothesized that such survivors have poor outcomes. Study design This retrospective review included registry data from 18 centers of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Infants born at 22-28 weeks of gestation who survived >12 hours during 2011-2013 were included. Regression analysis identified maternal and infant factors associated with WWLST discussions and factors predicting ensuing WWLST. In-hospital and 18- to 26-month outcomes were evaluated. Results WWLST discussions occurred in 529 (15.4%) of 3434 infants. These were more frequent at 22-24 weeks (27.0%) compared with 27-28 weeks of gestation (5.6%). Factors associated with WWLST discussion were male sex, gestational age (GA) of ≤24 weeks, birth weight small for GA, congenital malformations or syndromes, early onset sepsis, severe brain injury, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Rates of WWLST discussion varied by center (6.4%-29.9%) as did WWLST (5.2%-20.7%). Ensuing WWLST occurred in 406 patients; of these, 5 survived to discharge. Of the 123 infants for whom intensive care was continued, 58 (47%) survived to discharge. Survival after WWLST discussion was associated with higher rates of neonatal morbidities and neurodevelopmental impairment compared with babies for whom WWLST discussions did not occur. Significant predictors of ensuing WWLST were maternal age >25 years, necrotizing enterocolitis, and days on a ventilator. Conclusions Wide center variations in WWLST discussions occur, especially at ≤24 weeks GA. Outcomes of infants surviving after WWLST discussions are poor. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT00063063 .
Masked Hypertension: Finding Trouble Under the Disguise.

Masked hypertension is a clinical condition in which a patient has a normal blood pressure in the clinic but an elevated blood pressure outside the office setting. It has been previously suggested with large population cohort studies that 15% to 30% of adults have masked hypertension and that this is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared with sustained normotension or even white-coat hypertension.1–3 Only recently has the importance of masked hypertension been fully appreciated. The diagnosis of white-coat hypertension is often a relief to patients and physicians because it illustrates that things are usually better than they first seem and less needs to be done. However, seeking the presence of masked hypertension is a less happy task because even the validity of a seemingly normal office blood pressure is called into question. See Article by Anstey et al A topic of debate has been who should be screened for masked hypertension. An increased prevalence of masked hypertension has been associated with higher clinic blood pressures, older age, male sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and use of an antihypertensive medication.1 A prior analysis using data from the Jackson Heart Study—a prospective cohort of blacks—demonstrated a …
Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy: Enhancing a Traditional Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory Experience.

The undergraduate biochemistry laboratory curriculum is designed to provide students with experience in protein isolation and purification protocols as well as various data analysis techniques, which enhance the biochemistry lecture course and give students a broad range of tools upon which to build in graduate level laboratories or once they begin their careers. One of the most common biochemistry protein purification experiments is the isolation and characterization of cytochrome c. Students across the country purify cytochrome c, lysozyme, or some other well-known protein to learn these common purification techniques. What this series of experiments lacks is the use of sophisticated instrumentation that is rarely available to undergraduate students. To give students a broader background in biochemical spectroscopy techniques, a new circular dichroism (CD) laboratory experiment was introduced into the biochemistry laboratory curriculum. This CD experiment provides students with a means of conceptualizing the secondary structure of their purified protein, and assessments indicate that students' understanding of the technique increased significantly. Students conducted this experiment with ease and in a short time frame, so this laboratory is conducive to merging with other data analysis techniques within a single laboratory period. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(6):515-520, 2017.
Reliability approximation of k-out-of-n pairs: G balanced systems with spatially distributed units

ABSTRACTVarious industries are finding increasing uses for k-out-of-n pairs: G balanced systems, an example being an unmanned aerial vehicle. The reliability estimation for such systems is difficult to obtain, due to the complexity of the problem: the operation of the systems depends on not only the number of operating pairs but also their spatial configuration. The computation becomes time-consuming when n is large and k is small, since the number of successful events increases significantly. In this article, we develop a Monte Carlo simulation-based reliability approximation for k-out-of-n pairs: G balanced systems for different scenarios. Numerical examples show that the approximation is accurate and computationally efficient.
Taking the perspective of the narrator.

Readers do not always adopt the perspective of the protagonist; however, they will under certain conditions. Experiments 1a and 1b showed that readers will take the perspective of the protagonist f...
Adolescent Stressors, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Health Studied in the Family Context

The present study examined adolescents' stressors, coping, and psychological health in the family context in 42 adolescents, ranging in age from 11 to 18. Perceptions of intergenerational stressors and coping strategies were examined for congruence by comparing adolescents' self-reports to parents' reports on their adolescents. Adolescents' reports on their parents were also compared to parents' reports on themselves. This study also specified family environment dynamics in relation to the study variables. Hypotheses that more congruent adolescent and parent perceptions about each other's stressors and coping were related to more cohesive family environments and more adaptive copings were generally supported. Family environment variables and congruent coping were related to psychological health symptoms as well. The findings contribute to current knowledge about the study variables examined in the context of the family.
Models for cooperative activities over the web

The Chapter discusses the need and the problems associated with WEB based cooperative activities in which several team members work in parallel on a common task. Models for software systems supporting such cooperative activities are discussed. Our models describe structure of the cooperation object, cooperation modes and the network message synchronization, that are of prime importance when the system members work at different places and communicate over the Internet. We introduce and describe a component requirements graph and show how to translate it into an interaction graph. The state diagrams and the design graphs are the basis for the WEB software design. The discussion of software architecture for implementing cooperative activities over the Web is also provided.
Suspected hypersensitivity reaction following drug-eluting stent implantation. Novel insights with optical coherence tomography.

A 66-year-old woman who previously underwent coronary artery bypass surgery was admitted due to anginal symptoms. Coronary angiography (CAG) revealed a severe stenosis of the right coronary artery at the anastomotic site of a saphenous vein graft (SVG) and a residual stenosis of the posterior
High-intensity plasma ion nitriding of orthopedic materials: Part I. Tribological study

Abstract In this paper, we describe a newly developed technique—high-intensity plasma ion nitriding (HIPIN), which takes the advantages of low energy beam ion implantation at elevated temperatures that generates thick nitrided layers compared to conventional plasma nitriding and ion implantation, but overcomes the inherent line-of-sight shortcoming of beam implantation. In this technique, a low-pressure nitrogen plasma (
What's the story? An analysis of children's books about atopic dermatitis.

Background/objectives Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition with significant disease burden. Bibliotherapy, the use of storybooks to understand an illness, has been proven effective in several pediatric disorders but has not been studied in dermatologic disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of storybooks about atopic dermatitis and analyze them based on adherence to American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, readability, author qualifications, cost, and availability. Methods Selection criteria included that the books were primarily about atopic dermatitis, were illustrated, cost less than $25, and were written in English. Storybooks were identified using an Internet search of the Google, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble websites. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was used to calculate reading level. Results Twenty-three storybooks were identified. The mean cost of the storybooks was $8.2 ± 7.0. Authors included mothers, professional authors, and medical professionals. Mean reading grade level was 4.1 ± 1.5. Of American Academy of Dermatology-recommended treatments, most storybooks mentioned moisturizers or bathing. Fewer than half discussed moisturizing after bathing, topical corticosteroids, wet wrap therapy, oral antihistamines, antimicrobials, systemic agents, or phototherapy. None mentioned topical calcineurin inhibitors or bleach baths. Conclusion Storybooks about atopic dermatitis are available. Of those reviewed, none covered all the American Academy of Dermatology treatment guidelines. Studies have shown that bibliotherapy can be useful for education and behavioral modification for pediatric diseases, and future studies are needed to examine whether comprehensive, accurate storybooks about atopic dermatitis improve clinical outcomes or improve the quality of life of individuals with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers.
Improving the efficiency of screening for major depression in people with spinal cord injury.

AbstractBackground/Objective: To investigate the metric properties, relative efficiency, sensitivity and specificity, and positive predictive value of a short form of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) that may be used as a screening test for depression.Methods: Data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center Database containing 3,652 records with complete data for the PHQ-9 were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Item Response Theory Graded Response Model analysis, and sensitivity and specificity analysis of classification.Results: A scale comprised of items 1, 2, and 6 from the PHQ-9 has a relative efficiency of 0.66 compared to the 9-item scale. Using this 3-item scale and a cutoff score of 3 or more provides specificity of 0.93 and sensitivity of 0.87; a cutoff of 4 provides specificity of 0.95 and sensitivity of 0.82. The shorter version of the scale reduces the effect of response bias caused by gender. The relative efficiency of the 9-item scale is 0.88 for women compa...
A multilevel cybersecurity and safety monitor for embedded cyber-physical systems: WIP abstract

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are composed of various embedded subsystems (often realized on system on chip technology) and require specialized software, firmware and hardware to coordinate with the rest of the system. These multiple levels of integration expose attack surfaces which can be susceptible to attack vectors that require novel architectural methods to effectively secure against. We present a multilevel monitor architecture cybersecurity approach applied to a flight control system (FCS). We develop formal framework for the architecture using Event Calculus to define the interactions among the monitors and the system under observation.
I Jump in with Her, Share Her Joy, and Look Out for Her Needs

New chairs, stone walls, and fresh paint adorn what used to be a discount superstore at the end of a half-vacant shopping strip. The store is now my clinic. A 22-year-old patient arrives as a blast of the fall wind fills the waiting area. She hasn’t been seen since the spring and comes with a life full of issues behind her. Her clothes neatly worn, smile bright and clearly feeling well, she checks into the desk for her visit and takes a seat in a chair, much nicer than those she has at home, and under a painting she would never purchase.
Prevalence and in-hospital mortality during arrhythmia-related admissions in adults with tetralogy of Fallot.

Abstract Background Although outcomes of arrhythmia diagnosis have been described in ambulatory tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients, these have not been studied in hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and in-hospital mortality due to arrhythmias in TOF patients based on a review of the National Inpatient Sample database. Methods Admissions in adult TOF patients (2000–2014) were categorized as arrhythmia-related admission (ARA) or non-arrhythmia-related admission (NRA) based on arrhythmia diagnostic codes. Results Of 18,353 admissions, 5071 (27.6%) were ARA. The most common arrhythmias were atrial fibrillation (15.5%), atrial flutter (8.4%) and ventricular tachycardia (8.2%), and the prevalence of overall ARA as well as specific arrhythmia types increased over time. In-hospital mortality for ARA was 5.4%, and decreased over time. Arrhythmia diagnosis was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, 1.34–2.01, p = 0.001). Similarly, atrial fibrillation (OR 1.49, 1.18–1.89, p = 0.001) and ventricular tachycardia (OR: 2.01, 1.55–2.98, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Compared to small bed-size hospital, ARA in large hospital bed-size hospital was associated with a lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.71, 0.53–0.96, p = 0.03). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation was the most common arrhythmia in hospitalized TOF patients, and arrhythmia diagnosis (specifically atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia) was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, while admission to a large bed-size hospital was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality. Further studies are required to determine if a more proactive approach to arrhythmia management in the ambulatory TOF population will reduce hospitalizations and mortality.
Analysis of real-time ultrasound images of tongue configuration using a grid-digitizing system

Abstract: A graphic tablet digitizer was used in conjunction with a radial grid to measure real-time ultrasonic images of steady state vowels. Reliability of measurement was found to be excellent for measures of the tongue surface. Rest position and the vowels /i/, /a/, and /u/ were measured for five subjects. Examination of the data indicated that location of maximum displacement, amount of maximum displacement, tongue surface curvature and variability of tongue position were well depicted and easily measured from the ultrasound images. These parameters are discussed with regard to the steady stable positions mentioned above.
The Effect of Social Distancing on Police Reports of Domestic Violence

We analyze the effect of social distancing related to COVID-19 on domestic violence incidents in the U S using novel daily mobile device tracking data, the tim
SARS-CoV-2 Testing Service Preferences of Adults in the United States: Discrete Choice Experiment.

Background: Ascertaining preferences for SARS-CoV-2 testing and incorporating findings into the design and implementation of strategies for delivering testing services may enhance testing uptake and engagement, a prerequisite to reducing onward transmission. Objective: This study aims to determine important drivers of decisions to obtain a SARS-CoV-2 test in the context of increasing community transmission. Methods: We used a discrete choice experiment to assess preferences for SARS-CoV-2 test type, specimen type, testing venue, and results turnaround time. Participants (n=4793) from the US national longitudinal Communities, Households and SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology (CHASING) COVID Cohort Study completed our online survey from July 30 to September 8, 2020. We estimated the relative importance of testing method attributes and part-worth utilities of attribute levels, and simulated the uptake of an optimized testing scenario relative to the current typical testing scenario of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) via nasopharyngeal swab in a provider’s office or urgent care clinic with results in >5 days. Results: Test result turnaround time had the highest relative importance (30.4%), followed by test type (28.3%), specimen type (26.2%), and venue (15.0%). In simulations, immediate or same-day test results, both PCR and serology, or oral specimens substantially increased testing uptake over the current typical testing option. Simulated uptake of a hypothetical testing scenario of PCR and serology via a saliva sample at a pharmacy with same-day results was 97.7%, compared to 0.6% for the current typical testing scenario, with 1.8% opting for no test. Conclusions: Testing strategies that offer both PCR and serology with noninvasive methods and rapid turnaround time would likely have the most uptake and engagement among residents in communities with increasing community transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Partnership Enhancement Program: Piloting a Communication Training Program for Cystic Fibrosis Care Teams.

Optimal information sharing between people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), caregivers, and clinicians is key to managing CF. Based on research indicating the CF community’s interest in improved care c...
Prediction of Coronary Calcification and Stenosis: Role of Radiomics From Low-Dose CT.

Rationale and Objectives We aimed to assess relationship between single-click, whole heart radiomics from low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening with coronary artery calcification and stenosis. Materials and Methods The institutional review board-approved, retrospective study included all 106 patients (68 men, 38 women, mean age 64 ± 7 years) who underwent both LDCT for lung cancer screening and had calcium scoring and coronary computed tomography angiography in our institution. We recorded the clinical variables including patients’ demographics, smoking history, family history, and lipid profiles. Coronary calcium scores and grading of coronary stenosis were recorded from the radiology information system. We calculated the multiethnic scores for atherosclerosis risk scores to obtain 10-year coronary heart disease (MESA 10-Y CHD) risk of cardiovascular disease for all patients. Deidentified LDCT exams were exported to a Radiomics prototype for automatic heart segmentation, and derivation of radiomics. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression and kernel Fisher discriminant analyses. Results Whole heart radiomics were better than the clinical variables for differentiating subjects with different Agatston scores (≤400 and >400) (area under the curve [AUC] 0.92 vs 0.69). Prediction of coronary stenosis and MESA 10-Y CHD risk was better on whole heart radiomics (AUC:0.86–0.87) than with clinical variables (AUC:0.69–0.79). Addition of clinical variables or visual assessment of coronary calcification from LDCT to whole heart radiomics resulted in a modest change in the AUC. Conclusion Single-click, whole heart radiomics obtained from LDCT for lung cancer screening can differentiate patients with different Agatston and MESA risk scores for cardiovascular diseases.
Genome-edited zebrafish model of ABCC8 loss-of-function disease

KATP channel gain- (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in SUR1 or Kir6.2 underlie human neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), respectively. Genetically modified mice with transgenic overexpression of GOF mutations recapitulate many features of human NDM and transgenic mice expressing incomplete KATP LOF do reiterate mild hyperinsulinism, although complete KATP knockout mice do not exhibit persistent hyperinsulinism. We have shown that islet excitability and glucose homeostasis in zebrafish are regulated by identical KATP channels to those in mammals, and to explore the possibility of using zebrafish for modeling CHI, we have examined SUR1 truncation mutation (K499X) introduced into the abcc8 gene. Patch-clamp analysis confirmed complete absence of channel activity in {beta}-cells from K499X (SUR1-/-) fish. No difference in random blood glucose was detected in heterozygous SUR1+/- fish, nor in homozygous SUR1-/- fish, mimicking findings in SUR1 knockout mice. Mutant fish also demonstrated impaired glucose tolerance, similar to LOF mouse models. In paralleling features of mammalian hyperinsulinism resulting from loss-of-function mutations, this gene-edited animal provides a valid zebrafish model of KATP LOF driven-dependent pancreatic disease. Key PointsO_LILoss-of function in the Kir6.2 (KCNJ11) and SUR1 (ABCC8)-encoded pancreatic islet {beta}-cell KATP channels underlie congenital hyperinsulinism. Mouse models reiterate key features, but zebrafish models could provide a powerful model for further analysis and therapy testing. C_LIO_LIAn early nonsense mutation in exon 10 of SUR1 was generated by ENU mutagenesis. C_LIO_LIPatch-clamp analysis revealed an absence of {beta}-cells of SUR1 truncation mutants. C_LIO_LICa imaging demonstrated elevated basal [Ca]i in {beta}-cells with SUR1 truncation. C_LIO_LIHomozygous SUR1 truncation mutants had normal fasting glucose but impaired glucose tolerance as adults, mimicking findings in mouse SUR1 knockouts. C_LIO_LIIn paralleling features of mammalian diabetes and hyperinsulinism resulting from equivalent loss-of-function mutations, this gene-edited animal provides a valid zebrafish model of KATP -LOF dependent pancreatic diseases. C_LI
The Effects of Medication and Parkinson’s Disease Severity on Proprioceptively Encoded Memory Guided Reaching (2877)

Objective: To examine the effects of medication (on vs. off) and PD severity (mild-to-moderate vs. advanced) on the performance of proprioceptively encoded memory guided reaching movements. Background: Proprioceptive inputs can be used to encode spatial locations and program movements to memorized locations. Studies suggest that the basal ganglia are involved in this proprioceptive-motor integration. Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), characterized by basal ganglia dysfunction, manifest deficits in proprioceptive-motor integration and impairments in memory guided movements. The effects of anti-Parkinsonian medication and PD severity on impairments during proprioceptively encoded memory guided movements remain unclear. Examining the effect of medication and PD severity will clarify the role of dopaminergic circuits during proprioceptively encoded memory guided reaching and the sustained effectiveness of medication as PD progresses. Design/Methods: Participants with mild-to-moderate (15m, 3f; mean age ± SD: 65.4±5.7 years; off motor UPDRS ± SD, 35.1±8.9) and advanced PD (11m, 3f; 66.2±4 years; 51±13.1) were blindfolded and performed a proprioceptively encoded memory guided reaching task while on and off medication (12-hour overnight withdrawal), over two separate days. Participants used proprioceptive inputs to encode targets (the examiner moved the blindfolded participant’s relaxed arm to three sequential locations), and then reached to the memorized targets as accurately as possible. Dependent outcomes included peak velocity and accuracy. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS Proc Mixed. Results: Medication had no effect on peak velocity and accuracy in the mild-to-moderate PD group. In the advanced PD group, medication significantly reduced error (mean difference, 0.03m; p Conclusions: Our finding that medication improves reaching accuracy of proprioceptively encoded targets in advanced PD supports the role of dopaminergic circuits in processing proprioceptive inputs during memory guided reaching. Further research is required to ascertain the scope of the proprioceptive deficit relative to healthy controls. Disclosure: Dr. Rivera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Entezar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Munoz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Verhagen Metman has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Abbott, AbbVie, and Boston Scientific. Dr. Goelz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Corcos has nothing to disclose. Dr. David has nothing to disclose.
A New Self-Consistent Boundary Condition for Modeling of Plasma Plume Evolution Using a Fully Kinetic Pic Approach

Plasma plume expansion is commonly observed in many applications, such as, ion thruster plumes, astrophysical jets, as well as plasma accelerators. Typically, electrons are treated as a fluid for such simulations, however, in our recent1 kinetic treatment of electrons we have shown that the electron velocity distribution in an expanding plume is anisotropic. In particular, we found that when the electron source is shifted compared to the ion beam, as is observed in realistic ion engine configurations, holes develop in the electron phase-space within 3,000 electron plasma periods, i.e., $3,000\omega_{\text{pe}}\ ^{-1}$ . This bi-modal electron velocity distribution is known to trigger a two-stream instability, and affect the ion dynamics. The times-scale over which the ion dynamics2 is affected is typically $40\omega_{\text{pi}}^{-1}$ or $12,000\omega_{\text{pe}}\ ^{-1}$ . A major issue in modeling electrons kinetically is that, when electrons exit the domain, a virtual anode is developed, leading to non-physical effects. To work around this problem, the kinetic plasma plume simulations are terminated before the leading-edge of the plume, called the beam-front, crosses the boundary thereby avoiding boundary-effects. However, important physics, such as, ion beam neutralization as well as the effect of bi-modal electron velocity distribution on the ion beam evolution require long simulations times.
A Biaxial Consolidation Test for Anisotropic Soils

A biaxial flow consolidation test was developed to determine the axial and radial permeabilities, k a and k r , respectively, of a transversely isotropic specimen. The test enables the additional information needed to determine the ratio of permeabilities, k a /k r , to be obtained by independently measuring the flow from the specimen ends and circumference during consolidation. By comparing the ratio of flows from the specimen ends and circumference to the theoretical relationship, the ratio of permeabilities can be determined. The radial permeability, k r , is determined from the total time rate of consolidation. Comparisons between various methods of permeability measurement and the proposed test are shown to be good. From the theoretical development, it was found that anisotropy in stiffness can have an important influence on test results. A method is presented for determining relevant stiffness parameters by combining the strain measured during consolidation and pore-pressure response.
Entanglement dynamics in one-dimensional quantum cellular automata

Several proposed schemes for the physical realization of a quantum computer consist of qubits arranged in a cellular array. In the quantum circuit model of quantum computation, an often complex series of two-qubit gate operations is required between arbitrarily distant pairs of lattice qubits. An alternative model of quantum computation based on quantum cellular automata (QCA) requires only homogeneous local interactions that can be implemented in parallel. This would be a huge simplification in an actual experiment. We find some minimal physical requirements for the construction of unitary QCA in a one-dimensional Ising spin chain and demonstrate optimal pulse sequences for information transport and entanglement distribution. We also introduce the theory of nonunitary QCA and show by example that nonunitary rules can generate environment assisted entanglement.
Using the fast marching method to extract curves with given global properties

Curves are often used as anatomical features to match surfaces that represent biological objects, such as the human brain. Automated and semi-automated methods for extracting these curves usually rely on local properties of the surfaces such as the mean surface curvature without considering the global appearance of the curves themselves. These methods may require additional human intervention, and sometimes produce erroneous results. In this paper, we present an algorithm that is based on the fast marching method (FMM) to extract weighted geodesic curves. Instead of directly using the local image properties as a weight function, we use the surface properties, together with the global properties of the curves, to compute a weight function. This weight function is then used by the FMM to extract curves between given points. The general framework can be used to extract curves with different global properties. The resulting curves are guaranteed to be weighted geodesic curves without cusps usually introduced by intermediate points through which the curves are forced to pass. We show some results on both a simulated image and a highly convoluted human brain cortical surface.
Cotton Leaf Photosynthesis and Carbon Metabolism

Photosynthesis is the basis of plant dry matter production and a major determination of yield in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Much of the cotton yield increases in recent years can be attributed to the improved partitioning of dry matter into reproductive growth rather than vegetative growth. However, this strategy can only be taken so far before the amount of photosynthesizing leaf area becomes the limiting factor. Therefore, improved plant photosynthesis coupled with good dry matter partitioning could lead to additional yield improvements. Research has identified both genetic and environmental variations in the rate of cotton photosynthesis. Superior leaf photosynthetic performance has been exhibited by okra and super‐okra leaf types compared to the normal leaf types. Photosynthetic variation has also been identified within the normal leaf type pool of germplasm. However, geneticists have generally not targeted this trait for genetic improvement in cotton. In addition, leaf tissue concentration of the three major plant nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus) need to be maintained at sufficient levels for optimum photosynthesis. Under deficient soil fertility conditions, supplemental fertilization can increase overall growth due to both increased leaf area production and increased photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area. Both excessive and deficient soil moisture conditions can depress the photosynthetic performance of the plant and its corresponding growth. Similarly, an optimum temperature range exists, above and below which the photosynthesis is negatively impacted. This knowledge of variation in both genetic and environmental influences on photosynthesis offers hope of improved photosynthetic performance through either a concerted genetic selection or modified production systems that minimize exposure to some of the rate‐limiting environmental conditions.
A Right to Marry

Copyright ? 2010 California Law Review, Inc. California Law Review, Inc. (CLR) is a California nonprofit corporation. CLR and the authors are solely responsible for the content of their publications. t Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics, Law School, Philosophy Department, and Divinity School, The University of Chicago. This Essay derives from a symposium on my book, From Disgust to Humanity: Sexual Orientation and Constitutional Law (2010). 1. 388 U.S. 1, 12(1967). 2. John Stuart Mill, The Subjection of Women 86 (Susan B. Okin ed., Hackett PubTing Co. 1988) (1869). Mill is speaking here of making marriage equal between the sexes, but the point applies, I believe, to the case at hand.
Unmet needs in rheumatoid arthritis.

Until the pathophysiology/etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is better understood, treatment strategies must focus on disease management. Early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are necessary to reduce early joint damage, functional loss, and mortality. Several clinical trials have now clearly shown that administering appropriate DMARDs early yields better therapeutic outcomes. However, RA is a heterogeneous disease in which responses to treatment vary considerably for any given patient. Thus, choosing which patients receive combination DMARDs, and which combinations, remains one of our major challenges in treating RA patients. In many well controlled clinical trials methotrexate and other DMARDs, including the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, have shown considerable efficacy in controlling the inflammatory process, but many patients continue to have active disease. Optimizing clinical response requires the use of a full spectrum of clinical agents with different therapeutic targets. Newer therapies, such as rituximab, that specifically target B cells have emerged as viable treatment options for patients with RA.
No evidence of effectiveness for acupuncture and dry eye

Shin MS, Kim JI, Lee MS, Kim KH, Choi JY, Kang KW, Jung SY, Kim AR, Kim TH. Acupuncture for treating dry eye: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Acta Ophthalmol 2010; 88: e328–e333.
Accurate airway wall estimation using phase congruency

Quantitative analysis of computed tomographic (CT) images of the lungs is becoming increasingly useful in the medical and surgical management of subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Current methods for the assessment of airway wall work well in idealized models of the airway. We propose a new method for airway wall detection based on phase congruency. This method does not rely on either a specific model of the airway or the point spread function of the scanner. Our results show that our method gives a better localization of the airway wall than ”full width at a half max” and is less sensitive to different reconstruction kernels and radiation doses.
Magnetic properties of Pb 1-x Eu x Te grown by molecular-beam epitaxy

We have measured the magnetization and magnetic susceptibility of molecular-beam-epitaxy grown ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Eu}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te with x=0.042, 0.096, 0.316, and 1.00, in the temperature range 2 KlTl300 K and for fields 0lHl4 T. The magnetic susceptibility follows a Curie-Weiss behavior: \ensuremath{\chi}\ensuremath{\sim}${N}_{\mathrm{Eu}/(\mathrm{T}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Theta}}}$). For all the concentrations studied, \ensuremath{\Theta} is negative indicating that the Eu-Eu interaction is predominantly antiferromagnetic. However, the absolute values of \ensuremath{\Theta} are 1 or 2 orders of magnitude smaller than those observed in (II,${M}_{n}$)-VI diluted magnetic semiconductors. The magnetization can be described by a modified Brillouin function: M\ensuremath{\sim}${N}_{\mathrm{Eu}{}^{\mathrm{*}}\mathrm{B}[(\mathrm{T}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}{T}_{0}{)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}}$] in which, for each sample, the number of Eu atoms ${N}_{\mathrm{Eu}{}^{\mathrm{*}}}$ and the parameter ${T}_{0}$ are nearly the same as ${N}_{\mathrm{Eu}}$ and \ensuremath{\Theta} respectively, obtained from the susceptibility measurement. The results of the present study indicate that Eu-Eu exchange effects in ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Eu}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te are much weaker than Mn-Mn interactions in (II,${M}_{n}$)-VI compounds.
Directions in Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation (MOVES)

The Naval Postgraduate School has spent the last two years developing a new degree program called the Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation (MOVES) curriculum. That curriculum has turned into an Academic Group, a department-like structure, and a research center. We discuss the composition of that curriculum and the directions for the MOVES Research Center. Background The Naval Postgraduate School has had a successful research program in virtual environments for the last twelve years under the aegis of the NPSNET Research Group (http://www.npsnet.nps.navy.mil). Students attached to the NPSNET group have typically graduated with an MS in Computer Science, with a specialization in Computer Graphics and Visual Simulation. About two years ago, we desired to expand our course offerings in the virtual environment field, particularly with respect to human-computer interaction, physically-based modeling, and modeling and simulation. Within the confines of the defined Computer Science MS program, we found no room for expansion and decided to explore the potential for developing our own degree program. We found great sponsor interest in the development of that program and rapidly designed a new degree. The desire of the sponsors of MOVES was for students who understood applied computer visual simulation technology, and the application of quantitative analyses to human-computer interaction in visual simulation technology. We wanted to work from our successes in what we had been doing and add onto that degree program. We constructed a two year, eight quarter program that is roughly 1/2 computer science and 1/2 operations analysis and mathematics. The program looks very much like a double major with a fully packed eight quarters. We educate people in modeling, virtual environments and simulation fundamentals and their application. The MOVES program offers MS degrees in MOVES, with a Ph.D. program under development for consideration by the NPS Academic Council. Initially, we did not create a department but rather a degree program comprised of existing courses from several departments. We are now in the process of forming our own department as our student population has grown from zero to twenty-four in two years and will climb to more than seventy at the end of another two years.
Anti-Metastasis Therapy

Cancers that metastasize release their cells early in carcinogenesis. The aberrant expression or splicing of metastasis genes in cancer makes their products quite cancer specific. Further, these molecules are not known to be mutated in cancer or to be altered under genomic instability. Because metastasis molecules tend to be shared among large subsets of invasive cancers, anti-metastasis agents may be efficacious against a broad spectrum of malignant tumors. There are 2 complementary anti-metastasis strategies, the prevention of cancer cell dissemination and the suppression of already existing metastases. Drug molecules in the former category will not be successful when given at a late disease stage, but may be life saving if administered immediately after diagnosis. About 5 % of cancer diagnoses are based on the discovery of metastases before the identification of the primary tumor. The most suitable treatment of these metastases is dictated by their location rather than their origin.
Transposition of IS2 into the hemB gene of Escherichia coli K-12.

Genetic studies of the hemB gene in Escherichia coli have resulted in the recovery of both stable and unstable mutant strains. The stable strains have been shown to result from large deletions. This study demonstrates that unstable strains result from the insertion of transposable element IS2 primarily into the 59 region of the structural gene; the instability results from precise excision of the element, producing strains with both high and low frequencies of reversion. This first report of IS2 insertion into hemB suggests that this gene may be a preferred target for insertion of this transposable element. Images
To Fund or Not to Fund: The Need for Second Best Solutions to the Litigation Finance Dilemma

Litigation financing promises to promote greater justice and efficiency in tort law by reducing financial barriers to litigation and changing the allocation of litigation risks. In the case of personal injury cases, however, broad litigation financing also has the potential to diminish justice and efficiency by increasing the total amount of litigation, increasing the frequency of frivolous litigation, and distorting the incentives for bringing and maintaining lawsuits generally. This article adds to the litigation financing literature by addressing the danger of path manipulation, a form of judicial rent seeking. In a system of binding precedent, litigation financiers will be faced with incentives to use case selection to maximize profits by pressuring the courts to open new areas of tort liability. These efforts, driven by investment returns instead of justice, could divert tort law from both justice and efficiency objectives. The costs of litigation financing make it prudent to consider alternative financing regimes that can capture some benefits of litigation financing while minimizing costs and distortions.
Vector processing in scalar processors for signal processing algorithms

Product requirements often dictate the use of off-the-shelf processors for very fast signal processing applications. Additionally, restrictions on cost, power, or size/weight may preclude the use of specialized vector processors for implementation of the algorithms. We discuss a new method for performing signed parallel processing in scalar, off-the-shelf processors for integerized signal processing algorithms. Uniform data precision may be used, but is not required for the method. It is shown that the reduction in execution cycles resulting from this implementation is approximately linear in the size of the registers, divided by the precision required.
Quality of Life in Epilepsy: The Clinician's View

Summary: Quality of life in patients with epilepsy may be impaired by seizures, side effects of medication, and psychosocial problems. Doctors tend to focus their attention on managing the seizures and the side effects, but may not be meeting all of the patient's needs because of differences between their perception of these concerns and the patient's. Further, psychosocial problems often are addressed only superficially or not at all during office visits. The challenge is to integrate quality-of-life issues into clinical practice and to better assess the patient's perception of the disorder, the seizures, and the medications, as they impact on cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social and economic functioning.
Preparation of ZnSe light-emitting diodes by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using trisdimethylaminoarsine as a p-type doping source

Trisdimethylaminoarsine was used in atmospheric-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition growth of ZnSe on GaAs. The metalorganic precursors employed for ZnSe growth were diethylzinc and diethylselenide, and ethyliodide was used as then-type dopant. P-on-n light emitting diode (LED) structures were prepared, and molecular beam epitaxially deposited HgTe layers were used as ohmic contacts to the p-type ZnSe. Blue LEDs were fabricated on p-on-n samples. Preliminary LED data and the material characterization data are presented.
Collagenous bone matrix is a local mitogen

THE importance of collagens in growth and differentiation1,2 and in cell adhesion3 is well documented. We have previously shown that cell-free, demineralised, collagenous bone matrix induces the formation of cartilage, bone and bone marrow4–6. One of the early responses to implanted collagenous matrix is the appearance of connective tissue mesenchymal cells adjacent to the implanted matrix before their differentiation into cartilage. We present here direct evidence that collagenous bone matrix is a local mitogen for connective tissue cells. We find that the collagenous bone matrix is a potent inducer of ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17, ODC), an enzyme involved in polyamine biosynthesis7 and considered as an early marker of cell proliferation8. These studies have been corroborated by incorporation of 3H-thymidine into acid-precipitable material and by autoradiography. Our results reveal the local influence of insoluble collagenous bone matrix on proliferation of mesenchymal cells and imply a role for this extracellular matrix in anchorage-dependent9 events in cell growth and differentiation.
Overview Of DOD System Applications

The DoD system applications of submillimeter and for infrared radiation are considered. The list of possible applications are reduced to, Target detection, range and direction; Obstacle avoidance; Fire control and Guidance; Countermeasures and intelligence; Communications; Fusing; Imaging; Radiation damage; and others, which are discussed in detail.
Stability of condensate flow down a vertical wall

Abstract The linear stability theory is used to study stability characteristics of condensate film flow down a vertical wall. A critical Reynolds number exists above which disturbances will be amplified. The magnitude of the critical Reynolds number is so small that in all technical situations a laminar gravityinduced, vertical condensate film is unstable. The condensation mass transfer has a stabilizing effect if the temperature drop across the film is constant. For locally constant heat flux across the condensate film no stabilizing effect of the condensation mass transfer can be found.
Slow Calcium-dependent Inactivation of Depletion-activated Calcium Current. STORE-DEPENDENT AND -INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS

Feedback regulation of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels was studied in Jurkat leukemic T lymphocytes using whole cell recording and [Ca2+]i measurement techniques. CRAC channels were activated by passively depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Under conditions of moderate intracellular Ca2+ buffering, elevating [Ca2+]o to 22 mM initiated an inward current through CRAC channels that declined slowly with a half-time of ~30 s. This slow inactivation was evoked by a rise in [Ca2+]i, as it was effectively suppressed by an elevated level of EGTA in the recording pipette that prevented increases in [Ca2+]i. Blockade of Ca2+ uptake into stores by thapsigargin with or without intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate reduced the extent of slow inactivation by ~50%, indicating that store refilling normally contributes significantly to this process. The store-independent (thapsigargin-insensitive) portion of slow inactivation was largely prevented by the protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, and by a structurally related compound, 1-norokadaone, but not by calyculin A nor by cyclosporin A and FK506 at concentrations that fully inhibit calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B) in T cells. These results argue against the involvement of protein phosphatases 1, 2A, 2B, or 3 in store-independent inactivation. We conclude that calcium acts through at least two slow negative feedback pathways to inhibit CRAC channels. Slow feedback inhibition of CRAC current is likely to play important roles in controlling the duration and dynamic behavior of receptor-generated Ca2+ signals.
Understanding elementary landscapes

The landscape formalism unites a finite candidate solution set to a neighborhood topology and an objective function. This construct can be used to model the behavior of local search on combinatorial optimization problems. A landscape is elementary when it possesses a unique property that results in a relative smoothness and decomposability to its structure. In this paper we explain elementary landscapes in terms of the expected value of solution components which are transformed in the process of moving from an incumbent solution to a neighboring solution. We introduce new results about the properties of elementary landscapes and discuss the practical implications for search algorithms.