cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The reproductive biology of female Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus)

Data for this study came from breeding records of 27 Pere David's (Elaphurus davidianus) hinds maintained in large pastures and from estrous records of four hand-reared nulliparous hinds. The mean estrous cycle length ranged from 17.5 to 19.6 days. Standing estrus resembled that of other cervids, except that a low, moaning vocalization was given in response to contact, and activity (as measured by pedometers) did not increase. Mean gestation length was 183.38 ± SD 6.11 days (n = 21), and nearly all females conceived in the second and third years. The median interbirth interval was 362 days. The median birth date was April 8, and 80% of the births occurred over a 9.5-week period. Multiparous hinds gave birth an average of 20.5 days earlier in the season than primiparous hinds. There was no dimorphism in birth weight. The results are discussed in light of comparative data for other species.
Kernel subspace matched target detectors

In this paper, we compare several detection algorithms that are based on spectral matched (subspace) filters. Nonlinear (kernel) versions of these spectral matched (subspace) detectors are also discussed and their performance is compared with the linear versions. These kernel-based detectors exploit the nonlinear correlations between the spectral bands that are ignored by the conventional detectors. Several well-known matched detectors, such as matched subspace detector, orthogonal subspace detector, spectral matched filter and adaptive subspace detector (adaptive cosine estimator) are extended to their corresponding kernel versions by using the idea of kernel-based learning theory. In kernel-based detection algorithms the data is implicitly mapped into a high dimensional kernel feature space by a nonlinear mapping which is associated with a kernel function. The detection algorithm is then derived in the feature space which is kernelized in terms of the kernel functions in order to avoid explicit computation in the high dimensional feature space. Experimental results based on simulated toy-examples and real hyperspectral imagery show that the kernel versions of these detectors outperform the conventional linear detectors.
A bound on the decay of defect-defect correlation functions in two-dimensional complex order parameter equations

Abstract Motivated by generic scale invariance, we examine the behavior of topological defect-defect correlation functions in two-dimensional systems driven out of equilibrium to regimes where they exhibit “defect chaos”. Using the topological nature of the defects, we show that these defect-defect correlations cannot decay as slowly as predicted by generic scale invariance. We also provide numerical calculations that yield defect-defect correlation functions in the defect turbulence regime of the two-dimensional, anisotropic complex Ginzburg-Landau equation. These numerical results, which test the specific regime of broken square symmetry, do not appear to decay as slowly as predicted by the ideas of generic scale invariance. These results are in agreement with the analytical predictions.
Why rural crime and justice really matter

While it is true that in general urban crime is roughly three times higher than rural crime, over the last decades rural crime has increased at the same rate as crime in big cities. Whereas violent crime in large cities rose from 1966 through 1991 and then declined, rural rates drifted upward for the entire period. Moreover, some crimes are more prevalent in rural settings than in cities, while some others by definition cannot even be committed in cities at all (“rural-specific offenses”). Meanwhile, researchers have paid little attention to rural crime and justice. This is highly regrettable given that studying rural crime and justice can potentially contribute in very important ways both to criminological theory and to crime policy. This article deals with why it is important for researchers, the justice system, and society in general to pay greater attention to issues of rural crime and rural justice. Among the reasons discussed are statistical arguments defying popular misconceptions, arguments in the field of criminological theory, counterintuitive trends in rural crime, various disadvantages which rural areas suffer compared with urban ones, strategies for dealing with crime which must be adapted to the rural environment, and some others. Finally, both theory and policy implications are discussed, demonstrating that rural crime cannot be understood or controlled in the same ways as urban crime is.
Effect of beta-blockade on heart rate variability in decompensated heart failure.

Abstract Background: One of the putative mechanisms for the salutary effects of β-blockers in patients with congestive heart failure is their ability to improve autonomic dysfunction. However, patients with profound neurohumoral abnormalities derive little survival benefit from β-blockers. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of β-blockers on heart rate variability in decompensated heart failure. Methods: Time and frequency domain heart rate variability indices were obtained from 24-h Holter recordings and compared to assess the role of β-blockade in 199 patients (mean age 60±14 years [range 21 to 87]) with decompensated heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class III [66%] and IV [34%]). Results: All heart rate variability indices were markedly suppressed but were substantially higher in patients who were on β-blockers. Time domain measures of parasympathetic cardiac activity, the percentage of RR intervals with >50 ms variation (4.9±0.6 vs. 7.7±1.2%, P =0.006) and the square root of mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (22.7±2.0 vs. 31.6±4.1 ms, P =0.004), were higher in the β-blocker group. Spectral analysis revealed that the total power and the ultra low frequency power were significantly higher in patients on β-blockers (82% and 59%, respectively). The high frequency power, a spectral index of parasympathetic modulation, was 41% higher in the β-blocker group (121±25 vs. 171±27 ms 2 , P =0.02). Multiple linear regression, adjusted for clinical parameters and drug therapies, revealed a strong positive relationship between β-blockade and higher values of time and frequency domain measures. The mean number of ventricular tachycardia episodes were significantly lower in patients on β-blocker therapy (3.6±1.5 vs. 19.0±5.3, P =0.04). Conclusions: β-blockers improve the impaired cardiac autonomic regulation during high sympathetic stress of decompensated heart failure.
Comparison Of Real-Time Acousto-Optic SAR Processor Architectures

A comparison of real-time acousto-optic processors for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation has been performed. These processors take advantage of the high processing speed and large time bandwidth product of acousto-optic devices (AOD's) in combination with the multichannel correlation capability of charge coupled devices (CCD) to form the SAR image in real time. They offer significant size, weight and power consumption advantages compared to conventional optical or digital processors. The required two dimensional matched filtering operation is performed as a series of one dimensional operations. First, the matched filtering is performed in range using an AOD. Then the azimuth correlation is performed using a reference mask and a CCD operating as time delay and integrate correlator. The first operation is performed coherently on each radar pulse return while the second is an incoherent correlation performed over the several pulses required to form the synthetic aperture. Two features common to this type of architecture which might limit their applicability are the presence of unwanted signal-dependent bias terms and the inability to perform true complex processing. Architectures utilizing both spatial carriers and subtraction schemes for elimiminating the unwanted bias terms have been analyzed. Also, multichannel architectures for complex (quadrature) processing have been addressed. In addition to imaging performance, the impact of these approaches on system complexity, real-time processing speed and required component capabilities will also be discussed. Results from both our analysis and the experimental implementation of a selected group of these architectures will be presented.
Proteins that bind serotonin in the nervous system of Aplysia californica.

Abstract The central nervous system of Aplysia has been found to contain two forms of proteins that bind serotonin with high affinity. These proteins share several similarities with the serotonin binding proteins that have been isolated from the vertebrate nervous system. Their ability to bind serotonin is enhanced by Fe 2+ and inhibited by Na + ,-SH reagents as well as reserpine and N -acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryp-tophanamide.
Employment status and retrospective and prospective migration in the United States

This paper examines data from a special US Census Bureau survey on reasons for moving and on employment status at the beginning and at the end of a one-year migration period. Previous studies have focused on employment status at the end of the migration period to isolate the pattern of higher retrospective migration rates for the unemployed. Similar results obtain for prospective migration propensity, when employment status is taken at the beginning of the migration period, and job-related reasons predominate in “explaining” the higher predisposition to migrate among the unemployed. The data show a high degree of mobility among employment status categories for migrants and render traditional interpretations of retrospective migration rates in terms of migration propensities inapplicable. Employment status at the end of the one-year migration period can not be taken to indicate employment status prior to migration.
Changes in women's mate preferences across the ovulatory cycle.

Previous research has shown that women’s mate preferences change across the ovulatory cycle in a number of ways. The leading explanation for these changes—the good genes hypothesis—predicts that women should prefer presumed markers of genetic benefits (“good genes”) most strongly when they are fertile and evaluating men as possible short-term mates. Research testing this hypothesis has almost exclusively examined preferences for purported markers of good genes. Little is known about how preferences for men who display traits valued in long-term, investing mates (e.g., warmth and faithfulness) change across the cycle. The authors had women at different points in their ovulatory cycle rate videotapes of men in terms of how attractive they found each man as a short-term and long-term mate. The authors then examined how women’s preferences for traits typically valued in long-term and/or short-term mates varied according to women’s fertility status. The results supported the good genes hypothesis. Implications of these findings for models of human mating are discussed.
SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL HYDROPHILIC POLY(ESTER-CARBONATES) CONTAINING PENDENT CARBOXYLIC ACID GROUPS

A functional cyclic carbonate, 5-methyl-5-benzyloxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one (MBC), was utilized in the synthesis of novel poly(ester-carbonates) containing pendent carboxylic acid groups. Copolymers with e-caprolactone (CL) and L-lactide (LLA) were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) using either an Al-alkoxide (solution) or Sn(Oct)2-alcohol (bulk) initiating system. Analysis of the copolymers revealed a random distribution of the comonomer units along the polymer chain. The copolymers exhibited amorphous character at low MBC incorporations despite the crystalline nature of homo-poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and homo-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA). Removal of the benzyl protecting group by hydrogenolysis yielded carboxylic acidfunctional copolymers. It was observed that the benzyl ester group of MBC became susceptible to transesterification reactions at ROP temperatures ≥ 135°C, and the corresponding copolymers were insoluble in both organic and aqueous solvents. It is proposed that carboxylic acid fun...
ITRS commodity memory roadmap

The ITRS (International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors) roadmap is updated on a yearly basis to forecast industry silicon trends. The ITRS Test Working Group (TWG) identifies the key trends that will have an impact on device test and summarizes them to provide direction to test suppliers. The commodity memory roadmap is a key part of that forecast and covers discrete and embedded DRAM and Flash. The material in this paper represents a very early look at the potential commodity memory roadmap due for release in November of 2003 and is based upon the 2002 roadmap.
Paternal and maternal major histocompatibility complex class I antigens are expressed co-dominantly by equine trophoblast

Summary Invasive equine trophoblast cells of the chorionic girdle express high levels of paternally inherited Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I antigens prior to migration into the endometrium to form the so-called endometrial cups. Three groups of experiments were performed to determine if maternally inherited MHC class I antigens are expressed on chorionic girdle cells. Results indicated that maternally and paternally inherited MHC class I antigens are co-dominantly expressed by cells of the invasive equine trophoblast, and therefore, that the expression of polymorphic equine MHC class I genes does not appear to be affected by genomic imprinting in this tissue. The demonstration that cells of the chorionic girdle were immunogenic supports the hypothesis that invasion of the maternal endometrium by chronic girdle cells stimulates the production of anti-paternal alloantibodies normally observed in early horse pregnancy. The co-dominant expression of MHC class I antigens by invasive chorionic girdle cells has important implications for the mechanism of recognition of allogeneic fetal MHC class I antigens by the maternal immune system.
Re´sume´ in Motion: Sensory self-awareness through movement

Can middle school serve as a site for educating students on how their bodies are essential for learning and embodying knowledge differently? This experimental work concerns the new learning that a movement intervention introduced in the context of a career unit of a language arts curriculum. The experiences and reflections of eighth graders from an American school are presented creatively as scripts and interpreted for their learning value. What young students learned about feeling, power, communication, and bodily learning is looked at from critical, feminist, and arts-based perspectives. Topics covered by this emergent analysis focus on the reform of sex education and career education, key concepts of embodiment, description of a movement curriculum, presentation of thematic results, and, finally, the benefits and challenges of body-based interventions more generally.
Temporal analysis of the frequency and duration of low and high streamflow: years of record needed to characterize streamflow variability

A temporal analysis of the number and duration of exceedences of high- and low-flow thresholds was conducted to determine the number of years required to detect a level shift using data from Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Two methods were used—ordinary least squares assuming a known error variance and generalized least squares without a known error variance. Using ordinary least squares, the mean number of years required to detect a one standard deviation level shift in measures of low-flow variability was 57.2 (28.6 on either side of the break), compared to 40.0 years for measures of high-flow variability. These means become 57.6 and 41.6 when generalized least squares is used. No significant relations between years and elevation or drainage area were detected (PO0.05). Cluster analysis did not suggest geographic patterns in years related to physiography or major hydrologic regions. Referring to the number of observations required to detect a one standard deviation shift as ‘characterizing’ the variability, it appears that at least 20 years of record on either side of a shift may be necessary to adequately characterize high-flow variability. A longer streamflow record (about 30 years on either side) may be required to characterize low-flow variability. q 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
On clustering of undetectable transition faults in standard-scan circuits

Transition faults are used for modeling delay defects. A comparison between transition faults and single stuck-at faults indicates that many more transition faults than single stuck-at faults in standard-scan circuits are undetectable. Furthermore, this paper shows that undetectable transition faults in benchmark circuits appear in larger clusters than single stuck-at faults, where a cluster consists of several undetectable faults that are included in the same connected subcircuit. This implies that test sets for transition faults do not cover delay defects uniformly across the circuit. The paper studies the clustering of undetectable transition faults in standard-scan benchmark circuits by considering exhaustive as well as deterministic test sets. It defines double transition faults that provide targets for improving the coverage of subcircuits with undetectable transition faults, and presents the results of test generation.
Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of Ultra-Thin, Pinhole-Free Amorphous Silicon Films

A method to deposit and characterize ultra-thin (<100 Aring) amorphous silicon on silicon dioxide substrates is described. Two Si precursors, silane and disilane were compared for film continuity, measured in terms of pinhole density. Disilane was found to result in pinhole free films as thin as 45 Aring. The differences in sub-monolayer or island-stage film morphology were used to describe the effects of precursor chemistry on film continuity.
The Sea and the World of the Mutasaddi: A profile of port officials from Mughal Gujarat (c. 1600–1650)

This article seeks to trace the profile of the governors (mutasaddis) of the main port-cities (especially Surat and, to a lesser extent, Cambay) of the Mughal province of Gujarat in the first half of the seventeenth century. My research on the careers of individual mutasaddis – based mainly (but not exclusively) on existent Portuguese materials – allows us to better understand the social world of those occupying key positions in the ‘waterfront’ of the Mughal Empire and its dealings extensively with the European powers (Portuguese, Dutch and English). Hence, the analysis of the professional and personal trajectories of the Indian Muslim doctor Muqarrab Khan and the Persian Mir Musa Mu'izzul Mulk presented here demonstrate how far business, politics and cultural patronage were often entangled in the career of a Mughal mutasaddi of Gujarat.
Effect of 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene on Phagocytosis and Antibody Formation in Friend Virus Leukemia

BALB/c mice with Friend virus leukemia showed (i) a decreased carbon uptake by spleen and liver, observed histologically and measured by the corrected phagocytic index α, in spite of an increased total carbon clearance measured by the phagocytic index K, and (ii) a decreased serum hemolysin titer. Treatment with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) increased the carbon uptake by spleen and liver and the serum hemolysin titer. This corresponds to the previously described effect of DMBA on Friend virus leukemia as expressed in the blood picture and the delay in the neoplastic transformation of the spleen causing a prolonged latent period and survival time and a decreased spleen weight. DMBA alone had no effect on carbon clearance and serum hemolysin titer in normal mice.
New Agents for Multiple Myeloma

The treatment paradigm for multiple myeloma has significantly shifted in the past decade, as a result of new treatment agents, a better refinement of the supportive care approaches, a deeper understanding of the disease biology, and risk stratification-based approaches to treatment of myeloma. However, a relatively small proportion of patients are able to obtain long-term disease control with any of these treatment approaches, with the majority relapsing after various treatments and eventually becoming refractory to all available options. Hence it is imperative, we continue to work on developing newer treatments that represent improved versions of available drug classes as well as newer classes of drugs. In addition, there has been significant focus on developing new combinations of existing as well as novel therapeutic agents. In the current chapter, we will examine the new drugs that have been recently approved as well as those that are currently in clinical trials. Broadly, these drugs can be classified into those belonging to currently used classes of drugs, and new drug classes.
Monitoring Minimum Residual Disease In Multiple Myeloma Patients By LC-MS/MS

Proteomics with great sensitivity and specificity effectively analyzes proteins by prior tryptic digestion and subsequent analysis by LC-MS/MS of the tryptic digest. We have utilized this approach in the development of a LC-MS/MS method to characterize minimum residual disease in multiple myeloma. The abundant antibodies produced by multiple myeloma plasma cells are identical and appear as a spike (M-spike) upon protein electrophoresis. The M-spike and histological examination of the bone marrow constitute part of the myeloma diagnostic repertoire. Upon treatment, myeloma cells and the antibodies they produce are reduced in number and amount and become increasingly hard to detect. The bone marrow biopsy serves as the “gold standard” test for clinical remission. We have developed a sensitive test for the presence of the monoclonal antibody produced by the plasma cells which may serve as a substitute for invasive bone marrow biopsy. We have focused on tryptic peptides comprising the variable CDR regions of the Ig light chains that are unique to each patients antibody clone. Utilizing 2-5 µL of patient plasma/serum from the initial M-spike sample we have utilized SDS-PAGE to yield a crudely purified immunoglobulin light chain. The light chain band is isolated, reduced, alkylated and trypsin digested with subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis to identify CDR specific tryptic peptide(s). These can be identified as variable peaks (elution time and mass) in a base peak ion chromatogram where constant region peptides of either lambda or kappa light chains (clone dependent) serve as “internal standards” for identifying the CDR tryptic peptides. The peptide’s mass and its corresponding MS/MS spectra are unique to this CDR tryptic peptide and this patient’s clone. The unique diagnostic peptide is isolated in subsequent samples by immunoaffinity purification of the target kappa/lambda clone, SDS-PAGE separation and LC-MS/MS analysis of the light chain gel band. An extracted ion chromatogram is generated based upon the CDR peptides identified in the initial analysis of the M-spike sample. In patients in clinical remission the presence of a significant signal from the targeted peptides indicates that targeting a CDR peptide from the M-spike protein is more sensitive than currently available diagnostic tools including immunofixation. Comparison of this test to the gold standard bone marrow biopsy will be examined. Disclosures: Barnidge: Mayo Foundation: provisional patent application for technology, provisional patent application for technology Patents & Royalties.
Liquid chromatographic method for determination of dithianon in technical products and formulations: collaborative study

A liquid chromatographic method for determination of dithianon in technical products and formulations was evaluated by 22 laboratories participating in a collaborative study. Data received from 19 laboratories were used in the statistical analysis. The study included 3 technical grade materials, 1 suspension concentrate, and 1 wettable powder. Dithianon is determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography on a C 18 column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile and water. Detection at 254 nm with peak area measurements is used with an external standard for quantitation of dithianon. The liquid chromatographic method for determination of dithianon in technical products and formulations has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.
Treatment-resistant depression

Treatment-resistant depression is no different. It is a diagnosis that is often dreaded by patients, caregivers, and providers alike. It is responsible for increased hospitalizations, increased outpatient provider visits, greater use of psychotropic medications, and an average six times greater total healthcare cost incurrence compared to non-treatment-resistant depressed patients. Yet, the definition of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains somewhat controversial. In its simplest form, TRD can be defined as lack of significant improvement after two adequate trials of two different antidepressants from two different pharmacologic classes. However, the definition can quickly become quite complicated. According to Berlim, one can find more than 10 different definitions of TRD throughout the published literature. In addition, various authors have proposed staging systems for further description and characterization of TRD. Still others have argued that perhaps many instances of TRD actually represent undiagnosed bipolar disorder, nonadherence with therapy, and/or inadequate dose or duration of antidepressant therapy.
Social influence on the response to drugs. III. Response to amphetamine sulfate as a function of age.

Ninety-six 25 day old male albino rats were randomly assigned to three groups. One of these groups was observed at 30 days of age, a second at 45 days of age, and the third at 75 days of age. Animals in each of the groups were assigned to one of four subgroups, with eight animals in each subgroup. Animals in one subgroup received saline and were observed alone in an observation box, animals in a second subgroup received saline but were observed with three stimulus rats present in the observation box but separated from the observed animal by a wire-mesh barrier, rats in the third subgroup received 2.0 mg/kg of amphetamine and were observed in the solitary condition while rats in the fourth subgroup received the drug and were observed with the stimulus rats present.
The Effect of Various Chemical Substances on the Hemolytic Reaction

Hektoen' in 1903 pointed out that some of the inorganic salts, such as CaCl2, MgC12, BaCI,, NaS04, Na2C20O, and Na2C2H4Os, inhibit the hemolytic reaction when present in certain concentrations. This work was extended by Manwaring' and by Hektoen and Ruediger3 to cover bacteriolysins, as well as hemolysins, and a much larger number of salts. They found that small doses of M/8 solutions of many salts prevent the lysis of red corpuscles and of bacteria by various sera, and concluded that the antilytic action is the result of the action of these salts on the complements. Arkin' (1913), in reporting on the effect of several substances on opsonins, mentions that lactic acid in certain concentrations not only inhibits phagocytosis, but prevents complement from combining with amboceptor in the hemolytic reaction. I have noted in a previous report5 that a temporary drop in complement occurs during the Eckfistula operation, which seems to be the result of the anesthesia. It is generally known that an acidosis usually results from the administration of ether or chloroform,0 especially following chloroform anesthesia, and perhaps this acidosis is a factor in causing the temporary drop in complement during Eck-fistula operations, inasmuch as the drop is much greater under chloroform than under ether anesthesia. Wendelstadt' showed that in the presence of a small amount of amboceptor glycogen suspends hemolysis by acting on the complement. Hektoen and Ruediger mention the work of Camus and Pagniez,' Neisser and Doehring," and others, showing the ability of uremic serum to inhibit hemolysis by normal serum. Walker'" and others have reported the presence of complement-fixing substances in the serum of a certain percentage of diabetics. Cumming" has shown that the sign of the Wassermann reaction may be changed by the influence of various salts, acids, and alkalies on the hemolytic system.
A Wavelet Digital Watermarking Algorithm Based on Human Visual System

Useing the tree structure relation of wavelet coefficients and according to the different sensitivity of human visual system on edge,smooth region and texture of the image,a wavelet watermarking algorithm based on human visual system is proposed.The watermarking is embedded into the texture of the high frequemcy wavelet coefficient.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is of robust against JPEG compression,image processing and attack such as filtering and noise.
Characteristics of fundus fluorescein angiography in Stargardts disease

Objective To study the retinal and choroidal circulation abnormality in fundus fluorescein angiographyFFA of Stargrdts patients.Methods Routine eye examination and FFA were performed in 65 cases130 eyes.Results On FFA,dot-like transmitted fluorescences were found in macular lesions in all eyes,partially with obstructed fluorescences,typical "bull's eye" pattern in 44 eyes.Coarse vessels of choroid could be seen in macular lesion areas of 4 eyes.Diffused dot-like transmitted fluorescences outside macular existed in 56 eyes.A "dark choroids" was revealed in 116 eyes.Optic disc showed hyperfluorescence in 22 eyes.Retinal venous branches showed delayed filling in 6 eyes.Retinal veins were stained with dye and showed leakage in 1 eye.Conclusion Abnormality in FFA can indicate the stage of Stargardts,and FFA is effective in the diagnosis of Stargardts disease.
Calcium-dependent proteolysis of actin during storage of platelet concentrates

In an ongoing study of the changes that occur in platelet concentrates during storage, we investigated two 28–26-Kd proteins designated SP–1 and SP–2, respectively, which increase markedly during blood-bank storage of platelet concentrates at room temperature. Formation of SP–1 and SP–2 was inhibited by storage at 4 degrees C as well as by treatment of the concentrates with leupeptin, N–ethylmaleimide, and EDTA; DFP and PPACK had no effect. The calcium ionophore A23187 markedly stimulated production of SP–1 and SP–2. After partial purification, the two proteins were found to be associated with platelet cytoskeletal protein. Two-dimensional peptide mapping and amino acid sequencing identified SP-1 and SP-2 as fragments of actin formed by cleavage on the N-terminal side of residues Thr–106 and Ala- 114, respectively. Generation of SP–1 and SP–2 during storage of platelet concentrate is likely attributable to calcium-dependent neutral protease degradation of actin and may have implications for development of the platelet storage lesion.
Small Bowel Transplant Pathology

Small bowel transplantation is increasingly used in the treatment of irreversible intestinal failure in both pediatric and adult patients. However, the successful rate remains relatively low comparing to that for other solid organ transplants. The major posttransplant complications include acute cellular rejection, chronic rejection, infections, medication effects and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. Histologic recognition of these complications on mucosal biopsies is critically important to the clinical management of the patients. The diagnostic features of these complications are detailed in this chapter. The utility of C4d immunostaining for the diagnosis of antibody-medicated rejection has not been well established in the field of small bowel transplantation.
Moving Away from a Ptolemic View of the Human Economy

Just before his death in 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish mathematician and astronomer, published De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), one of the most important books in the history of science. By showing that the sun—rather than the earth—was at the center of the universe (actually the solar system, but this understanding came later), Copernicus overturned a thousand years of thought based on the writings of Claudius Ptolemy. This revelation helped usher in the modern era by restructuring human understanding of the cosmos and humanity’s place in it. Ptolemy’s earth-centric viewpoint required the development of very complicated models of celestial movements that had to be continually modified to fit new knowledge. Until Copernicus showed that the earth-centered view of the universe was wrong, Ptolemy was given almost legendary status. Is there a parallel with modern economics?
Classics of Modern Drama: The Sense of Essential Self

This chapter explores three classic works of twentieth-century drama—Our Town, The Glass Menagerie, and Death of a Salesman. These plays lay the foundation for interrogating the construction of self over the life course, as textual choices regarding onstage embodiment reveal attitudes toward age. Actors display as much as twenty years’ difference in age by simply enacting that age. As these plays manipulate time, they reveal a sense of stable, essential self, as characters move in and out of the past without acknowledging the changes that inevitably occur with aging. Moreover, major productions of these plays have cast against the chronological ages of the characters, raising questions about the perceptions of age in the theatre and in larger cultural contexts.
The Effect of the Risser Stage on Bracing Outcome in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Background: To determine the influence of the Risser sign on the need for surgery in children wearing orthoses for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), data on compliance with brace wear were collected and analyzed. Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight patients were prospectively enrolled at the time that brace wear had been prescribed and were followed until the cessation of bracing or the need for surgery. Inclusion criteria were a curve magnitude between 25° and 45°; a Risser stage of 0, 1, or 2; and, if female, <1 year post menarche at the time of brace prescription. Compliance was measured using thermal monitors. Results: The prevalence of surgery, or progression to a curve magnitude of ≥50°, was 44.2% for patients at Risser stage 0 (n = 120), 6.9% for patients at Risser stage 1 (n = 29), and 0% for patients at Risser stage 2 (n = 19). Brace wear averaged 11.3, 13.4, and 14.2 hours per day for the Risser stage-0, 1, and 2 groups, respectively. While the groups had no difference in initial curve magnitude (p = 0.11), more patients at Risser stage 0 had progression to surgery than did patients at Risser stage 1 or stage 2 despite bracing (p < 0.0001). Twenty-six (41.9%) of 62 Risser stage-0 patients who wore braces ≥12.9 hours per day had progression to surgery. Ten patients at Risser stage 0 with closed triradiate cartilage wore braces ≥18 hours per day, and none underwent surgery. In comparison, 7 of 10 patients at Risser stage 0 with open triradiate cartilage and similar daily brace wear underwent surgery. Of 9 patients at Risser stage 0 with open triradiate cartilage who wore braces ≥12.9 hours daily for curves measuring <30°, 7 had a nonsurgical outcome. Conclusions: Patients at Risser stage 0 are at risk for surgery despite brace wear. In these patients, 12.9 hours of daily wear—the number of hours linked with a successful outcome in the BRAIST (Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial)—did not prevent surgery. Patients with open triradiate cartilage were at highest risk, especially those with curves of ≥30°. Risser stage-0 patients should be prescribed a minimum of 18 hours of brace wear. Bracing should be initiated for curves of <30° in patients at Risser stage 0, especially those with open triradiate cartilage. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Using Social Tags and User Rating Patterns for Collaborative Filtering

The overwhelming supply of online information on the Web makes finding better ways to separate important information from the noisy data ever more important. Recommender systems may help users deal with the information overloading issue, yet their performance appears to have stalled in currently available approaches. In this study, the authors propose and examine a novel user profiling approach that uses collaborative tagging information to enhance recommendation performance. They evaluate the proposed hybrid approach, illustrated in the context of movie recommendation. The authors also empirically evaluate various existing recommendation approaches in comparison with the newly proposed approach using sensitivity analyses to investigate the potential use of varied user rating or tagging patterns to improve recommendations accuracy. The results don't just indicate the effective and competitive performance of the suggested approach, but they also suggest important implications and directions for further research, including the potential associated with applying multiple recommendation approaches within a single system based on the different rating or tagging patterns of the user.
The Circumgalactic Medium of Andromeda

Our view of galaxies has been transformed in recent years with diffuse halo gas surrounding galaxies that contains at least as many metals and baryons as their disks. While single sight lines through galaxy halos seen in absorption have provided key new constraints, they provide only average properties. Our massive neighbor, the Andromeda (M31) galaxy, provides an unique way to study its circumgalactic medium whereby we can study it using not one or two, but ~36 sightlines thanks to its proximity. With our Large HST program — Project AMIGA (Absorption Maps In the Gas of Andromeda), our goals are to determine the spatial distribution of the halo properties of a L* galaxy using 36 background targets at different radii and azimuths. In this brief paper, I discuss briefly the scientific rationale of Project AMIGA and some early science results. In particular, for the first time we have demonstrated that M31 has a gaseous halo that extends to R vir with as much as metal and baryonic masses than in its disk and has substantial change in its ionization properties with more highly ionized gas found at R ~ R vir than cooler gas found near the disk.
Study of the Life of Replaceable Inserts During High-Speed Steel and Wear-Resistant Cast Iron Machining

Comparative analysis is provided for hard-alloy inserts from different producer firms based on studying their durability during machining mill linings, and also pump wheels and casings.
Neurodevelopmental model of long-term outcomes of adult survivors of childhood brain tumors.

Childhood brain tumors and related treatments disrupt the developing brain and have a cascading impact on core cognitive skills and intellectual (intelligence quotient [IQ]) and academic achievemen...
Functional Genomics of Host–Microbiome Interactions in Humans

The human microbiome has been linked to various host phenotypes and has been implicated in many complex human diseases. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have used microbiome variation as a complex trait and have uncovered human genetic variants that are associated with the microbiome. Here we summarize results from these studies and illustrate potential regulatory mechanisms by which host genetic variation can interact with microbiome composition. We argue that, similar to human GWASs, it is important to use functional genomics techniques to gain a mechanistic understanding of causal host–microbiome interactions and their role in human disease. We highlight experimental, functional, and computational genomics methodologies for the study of the genomic basis of host–microbiome interactions and describe how these approaches can be utilized to explain how human genetic variation can modulate the effects of the microbiome on the host.
Scientific argument without a scientific consensus: Rachel Carson's rhetorical strategies in the Silent Spring debates

This article examines Rachel Carson's rhetoric following the 1962 publication of Silent Spring. Although she had generated a fierce controversy, Carson could not rely on a scientific consensus to d...
Transmission Line Technology for Electron Cyclotron Heating

AbstractWe briefly review the history of transmission line technology for electron cyclotron heating (ECH) applications and then survey the major developments over the past few years. These developments are grouped by function. Papers in this special issue are highlighted. We concentrate on the transmission from a matching optics unit near a gyrotron microwave source to the location of a vacuum window near the plasma, without review of window and launcher technology. Prospects for components handling more than 1-MW continuous wave are reviewed. While both waveguide and free-space propagation are considered, a greater emphasis is placed on corrugated waveguide components in preparation for the ITER ECH system.
Central nervous system cytokines and their relevance for neurotoxicity and apoptosis

Cytokines are molecules that are synthesized not only by the immune system, but also by cells in the central nervous system, including neurons, glia, and brain vascular cells. In the brain, cytokines can be neuroprotective or they can contribute to neurodegeneration. The role of cytokines in the regulation of normal and abnormal brain function represents a rapidly growing frontier in neuroscience. Cytokines are pleiotropic and redundant, and they can modulate the effects of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides; thus, in order to understand the effects of brain cytokines on apoptosis and toxicity, it is necessary to study the temporal and spatial expression of complex networks of cytokines, growth factors, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters. This effort is currently in progress in many centers. Modulation of cytokine function in the central nervous system represents a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration.
Optimization Approaches to Security-Constrained Unit Commitment and Economic Dispatch with Uncertainty Analysis

At the heart of the future smart grid lie two related challenging optimization problems: unit commitment and economic dispatch. The contemporary practices such as intermittent renewable power, distributed generation, demand response, etc., induce uncertainty into the daily operation of an electric power system, and exacerbate the ability to handle the already complicated intermingled problems. We introduce the mathematical formulations for the two problems, present the current practice, and survey solution methods for solving these problems. We also discuss a number of important avenues of research that will receive noteworthy attention in the coming decade.
Catheter-induced pulmonary artery perforation. Mechanisms, management, and modifications.

Six cases of pulmonary artery perforation associated with the use of Swan-Ganz catheters are reviewed. Risk factors included pulmonary hypertension, anticoagulation, and hypothermia. The mechanisms leading to perforation were clarified by the use of postmortem studies employing isolated whole lung preparations. These studies revealed that perforation results from (1) tip perforation of vasculature, (2) eccentric balloon configuration propelling the balloon through the vessel wall, and (3) balloon inflation disrupting the pulmonary artery (mean intraballoon pressure 250 mm Hg). Early clinical symptoms include hemoptysis of bright red blood and/or hypotension. Immediate evaluation may necessitate examination with a fiberoptic bronchoscope and “wedge” angiogram. If massive hemoptysis occurs, isolation of the unaffected lung by endobronchial intubation is mandatory. Pneumonectomy or lobectomy may be required. Revised guidelines for catheter insertion and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) measurements are presented. Finally, consideration is given to redesigning the pulmonary artery flow-guided catheter, particularly for use in patients undergoing cardiac operations with systemic anticoagulation. Modifications should be directed at (I) softer catheter tip with temperature-insensitive body, (2) low-pressure balloon, and (3) balloon pressure relief valve.
Laser Source Considerations in Integrated Optics

With the recent development of low-loss optical fibers(1), there is now considerable interest in the development of integrated optical systems(2) consisting of miniaturized optical components. These include both passive elements such as input and output couplers, thin-film waveguides, etc., and active devices such as modulators, laser sources, etc. In this article, some of the basic considerations related to the development of miniaturized laser sources are discussed. For practical integrated optical systems, such sources will almost have to be solid state devices and most likely in thin-film forms. Our discussion will, therefore, primarily be limited to solid state thin-film lasers.
Extremal Tests for Weak Convergence of Sequences and Series

This chapter has two theorems as foci. The first, due to the enigmatic Rainwater, states that for a bounded sequence (x n) in a Banach space X to converge weakly to the point x, it is necessary and sufficient that x*x = lim n x*x n hold for each extreme point x* of B x* . The second improves the Bessaga-Pelczynski criterion for detecting c 0’s absence; thanks to Elton, we are able to prove that in a Banach space X without a copy of c 0 inside it, any series ∑ n x n for which ∑n∣x*x n∣ < ∞ for each extreme point x* of B x* is unconditionally convergent.
Small Data Challenge: Structural Analysis and Optimization of Convolutional Neural Networks with a Small Sample Size

Deep neural networks have gained immense popularity in the Big Data problem; however, the availability of training samples can be relatively limited in certain application domains, particularly medical imaging, and consequently leading to overfitting problems. This Small Data challenge may need a mindset that is entirely different from the existing Big Data paradigm. Here, under the small data setting, we examined whether the network structure has a substantial influence on the performance and whether the optimal structure is predominantly determined by sample size or data nature. To this end, we listed all possible combinations of layers given an upper bound of the VC-dimension to study how structural hyperparameters affected the performance. Our results showed that structural optimization improved accuracy by 27.99%, 16.44%, and 13.11% over random selection for a sample size of 100, 500, and 1,000 in the MNIST dataset, respectively, suggesting that the importance of the network structure increases as the sample size becomes smaller. Furthermore, the optimal network structure was mostly determined by the data nature (photographic, calligraphic, or medical images), and less affected by the sample size, suggesting that the optimal network structure is data-driven, not sample size driven. After network structure optimization, the conventional convolutional neural network could achieve 91.13% in accuracy with only 500 samples, 93.66% in accuracy with only 1000 samples for the MNIST dataset and 94.10% in accuracy with only 3300 samples for the Mitosis (microscopic) dataset. These results indicate the primary importance of the network structure and the nature of the data in facing the Small Data challenge.