cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloud-based MOTIFSIM: Detecting Similarity in Large DNA Motif Data Sets

Abstract We developed the cloud-based MOTIFSIM on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. The tool is an extended version from our web-based tool version 2.0, which was developed based on a novel algorithm for detecting similarity in multiple DNA motif data sets. This cloud-based version further allows researchers to exploit the computing resources available from AWS to detect similarity in multiple large-scale DNA motif data sets resulting from the next-generation sequencing technology. The tool is highly scalable with expandable AWS.
A finite-volume HLLC-based scheme for compressible interfacial flows with surface tension

Shock waves are often used in experiments to create a shear flow across liquid droplets to study secondary atomization. Similar behavior occurs inside of supersonic combustors (scramjets) under startup conditions, but it is challenging to study these conditions experimentally. In order to investigate this phenomenon further, a numerical approach is developed to simulate compressible multiphase flows under the effects of surface tension forces. The flow field is solved via the compressible multicomponent Euler equations (i.e., the five equation model) discretized with the finite volume method on a uniform Cartesian grid. The solver utilizes a total variation diminishing (TVD) third-order RungeKutta method for time-marching and second order TVD spatial reconstruction. Surface tension is incorporated using the Continuum Surface Force (CSF) model. Fluxes are upwinded with a modified HartenLaxvan Leer Contact (HLLC) approximate Riemann solver. An interface compression scheme is employed to counter numerical diffusion of the interface. The present work includes modifications to both the HLLC solver and the interface compression scheme to account for capillary force terms and the associated pressure jump across the gasliquid interface. A simple method for numerically computing the interface curvature is developed and an acoustic scaling of the surface tension coefficient is proposed for the non-dimensionalization of the model. The model captures the surface tension induced pressure jump exactly if the exact curvature is known and is further verified with an oscillating elliptical droplet and Mach 1.47 and 3 shock-droplet interaction problems. The general characteristics of secondary atomization at a range of Weber numbers are also captured in a series of simulations.
Dysregulation of RNA Binding Protein Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Disorders

The unique biology of RNA binding proteins is altering our view of the genesis of protein misfolding diseases. These proteins use aggregation of low complexity domains as a means to regulate the localization and utilization of RNA by forming RNA granules, such as stress granules, transport granules and P-bodies. The reliance on reversible aggregation as a mechanism for biological regulation renders this family of proteins highly vulnerable to promoting diseases of protein misfolding. Mutations in RNA binding proteins are associated with many neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia. The biology of RNA binding proteins also extends to microtubule associated protein tau. Tau is normally an axonal protein, but in stress it translocates to the somatodendritic arbor where it takes on a new function promoting formation of stress granules. The interaction of tau with stress granules also promotes tau aggregation, accelerating formation of the tau pathology that we associate with diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Fresh Water in Roman Law: Rights and Policy*

Fresh water came from a variety of sources, streams and springs as well as aqueducts. Much of the Roman law on fresh water concerns its supply, regulating rights to use it with a variety of legal institutions from public and private law (e.g. ownership, servitudes, interdicts). The study of fresh water has usually followed the legal categories, segregating the public water supply from water that was private property, and consequently segregating different types of evidence. In this paper varied evidence is analysed using the ‘bundle’ approach, an analytical framework from legal scholarship on rights in the environment, in which water rights are not monolithic but are represented by component rights, including rights of access, withdrawal, management, exclusion and alienation. Analysing component rights in fresh water reveals significant continuities in the Romans' regulation of it and the impact of this regulation. Although there was no centralized water administration in the early Empire, Romans took a systematic approach to regulating fresh water based on consistent working principles and policy priorities.
Advances in Personalized Medicine: Bioprinted Tissues and Organs

On average, about 21 Americans die every day because a needed organ was unavailable. What exactly is the promise of 3D printing organs and tissues, or “bioprinting?” How does the technology work, and when might it start saving lives? Scientists have successfully created skin, urine tubes and blood vessels, and hollow structures such as the bladder. The most complex organs are solid structures such as the kidney, liver, and pancreas. The major challenge is how to generate billions of cells required for solid organs, and how to circulate nutrition and oxygen to the newly bioprinted organs with oxygen until they integrate with the body.
Radiation Therapy Dosimetry Phantoms

The successful use of external beam therapeutic radiation depends on the spatial distribution of absolute dose within the patient. Radiation therapy dosimetry phantoms play a critical role in ensuring that delivered and planned dose are as close as possible. First, they are used in the characterization and calibration of delivery devices. Secondly, they are used in the verification of modeled (planned) dose distributions. For these reasons these phantoms play a important role in ensuring effective and safe patient treatment.
Statistics of the Ensemble of Primary Structures for Inhomogeneous Polymer Chains

We consider linear polymer chains of fixed lengthN made up randomly of two different kinds of monomers X and Y near the tricritical theta point. Two kinds of short-range repulsive volume-excluded interactions, X-X and Y-Y are considered. In addition, short-range attractive two-body X-Y interactions and threebody interactions are included in the theoretical treatment. We derive the distribution of the average size of the random coil over the ensemble of primary structures or X-Y sequences. The variance of thermal or configurational averages for the different sequences is calculated making use of field-theoretic methods.
Prophylactic closed‐incision negative‐pressure wound therapy is associated with decreased surgical site infection in high‐risk colorectal surgery laparotomy wounds

AIM Surgical site infection in colorectal surgery is associated with significant healthcare costs, which may be reduced by using a closed-incision negative-pressure therapy device. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy on the incidence of surgical site infection. METHOD In this retrospective cohort study we evaluated all patients who had undergone high-risk open colorectal surgery at a single tertiary care centre from 2012 to 2016. We compared the incidence of surgical site infection between those receiving standard postoperative wound care between 2012 and 2014 and those receiving closed-incision negative-pressure therapy via a customizable device (Prevena Incision Management System, KCI, an Acelity company, San Antonio, Texas, USA) between 2014 and 2016. A validated surgical site infection risk score was used to create a 1:1 matched cohort subset. RESULTS Negative pressure therapy was used in 77 patients and compared with 238 controls. Negative pressure patients were more likely to have a stoma (92% vs 48%, P < 0.01) and to be smokers (33% vs 15%, P < 0.01). Surgical site infection was higher in control patients (15%, n = 35/238) compared with negative pressure patients (7%, n = 5/77) (P = 0.05). On regression analysis, negative pressure therapy was associated with decreased surgical site infection (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.09-0.78). These differences persisted in the matched analysis. CONCLUSION Negative pressure therapy was associated with decreased surgical site infection. Negative pressure therapy offers significant potential for quality improvement.
Risk prediction of 30-day mortality after lower extremity major amputation.

Abstract Objective Universal risk calculators may underestimate mortality risk, whereas purely observational administrative data may lack appropriate granularity to individualize risk. The purpose of this study was to create a simple risk prediction model to identify the factors associated with 30-day morality after lower extremity major amputation for ischemic vascular disease. Methods The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program national data set was queried from 2005 to 2015 to identify 14,890 patients undergoing elective above-knee or below-knee amputation for rest pain, tissue loss, or gangrene. The data set was divided into a two-thirds derivation set and one-third validation set for the purpose of creating a risk prediction model. The primary end point was 30-day mortality. Eight independent risk factors for mortality resulted from the model and were assigned whole number integer risk scores. Summary risk scores were collapsed into categories and defined as low (0-3 points), moderate (4-7 points), high (8-10), and very high (>10). Results Mortality in the derivation data set was 4.6% (n = 453). By multivariable backward elimination, predictors of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence limits]) included preoperative do not resuscitate order (3.1 [2.3-4.0]), congestive heart failure (2.8 [2.1-3.6]), age >80 years (1.8 [1.4-2.2]), chronic renal insufficiency (2.1 [1.7-2.5]), above-knee amputation (1.8 [1.4-2.2]), dependent functional status (2.0 [1.6-2.5]), coronary artery disease (1.3 [1.1-1.6]), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.3 [1.0-1.6]); the final model held a C statistic of 0.74. In both the derivation and validation sets, 30-day mortality correlated with risk category. Among the defined categories in the derivation set, 30-day mortality rates were 2.3% for low-risk patients, 4.3% for moderate-risk patients, 7.5% for high-risk patients, and 17.5% for very-high-risk patients, with similar results for the validation data set. Conclusions This risk prediction model uses eight easily obtainable clinical metrics that allow early assessment of 30-day mortality risk of patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation for ischemic indications. The internal validation of the risk score demonstrates the increased mortality with increasing risk category. Reliable expected mortality prediction is critically important for surgeons to make recommendations in accordance with a patient's or family's goals of care. These data may also be used to set realistic expectations for hospital-based quality initiatives and to provide guidance in preoperative medical optimization.
Creation and assessment of a clinical predictive model for candidaemia in patients with candiduria.

Candidaemia is the most common clinical presentation of invasive candidiasis and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Candiduria is a predictor for candidaemia; however, patient characteristics that are associated with concurrent candidaemia in the setting of candiduria are unclear. Identifying these characteristics could aid in the early detection of systemic disease. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of hospitalised patients with candiduria at our institution over a 13-year period. Our evaluation of patient characteristics included demographics, comorbidities, medications, procedures, devices, vital signs and laboratory values. We developed a multivariable logistic model to identify factors associated with candidaemia in patients with candiduria. We identified 4240 patients with candiduria, 263 (6.2%) of whom had candidaemia. Predictors for increased risk of candidaemia with candiduria included hospitalisations > 12 days, central venous catheter, parenteral nutrition, haematological and gynaecological malignancy, and receipt of β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors. Vital signs and laboratory values associated with candidaemia included elevated heart rate, temperature and creatinine, along with neutropenia and neutrophilia. Factors that demonstrated a decreased risk of candidaemia included diabetes mellitus, gastrostomy and urinary catheter with antibiotic use. The c-statistic was 0.741 (95% CI, 0.710-0.772). We identified a set of clinical characteristics that can predict the presence of candidaemia with candiduria.
Renal Trauma Classification and Management: Validating the Revised Renal Injury Grading Scale.

Purpose To better characterize traumatic renal injury a revision to the 1989 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma renal injury scale was proposed in which grade IV includes all collecting system and segmental vascular injuries and grade V includes main renal hilar injury. We sought to validate the 2009 grading scale, emphasizing reclassifications between the 1989 and 2009 versions, and subsequent management. Materials and methods Patient demographics and renal injury characteristics, computerized tomography imaging, radiology reports and subsequent management were recorded in a prospective trauma database. Multivariable logistic regression models for intervention were compared using 1989 and 2009 grades to evaluate which grading scale better predicted management. Results Of 256 renal injury cases 56 (21.9%) were reclassified using the revised 2009 scale, including 50 (19.5%) which were upgraded, 6 (2.3%) which were downgraded and 200 (78.1%) which were unchanged. Of grade III or higher cases management was nonoperative in 112 (78.9%), angioembolization in 9 (6.3%), nephrectomy in 9 (6.3%) and renorrhaphy in 12 (8.5%). Management was significantly associated with original and revised grades (chi-square p=0.02 and Conclusions Using the revised renal injury grading scale led to more definitive classification of renal injury and a stronger association with renal trauma management. Applying the revised criteria may facilitate and improve the multidisciplinary care of renal trauma.
Resisting Extinction: Purple Martins, Death, and the Future

As a result of anthropogenically induced habitat destruction and climate change, the Eastern Purple Martin in North America has been transformed into a “backyard bird,” dependent on a network of “landlords” for nesting structures and protection from competitor species. While the orthodox approach to wildlife conservation tends to promote the continued existence of appropriate habitats, the conservation of the Eastern Purple Martin has hinged upon the continued existence of a specific human cultural behaviour. This landlording subculture, however, is now believed to be waning due to the aging demographics of the landlords themselves, threatening the long-term survival of the species. This article focuses on the relationships between 24 landlords—primarily older, white, southern US men—and their avian charges. The long-term bond between the birds and their human keepers meant that the landlords were confronting not only their own mortality but also the extinction of the birds to which they have devoted themselves. Their continuing struggles to recruit younger generations into landlording suggest the need for new models of martin conservation that can appeal to the post-domestic and internet savvy sensibilities of today's youth.
Active Elastic Dimers: Cells Moving on Rigid Tracks

Experiments suggest that the migration of some cells in the three-dimensional extra cellular matrix bears strong resemblance to one-dimensional cell migration. Motivated by this observation, we construct and study a minimal one-dimensional model cell made of two beads and an active spring moving along a rigid track. The active spring models the stress fibers with their myosin-driven contractility and alpha-actinin-driven extendability, while the friction coefficients of the two beads describe the catch/slip bond behavior of the integrins in focal adhesions. In the absence of active noise, net motion arises from an interplay between active contractility (and passive extendability) of the stress fibers and an asymmetry between the front and back of the cell due to catch bond behavior of integrins at the front of the cell and slip bond behavior of integrins at the back. We obtain reasonable cell speeds with independently estimated parameters. We also study the effects of hysteresis in the active spring, due to catch bond behavior and the dynamics of cross-linking, and the addition of active noise on the motion of the cell. Our model highlights the role of alpha-actinin in three-dimensional cell motility and does not require Arp2/3 actin filament nucleation for net motion.
Ovarian function during the estrous cycle of the cow: ovarian blood flow and progesterone release rate.

To study the function of the corpus luteum (CL) through its major secretory product, progesterone (P4), catheters were inserted into the carotid artery (via the facial artery) and the ovarian vein (n = 12), and electromagnetic flow transducers were placed around the ovarian artery in cycling Angus and Hereford cows (n = 6). Blood samples were taken four times daily (at 0600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 h) and ovarian blood flow (OBF) was monitored for 60 min immediately after each blood sampling. After chromatography, P4 was measured by radioimmunoassay. The P4 concentrations in the ovarian vein (OP4) were correlated with day of the estrous cycle (r = .25; P less than .05) and were higher during the morning hours (P less than .05). Arterial progesterone (SP4) was correlated to OP4 (r = .24; P less than .05) and day of the cycle (r = .35; P less than .05). The OBF changed among days (P less than .05). The highest rates were noted during luteal maturation (23 ml/min; SE = .09) and the lowest were noted with the demise of the CL (SP4 less than 1 ng/ml) and approach of estrus (8 ml/min; SE = .07). The OBF was correlated with SP4 (r = .24; P less than .05), although no within-day trends were noted. Exogenous estrone (6 mg) administered via jugular vein decreased OBF within 30 to 45 min, but similar injections of P4 (up to 100 mg) had no effect. Progesterone release (P4R) from the ovary [(OP4 - SP4) x OBF] was higher in the morning hours (P less than .05). The P4 concentration (OP4, SP4) and release (P4R) exhibited wide variations among and within days. The changes in OP4 and P4R were both good indicators of CL development, maturation and regression, as associated with SP4 changes. Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations monitored in the carotid artery and ovarian vein indicated that the ovary with the CL was not limited in O2 availability or CO2 removal during periods of low blood flow or high secretion of P4.
The carnival of calculation

THE STOMACHION : MOTIVATING THE DISCUSSION My moment of revelation – indeed, the starting point for writing this book – was while trying to make sense of Archimedes' Stomachion . This treatise, surviving on a single parchment leaf containing the introduction, a preliminary proof, and one stump of a proof – all mutilated and difficult to read – has gained little scholarship since its first publication by Heiberg in 1915. I would have never paid it much attention myself – it did not appear to be a “serious” work – but it is after all a page out of the Archimedes Palimpsest, and just looking at the parchment one could not resist the temptation to work on it. The page looked to be in such a bad shape, surely Heiberg did not manage to read it satisfactorily! My reading did not add many words to those read by Heiberg. But I was probably the first person in many years to have read, slowly and attentively, the introduction to the Stomachion . I quote a tentative translation: As the so-called Stomachion has a variegated theoria of the transposition of the figures from which it is set up, I deemed it necessary: first, to set out in my investigation of the magnitude of the whole figure each of the to which it is divided, by which it is measured; and further also, which are angles, taken by combinations and added together; said for the sake of finding out the fitting-together of the arising figures, whether the resulting sides in the figures are on a line or whether they are slightly short of that unnoticed by sight. […]
Functional Mapping for Glioma Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Outcomes and Cost.

Objective To compare clinical outcomes and payments between glioma resections with and without functional mapping. Methods The Thomas Reuters MarketScan national longitudinal database was used to identify patients undergoing resection of supratentorial primary malignant glioma with or without functional mapping between 2007 and 2016. Patients were stratified into mapped and unmapped (conventional) groups and subsequently propensity-matched based on demographics, clinical comorbidities, and surgical characteristics (i.e., use of stereotactic navigation, microscope, and intratumoral chemotherapy). Outcomes and charges were compared between matched groups using bivariate analyses. Results A total of 14,037 patients were identified, of whom 796 (6.0%) received functional mapping. Propensity matching (1:1) resulted in 796 mapped patients and 796 propensity-matched controls. Thirty-day postoperative rates of new-onset seizures, cerebral edema, hemorrhage, and neurologic deficits were significantly lower for the functional mapping group (all P Conclusions Intraoperative functional mapping during glioma resection was associated with decreased complications, reoperations, emergency department visits, and shorter lengths of stay. Furthermore, total charges of mapped resections were not significantly different from those of conventional resections. These findings support the usefulness of functional mapping for resection of supratentorial primary malignant gliomas.
HIGH-SENSITIVITY CARDIAC TROPONINS FOR MORTALITY RISK STRATIFICATION IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS WITH KIDNEY DYSFUNCTION

High-sensitivity troponin I (hs-cTnI) and T (hs-cTnT) are associated with cardiovascular (CVD) and mortality risk. Both troponins are elevated in the setting of chronic kidney disease. We assessed the association of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT with mortality in adults with and without chronic kidney disease
The problem of evil and the question of theodicy

THE NATURE AND REALITY OF EVIL Our examination of sin in the previous chapter emphasized that sin is rebellion against the divine will with deleterious consequences, including the estrangement of human beings from God, from one another, and from nature. Sin is a potent reality in human life, which unleashes dark forces in creation that cause incalculable misery. This is perhaps why the NT reminds us that humanity's real battle in life is with fallen “principalities and powers” (see Eph. 6:12), which can be understood as forces of evil , both spiritual and structural, that harass persons, from both within and without. In addition to sin, therefore, we must consider the sinister presence of evil – a power that causes suffering and destruction – in God's good but fallen creation. Evil takes a variety of forms. It is customary in theology to distinguish between two main types of evil. On the one hand, there is natural evil , which occurs when seemingly senseless but potent natural forces oppress and devour innocent victims, such as when tornadoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes suddenly wreak havoc on entire communities, or when diseases stalk and attack countless people. On the other hand, closely related to sin, there is moral evil , which occurs when acts perpetrated by accountable moral agents result in suffering. Human beings, it seems, have a pronounced penchant for inflicting cruelty on their fellow creatures: assault, rape, and murder are frighteningly common in our disordered world, to say nothing of attempts to exterminate entire races of people, among other unspeakable atrocities and acts of terror.
Use of a custom website by orthopaedic sports medicine surgical patients: If you build it, will they come?

Abstract Background Internet use is nearly ubiquitous, and orthopaedic patients are increasingly utilizing the Internet for medical information. The quality of resources available to patients is variable, and patients may benefit from physician guidance. A recent study showed only 11% of orthopaedic trauma patients accessed a custom-designed website developed by a physician. The purpose of this study was to determine whether orthopaedic sports medicine patients would use a custom-designed website and what factors would be associated with website use. Methods A prospective study was conducted of patients undergoing eight common orthopaedic sports medicine procedures from April 2017 to December 2017.108 patients were enrolled and provided access to the website that allowed tracking of each patient’s website use. The sports medicine cohort was compared to a previously published trauma cohort using the same methodology in a similar population at the same institution. The custom-designed website was replicated from the previous trauma study, but with the patient information now focused on sports medicine conditions and procedures. Patients’ access to the website, tracking of website use, data collection, and analysis was identical to the previous trauma cohort. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which patient factors were associated with website use. Results 33 orthopaedic sports medicine patients (31%) accessed the website, and of those, 96% found the website helpful or very helpful. Orthopaedic sports medicine patients were nearly 3 times more likely to use the designated website than orthopaedic trauma patients (31% vs. 11%; p = 0.0004). Higher education predicted website use (p = 0.006). Age, gender, race, employment status, and household income were not predictive of use (p = 0.49, 0.27, 0.23, 0.15, 0.58; respectively). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was associated with website use as compared to meniscus and cartilage surgery (42% vs. 20%; p = 0.037). Nominal logistic regression analysis confirmed higher level of education (p = 0.00001) and ACL reconstruction (p = 0.0005) independently predicted website use. Conclusion Orthopaedic sports medicine surgical patients are more likely to use a custom-designed informational website than orthopaedic trauma patients. However, only 31% of sports medicine patients accessed the website. Inherent differences between groups may account for the differences in website use. Higher level of education is predictive of website use, as is ACL reconstruction for knee surgery patients. Physicians should work to direct patients to high quality Internet resources given the vast amount of potentially unreliable information available.
Ureteropyelostomy and ureteroureterostomy

Abstract There are numerous options for managing ureteroceles associated with complete ureteral duplication. Embryologically, ureteral duplication is the result of abnormal branching of the ureteric bud off the mesonephric duct. The upper pole ureteric bud arises more proximal from the mesonephric duct relative to the lower pole ureteric bud leading to an upper pole orifice in a more caudal and medial position while the lower pole system is located more laterally, eponymously termed the Weigert-Meyer law. As a result, the upper pole is more commonly associated with ectopia or a ureterocele, while the lower pole tends to be associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) due to shorter intramural tunnel length. Surgical decision-making for ureteroceles is influenced not only by a child's clinical course but also by the presence of reflux into any of the ureters and to a lesser extent by the function of the upper pole moiety, as well as surgeon and parental preference. Management goals include preservation of renal function, prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI) and obstruction, maintenance of continence, and minimizing surgical morbidity. If significant lower pole VUR is not a factor, ureteroureterostomy (UU) or ureteropyelostomy (UP) are valid reconstructive alternatives to ureterocele excision and reimplantation or ureterocele puncture.
Characterization Analysis of A304 and A380 Aluminum Alloys

The hot tearing susceptibilities of an Al–Si based alloy were investigated for hot tearing characteristics. The experimental studies were conducted using a newly developed enhanced constrained rod casting method that enables real-time measurements of the contraction load developed in the casting and the temperature variations during solidification as a function of time. A304 and A380 casting alloys were selected to study hot tearing characteristics at pouring temperatures of 700 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C. The study showed that hot tearing was not observed in measurement rod of A304 and A380 casting alloys. However, hot tearing was observed in the constrained rods A and B of A380 casting alloy at 750 °C. A304 alloy showed higher resistance to hot tearing at a casting temperature below 750 °C.
Development of a Profile-Based Writing Scale: How Collaboration with Teachers Enhanced Assessment Practice in a Post-Admission ESL Writing Program at a USA University

This study reports on the revision of a rating scale for an ESL writing placement test and demonstrates how collaboration with teachers can both enhance the assessment practice within an ESL writing program and raise teachers’ awareness about assessment literacy. Following a data-driven approach to scale development, teachers participated in a three-stage revision process, where they were asked to (1) reflect on the range of writing performances in ESL courses, (2) evaluate sample essays from the test and revise descriptors for the new scale, and (3) pilot-rate new essays using the new scale. During the first stage, both teachers and testers recognized that test takers display different strengths and weaknesses in argument development and lexico-grammar. However, when evaluating sample essays, teachers seemed to weigh argument development more heavily, whereas testers placed a higher value on lexico-grammatical accuracy. Additionally, when rating argument development, some teachers relied heavily on surface/structural rhetorical features rather than essay content. These contrasts resulted in conflicting ratings on certain essay profiles. Through several rounds of discussion, these differences were eventually mitigated by creating separate criteria for argument development and lexico-grammar. The revised scale strikes a better balance between argument development and lexico-grammar, more accurately covering the range of writing performances among test takers. The revision process standardized the conceptualization and operationalization of writing quality, shifting teachers’ focus from surface rhetorical features to essay content. In return, collaboration with teachers enhanced testers’ understanding of the local instructional contexts. Teachers’ involvement promoted collaborative assessment-related dialogues and practices within the ESL program, strengthening the alignment across curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Output of a valveless Liebau pump with biologically relevant vessel properties and compression frequencies.

Liebau pump is a tubular, non-peristaltic, pulsatile pump capable of creating unidirectional flow in the absence of valves. It requires asymmetrical positioning of the pincher relative to the attachment sites of its elastic segment to the rest of the circuit. Biological feasibility of such valveless pumps remains a hotly debated topic. To test the feasibility of the Liebau-based pumping in vessels with biologically relevant properties we quantified the output of Liebau pumps with their compliant segments made of a silicone rubber that mimicked the Young modulus of soft tissues. The lengths, the inner diameters, thicknesses of the tested compliant segments ranged from 1 to 5 cm, 3 to 8 mm and 0.3 to 1 mm, respectively. The compliant segment of the setup was compressed at 0.5–2.5 Hz frequencies using a 3.5-mm-wide rectangular piston. A nearest-neighbor tracking algorithm was used to track movements of 0.5-mm carbon particles within the system. The viscosity of the aqueous solution was varied by increased percentage of glycerin. Measurements yielded quantitative relationships between viscosity, frequency of compression and the net flowrate. The use of the Liebau principle of valveless pumping in conjunction with physiologically sized vessel and contraction frequencies yields flowrates comparable to peristaltic pumps of the same dimensions. We conclude that the data confirm physiological feasibility of Liebau-based pumping and warrant further testing of its mechanism using excised biological conduits or tissue engineered components. Such biomimetic pumps can serve as energy-efficient flow generators in microdevices or to study the function of embryonic heart during its normal development or in diseased states.
INTO Mason: Who We Are, What We Do, Why It Matters

Location: Dewberry Hall Abstract: What is INTO Mason? What is a joint venture? Are the students enrolled in INTO Mason programs George Mason University students? This poster session provides an overview of INTO Mason -- its function as a JV, its customized approach to international student adjustment and success, its relationship to the rest of the university, etc. -- and invites questions and curiosities about who we are, what we do, and why it matters.
Slavery and Emancipation in Islamic East Africa: From Honor to Respectability

Examining the process of abolition on the island of Pemba off the East African coast in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this book demonstrates the links between emancipation and the redefinition of honour among all classes of people on the island. By examining the social vulnerability of ex-slaves and the former slave-owning elite caused by the abolition order of 1897, this study argues that moments of resistance on Pemba reflected an effort to mitigate vulnerability rather than resist the hegemonic power of elites or the colonial state. As the meaning of the Swahili word heshima shifted from honour to respectability, individuals' reputations came under scrutiny and the Islamic kadhi and colonial courts became an integral location for interrogating reputations in the community. This study illustrates the ways in which former slaves used piety, reputation, gossip, education, kinship and witchcraft to negotiate the gap between emancipation and local notions of belonging.
Split-Order Distance for Clustering and Classification Hierarchies

Clustering and classification hierarchies are organizational structures of a set of objects. Multiple hierarchies may be derived over the same set of objects, which makes distance computation between hierarchies an important task. In this paper, we model the classification and clustering hierarchies as rooted, leaf-labeled, unordered trees. We propose a novel distance metric Split-Order distance to evaluate the organizational structure difference between two hierarchies over the same set of leaf objects. Split-Order distance reflects the order in which subsets of the tree leaves are differentiated from each other and can be used to explain the relationships between the leaf objects. We also propose an efficient algorithm for computing Split-Order distance between two trees in O (n 2 d 4) time, where n is the number of leaves, and d is the maximum number of children of any node. Our experiments on both real and synthetic data demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our algorithm.
Overview of acne and its treatment

Acne affects more than 85% of teenagers in the United States and often continues into adulthood. The most deleterious form can result in permanent scarring on the face, chest, and back. Although the pathogenic features of acne are well known, the initiating factor remains unknown. Isotretinoin is effective against all of the pathogenic features of acne but is contraindicated in pregnant women and has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels. Combination regimens appear to be effective, but physicians should avoid prescribing complicated treatment regimens. Hormone therapy has been found to improve acne in some women and should be considered in appropriate candidates. Although the list of available and effective agents appears to be extensive, several are contraindicated in pregnant women, and long-term use of antibiotics to target inflammation has been linked to agranulocytosis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Further investigation into agents that can reduce sebum production is warranted.
Making Pizzas: Reasoning by Cases and by Recursion

In previous chapters, we followed the students in Kenilworth as they worked on theshirts and jeans task and the towers problems in the second through fifth grades. Inthis chapter, we discuss five sessions during which these students worked to make sense of the pizza problems.
Analysis of phase transitions in KIV with amygdala during simulated navigation control

A biologically inspired dynamical neural network model called KIV is used in this work to design autonomous agents. The KIV set models the vertebrate limbic system. Previous studies indicated that KIV is able to provide a control algorithm for navigation and decision-making for autonomous mobile agents. In this work we use Hilbert transform to capture global synchronized spatio-temporal patterns of amplitude modulation in KIV. We identify phase transition in the simulated amygdala and show that it shares several important features of EEC signals.
Isolation and analysis of restriction endonuclease digestive patterns of chromosomal DNA from Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and other Mycobacterium species.

A relatively rapid and efficient method for the extraction of chromosomal DNA from Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and other mycobacteria was developed. Approximately 25 to 50 micrograms of DNA could be extracted from 100 mg (wet weight) of cells, which was sufficient to perform several restriction endonuclease analyses from a single preparation. The DNA from five Mycobacterium species, including four strains of M. paratuberculosis and four strains of M. avium, was analyzed by this method. Digestion with the restriction endonucleases BstEII and PstI yielded the most definitive restriction patterns. For some strains, the restriction endonuclease analysis results were in agreement with the current identification of these organisms. The two strains of M. avium serotype 2 had identical fragment patterns. Similarly, the two strains of M. avium complex serotype 6 had identical fragment patterns. The three mycobactin-dependent M. paratuberculosis strains were very similar, whereas the mycobactin-independent M. paratuberculosis strain was more similar to the M. avium serotype 2 strains. Although many more cultures would need to be evaluated to determine correct groupings, the results of this study demonstrated the potential of restriction enzyme analysis for the differentiation of slowly growing mycobacteria. Images
Increasing application performance in virtual environments through run-time inference and adaptation

Virtual machine distributed computing greatly simplifies the use of widespread computing resources by lowering the level of abstraction, benefiting both resource providers and users. Towards that end our Virtuoso middleware closely emulates the existing process of buying, configuring and using physical machines. Virtuoso's VNET component is a simple and efficient layer two virtual network tool that makes these virtual machines (VMs) appear to be physically connected to the home network of the user while simultaneously supporting arbitrary topologies and routing among them. Virtuoso's VTTIF component continually infers the communication behavior of the application running in a collection of VMs. The combination of overlays like VNET and inference frameworks like VTTIF has great potential to increase the performance, with no user or developer involvement, of existing, unmodified applications by adapting their virtual environments to the underlying computing infrastructure to best suit the applications. We show here how to use the continually inferred application topology and traffic to dynamically control three mechanisms of adaptation, VM migration, overlay topology, and forwarding to significantly increase the performance of two classes of applications, bulk synchronous parallel applications and transactional Web e-commerce applications.
Effect of glass powders on the mechanical and durability properties of cementitious materials

Abstract This paper examines the mechanical strength and durability behavior of cementitious materials modified with two types of glass powders and a class F fly ash at various levels of cement replacement. Mechanical strengths were evaluated via compressive strength and flexural strength tests, and durability characteristics studied included alkali-silica-reactivity, electrical resistivity, chloride permeability and porosity. The findings from this study indicated that cementitious materials modified with glass powders showed an improvement in compressive and flexural strengths compared to the control concrete at late ages of curing. It was found that the addition of glass powders decreased alkali-silica reaction expansions of the modified cementitious materials when mixed with reactive sands and enhanced resistance to chloride permeability and electrical resistivity of cementitious materials. The improvement in the mechanical strength and durability of the cementitious materials modified with glass powders can be attributed to microstructure improvement arising from the pozzolanic property of the glass powders.
Persistent dentate granule cell hyperexcitability after neonatal infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Infection of neonatal Lewis rats with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) produces distinct retinal, cerebellar, and hippocampal neuropathology. To understand the neurophysiological consequences of LCMV-induced hippocampal pathology, we studied evoked monosynaptic potentials and electro-encephalographic (EEG) activity in the dentate gyrus and CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus in vivo. Lewis rats were inoculated intracerebrally with LCMV at postnatal day 4. In rats studied 84–107 d postinfection, virus was cleared from the dentate gyrus and the number of dentate granule cells was decreased by 70%. No viral antigen or cell loss was apparent in CA1 or CA3. The hippocampal EEG of LCMV-infected rats 84–102 d postinfection was dominated by continuous theta. Although evoked potentials elicited in CA1 and CA3 by monosynaptic afferent stimulation revealed no differences between sham- and LCMV-infected rats, there was a site-specific dissociation of synaptic [population excitatory postsynaptic potential (pEPSP)] and cellular (population spike) responses and a suppression of GABA- mediated recurrent inhibition in the dentate gyrus of LCMV-infected rats. These findings indicate that GABA-mediated inhibition was markedly decreased in LCMV-infected rats. In support of this, parvalbumin-immunoreactive cell bodies and neuronal processes were decreased in LCMV-infected rats, suggesting that a subpopulation of GABA interneurons was affected. These findings indicate that abnormalities in synaptic function persist after clearance of infectious virus from the central nervous system and suggest that decreased inhibition subsequent to pathological sequence in a subpopulation of GABA interneurons may be implicated in the hyperexcitability of dentate granule cells.
Role of growth parameters in equalizing simultaneous growth of N‐ and Ga‐polar GaN by MOCVD

In preparing periodically-oriented gallium nitride (PO GaN) samples for optical applications, smooth surfaces are essential. Although post-growth processing of these surfaces is possible, it is challenged by significantly different reactivity of the two polar surfaces. To this end, it would be highly desirable to grow PO GaN structures with smooth surfaces. In this paper, the influence of growth parameters on the morphology of PO GaN structures is investigated. The three primary parameters investigated include the V/III ratio of the gas phase precursors, the nature of the carrier gas, and the geometry of the structure. The V/III ratio was varied from 1100 to 5500. Substitution of N2 for the standard H2 carrier gas is investigated. Finally, the effects of changing the structure periodicity from 2 to 100 mm are studied. Smoother structures (resulting from more equal growth rates of the two polarities) are achieved with increases in V/III ratio, substitution of H2 with N2, and by reducing the stripe width. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multielemental Si–C–N–O one-dimensional nanomaterials

Abstract Multielemental Si3CxOy□zN4–(x+y+z) nanowires and nanoscrews with a diameter of a few tens of nanometers and a length up to a few tens of micrometers have been synthesized for the first time and the possible mechanism for their formation is analyzed in this investigation. The one-dimensional nanomaterial has a β-Si3N4 structure with the long axis along the 〈2 1 0〉 direction.
Human estimates of statistical relatedness

Degree of statistical relatedness between events is an independent variable used by many psychologists investigating concept formation, cue utilization, reinforcement theory and decision theory. Evidence is presented which indicates there is a discrepancy between human estimates and statistical estimates of relatedness.
Proteomics of Human Body Fluids. Visith Thongboonkerd, Editor., Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 2007, 533 pp. (hardcover). ISBN 978-1-59745-432-2.

In the preface, the editor notes that this book, “is the first and nearly complete collection of applications of proteomics to analyze various human body fluids, including plasma, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural effusions, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, sputum, nasal lavage fluid, saliva, pancreatic juice, bile, amniotic fluid, milk, nipple aspirate fluid, seminal fluid, vitreous fluid, dialysate, and …
Letter from Bosnia

To all appearances, the 20th century will end in Europe much as it began. Ethnic tensions fuel wars; traditional power axes create their own logic of alliances and struggles. For the past 32 months...
Building blocks for correlated superconductors and magnets

Recent efforts at Los Alamos to discover strongly correlated superconductors and hard ferromagnets are reviewed. While serendipity remains a principal engine of materials discovery, design principles and structural building blocks are beginning to emerge that hold potential for predictive discovery. Successes over the last decade with the so-called “115” strongly correlated superconductors are summarized, and more recent efforts to translate these insights and principles to novel hard magnets are discussed. While true “materials by design” remains a distant aspiration, progress is being made in coupling empirical design principles to electronic structure simulation to accelerate and guide materials design and synthesis.
Construction of doubly diagonalized orthogonal latin squares

A transversal T of a latin square is a collection of n cells no two in the same row or column and such that each of the integers 1, 2, ..., n appears in exactly one of the cells of T. A latin square is doubly diagonalized provided that both its main diagonal and off-diagonal are transversals. Although it is known that a doubly diagonalized latin square of every order n >= 4 exists and that a pair of orthogonal latin squares of order n exists for every n 2 or 6, it is still an open question as to what the spectrum is for pairs of doubly diagonalized orthogonal latin squares. The best general result seems to be that pairs of orthogonal doubly diagonalized latin squares of order n exist whenever n is odd or a multiple of 4, except possibly when n is a multiple of 3 but not of 9. In this paper we give a new construction for doubly diagonalized latin squares which is used to enlarge the known class for doubly diagonalized orthogonal squares. The construction is based on Sade's singular direct product of quasigroups.