cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fertility after conservative treatment of ovarian immature teratomas

The objective of this study was to assess the reproductive experience of patients with immature teratomas who underwent fertility preserving therapy. Thirty-five consecutive patients with immature teratoma of the ovary treated, or consulted on, by the Yale Gynecologic Oncology Service over a 20-year period were assessed. Charts were reviewed retrospectively and when necessary, follow-up information was obtained by telephone calls to patients or their referring physicians. All 35 patients underwent surgery. Thirty-four (97%) patients received chemotherapy according to protocols current at the time of their treatment. One patient (2.8%) had an ovarian cystectomy only with no further adjuvant therapy. Twenty-three patients (65.7%) had fertility preserving treatment. Of these patients, two have not yet completed their sexual development and one underwent bilateral tubal ligation immediately after completion of her chemotherapy as she had fulfilled her reproductive goals prior to her diagnosis. Of the remaining 20 patients, 10 (50%) had undergone wedge biopsy of the contralateral ovary. This information was not available in an additional two patients. Of the 13 patients attempting pregnancy, 11 have been successful. Eight of these patients had stage I and three had stage III disease. Twenty-six conceptions have occurred. Of these, five have culminated in elective and two in spontaneous abortions while the other 19 have led to the delivery of 19 healthy infants. Two patients (8.7%) have experienced infertility, one due to pelvic inflammatory disease and the other due to postoperative adhesions. Both of these patients had stage I disease. Fertility preserving treatment is appropriate for all patients with immature teratomas of the ovary who wish to maintain their reproductive function.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins-3 and -5: Central Mediators of Fibrosis and Promising New Therapeutic Targets

Fibrosis involves an orchestrated cascade of events including activation of fibroblasts, increased production and deposition of extracellular matrix components, and differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk plays an important role in this process, and current hypotheses of organ fibrosis liken it to an aberrant wound healing response in which epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cellular senescence may also contribute to disease pathogenesis. The fibrotic response is associated with altered expression of growth factors and cytokines, including increased levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and the more recent observation that increased levels of several insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are associated with a number of fibrotic conditions. IGFBPs have been implicated in virtually every cell type and process associated with the fibrotic response, making the IGFBPs attractive targets for the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies. In this review, the current state of knowledge regarding the classical IGFBP family in organ fibrosis will be summarized and the clinical implications considered.
Protein function prediction based on patterns in biological networks

In this paper, we propose a pattern-based protein function annotation framework, employing protein interaction networks, to predict annotation functions of proteins. More specifically, we first detect patterns that appear in the neighborhood of proteins with a particular functionality, and then transfer annotations between two proteins only if they have similar annotation patterns. We show that, in comparison with other techniques, our approach predicts protein annotations more effectively. Our technique (a) produces the highest prediction accuracy of 70-80% precision and recall for different organism specific datasets, and (b) is robust to false positives in protein interaction networks.
Variation of the radiative properties during black carbon aging: theoretical and experimental intercomparison

Abstract. A theoretical black carbon (BC) aging model is developed to account for three typical evolution stages, namely, freshly emitted aggregates, BC coated by soluble material, and BC particles undergoing further hygroscopic growth. The geometric-optics surface-wave (GOS) approach is employed to compute the BC single-scattering properties at each aging stage, which are subsequently compared with laboratory measurements. Theoretical calculations are consistent with measurements in extinction and absorption cross sections for fresh BC aggregates with different BC sizes (i.e., mobility diameters of 155, 245, and 320 nm), with differences of ≤ 25 %. The measured optical cross sections for BC coated by sulfuric acid and for that undergoing further hygroscopic growth are generally captured (differences
Second Life Prototyping of Augmented Automobile Navigation Assistance

The automobile industry has produced many cars with new features over the past decade. However, the interaction between the driver and the car has not changed significantly. The information being delivered - both in quantity and method - from the car to the driver has not seen the same improvements as there have been "under the hood." This paper proposes immersing the driver inside an additional layer of traffic and navigation data, and presenting that data to the driver by embedding display systems into the automobile windows and mirrors. Furthermore, we present a new technique for testing prototypes of such systems; an alternative to custom simulators or cars retrofitted with elaborate testing components. Our method of using the online virtual world Second Life to conduct driving simulations has the advantages of faster development time, lower costs, and simpler setups than many of the alternatives.
Crosstalk Between Write Transducers

Recording experiments on modern tape heads having closely spaced write transducers reveal the presence of writer-to-writer crosstalk. The data suggest that crosstalk arises from changes in write gap fields caused by the leakage of magneto-static flux between neighbors. Crosstalk recording simulations agree with the observed trends. Finite-element method (FEM) modeling of linear heads predicts smaller crosstalk than is experimentally observed, suggesting that nonlinear pole response is needed for explaining the phenomenon. Dependence of crosstalk on writer-to-writer spacing is computed and is consistent with the observations.
Teaching video is it III alone, or III and IV?

The most important questions when confronted with an oculomotor (III) palsy are 1) Is the pupil spared? 2) Is it complete aside from pupil sparing? and 3) Is it in isolation? A “no” answer to any …
Isothermal and Cyclic Oxidation Behavior of Turbine Blade Alloys

Oxidation behavior of two nickel-based turbine blade alloys has been investigated at three temperatures ranging from 950°C to 1066°C. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), isothermal exposure and cyclic oxidation tests were conducted on GTD-111 (Ni-14.1Cr-3.7W-9.2Co-1.5Mo-3.1A1-4.9Ti-0.02Cb-2.93Ta-0.11C) and IN-738 (Ni-16.0Cr-2.6W-8.1Co-1.6Mo-3.5A1-3.4Ti-0.7Cb-1.6Ta-0.10C) blade alloys. TGA results showed that the oxidation kinetics of both alloys obey parabolic rate laws. The GTD-111 material exhibited a higher parabolic rate constant than IN 738 at all temperatures investigated. Cyclic oxidation behavior of these alloys was compared by plotting the weight change results as a function of thermal cycles. Consistent with the TGA results, cyclic oxidation test results also showed that GTD-111 was less resistant to high-temperature oxidation as compared to the IN-738 alloy. To characterize the oxide scales, a series of short term isothermal oxidation tests were conducted and the spalled scale after oxidation exposure was collected and analyzed by energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) as a function of aging time. The composition of the scales varied between the alloys. The variation of oxidation behavior of these alloys is discussed with respect to the composition differences between the two alloys.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Exocytosis in peptidergic nerve terminals exhibits two calcium- sensitive phases during pulsatile calcium entry

The link between electrical activity, Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated channels, and transmitter or hormone secretion is a central issue in neurobiology. In peptidergic nerve terminals of the mammalian neurohypophysis (NHP), secretion is elicited by patterned bursts of action potentials (APs). All parameters of the bursts are important to elicit efficient secretion, including AP frequency, AP broadening, burst duration, and interburst interval (Leng, 1988). We have studied Ca(2+)-secretion coupling of peptide-containing large dense-core vesicles (LDCV) in isolated rat NHP terminals. Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels was elicited and recorded by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Exocytosis was monitored on line with high temporal resolution by the capacitance detection technique (Neher and Marty, 1982). AP bursts were simulated by depolarizing pulse trains that mimic pulsatile submembrane Ca2+ elevations predicted for physiological stimuli. The characteristic capacitance response (delta Cm) to a train of depolarizing pulses was triphasic. It consisted of a threshold phase during which early pulses did not elicit secretion, a subsequent secretory phase during which Cm increases were coupled to depolarizing pulses, and a fatigued or inactivated state during which additional Ca2+ entry was ineffective. Both the threshold phase and secretory phase were correlated with the integrals of Ca2+ current. Ca2+ chelators affect both the threshold and secretory phase at submillimolar concentrations. Thus, a "shell" rather than "microdomain" model of Ca2+ elevation is appropriate for analyzing Ca(2+)-secretion coupling in NHP terminals (Nowycky and Pinter, 1993). We propose a two-step model, with a ca(2+)-dependent preparatory step followed by a final exocytotic step that is coupled to active Ca2+ influx. The results suggest that under physiological conditions, APs early in a burst prepare an NHP terminal for secretion, but later APs actually trigger exocytosis. Since NHP terminals do not possess a readily releasable pool of vesicles that require only a single Ca2+ step for exocytosis as seen in chromaffin cells (Neher and Zucker, 1993) and melanotrophs (Thomas et al, 1993a), Ca(2+)-secretion coupling mechanisms may be heterologous even within a single class of vesicles.
Explaining Peasant-Farmer Hegemony in Redistributive Politics: Class-, Trade-, and Asset-Based Approaches

What are the most important cleavages created by political struggles over redistributive economic policies? What are the likely policy outcomes of these struggles? The classic answer to the first question is that the most important cleavage is that of class, dividing rich and poor. The class-based model is usually not taken to yield clear predictions about outcomes, because rich and poor would be expected to engage in an inconclusive bidding war for the support of the median voter or pivotal middle stratum. A more recent answer is that the most important cleavages will reflect the position of a given country in the international economy, pitting those benefiting from international trade against those hurt by it. This trade-based model yields stronger predictions about outcomes, since there is usually a clear majority that either does or does not benefit from international trade. Finally, there is a long, though loose, tradition that largely grows out of empirical observation. This emphasizes the pivotal role that the agricultural population appears to play in the more important political battles concerning institutional development and economic policy.
Coding approaches to fault tolerance in linear dynamic systems

This paper discusses fault tolerance in discrete-time dynamic systems, such as finite-state controllers or computer simulations, with focus on the use of coding techniques to efficiently provide fault tolerance to linear finite-state machines (LFSMs). Unlike traditional fault tolerance schemes, which rely heavily-particularly for dynamic systems operating over extended time horizons-on the assumption that the error-correcting mechanism is fault free, we are interested in the case when all components of the implementation are fault prone. The paper starts with a paradigmatic fault tolerance scheme that systematically adds redundancy into a discrete-time dynamic system in a way that achieves tolerance to transient faults in both the state transition and the error-correcting mechanisms. By combining this methodology with low-complexity error-correcting coding, we then obtain an efficient way of providing fault tolerance to k identical unreliable LFSMs that operate in parallel on distinct input sequences. The overall construction requires only a constant amount of redundant hardware per machine (but sufficiently large k) to achieve an arbitrarily small probability of overall failure for any prespecified (finite) time interval, leading in this way to a lower bound on the computational capacity of unreliable LFSMs.
Performance of adaptive predictors for Gaussian time-varying systems

This paper treats adaptive prediction for time-varying system models. For linear systems with a Gauss-Markov parameter process, a global lower bound on the mean square prediction error is obtained which is valid for any causal predictor. This requires minimal assumptions on the regressor sequence. The prediction error bound is applied to the adaptive control of time-varying systems to obtain a lower bound on closed loop mean square performance for any causal control law. The stability of the closed loop control system, established in an earlier paper, ensures that it is possible to invoke the prediction error bound in bounding closed loop performance. Results from simulation experiments are provided to verify the tightness of these bounds.
A critique of the new comparative economics

We examine the “new comparative economics” as proposed by Djankov et al. (2003) and their use of the concept of an institutional possibilities frontier. While we agree with their general argument that one must consider a variety of institutions and their respective social costs, including legal systems and cultural characteristics, when comparing the performance of different economic systems, we find various complications and difficulties with the framework they propose. We propose that a broader study of clusters of institutions and such newly emerging forms as the new traditional economy may be better suited as ways to approach the study of comparative economics in the era after the breakdown of the old comparison of market capitalism and command socialism that came to an end with the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Tetrakis­[(9-oxo-10-thia­xanthen-2-yl­oxy­ethyl)­ammonium] decaiodotriplumbate(II)

The structure of the title compound, (AETO)4[Pb3I10] or (C15H14NO2S)4[Pb3I10], contains chains of octahedrally coord­inated PbI6 species along with two crystallographically independent AETO cations that hydrogen bond to these chains. Individual (Pb3I10)n4n− chains are linked into layers via hydrogen bonds. The cations sheath each layer of chains, forming cation–chain–cation triple layers. Cations on adjacent triple layers interdigitate, forming stacks running parallel to [110]. There is a range of hydrogen bonding interactions between each cation and the (Pb3I10)n4n− chains.
Object-Oriented Programs

As mentioned in the previous chapter, object-orientation enhances the decomposition of a problem. Classes are the principal decomposition units, therefore, a class is considered a module and a decomposition unit. A class is also a type for objects. This chapter presents and explains the basic structure of a class. An introduction to data descriptions and the general structure of a function is discussed. The construction of simple object-oriented programs is presented in the last part of this chapter.
A computational framework for modeling irradiation creep and swelling in single crystal nickel

Abstract A computational framework for modeling irradiation creep and swelling is developed to estimate creep strains, swelling strains and the dose dependent evolution of microstructural characteristics such as dislocation density, void number density and void size in pure, single crystal metals. This work represents an attempt to construct a comprehensive and self-consistent description of the physical processes that occur during the application of temperature, stress, and irradiation, in that cross-talk between individual microstructural models is allowed during their mutual evolution in time. The coupling of microstructural evolution to the strain generating models is responsible for the following results: the variation of the steady state creep rate with dose in the early part of the irradiation history; the observation that irradiation creep displays a maximum in temperature and falls off at high temperature, similar to swelling; the linear dependence of steady state creep on stress with a discontinuity at a = 0 resulting from the influence of stress on the void number density. The major violation of self-consistency is the isolation of void nucleation from the microstructural evolution. The magnitudes of creep strains computed with the model compare favorably with measured values for nickel.
Control of normal fault interaction on the distribution of major Neogene sedimentary depocenters, Lake Tanganyika, East African rift

The Tanganyika continental rift basin is one of the most important structural features of the East African rift system and provides an opportunity to observe the early stages of rift basin development unobscured by postrift deformation and erosion. The geometry of half grabens and their zones of linkage have a great influence on rift development and depositional environments. Topographic features associated with zones of linkage between half grabens exert a direct control on drainage basin evolution, sediment supply, and synrift stratigraphy. Previous structural studies, based on widely spaced (~15 km) seismic reflection profiles, focused mainly on large-scale geometrical fault descriptions and not on the spatial and temporal linkage of the individual border faults controlling each half graben. In this article, using newly available basin age estimates, multichannel seismic reflection data, high-resolution single-channel sparker seismic data, and onshore structural data (remote directioning and microstructural field observations), we have constructed a detailed late Miocene-Holocene kinematic model for the evolution of the northern part of the Lake Tanganyika rift basin. A classification of fault interaction geometry is proposed to describe the initiation and development through time of major depocenters. Fault correlation lessons are provided for exploration seismic interpreters in extensional settings. The development of the depocenters of northern Lake Tanganyika is complex, and this article clearly shows that antecedent structures control subbasin initiation and development. As the rift evolves, border faults become dominant, producing more continuous and elongate depocenters, although the influence of transverse structures is still evident.
Temperature-specific inhibition of human red cell Na+/K+ ATPase by 2,450-MHz microwave radiation

The ATPase activity in human red blood cell membranes was investigated in vitro as a function of temperature and exposure to 2450-MHz continuous wave microwave radiation to confirm and extend a report of Na+ transport inhibition under certain conditions of temperature and exposure. Assays were conducted spectrophotometrically during microwave exposure with a custom-made spectrophotometer-waveguide apparatus. Temperature profiles of total ATPase and Ca+2 ATPase (ouabain-inhibited) activity between 17 and 31 degrees C were graphed as an Arrhenius plot. Each data set was fitted to two straight lines which intersect between 23 and 24 degrees C. The difference between the total and Ca+2 ATPase activities, which represented the Na+/K+ ATPase activity, was also plotted and treated similarly to yield an intersection near 25 degrees C. Exposure of membrane suspensions to electromagnetic radiation, at a dose rate of 6 W/kg and at five temperatures between 23 and 27 degrees C, resulted in an activity change only for the Na+/K+ ATPase at 25 degrees C. The activity decreased by approximately 35% compared to sham-irradiated samples. A possible explanation for the unusual temperature/microwave interaction is proposed.
Phosphates and Muscle Fiber Type Influence Thermal Transitions in Porcine Salt-Soluble Protein Aggregation

Salt-soluble proteins (SSP) were extracted from porcine Serratus ventralis (red), Vastus intermedius (red) and Longissimus dorsi (white) muscles and heated to examine dynamic changes and transitions in protein aggregation. At pH 6.0, red muscle SSP typically showed 1 or 2 transitions and white muscle SSP exhibited 3 transitions. Addition of ortho-, pyro-, tripoly- and hexametaphosphate up to 1% increased SSP transition temperatures and altered transition patterns; NaCl at comparable ionic strengths did not show this effect. SSP transitions were most affected by 0.15-0.25% tripolyphosphate and low pH (<6.0). Red and white SSP exhibited different thermal properties and responses to phosphate treatments. These findings indicate red and white muscle types should undergo different processing treatments for optimum quality meat products.
CO2 fluxes of cryptogamic crusts

SUMMARY The carbon dioxide exchange of Microcoleus- and Scytonema-dominated cryptogamic crusts as related to dehydration was measured in the laboratory with a modified discrete sampling technique and infrared gas analysis. The dehydration curves predicted that carboxylation and dark respiration rates for both crust types would become zero at from 4 to 5% water content (W) (approximately 16–23% soil saturation), with the water contents at which the rates became zero significantly lower in the second treatment cycle than the first. The dehydration curves predicted that net photosynthesis rates would become zero at 6.7–11.2% W (27–44% soil saturation), with the water contents at which the rates became zero significantly higher in the second cycle of treatment than the first.
Taking the Long Way Home: The Human Right of Privacy

This document specifically raises the critical question of the role of the United States in the development of international privacy law and instruments. It traces the development of modern human rights instruments concerning privacy and notes the leadership role of the United States, beginning with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. But, in recent years, the United States government has lost its way and is urged to adopt comprehensive federal legislation to protect personal data and privacy.
The Evolution of LED Packaging: New Approaches for Solid State Lighting

The rapid evolution of solid state lighting is driving rapid and innovative approaches to LED packaging. While the bulk of LEDs are still packaged using decades old technology, the cost and performance needs of solid state lighting are forcing the development of new light emitter packaging technology, some of it being imported from more conventional electronic packaging. Concepts like wafer level packaging, chip on flex technology and SIP technology are infiltrating the LED packaging landscape, but with innovations developing from the need to simultaneously manage input power, thermal dissipation and light extraction for energy efficient lighting. Lighting cost constraints are also driving new requirements for higher packaging speeds and LED integration directly into lighting fixtures rather than through the conventional die-to-package-to-board-to-system sequence. Finally, lighting system performance specifications like intensity, color quality, glare, and beam pattern, all dependent on how light moves fr...
Discovery of Potent and Simplified Piperidinone-Based Inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 Interaction.

Continued optimization of the N-substituent in the piperidinone series provided potent piperidinone–pyridine inhibitors 6, 7, 14, and 15 with improved pharmacokinetic properties in rats. Reducing structure complexity of the N-alkyl substituent led to the discovery of 23, a potent and simplified inhibitor of MDM2. Compound 23 exhibits excellent pharmacokinetic properties and substantial in vivo antitumor activity in the SJSA-1 osteosarcoma xenograft mouse model.
Artificial Reestablishment of Lichens. I. Morphological Interactions between the Phycobionts of Different Lichens and the Mycobionts Cladonia cristatella and Lecanora chrysoleuca

Successful resyntheses were achieved between a mycobiont of Cladonia cristatella and 13 isolates of Trebouxia phycobionts. The same mycobiont did not establish symbiotic associations with 10 isolates of Pseudotrebouxia phycobionts or with the free-living alga Pleurastrum terrestre. The mycobiont Lecanora chrysoleuca formed soredia with five isolates of Pseudotrebouxia and with one isolate of Trebouxia. The synthesized squamules were identical in morphology to the natural squamules of C. cristatellathey produced mature pycnidia and short podetia with immature apothecia. Concentric bodies were seen in the hyphae of C. cristatella synthesized with the phycobionts of Cladonia boryi and Lecidea tumida.
A New Method for Estimating Biomechanical Loading in Grip

The coupling between the hands and cylindrical handles was studied using simple gripping tasks and vector force measurements. Load transfer and twisting tasks were performed using bare aluminum handles and handles covered with a high friction material. Both tasks were performed using dry and oil saturated handles for three loads. Twelve subjects (6 males and 6 females) participated. Load and surface friction were changed to alter shearing and compression force requirements, which significantly affected grip force magnitude (p .01), but significantly changed with torque and friction for the twisting task (p <.01). The total resolved force vector acting on the hand was measured and the associated biomechanical loading of finger flexor tendons was estimated. Estimates of tendon tension were also made for grip strength vector force data for 61 employees grasping five cylinder diameters. Estimated flexor tendon forces monoto...
3.3μm Pyrometry In Single Sided Rta From 400–700°C Using In-Situ Measurement Of Reflection And Transmission

Pyrometry of silicon wafers under 700°C at wavelengths over 1μm is difficult because lightly doped wafers become partially transparent. In this work, a modified commercial RTCVD reactor with 8” wafer capability was used to study the temperature measurement of Si wafers over the range of 400–700°C using top and bottom pyrometric detectors. We present initial results on measurements of both reflection and transmission in-silu to determine emissivity at 3.3μm. For heavily doped wafers emissivity was independent of temperature and the measured temperature by pyrometry agreed well with that measured by thermocouple for 400–700°C. For lightly doped wafers, emissivity was temperature dependent due to the increased transparency of the wafer at low temperatures. Using fixed emissivity, the measured temperature severely underestimates the actual temperature below 550°C. By calculating emissivity from the measured reflection and transmission, accurate temperature measurement was achieved from 400–700°C without any a priori knowledge of the wafer.
Charged particle detection in rocket plumes for health monitoring

The ability to detect metallic compounds in a rocket plume is of interest because the presence of metal indicates engine distress and may be a precursor to failure. This study showed that metal contaminants in a hybrid rocket plume are charged and can be detected with electrostatic devices. Two electrostatic detection approaches were used. The first approach employed ion probes. The ion probes responded to collisions with charges in the plume and to a lesser extent with charges moving in their near vicinity. The second approach utilized the phenomenon that moving charges will induce currents in nearby conductors. To capitalize on this effect two cylindrical surfaces were used to surround but not touch the plume. Consequently, charges in the plume induced potential differences between the cylinders. The potential difference was measured with a differential amplifier which simultaneously eliminated any common electromagnetic noise. To simulate engine distress, metal was introduced by mixing metallic powder in the fuel grains and by embedding strips of metal in the grains. The probe proved to be very sensitive to the presence of metallic particles and detected the presence of metal every time it was introduced. The cylinders showed considerable promise as noninvasive detectors.
The Influence of Hearing in Children with Secretory Otitis Media by Adenoidectomy

Objective To investigate the adenoidectomy in children with secretory otitis media affect hearing, as well as postoperative complications and postoperative hospitalization time comparison. Methods 192 cases of secretory otitis media with effusion in children with adenoidal hypertrophy were randomly divided into treatment group(surgery group) and the control group (non-surgical group), analysis and comparison of two groups of children with postoperative complications and postoperative hospital stay. Results The total efficiency of the treatment group was 91.67% in the control group, the total effective rate was 79.17%, the difference was statistically significant(P0.05). The incidence of complications in the control group 39.58%, significantly higher than the incidence of complications in the treatment group (10.42%), the difference was statistically significant (P0.05). The number of hospitalization days observation group than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P0.05).Treatment group, 96 cases of pure tone audiometry hearing loss in children with preoperative examination and postoperative low-frequency average hearing thresholds increased (P0.05). Conclusion Secretory otitis media in children with adenoidectomy, you can achieve better efficacy, the improvement of hearing also has a prominent role, worthy of clinical practice and application.
Aggression Replacement Training®: A Comprehensive Intervention for Aggressive Youth, 3rd Edition by Glick, B., & Gibbs, J. C.

Aggression Replacement Training® (ART®) is a cognitive-behavioral–based group intervention for high-risk, aggressive youth that has been in development for more than 30 years. The first edition of ...
Fracture Response of Cross-Linked Epoxy Resins at High Loading Rate as a Function of Glass Transition Temperature

The failure behavior of cross-linked polymer epoxies with different glass transition temperatures (Tg) was investigated under Mode I fracture at high loading rate using a novel experimental method with in situ observation of the fracture process. By varying the monomer choices, the properties of the epoxies can be tailored to achieve greater resistance to cracking and higher impact toughness. For these experiments, a unique four-point bending specimen was used. High rate experiments were conducted on a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar with pulse-shaping. High speed digital imaging was used to visualize failure initiation. The images were also used with digital image correlation to optically measure the crack opening displacement and crack propagation velocity. The experimental results were used to calculate the energy required to initiate fracture at high loading rate. The results indicate that the critical energy required to initiate fracture at high loading rate was higher for epoxies with lower Tg values, up to an optimum Tg. This dependence of critical energy on the Tg of the epoxy was similar to that which has been previously measured for the epoxy’s impact resistance. In this paper, the experimental methods and results are discussed.
S*FSM: A Paradigm Shift for Attack Resistant FSM Designs and Encodings

While hardware design focuses on creating minimally-sized circuits, this paper proposes that security-centric designs require a departure from this mentality. The need for built-in protection mechanisms at all levels of design is paramount to providing cost-effective secure systems. We focus on the high-level design of sequential circuits by targeting Finite State Machines (FSMs) and their vulnerability to non-invasive, side channel based, attacks. The unconventional paradigm shift needed is justified by showing that conventional, minimalism-based, FSM synthesis and encodings allow direct correlation between state/transitions and Hamming Models. A two-fold method, involving structural modifications and specific encoding strategies, is proposed for side-channel secure FSM (S*FSMs). Preliminary high-level simulations show the effectiveness and potential for security driven S*FSM synthesis methods to mitigate the relationship between attack models and underlying hardware implementations.
Unusual neoplasms of the vulva: an update

Abstract Unusual vulvar neoplasms comprise a small minority of general surgical pathology cases; however the four unusual vulvar tumours presented herein were diagnosed at our institution within the last few years, underscoring the importance of recognizing these entities. We have focused our discussion on mesenchymal lesions, but also included extramammary Paget disease. Our cases include: extramammary Paget disease, solitary fibrous tumour, plexiform schwannoma and epithelioid sarcoma, proximal-type. Pathogenesis, clinical presentation, morphology, differential diagnosis, ancillary studies, treatment and prognosis, will be discussed.
Strategic Illusions: Collaborative teaching project

Strategic Illusions is a Cotton Inc. sponsored collaborative teaching project that included two classes – one is a computer aided design class and the second an advanced garment assembly class. The goal of the advanced engineered garment design teaching project was to develop engineered garment designs for 100% cotton fabric which were designed specifically to incorporate strategically placed textile designs to camouflage the naturally occurring wrinkles on the garment. The outcome incorporated integrated multiple surface design techniques and engineered garment design placement which embrace and/or camouflage the natural wrinkling qualities of cotton fabric.
Hospital wide porcine mesh conversion results in cost savings with equivalent clinical outcomes.

Abstract Background A variety of biologic mesh is available for ventral hernia repair. Despite widely variable costs, there is no data comparing cost of material to clinical outcome. Methods Biologic mesh product change was examined. A prospective survey was done to determine appropriate biologic mesh utilization, followed by a retrospective chart review of those treated from Sept. 2012 to Aug. 2013 with Strattice™ and from Sept. 2013 to Aug. 2014 with Permacol™. Outcome variables included complications associated with each material, repair success, and cost difference over the two periods. Results 28 patients received Strattice™ and 41 Permacol™. There was no statistical difference in patient factors, hernia characteristics, length of stay, readmission rates or surgical site infections at 30 days. The charges were significantly higher for Strattice™ with the median cost $8940 compared to $1600 for Permacol™ (p Conclusions Permacol™ use resulted in similar clinical outcomes with significant cost savings when compared to Strattice™. Biologic mesh choice should be driven by a combination of clinical outcomes and product cost.
Response Latency as a Function of the Temporal Pattern of Stimulation

A set of three experiments, involving a total of 360 Ss, explored the relation between response latency in a simple vigilance task and the temporal pattern of stimuli presented for detection. The experimental paradigm was the one devised by Mowrer for his studies of the central locus of set. The data indicated response latency to vary as a function of the difference between the duration of the immediately preceding interstimulus interval and the average interstimulus interval used in the experimental order of presentation. This latter value is viewed as an internal referent similar to the adaptation level found to function in sensory judgments. Following Adaptation Level Theory the mean was determined to be the best estimate of this average.
TLR4 Methylation Moderates the Relationship Between Alcohol Use Severity and Gray Matter Loss

Objective:Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are associated with decreased gray matter, and neuroinflammation is one mechanism through which alcohol may confer such damage, given that heavy alcohol use may promote neural damage via activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammatory signaling cascades. We previously demonstrated that TLR4 is differentially methylated in AUD compared with control subjects, and the present study aims to extend this work by examining whether TLR4 methylation moderates the relationship between alcohol use and gray matter.Method:We examined TLR4 methylation and gray matter thickness in a large sample (N =707; 441 males) of adults (ages 18–56) reporting a range of AUD severity (mean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score = 13.18; SD = 8.02). We used a series of ordinary least squares multiple regression equations to regress gray matter in four bilateral brain regions (precuneus, lateral orbitofrontal, inferior parietal, and superior temporal) on alcohol use, TLR4...
Bayesian Nonparametric Regression Modeling of Panel Data for Sequential Classification

This paper proposes a Bayesian nonparametric regression model of panel data for sequential pattern classification. The proposed method provides a flexible and parsimonious model that allows both time-independent spatial variables and time-dependent exogenous variables to be predictors. Not only this method improves the accuracy of parameter estimation for limited data, but also it facilitates model interpretation by identifying statistically significant predictors with hypothesis testing. Moreover, as the data length approaches infinity, posterior consistency of the model is guaranteed for general data-generating processes under regular conditions. The resulting model of panel data can also be used for sequential classification. The proposed method has been tested by numerical simulation, then validated on an econometric public data set, and subsequently validated for detection of combustion instabilities with experimental data that have been generated in a laboratory environment.
Prospects and challenges of sharing economy for the public sector

Abstract The sharing economy entails peer-to-peer exchanges for renting goods and services utilizing the Internet. In this paper, we critically examine the sharing economy's prospects and challenges for public sector, and explore the policy responses to the sharing economy. The sharing economy is innovative in capitalizing on underutilized assets using Internet platforms, but has adverse impacts as well (e.g. it could exacerbate inequality). As users, public agencies could adapt internal procurement processes focused on renting, and partner with sharing platforms to complement and supplement public services. As regulators, government agencies have a paradoxical role to maintain the sharing economy's innovation while addressing its downsides. Our study shows mixed policy reactions to sharing economy in three prominent sectors (mobility services, accommodation sharing, and gig labor). We suggest a research agenda that e-government scholars should focus on in order to critically examine the different facets of the emerging sharing economy.
On the petrographic distinction of bituminite from solid bitumen in immature to early mature source rocks

Abstract The oil-prone maceral bituminite (and its equivalents: ‘amorphous organic matter’, ‘sapropelinite’, ‘amorphinite’, etc.) converts to petroleum during thermal maturation of source rocks, resulting in formation of a mobile saturate-rich hydrocarbon and a polar-rich residue of solid bitumen. Evidence of this transition is preserved in immature to early mature source rocks (e.g., Alum, Bakken, Kimmeridge, New Albany, Ohio shales, among many others), where organic petrography reveals a continuum of textures, reflectance, and fluorescence intensity occurring between bituminite and solid bitumen. Bituminite generally is characterized by high(er) intensity fluorescence, low contrast to the inorganic matrix, lower reflectance (compared to solid bitumen), and heterogeneous wispy or ‘schlieren’ textures. In comparison, solid bitumen generally shows lower intensity or no fluorescence compared to bituminite, a distinct contrast to the mineral matrix which usually includes a gray homogeneous surface of low to moderate reflectance, and may possess void-filling, embayment or groundmass textures suggesting evidence of migration or its in situ exsolution. However, these properties may manifest across a continuous spectrum in a sample or in a single microscope field, often making identification inconclusive. Unambiguous identification is further hampered by sample preparation, e.g., mechanical polish may improve homogeneity of larger accumulations, whereas smaller accumulations, or those sheltered by hard minerals, may appear more heterogeneous, leading to identification of the same organic matter as solid bitumen or bituminite, respectively. The disruptive innovation of ion milling in shale sample preparation leads to increased organic reflectance and surface homogeneity, causing bituminite and other oil-prone macerals, e.g., alginite, to develop a gray reflecting surface which is easy to confuse with solid bitumen, especially when obvious void-filling or embayment textures of the latter are absent. Herein we review distinction of solid bitumen from bituminite and alginite in immature to early mature source rocks, providing examples from nine samples illustrated by typical organic petrography images, including samples from hydrous pyrolysis experiments. Based on a review of the literature, we observe an arbitrary reflectance limit of 0.30% in mechanically polished samples seems to differentiate bituminite (
Controversies in tarsometatarsal injuries

Lisfranc injuries still remain a problematic situation in many clinical cases. Although thought to be an uncommon problem, they are actually a common injury. This article serves to make the clinician aware of the many recent changes in diagnosis and treatment. Emphasis is placed on the precise diagnosis of this condition and subsequent follow-up.
The Three Digital Divides

With Internet connectivity progressing at a dizzying rate, the focus of attention has shifted to those left behind. The shorthand word for this concern is the “digital divide.” Underlying virtually every discussion about this digital divide of Internet connectivity is the implicit assumption that such a divide is a bad thing, requiring us to do “something.” But maybe we first should pause for a moment and understand the implications of ending this divide. If we do that, we might end up changing our perspective on Internet policy in an important way: away from a focus on Internet connectivity, and towards the creation of E-commerce and content.
Model systems for the study of heart development and disease Cardiac neural crest and conotruncal malformations

Neural crest cells are multipotential cells that delaminate from the dorsal neural tube and migrate widely throughout the body. A subregion of the cranial neural crest originating between the otocyst and somite 3 has been called "cardiac neural crest" because of the importance of these cells in heart development. Much of what we know about the contribution and function of the cardiac neural crest in cardiovascular development has been learned in the chick embryo using quail-chick chimeras to study neural crest migration and derivatives as well as using ablation of premigratory neural crest cells to study their function. These studies show that cardiac neural crest cells are absolutely required to form the aorticopulmonary septum dividing the cardiac arterial pole into systemic and pulmonary circulations. They support the normal development and patterning of derivatives of the caudal pharyngeal arches and pouches, including the great arteries and the thymus, thyroid and parathyroids. Recently, cardiac neural crest cells have been shown to modulate signaling in the pharynx during the lengthening of the outflow tract by the secondary heart field. Most of the genes associated with cardiac neural crest function have been identified using mouse models. These studies show that the neural crest cells may not be the direct cause of abnormal cardiovascular development but they are a major component in the complex tissue interactions in the caudal pharynx and outflow tract. Since, cardiac neural crest cells span from the caudal pharynx into the outflow tract, they are especially susceptible to any perturbation in or by other cells in these regions. Thus, understanding congenital cardiac outflow malformations in human sequences of malformations as represented by the DiGeorge syndrome will necessarily require understanding development of the cardiac neural crest.
Evaluation of the high school food safety curriculum using a positive deviance model

Abstract Proper food handling practices can help protect consumers from foodborne illness. This study assessed high school students' food safety knowledge and handling practices and evaluated the effectiveness of a new food safety curriculum based on the Positive Deviance model. In phase I, 114 high school students completed a food safety on-line questionnaire assessing their baseline food safety knowledge and food handling practices; in phase II, 53 high school students took a one session class and completed pre- and post-assessment and take-home tasks. The results showed that there is a critical need for an effective high school food safety curriculum. The curriculum increased students' knowledge significantly.
Reversal of age related post-translational modifications improves mitochondrial and skeletal muscle function through redox dependent mechanisms

Muscle redox status and post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate diverse aspects of skeletal muscle function, including mitochondrial energetics and contractile performance. In aging skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to altered redox homeostasis. We have previously demonstrated that reducing mitochondrial oxidant production with acute (1 hr) and chronic (8 week) treatment with the peptide elamipretide (SS-31) can reverse skeletal muscle and mitochondrial dysfunction and reduce redox stress in aging mice. These improvements were also associated with increased exercise tolerance and greater fatigue resistance. However, the mechanisms by which improving mitochondrial function with SS-31 reverses age-related decline in skeletal muscle function remain unknown. To investigate the effect of SS-31 on the skeletal muscle proteome we assessed global changes in protein abundance, and phosphorylation and S-glutathionylation PTMs in young vs. aged and aged+SS-31 vs. aged mice. Osmotically regulated pumps were surgically implanted into 26-month old female C57Bl/6 mice to deliver saline or SS-31 (3mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. At the end of 8-week treatment, animals were dissected and gastrocnemius muscle was separated and flash-frozen for analysis via mass spectrometry. Seven-month old female C57Bl/mice were sacrificed as healthy young controls. Relatively few significant protein abundance changes occur with age in skeletal muscle (43) using a false discovery rate of
Estrogens IV: Estrogen-Like Pharmaceuticals

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by James L. Wittliff, D. Alan Kerr II, and Sarah A. Andres, volume 2, pp 254–258, © 2005, Elsevier Inc.