cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The computer and the reprint file (4)

This month Barry Ginsberg reviews Bookends Extended, for the APPLE ] series of computers, and reports that it is an excellent program to manage a reference library or to create a bibliography for manuscripts. He concludes that Bookends is simple to learn and powerful, particularly in its ability to input data directly from MEDLINE searches.
Inelastic black hole production and large extra dimensions

Abstract Black hole production in elementary particle collisions is among the most promising probes of large extra spacetime dimensions. Studies of black holes at particle colliders have assumed that all of the incoming energy is captured in the resulting black hole. We incorporate the inelasticity inherent in such processes and determine the prospects for discovering black holes in colliders and cosmic ray experiments, employing a dynamical model of Hawking evolution. At the Large Hadron Collider, inelasticity reduces rates by factors of 10 3 to 10 6 in the accessible parameter space, moderating, but not eliminating, hopes for black hole discovery. At the Pierre Auger Observatory, rates are suppressed by a factor of 10. We evaluate the impact of cosmic ray observations on collider prospects.
Ascertainment bias in rate ratio estimation from case-sibling control studies of variable age-at-onset diseases.

Summary. Motivated by a Finnish case-control study of early onset diabetes in which diabetic children are matched to sibling controls, we investigate ascertainment bias of the usual rate ratio estimator from case-control data under simplex complete ascertainment of families during a fixed interval of time. Analytic results indicate that the assumptions necessary for valid estimation are that the disease is rare and the factors under study are exchangeable–essentially that the covariate distribution does not depend on calendar time or birth order. Further, we found that the rare disease assumption could be dropped by restricting to cases that were diagnosed during the enrollment period of the study or including all cases but eliminating the proband as a control for non-enrollment-period cases. An important consequence of this work is that standard family-based case-control studies are subject to ascertainment bias if exchangeability of the covariates under investigation does not hold.
THE RELATION OF THE THYROID AND THE PITUITARY GLANDS TO IODINE METABOLISM

THE RELATION BETWEEN THE PITUITARY and thyroid glands has been demon-strated by many workers since Loeb and Bassett (1) and Aron (a) more than a decade ago described a thyroid-activating principle of the pituitary gland. Since that time the pituitary has occupied a dominant role in our interpretation of thyroid physiology. A definite reciprocal relationship of the thyroid to the pituitary is no less true, as illustrated by the morphologic changes in the pituitary glands of animals that have goiter (3) in cretinism (4) and after thyroidectomy (5). The increased output of urinary thyrotropic hormone after thyroidectomy (6) is also suggestive. Knowledge regarding the role played by iodine in this system is necessary for complete understanding of these interrelationships; its undoubted integration with the physiology of the thyroid has been stressed by the early work of Marine and Williams (7). The part played by the pituitary gland in this integration must now be established.
Neuropathologically defined subtypes of Alzheimer's disease with distinct clinical characteristics: a retrospective study.

Summary Background Neurofibrillary pathology has a stereotypical progression in Alzheimer's disease (AD) that is encapsulated in the Braak staging scheme; however, some AD cases are atypical and do not fit into this scheme. We aimed to compare clinical and neuropathological features between typical and atypical AD cases. Methods AD cases with a Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage of more than IV were identified from a brain bank database. By use of thioflavin-S fluorescence microscopy, we assessed the density and the distribution of neurofibrillary tangles in three cortical regions and two hippocampal sectors. These data were used to construct an algorithm to classify AD cases into typical, hippocampal sparing, or limbic predominant. Classified cases were then compared for clinical, demographic, pathological, and genetic characteristics. An independent cohort of AD cases was assessed to validate findings from the initial cohort. Findings 889 cases of AD, 398 men and 491 women with age at death of 37–103 years, were classified with the algorithm as hippocampal sparing (97 cases [11%]), typical (665 [75%]), or limbic predominant (127 [14%]). By comparison with typical AD, neurofibrillary tangle counts per 0.125 mm 2 in hippocampal sparing cases were higher in cortical areas (median 13, IQR 11–16) and lower in the hippocampus (7.5, 5.2–9.5), whereas counts in limbic-predominant cases were lower in cortical areas (4.3, 3.0–5.7) and higher in the hippocampus (27, 22–35). Hippocampal sparing cases had less hippocampal atrophy than did typical and limbic-predominant cases. Patients with hippocampal sparing AD were younger at death (mean 72 years [SD 10]) and a higher proportion of them were men (61 [63%]), whereas those with limbic-predominant AD were older (mean 86 years [SD 6]) and a higher proportion of them were women (87 [69%]). Microtubule-associated protein tau ( MAPT ) H1H1 genotype was more common in limbic-predominant AD (54 [70%]) than in hippocampal sparing AD (24 [46%]; p=0.011), but did not differ significantly between limbic-predominant and typical AD (204 [59%]; p=0.11). Apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) ɛ4 allele status differed between AD subtypes only when data were stratified by age at onset. Clinical presentation, age at onset, disease duration, and rate of cognitive decline differed between the AD subtypes. These findings were confirmed in a validation cohort of 113 patients with AD. Interpretation These data support the hypothesis that AD has distinct clinicopathological subtypes. Hippocampal sparing and limbic-predominant AD subtypes might account for about 25% of cases, and hence should be considered when designing clinical, genetic, biomarker, and treatment studies in patients with AD. Funding US National Institutes of Health via Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Mayo Clinic Study on Aging, Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and Einstein Aging Study; and State of Florida Alzheimer's Disease Initiative.
Long-Term Potentiation Selectively Expressed by NMDA Receptors at Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses

The mossy fiber to CA3 pyramidal cell synapse (mf-CA3) provides a major source of excitation to the hippocampus. Thus far, these glutamatergic synapses are well recognized for showing a presynaptic, NMDA receptor-independent form of LTP that is expressed as a long-lasting increase of transmitter release. Here, we show that in addition to this "classical" LTP, mf-CA3 synapses can undergo a form of LTP characterized by a selective enhancement of NMDA receptor-mediated transmission. This potentiation requires coactivation of NMDA and mGlu5 receptors and a postsynaptic calcium rise. Unlike classical LTP, expression of this mossy fiber LTP is due to a PKC-dependent recruitment of NMDA receptors specifically to the mf-CA3 synapse via a SNARE-dependent process. Having two mechanistically different forms of LTP may allow mf-CA3 synapses to respond with more flexibility to the changing demands of the hippocampal network.
On relational data versions of c-means algorithms

Relational data describes objects by specifying pairwise similarities or dissimilarities between objects, while object data describes the objects through feature measurements. This paper shows how c-means clustering methodology for object data can be applied to relational data.
Single camera stereo using planar parallel plate

A system of using a planar parallel plate to achieve single camera stereo has been proposed by Nishimoto and Shirai (Feb. 1987). Their work was based on an assumption that the optical axis of the camera was equally displaced by a tilted planar plate with two fixed tilt angles. Such assumption is invalid in general. We propose a general framework to more accurately model such a single camera system using a planar parallel plate and to deal with arbitrary orientation of the plate. Our model has no limitation on the FOV of the camera. The proposed framework includes: a mathematical formulation to calculate the displacement of scene points; a plate calibration method to determine the plate intrinsic parameters as well as its extrinsic pose, and a generalized correspondence method which is capable of dealing with arbitrary number of images captured from different plate poses. Experimental result is included to validate the proposed framework.
Trace properties in rings with zero divisors

An integral domain D is said to have the radical trace property if I(D:I) is a radical ideal for each noninvertible nonzero ideal I of D. For a commutative ring R with nonzero identity, the dual of a dense ideal I is the set (R:I)={t∈Q(R)|tI⊆R} where Q(R) is the complete ring of quotients of R. In this article the radical trace property is extended to rings with nonzero zero divisors. Specifically, R has the radical trace property for regular ideals if I(R:I) is a radical ideal for each noninvertible regular ideal I; and R has the radical trace property for semiregular ideals if the same conclusion holds for noninvertible semiregular ideals (so to those ideals that contain finitely generated dense ideals). Alternately, R is said to be a RTP ring in the regular case and a Q0-RTP in the semiregular case. If R is an RTP ring and S is an overring of R (so between R and the total quotient ring T(R)) that is R-flat, then S is an RTP ring. A similar statement holds for Q0-RTP rings in the case S is R-flat and between R and the ring of finite fractions Q0(R).
Solid particle erosion mechanism in glass

Abstract Experiments were performed to study the effect of erodent particle velocity, size and shape on the erosion rate os S-glass, and to investigate the erosion mechanisms associated with these variables. The S-glass specimens were subject to eroding particles of alundum and spherical glass beads. Particle sizes ranged from 60 to 400 μm; particle velocities varied from approximately 60 to 90 m s−1. An experimental apparatus that allows the tangential velocity component to be varied was employed. Results are presented for erosion rate vs. impact angle, and results indicate the dependence of the erosion on the shape (round or angular) of the abrasive material. Scanning electron micrographs show the effect of tangential velocity in crack propagation and material removal.
Calcium channel blocker reverses anticholinesterase-induced myopathy

Inhibition of the enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), at the neuromuscular junction by pyridostigmine (PYR) results in breakdown of the postjunctional folds and dissolution of the Z-discs. It is hypothesized that excess activation of the acetylcholine (ACh) receptors by unhydrolyzed ACh results in a large influx of calcium ions. This could possibly lead to the activation of calcium-dependent proteases, resulting in the observed myopathy. Pretreatment with the calcium channel blocker, diltiazem, followed by administration of both PYR and the calcium blocker resulted in a significant reduction in the extent of muscle damage due to PYR alone. In order to ascertain whether the calcium blocker could reverse the myopathy previously induced by PYR, the AChE inhibitor was administered first, resulting in significant muscle damage, followed the next day by diltiazem. After 7 days of diltiazem treatment, with continued administration of PYR, the calcium blocker significantly reduced the myopathy at the neuromuscular junction. The results are discussed in terms of possible clinical application of diltiazem in neuromuscular diseases (i.e. muscular dystrophy).
Fluorescent Antibody Studies of Demyelination in Canine Distemper.

SummaryFluorescent antibody studies show that the virus of canine distemper is localized in astrocytic and possibly other glial nuclei. The astrocytes exhibit degenerative changes consistent with viral invasion. Astrocytic involvement appears to be followed by demyelination although this causative relationship cannot be explained.
A uniformly loaded infinite-length thin plate bent to a cylindrical surface in the presence of couple-stresses

Exact solutions, based on couple-stresses plane strain theory of elasticity, are presented for the normal, shear and couple-stresses, displacements and rotations of an infinite-length (in z-axis) rectangular thin plate simply supported at two opposite edges (i.e.x=±L) and bent by a uniform load. Exact solutions reduce to classical values as l→0. Here l is defined as the new elastic material constant taking account of couple stresses. The corrected maximum deflection of the center line and couple Mx at z=±∞ along the x-axis are found. In particular, the couple-stress theory of elasticity shows the phenomenon of increased stiffening with decreasing thickness of thin plate. Exact solutions, in the presence of couple-stresses, give a better representation for bodies having a dimension omparable to l. This is true for thin plate.
Quasistatic manipulation with compliance and sliding

The authors propose a method for modeling dextrous manipulation with sliding fingers. The approach combines compliance and friction limit surfaces. The method is useful for describing how a grasp will behave in the presence of external forces (e.g., when and how the fingertips will slide) and for planning how to control the fingers so that the grasped object will follow a desired trajectory. The sliding trajectories are characterized by a transient and steady-state solution. The underlying theory is first discussed and illustrated with several single-finger examples. Experimental results are also presented. The analysis is then extended to grasps with multiple sliding and nonsliding fingers. The multifinger analysis is illustrated with an example of manipulating a card with two soft-contact fingers.
High-Efficiency Single Photon Collection from Trapped Barium Ions

We have incorporated a high numerical aperture spherical mirror and aspherical corrector with a barium ion trap to improve photon collection efficiency by more than an order of magnitude for generation of ion-photon entanglement.
Hydrolyzed Starch-Polyacrylonitrile Graft Copolymers: Effect of Structure on Properties*

Three starch–polyacrylonitrile (S–PAN) graft copolymers containing ratios of S:PAN of 1:1.90, 1:1.16, and 1:0.64 were prepared by graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto gelatinized starch. A fourth graft, made from granular starch, had an S:PAN ratio of 1:2.16. These grafts were hydrolyzed in potassium hydroxide under various conditions to give a series of products with varying amounts of carboxylic acid and amide groups. Maximum conversion of nitrile to carboxyl was 65%. Aqueous dispersions of the hydrolyzed S–PAN's at pH 7–8.5 were viscous, and, in general, their viscosities reflected the amount of PAN add-on, with the highest add-on giving the highest viscosity. Plots of the η/C versus C show that hydrolyzed S–PAN's from gelatinized starch behave as normal polyelectrolytes on dilution to low concentration but that S–PAN from granular starch does not.
Hiding the evidence: two strategies for innate immune evasion by hemorrhagic fever viruses

The innate immune system is one of the first lines of defense against invading pathogens. Pathogens have, in turn, evolved different strategies to counteract these responses. Recent studies have illuminated how the hemorrhagic fever viruses Ebola and Lassa fever prevent host sensing of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a key hallmark of viral infection. The ebolavirus protein VP35 adopts a unique bimodal configuration to mask key cellular recognition sites on dsRNA. Conversely, the Lassa fever virus nucleoprotein actually digests the dsRNA signature. Collectively, these structural and functional studies shed new light on the mechanisms of pathogenesis of these viruses and provide new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Hydrolysis of cyanate catalyzed by guinea pig and rat tissue extracts.

Abstract The hydrolysis of cyanate to give ammonia and CO 2 catalyzed by extracts of liver and kidney from rats or guinea pigs is not due to the presence of cyanase as previously reported. Instead, the hydrolysis apparently results from the chemical reaction of cyanate with phosphate at pH 6.0 to give carbamyl phosphate which is subject to hydrolysis catalyzed by a phosphatase in the extracts.
Engineering the morphology and electrophysiological parameters of cultured neurons by microfluidic surface patterning

The ability to control the orientation, morphology, and electrophysiological characteristics of neurons in culture allows the construction of neural circuits with defined physiological properties. Using microfluidic protein deposition onto chemically modified glass, we achieve the controlled growth of Aplysia neurons on geometrical patterns of poly-L-lysine and collagen IV, surrounded by nonadhesive regions of bovine albumin. We investigate the parameters essential for forming functional neuronal networks, the morphology, biochemistry, and electrophysiology under engineered cell culture conditions. We demonstrate that not only the orientation of neurite extension but also the number of primary neurites originating from the cell soma, their length, and branching pattern depend on the spatial constraints presented by the size and shape of the adhesion region on the patterned substrate. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the support layer influence the electrical activity of the cultured neurons. Substrate-dependent changes in the amplitude and in the dynamic parameters of the action potential cause decreased spike broadening in patterned neurons, which reflects changes in the number or functioning of active membrane ion channels. In contrast to morphology and electrophysiology, the neuropeptide content, as determined by mass spectrometry of individual patterned neurons, is not affected by the growth on patterned surfaces. Our results suggest that the morphological and electrophysiological parameters of neurons can be predictably altered/engineered by modulation of the chemical, physical, and topographical features of culture substrates. We also demonstrate that a full suite of techniques is required for functional characterization of neurons on engineered substrates.
The regulation of mobile health applications

In July 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidance concerning the regulation of mobile medical applications (applications on a wireless device that are used as accessories to medical devices or to convert a mobile platform to a medical device). While the suggestion of regulation is rooted in patient safety, concerns about limits on innovation and discovery as well as the evolving nature of both mobile health and current healthcare delivery have emerged. This article discusses the prevalence of mobile health, the context of regulation concerning mobile medical applications, and implications for the future.
Looking-in and looking-out vision for Urban Intelligent Assistance: Estimation of driver attentive state and dynamic surround for safe merging and braking

This paper details the research, development, and demonstrations of real-world systems intended to assist the driver in urban environments, as part of the Urban Intelligent Assist (UIA) research initiative. A 3-year collaboration between Audi AG, Volkswagen Group of America Electronics Research Laboratory, and UC San Diego, the driver assistance portion of the UIA project focuses on two main use cases of vital importance in urban driving. The first, Driver Attention Guard, applies novel computer vision and machine learning research for accurately tracking the driver's head position and rotation using an array of cameras. The system then infers the driver's focus of attention, alerting the driver and engaging safety systems in case of extended driver inattention. The second application, Merge and Lane Change Assist, applies a novel probabilistic compact representation of the on-road environment, fusing data from a variety of sensor modalities. The system then computes safe and low-cost merge and lane-change maneuver recommendations. It communicates desired speeds to the driver via Head-up Display, when the driver touches the blinker, indicating his desired lane. The fully-implemented systems, complete with HMI, were demonstrated to the public and press in San Francisco in January of 2014.
On the structure of turbulent flow over a progressive water wave: theory and experiment in a transformed, wave-following co-ordinate system

An investigation of the turbulent flow structure over a progressive water wave, as well as the structure of the wave-induced flow field in a transformed wave-following frame, is reported. Experimental results are given for a free-stream velocity of 2·4 m s−1 over a 1 Hz mechanically generated deep-water wave. The velocity components were measured with a cross hot-film probe oscillating in a transformed wave-following frame. The amplitude and phase of the wave-induced velocity components are deduced by correlation to the generated water wave. The mean flow tends to follow the wave form so that the water wave should not be regarded as surface roughness. The mean velocity profile is basically log-linear and is similar to that over a smooth plate, because ripples riding on the waves do not produce sufficient roughness to interfere with the wind field. The wave-induced motion in the free stream is irrotational; but, in the boundary layer, it has strong shear behaviour related to the wave-associated Reynolds stress. The shear stress production as well as the energy production from the mean flow is concentrated near the interface. A phase jump of 180° in the wave-induced turbulent Reynolds stresses in the middle of the boundary layer was observed. The relationships between the induced turbulent Reynolds stresses and the induced velocities are of an eddy-viscosity type.
Secure sensor data transmission channel overlay on passive optical networks

An independent channel is overlaid on a gigabit passive optical network to carry data collected from sensor networks. The GPON experiences minimal performance degradation due to the channel overlay, indicating the feasibility of this approach.
Speed and Search: Designing Organizations for Turbulence and Complexity

We use an innovative technique to examine an enduring but recently neglected question: How do environmental turbulence and complexity affect the appropriate formal design of organizations? We construct an agent-based simulation in which multidepartment firms with different designs face environments whose turbulence and complexity we control. The model's results produce two sets of testable hypotheses. One set pinpoints formal designs that cope well with three different environments: turbulent settings, in which firms must improve their performance speedily; complex environments, in which firms must search broadly; and settings with both turbulence and complexity, in which firms must balance speed and search. The results shed new light on longstanding notions such as equifinality. The other set of hypotheses argues that the impact of individual design elements on speed and search often depends delicately on specific powers granted to department heads, creating effects that run contrary to conventional wisdom and intuition. Ample processing power at the bottom of a firm, for instance, can slow down the improvement and narrow the search of the firm as a whole. Differences arise between our results and conventional wisdom when conventional thinking fails to account for the powers of department heads--powers to withhold information about departmental options, to control decision-making agendas, to veto firmwide alternatives, and to take unilateral action. Our results suggest how future empirical studies of organizational design might be fruitfully coupled with rigorous agent-based modeling efforts.
Modelling of Tandem Rolling Mills Including Tensional Stress Propagation

This paper presents an analytical model for dynamic simulation of the tandem mills. The model is a comprehensive one which includes the consideration of elasticity and damping effect at the rolls, plastic deformation at the bite region, stress propagation tensional waves among stands, external scroll force at the back-up rolls and torsional vibration of the work roll. Simulation results show that chatter and other dynamic phenomena can successfully be predicted. It is believed that this model will be useful in the design and control of tandem mills.
Molecular approaches to the Rett syndrome gene.

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 females worldwide. Apparently normal at birth, girls with Rett syndrome undergo developmental regression and acquire a neurologic and behavioral profile that has been used to define diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Neurochemical and anatomic alterations indicate that Rett syndrome appears to result from an arrest of normal neuronal maturation. Although Rett syndrome generally occurs sporadically, rare familial recurrences indicate a genetic basis for the disorder. Data from familial recurrences are consistent with an X-linked dominant locus causing the classic phenotype in female patients and a distinct, more severe phenotype in hemizygous male patients. Exclusion mapping data from rare kindreds with recurrent Rett syndrome localize the gene to the distal long arm of the X chromosome (Xq27.3-Xqter). (J Child Neurol 1999; 14:806-814).
Evolution des syndromes épileptiques au cours du temps

La classification internationale des epilepsies peut s'appliquer des le premier diagnostic, avec une concordance excellente entre les differents experts. Pour la plupart, les syndromes specifiques s'identifient des le premier diagnostic. Avec le temps, ils ne changent que tres rarement et generalement seulement lorsque le diagnostic initial etait problematique. Les classements qui sont par leur definition partiellement ou completement non classifies representent un tiers, sinon plus, de toutes les epilepsies chez l'enfant. Apres quelques annees, plusieurs de ces cas non classifies peuvent etre identifies plus clairement et se repartissent dans des classements plus specifiques. Probablement, il restera quelques cas impossibles a classifier malgre tous les efforts destines a cet effet. Apres un suivi de quelques annees, les pronostics attendus sont evidents pour les syndromes idiopathiques (excellents) et les syndromes non idiopathiques generalises (mauvais). Pour les syndromes partiels non idiopathiques qui sont tres nombreux, le pronostic n'est pas bien defini. Dans ce groupe, l'epilepsie mesio-temporale avec sclerose hippocampique et debut pendant l'enfance est une entite difficile a depister au debut. Pour certains syndromes partiels, il semble qu'il y ait une periode de silence absolue ou relative entre le debut des crises et l'apparition de l'epilepsie pharmacoresistante. Si cela est vrai, on peut esperer qu'il sera un jour possible d'intervenir dans l'evolution de certaines epilepsies et empecher qu'elles deviennent pharmacoresistantes.
Dynamic resource management algorithm for a distributed real-time system

In this paper we propose a framework and algorithm for dynamic resource management in a distributed real-time system. Our assumptions are as follows: first, multiple real-time & non real-time processes are active throughout the system. Those processes in the critical path for a given task, i.e., autopilot, fire control (as in firing weapons), surveillance, collaborative planning, are RT for the duration of the task and may or may not be party to multiple tasks in either critical or ancillary capacities. For instance, the radar may be part of the critical path during surveillance, but have uses other than that, say to take a snampshot during a collaborative planning sessions that may serve an ancillary use (as a supplementary illustration for discussion, e.g., "this is the depot we go after tomorrow during a flyover") But then, if you can fly over it, why not go after it then? Another example: during a coordinated maneuver, plane-to-plane communications are in the critical path but during fire control they are not. Second, the operating system or run-time environment has task migration capabilities. Third, storage is cheap - can store images of multiple processes in different states on each computing device for purpose of instantiating one or more in any combination on that device and across devices for reconfigurable distributed computing. This paper presents a software architecture and an algorithm for resource management in such systems.
Beneficial Effect of Mechanical Stimulation on the Regenerative Potential of Muscle-Derived Stem Cells Is Lost by Inhibiting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Objective—We previously reported that mechanical stimulation increased the effectiveness of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) for tissue repair. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on mechanically stimulated MDSCs in a murine model of muscle regeneration. Approach and Results—MDSCs were transduced with retroviral vectors encoding the LacZ reporter gene (lacZ-MDSCs), the soluble VEGF receptor Flt1 (sFlt1-MDSCs), or a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting messenger RNA of VEGF (shRNA_VEGF MDSCs). Cells were subjected to 24 hours of mechanical cyclic strain and immediately transplanted into the gastrocnemius muscles of mdx/scid mice. Two weeks after transplantation, angiogenesis, fibrosis, and regeneration were analyzed. There was an increase in angiogenesis in the muscles transplanted with mechanically stimulated lacZ-MDSCs compared with nonstimulated lacZ-MDSCs, sFlt1-MDSCs, and shRNA _VEGF MDSCs. Dystrophin-positive myofiber regeneration w...
The weight loss blogosphere: an online survey of weight loss bloggers

Blogging is a form of online journaling that has been increasingly used to document an attempt in weight loss. Despite the prevalence of weight loss bloggers, few studies have examined this population. We examined characteristics of weight loss bloggers and their blogs, including blogging habits, reasons for blogging, like and dislikes of blogging, and associations between blogging activity and weight loss. Participants (N = 194, 92.3 % female, mean age = 35) were recruited from Twitter and Facebook to complete an online survey. Participants reported an average weight loss of 42.3 pounds since starting to blog about their weight loss attempt. Blogging duration significantly predicted greater weight loss during blogging (β = −3.65, t(185) = −2.97, p = .003). Findings suggest that bloggers are generally successful with their weight loss attempt. Future research should explore what determines weight loss success/failure in bloggers and whether individuals desiring to lose weight would benefit from blogging.
Therapeutic touch and post-Hurricane Hugo stress.

This repeated-session design sought to answer questions about the effectiveness of therapeutic touch in reduction of stress for 23 individuals following a natural disaster. In addition, methodological issues related to the average length of time for a therapeutic touch treatment and a method of documenting the nonverbal interaction between subject and toucher were investigated. Findings indicate that stressed people report themselves to be less stressed following therapeutic touch (p = .05). Time of therapeutic touch intervention varied significantly between the touchers, with a range of 6.8 to 20 minutes. Qualitative data examining the interaction of toucher and subject raised a number of questions that require further study.
Test-driven data structures: revitalizing CS2

Software testing is an increasingly important topic in engineering reliable software systems, and test-driven development is an increasingly popular methodology for building reliable systems. However, most software engineering instructors' courses are already very full, so that increasing coverage of testing in those courses can only occur at the expense of another topic. In this paper, we argue that testing should be introduced early in the CS curriculum, that the Data Structures (CS2) course is an especially natural place to emphasize unit testing and test-driven development, and that doing is a way to revitalize the CS2 course.
Integrated genomics of ovarian xenograft tumor progression and chemotherapy response

Background Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecological cancer with a very poor prognosis. Xenograft mouse models have proven to be one very useful tool in testing candidate therapeutic agents and gene function in vivo. In this study we identify genes and gene networks important for the efficacy of a pre-clinical anti-tumor therapeutic, MT19c.
The end of the CRT

Several technologies are becoming serious challengers to the time-honored cathode ray tube (CRT) as the display of choice for desktop use. This shift alone will have an impact on graphics hardware and software, but there are potentially greater changes on the horizon as these displays move off the desktop. This article examines the transition away from the CRT display, the changes this transition will demand from the rest of the computer system and what might be enabled by these new technologies and interfaces.
Eluder Dimension and the Sample Complexity of Optimistic Exploration

This paper considers the sample complexity of the multi-armed bandit with dependencies among the arms. Some of the most successful algorithms for this problem use the principle of optimism in the face of uncertainty to guide exploration. The clearest example of this is the class of upper confidence bound (UCB) algorithms, but recent work has shown that a simple posterior sampling algorithm, sometimes called Thompson sampling, can be analyzed in the same manner as optimistic approaches. In this paper, we develop a regret bound that holds for both classes of algorithms. This bound applies broadly and can be specialized to many model classes. It depends on a new notion we refer to as the eluder dimension, which measures the degree of dependence among action rewards. Compared to UCB algorithm regret bounds for specific model classes, our general bound matches the best available for linear models and is stronger than the best available for generalized linear models.
Characterization of Y chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid fragments and translocations by Southern blot analysis.

Hybridization of Y chromosome-specific probes to Southern blots of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid from patients with chromosomal variants permits direct and rapid characterization of the chromosomal content. We have used two single-copy Y chromosomal sequences specific for the short arm (47z and DP34) and one repeated sequence specific to the long arm (Y3.4) to study several patients with different types of sex chromosomal abnormalities, including three patients with gonadal dysgenesis and the karyotype 45,X/46,X + fragment, two females with Y autosomal translocations involving similar regions of the Y chromosome (46,XX,t(Y;14)(q11,p11)) and 46,XY, t(Y;15)(q11,p11)), two males with very small Y chromosomes (del(Y)(q12) and i(Yp)), and a 45,X male with a small Y autosomal translocation. These techniques are more sensitive than chromosome banding and thus are an important adjunct to karyotyping for analysis of chromosomal content. For patients with gonadal dysgenesis and uncharacterized fragments, demonstration of Y chromosomal sequences identifies an important risk factor for the development of gonadoblastoma. For other patients, accurate identification of Y chromosomal content may facilitate prediction of the patient's phenotype.
Effect of Warm Ischemia Time During Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy on Early Postoperative Glomerular Filtration Rate

Purpose: We evaluated the effect of warm ischemia time on early postoperative renal function following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: Of 453 patients who were surgically treated for renal tumors between May 2001 and September 2007, and who were identified in our database 128 underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Of these 128 patients 101 who were evaluable had complete demographic, operative, preoperative and early postoperative data available. Renal function was estimated using the glomerular filtration rate. Warm ischemia time was stratified into 4 interval groups and also analyzed based on different time cutoffs. Ultimately we also tested the relationship between postoperative renal failure, and preoperative factors and warm ischemia time.Results: Warm ischemia time interval analysis was not significant. However, when analyzing the effect of warm ischemia time cutoffs, patients with warm ischemia time greater than 40 minutes had a significantly greater decrease in the glo...
Building a molecular-level picture of the ultrafast dynamics of the charge-transfer-to-solvent (CTTS) reaction of sodide (Na-)

Charge-transfer-to-solvent (CTTS) reactions represent the simplest possible elec- tron-transfer reaction. One of the reasons that such reactions have become the subject of re- cent interest is that transfer of a CTTS electron from an atomic anion to the solvent involves only electronic degrees of freedom, so that all the dynamics involved in the reaction are those of the solvent. Thus, CTTS reactions provide an outstanding spectroscopic window on the dynamics of the solvent during electron transfer. In this paper, we will review our recent work studying the CTTS reaction of the sodium anion, (Na - or sodide) in a series of ether solvents. By comparing the results of ultrafast spectroscopic pump/probe experiments and mixed quantum/classical molecular dynamics simulations, we work to build a molecular-level pic- ture of how solvent motions control the dynamics of CTTS, including the distance to which the electron is ejected and the rates of both the forward and back electron-transfer reactions.
Moving Photodynamic Medicine Forward by Stimulating Collaboration Between the Laboratory and the Clinic

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is alive and well in the United States. Although many contemporary research scientists and clinicians still consider PDT a niche therapy, with little appeal in mainstream medicine, PDT is an approved treatment in oncology for airway malignancies, Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia, and nonmelanoma skin cancer. In addition, PDT has been used in the laboratory and in some investigational clinical settings for high-grade gliomas, oral and laryngeal lesions, inoperable cholangiocarcinomas, and lung-sparing surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. To crystallize the wealth of preclinical and clinical experiences with PDT in oncology and to explore potential emerging indications and refinements in technique, various colleagues from both sides of the Atlantic joined me at the inaugural International Photodynamic Medicine Symposium at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio, on May 11 and 12, 2012. This collaborative think tank included clinicians in thoracic surgery, gastroenterology, dermatology, and hepatology, and immunologists, physicists, biochemists, and photobiologists. Speakers
Johns Hopkins University Department of Biostatistics

The Johns Hopkins Department of Biostatistics was established in 1918, the first of its kind. This article provides an overview to its key personalities and traditions, and its accomplishments in research and education, over its long history, and it briefly surveys the Hopkins Statistics Department and its successors. Research advancements include methodologies relating to population growth, epidemic modeling, survival function estimation (e.g. Kaplan-Meier), survey sampling, longitudinal data analysis, likelihood-based inference and causal inference as well as discovery related to vaccines, the deleterious effects of smoking, the HIV epidemic, genomic and biological determinants of health, environmental determinants of health, measurements of massive dimension, and many other aspects of public health and medicine. The trajectory of the department as a leader in public health education is tracked from its inception to the present day. The department looks forward to a future that is serving up spectacular problems for statistical science.
At the Intersections of Black and White: Defining Social Justice from Different Perspectives

This chapter explores the manner in which individual narratives and lived experiences have shaped how two academics understand social justice and, subsequently, how they collaborate professionally to engage the ways in which social justice frames educational leadership preparation and practice. Jim is a white male raised in the North who came of age during the 60s as a first-generation college student from a steel town working-class family. Gretchen is an African American female who was raised in the South and was part of the first generation to benefit from the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. As they came together to codirect the University Council of Educational Administration Center for Educational Leadership and Social Justice at Duquesne University, each recognized that, while different, their understandings of social justice has been shaped largely by their racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic experiences and by the modeling of those closest to them. As a result, Jim and Gretchen have worked together to bring the richness of their experiences to benefit the goals and missions of the center. Interviewed by and cowritten with Dr. Jill Perry, this chapter demonstrates the importance of perspective and framing, not only in an individual’s understandings of social justice but also in the role of each in teaching about social justice to future educational leaders.
Modality and scale at AirMed

In this paper, we report on findings from a study of the uses of multiple resources available for conducting time-sensitive and complex spatial navigational work in a technology-intensive environment. The site of our study is the flight communications center (FlightCom) at a large hospital (Hampton Hospital). We call the flight program at this hospital AirMed. FlightCom personnel coordinate the operations of four AirMed helicopters, one fixed-wing aircraft, and neonatal ground ambulances, creating what Suchman (1997) called a center of coordination. These modes of medical transportation service an area within 900 miles of the hospital.
Impact of parity on ewe vaginal mechanical properties relative to the nonhuman primate and rodent

Introduction and hypothesis Parity is the leading risk factor for the development of pelvic organ prolapse. To assess the impact of pregnancy and delivery on vaginal tissue, researchers commonly use nonhuman primate (NHP) and rodent models. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ewe as an alternative model by investigating the impact of parity on the ewe vaginal mechanical properties and collagen structure.
Noninvasive imaging of multiple myeloma using near infrared fluorescent molecular probe

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy characterized by monoclonal gammopathy and osteolytic bone lesions. Multiple myeloma is most commonly diagnosed in late disease stages, presenting with pathologic fracture. Early diagnosis and monitoring of disease status may improve quality of life and long-term survival for multiple myeloma patients from what is now a devastating and fatal disease. We have developed a near-infrared targeted fluorescent molecular probe with high affinity to the α4β1 integrin receptor (VLA-4)overexpressed by a majority of multiple myeloma cells as a non-radioactive analog to PET/CT tracer currently being developed for human diagnostics. A near-infrared dye that emits about 700 nm was conjugated to a high affinity peptidomimmetic. Binding affinity and specificity for multiple myeloma cells was investigated in vitro by tissue staining and flow cytometry. After demonstration of sensitivity and specificity, preclinical optical imaging studies were performed to evaluate tumor specificity in murine subcutaneous and metastatic multiple myeloma models. The VLA-4-targeted molecular probe showed high affinity for subcutaneous MM tumor xenografts. Importantly, tumor cells specific accumulation in the bone marrow of metastatic multiple myeloma correlated with GFP signal from transfected cells. Ex vivo flow cytometry of tumor tissue and bone marrow further corroborated in vivo imaging data, demonstrating the specificity of the novel agent and potential for quantitative imaging of multiple myeloma burden in these models.
Traumatic pneumomyelography. A marker of spinal column injury in the face of innocuous spine fractures: two case reports.

STUDY DESIGN: A report of two cases of spinal column injury. OBJECT: To document the presence of air within the spinal canal following spinal fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Only two previous cases of air in the spinal canal have been reported in the English literature. This report emphasizes that even with innocuous-appearing fractures of the thoracic spine, a similar phenomenon can occur. METHODS: The author reports on the medical records and radiographic investigations related to these two cases. RESULTS: Air within the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine was identified in what appeared to be minor spinal fractures of the thoracic spine. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of relatively undisplaced fractures of the thoracic spine associated with air in the spinal canal, one should be alert to the possibility of more unstable injuries that may have undergone significant displacement at the time of the fracture.
A Scanning Ultrastructural Histochemical Procedure for the Localization of Polysaccharide

rower ascospores (length to width ratio for M tryblidariae is 4.1-4.8; length to width ratio for M. geoglossi is 3.1-3.8). In addition, the ascomata of M. geoglossi are superficial on the hymenium of Trichoglossum species (Leotiaceae) while those of M. tryblidariae are immersed in the hymenium of a Tryblidaria sp. (Patellariaceae). In his description of Micropyxis, Seeler suggested that the genus probably represents a reduced member of the Helotiaceae. Korf (1971) included Micropyxis in the Leotiaceae, tribe Mniaecieae. More recently however, Pfister (1976) proposed a separate tribe, the Calloriopsideae, for Micropyxis and a genus with didymosporous species, Calloriopsis. With the addition of our new taxon the tribe now includes three species, M. geoglossi, M. tryblidariae, and Calloriopsis gelatinosa (Sacc.) Sydow.
Quantitative Analysis of Liquids from Aerosols and Microdrops Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is shown to be capable of low volume (90 pL) quantitative elemental analysis of picogram amounts of dissolved metals in solutions. Single-pulse and collinear double-pulse LIBS were investigated using a 532 nm dual head laser coupled to a spectrometer with an intensified charge coupled device (CCD) detector. Aerosols were produced using a micronebulizer, conditioned inside a concentric spray chamber, and released through an injector tube with a diameter of 1 mm such that a LIBS plasma could be formed ∼2 mm from the exit of the tube. The emissions from both the aerosols and a single microdrop were then collected with a broadband high resolution spectrometer. Multielement calibration solutions were prepared, and continuing calibration verification (CCV) standards were analyzed for both aerosol and microdrop systems to calculate the precision, accuracy, and limits of detection for each system. The calibration curves produced correlation coefficients with R2 values >...