cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inter-carrier interference self-cancellation in synchronous downlink MC-CDMA system

MC-CDMA (multiple carrier code division multiple access) has been considered a strong candidate for cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access network, due to its high spectral efficiency, easy implementation and the capability of operating over non-contiguous frequency bands. However, like other multi-carrier transmission technologies such as OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), the orthogonality among subcarriers in MC-CDMA system is lost in a mobile environment, leading to inter-carrier interference (ICI) and performance degradation. In this paper, we apply the ICI self-cancellation scheme previously proposed for OFDM system to orthogonal MC-CDMA system with Hadamard-Walsh codes to diminish ICI and improve BER performance. We show that the ICI self-cancellation scheme for MC-CDMA is equivalent to employing a subset of the Hadamard code matrix. As a direct result, the proposed ICI self cancellation method does not increase the complexity at both transmitter and receiver. To compensate for the network capacity (in terms of the number of users) loss in the proposed ICI self-cancellation method, a second set of orthogonal Hadamard-Walsh codes on the quadrature subcarriers are introduced. The proposed system offers significant BER performance gain than original MC-CDMA with the presence of ICI and same network capacity when BPSK modulation is employed. Simulation results over multi-path fading channel confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, without increasing any complexity.
Efficient syntheses of multiply 2H- and 13C-labeled acrylic acid, glyceric acid, glycidic acid and glycerol

Syntheses of multiply 2 H- and 13 C-labeled C-3 carbohydrates have been carried out from commercially available [1,2- 13 C 2 ]bromoacetic acid. The syntheses are illustrated for [1,2- 13 C 2 ]acrylate, [2,3,3- 2 H 3 , 1,2- 13 C 2 ]acrylate, [1,2- 13 C 2 ]glycerate, [2,3,3- 2 H 3 , 1,2- 13 C 2 ]glycerate, [1,2- 13 C 2 ]glycidate and [1,1- 2 H 2 , 1,2- 13 C 2 ]glycerol..
Calculation of longitudinal shear dispersivity using an N-zone model as N [rightward arrow] [infty infinity]

A new method is presented for deriving an integral expression for calculating the large-time longitudinal shear dispersivity in laminar or turbulent two-dimensional channel flow or tube flow.
LIMITED STUDY OF FLIGHT SIMULATION EVALUATION OF HIGH-SPEED RUNWAY EXITS

The provision of high-speed runway exits is one of several alternatives to increase airport runway capacity through reductions in runway occupancy time. The Runway Exit Design Interactive Model developed at Virginia Tech proposes new geometric design standards for high-speed turnoffs and an algorithm to locate optimal runway exits. The results from a limited flight simulation study that was conducted to assess the operational suitability of high-speed runway exits developed at Virginia Tech are presented. The flight simulation experiments were conducted at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City in a Boeing 727-200, 6-degree-of-freedom, full-motion-base aircraft simulator. The study used six FAA pilots rated in the Boeing 727-200 aircraft to obtain information about the operational suitability of the proposed high-speed exits. Pilot responses were extracted from questionnaires that were administered during the flight-simulation experiments. Aircraft state variable time histories extracted f...
Microsatellite markers isolated from saltgrass ( Distichlis spicata )

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from saltgrass ( Distichlis spicata ) and optimized for future studies of its breeding system. The loci were screened for variability among 24 individuals from two populations. The primers amplified loci with numbers of alleles ranging from four to 14 per locus and polymorphic information content from 0.481 to 0.951. Observed heterozygosity varied from 0.227 to 0.958.
A problem for harmonic mappings

Does there exist a harmonic homeomorphism of the open unit ball B in ℝn onto ℝn, where n = 3, 4, ..., i.e., do there exist harmonic functions f 1, f 2, ... , f n, defined in B such that the mapping f = (f l, f 2, ... , f n ) is a homeomorphism of B onto all of ℝn?
Assessing antibiotic sorption in soil: a literature review and new case studies on sulfonamides and macrolides

The increased use of veterinary antibiotics in modern agriculture for therapeutic uses and growth promotion has raised concern regarding the environmental impacts of antibiotic residues in soil and water. The mobility and transport of antibiotics in the environment depends on their sorption behavior, which is typically predicted by extrapolating from an experimentally determined soil-water distribution coefficient (Kd). Accurate determination of Kd values is important in order to better predict the environmental fate of antibiotics. In this paper, we examine different analytical approaches in assessing Kd of two major classes of veterinary antibiotics (sulfonamides and macrolides) and compare the existing literature data with experimental data obtained in our laboratory. While environmental parameters such as soil pH and organic matter content are the most significant factors that affect the sorption of antibiotics in soil, it is important to consider the concentrations used, the analytical method employed, and the transformations that can occur when determining Kd values. Application of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry can facilitate accurate determination of Kd at environmentally relevant concentrations. Because the bioavailability of antibiotics in soil depends on their sorption behavior, it is important to examine current practices in assessing their mobility in soil.
Three Models of Preview Control

This paper discusses a means to describe and eventually to predict the response of a human or artificially intelligent controller which 1) has a constrained preview of the actual input course and which 2) observes the successive target values as being of nonuniform importance. Three examples are: driving an automobile in traffic, a blind pedestrian using a cane or electronic obstacle detector, and remote manipulation of solid objects using artificial sensors and effectors. Three models are presented which characterize constrained preview control better than can conventional transfer function techniques.
Patient experience with, and use of, an electronic monitoring system to assess vaccination responses

Objective To evaluate the user experience and acceptability of an electronic patient monitoring system. Setting and participants 822 Military and civilian personnel at a health clinic at a major US military headquarters used an Internet and telephone-based electronic monitoring system to report vaccination-site responses and symptoms after receiving the smallpox vaccination. Focus groups of vaccinees were conducted to help develop a survey about the experience that was distributed to 379 vaccinees (96% completion rate). Results Users of the electronic monitoring system reported that it was fast and easy to use and reported they would use a system like this again and recommend an electronic monitoring system to a friend or relative. Most users (84%) were comfortable with a physician tracking their vaccine reaction using their electronic reports, but only half (51%) were comfortable with eliminating the post-vaccination follow-up visit with their health-care provider based on their electronic reports. Conclusions This electronic monitoring system was well received by vaccinees and allowed health-care providers to track the status of vaccinees. However, vaccinees were not comfortable replacing a physician visit with electronic monitoring, at least for the smallpox vaccination. A monitoring system like this may be useful in public health settings, such as mass vaccination or prophylaxis during a bioterrorism event, a pandemic influenza outbreak, or another public health emergency.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: The Androgenized Adolescent

Menstrual disorders associated with obesity and hyperandrogenic symptoms , such as acne or hirsutism, indicate the likelihood of polycystic ovarian syndrome (Pcas). Disorders of androgen excess are the most common endocrinopathy in women , affecting 10% of all women after puberty. 1 Nevertheless , it is often overlooked by physicians and even when recognized, is often not treated. Particularly in adolescence, patients with hirsutisnl or virilization suffer intense social embarrassment and, more importantly, may be experiencing nletabolic disturbances that could have implications for future health. pcas is notorious for its heterogeneity and there is considerable confusion over a precise definition or description. The classic polycystic appearance of the ovary at time of sonography or surgery is seen in only 50% of patients. Approximately 40-60% of these patients are obese , 60-90% are hirsute , 50-90% are amenorrheic, 7-16% have regular menses , and 55-75% complain of infertility. 2 Because there is extensive clinical heterogeneity , hyperandrogenism is the key symptom complex, leading some investigators to assign more descriptive labels such as hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation or functional ovarian hyperandrogenism. Lobo ,3 in a recent editorial , bemoans the current disarray regarding nomenclature and suggests that the term pcas , while not necessarily correct , be used for the sake of uniformity.
Stochastic sequential assignment problem with arrivals

We extend the classic sequential stochastic assignment problem to include arrivals of workers. When workers are all of the same type, we show that the socially optimal policy is the same as the individually optimal policy for which workers are given priority according to last come-first served. This result also holds under several variants in the model assumptions. When workers have different types, we show that the socially optimal policy is determined by thresholds such that more valuable jobs are given to more valuable workers, but now the individually optimal policy is no longer socially optimal. We also show that the overall value increases when worker or job values become more variable.
Interface Promoted Reversible Mg Insertion in Nanostructured Tin-Antimony Alloys.

This paper demonstrates intermetallic compounds SnSb are highly active materials for reversibly hosting Mg ions. Compared with monometallic Sn and Sb, SnSb alloy exhibited exceptionally high reversible capacity (420 mAh/g), excellent rate capability and good cyclic stability. Mg insertion into pristine SnSb involves an activation process to complete, which induces particle breakdown and results in phase segregation to Sn-rich and Sb-rich phases. Both experimental analysis and DFT simulation suggest that the Sn-rich phase is particularly active and provides most of the capacity whereas the Sb-rich phase is not as active, and the interface between these two phases play a key role in promoting the formation and stabilization of the cubic Sn phase that is more favorable for fast and reversible Mg insertion. We further show that activated SnSb alloy has good compatibility with simple Mg electrolytes. Overall, this work could provide new approaches for designing materials capable of reversible Mg ion insertion and new opportunities for understanding Mg electrochemistry.
Keeping Them Off the Corner How Probation Officers Steer Offenders Away From Crime Opportunities

We present a typology of tactics used by probation officers to steer probationers away from day-to-day crime opportunities based on 40 qualitative officer interviews. Concerns about probationers’ u...
Does the presence of the nerve root sedimentation sign on MRI correlate with the operative level in patients undergoing posterior lumbar decompression for lumbar stenosis

Abstract Background context Recent research describes the use of a nerve root sedimentation sign to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The lack of sedimentation of the nerve roots (positive sedimentation sign) to the dorsal part of the dural sac is the characteristic feature of this new radiological parameter. Purpose To demonstrate how the nerve root sedimentation sign compares with other more traditional radiological parameters in patients who have been operated for LSS. Study design/setting A retrospective chart and image review. Patient sample Preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were reviewed from 71 consecutive operative patients who presented with LSS and received spinal decompression surgery from 2006 to 2010. Outcome measures Preoperative T2-weighted MRIs were reviewed for each patient. Methods One hundred thirty-four vertebral levels from L1 to L5 were measured for: sedimentation sign, cross-sectional area (CSA) and anterior/posterior (A/P) diameter of the dural sac, thickness of the ligamentum flavum, and Fujiwara grade of facet hypertrophy. Radiological measurements were made using Surgimap 1.1.2.169 software (Nemaris, Inc., New York, NY, USA). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 17.0 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Significance was demonstrated using unpaired t tests and chi-squared tests. Study funding was departmental. There were no study-specific conflicts of interest–associated biases. Results A positive sedimentation sign was determined in 120 operated levels (89.5%), whereas 14 levels (10.5%) had no sign (negative sedimentation sign). The mean CSA and A/P diameter were 140.62 mm 2 (standard deviation [SD]=53) and 11.76 mm (SD=3), respectively, for the no-sign group; the mean CSA and A/P diameter were 81.87 mm 2 (SD=35) and 8.76 mm (SD=2.2), respectively, for the sedimentation sign group (p Conclusions The sedimentation sign is a new measurement tool that can enable physicians to objectively assess and quantify spinal stenosis. The sign is most often present in patients who have clinically significant lumbar stenosis and require surgery.
DNA microarray analysis of vitamin D-induced gene expression in a human colon carcinoma cell line

The full extent to which 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) affects gene expression in human intestinal epithelial cells is unknown. We used oligonucleotide arrays to catalog vitamin D-induced changes in gene expression in Caco-2 cells, a human colon carcinoma cell line. Five paired sets of Caco-2 cell cultures were subjected to either control conditions or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (10(-7) mol/l x 24 h), and RNA was analyzed on an Affymetrix cDNA array containing 12,625 human sequences. Only 13 sequences representing 12 distinct genes exhibited statistically significant changes in expression of twofold or greater and were also called as "present" or "marginal" by the array-reading software in all five experiments. Genes regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D included two previously known genes (25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase and amphiregulin) and 10 genes (sorcin, Gem, adaptin-gamma, TIG1, CEACAM6, carbonic anhydrase XII, junB, ceruloplasmin, and two unidentified sequences) that were novel. We tested and independently confirmed the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on 11 of these genes by RT-PCR. Increased protein expression was tested and confirmed in two of the novel 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-regulated genes, ceruloplasmin and sorcin. The known function of these genes suggests that many of them could be involved in the antiproliferative effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
Economic Visions and Political Strategies: American Labor and the State,1865–1896

After the Civil War, a new wave of workers' protest swept the country as trade lunions, third parties, eight-hour leagues, and a host of other reform associations sprang up in many cities and towns. For the three decades following the war, no one organization was hegemonic. Instead, there was a proliferation of associations, often advocating quite different programs of labor reform. Accounts of the more prominent organizations such as the Knights of Labor (KOL,) Populists, and American Federation of Labor (AFL) are well known. These institutions, however, represented only the tip of the iceberg and were surrounded by more obscure associations such as the Workingmen's Union, the Workingmen's Assembly, the Workingmen's Convention, the Union Labor party, and the United Labor party, to name only a few. Several attempts were made to unite these disparate associations into a single front, but the efforts were largely unsuccessful and often had difficulty surviving for more than a year. The Junior Sons of '76, the National Labor Union, and the United Labor party each disbanded as participants failed to agree on a common platform of postwar reform.
On the effect of stuck-at faults on delay-insensitive nanoscale circuits

Nanocomputing system design has been attracting attention in recent years. Regular structure and reliable timing control are the two requirements to implement nanoscale circuits. A cellular array has highly regular structure. The cells are adjacent to each other and are able to process signals based on simple transition rules. In delay-insensitive circuits the delay on a signal path does not affect circuit behavior. The combination of delay-insensitive circuits and cellular arrays make it feasible to implement silicon-based nanoscale circuits. However, little work has been done on the test of such circuits. This paper provides a complete analysis of the effect of stuck-at faults in delay-insensitive circuits on cellular arrays.
Decarboxylation of lndole‐3‐Acetic Acid and Inhibition of Growth in Avena sativa Seedlings by Plant‐Derived Photosensitizers

Abstract— A number of plant phototoxins, when supplemented with UVA (320–400 nm) radiation, are capable of sensitizing the decomposition of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as measured by release of 14CO2 from carboxyl-labeled IAA. Alpha-terthienyl (αT) and harmine caused significant rates of IAA decarboxylation at concentrations as low as 1 nM and were approximately 80% as effective as riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide. Partial inhibition by sodium azide indicates that the aT-induced decarboxylation of IAA is predominately, but not entirely, a type II reaction mediated by singlet oxygen. Based on changes in UV ab sorption spectra, it appears that the hormones gibberellic acid, abscisic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine (a cytokinin) are less susceptible to photosensitized decomposition than is IAA. Alpha-terthienyl plus UVA also inhibited elongation growth and reduced endogenous IAA levels in Avena sativa L. coleoptile sections and promoted senescence in intact Avena seedlings. These results confirm the allelopathic potential of plant photosensitizers such as αT and indicate that the phytohormone IAA may represent an additional target for the action of photosensitizers.
Reasoning counterfactually in Chinese: Are there any obstacles?

Abstract The fact that English, but not Chinese, has a distinct marker for counterfactual statements, the subjunctive mood, led Bloom (1981) to hypothesize that Chinese speakers would be less likely than English speakers to correctly interpret a counterfactual story and problem. His findings support his hypothesis and are interpreted by Bloom to be evidence for the Whorfian hypothesis. In contrast, Au's Au, 1983 , Au, 1984 findings indicate that acquisition of the subjunctive is not essential to reason counterfactually in Chinese among bilingual Chinese-English speakers from Hong Kong as long as the test materials are controlled for idiomaticness. Two experiments were designed to replicate Au's findings using Chinese speakers with minimal or no previous exposure to English as a Foreign Language instruction. Two versions of two counterfactual stories and a set of eighteen counterfactual problems presented in two formats were used. The results indicate that grade of the subject, content of the story or problem and presentation format are significant factors in determining performance on the tasks, not necessarily a linguistic construction that distinctly marks counterfactuals. These findings agree with Au's results, yielding no support for Bloom's hypothesis.
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with atrial remodeling and risk or presence of stroke in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Abstract Background Although the degree of electroanatomical remodeling of the left atrium (LA) is influenced by left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, clinical implications of estimated LV filling pressure (E/Em) are limited in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that increased E/Em is related to an advanced LA remodeling, a high CHA2DS2-VASc score, and the presence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with paroxysmal AF. Methods We included 1098 patients with paroxysmal AF (male 74.5%, 57.6 ± 11.3 years old) who underwent AF catheter ablation. We compared E/Em to clinical parameters, echocardiography, and three-dimensional-computed tomography findings. Results The E/Em > 15 group (n = 98) was older (p Conclusions In patients with paroxysmal AF, the elevated LV filling pressure estimated by E/Em is independently associated with the presence of stroke or TIA.
The Azolla-Anabaena azollae relationship

The heterocystous blue-green alga, Anabaena azollae, was isolated from the leaf cavities of the water fern, Azolla caroliniana, where it occurs as an endophyte. The isolated alga was capable of light dependent CO2 fixation and acetylene reduction. Aerobic dark acetylene reduction occurred and was dependent upon endogenous substrates. Vegetative cells of the alga reduced nitro-blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) to blue formazan. Heterocysts did not. Heterocysts reduced triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to red formazan faster than vegetative cells. Reduction of TTC by both heterocysts and vegetative cells was much more rapid than has been reported for free-living heterocystous blue-green algae. Both NBT and TTC inhibited acetylene reduction and CO2 fixation. The inhibition by TTC was more closely correlated to the time of exposure of the cells to the reagent and to the amount of deposition per cell than to the number of cells containing red formazan. No differential inhibition of acetylene reduction versus CO2 fixation was observed. Autoradiography showed that CO2 fixation occurred only in vegetative cells. Heterocysts caused a darkening of nuclear emulsions (chemography). This observation has been employed by others as an index of reducing activity in these cells. DCMU inhibited the acetylene reducing capacity of alga isolated from dark pretreated fronds more rapidly and to a greater extent than that in alga isolated from light pretreated fronds. Ammonia in excess of 5 mM was required before any inhibition of acetylene reduction was observed under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions in the light.
Embedded Software in Crisis

In the wake of several high-profile embedded-software failures and scandals, we have a responsibility to ensure that the software artifacts we design meet high standards and to reassure users that embedded systems are reliable, safe, and secure.
Faith as Freedom: Solidarity with the Alienated and Confidence in the Future

An introductory discussion of Christian perspectives on freedom is followed by a consideration of the developments that preceded the genesis of Liberation Theology. That leads into the issues: Given the complexity of contemporary structures in a technological society where the number of those marginated by the system has become acute, who is my neighbor and how do I concretely love him or her? Transformation of history requires action flowing from faith and a willingness to live conflict. But how does one announce God as Father in a non-human world? What are the implications when we tell a non-person that he or she is a son or daughter of God? Believers must develop a critical consciousness and a praxis which confronts the actual conditions of life. To be a Church is to be in solidarity with all who suffer but we must remember that the gospel message is not ideological since it does not identify with any social form. It hopes against hope.
Wait--The Inferior Vena Cava Is Thrombosed? Now What?

Funny how trends happen in medicine. Think about it in the context of the little slice of the world in which I practice: vascular medicine. First, we couldn’t get anyone to pay attention to patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) [(1)][1]. Then, we couldn’t even get physicians to prescribe
The determinants of pKas in proteins.

Although validation studies show that theoretical models for predicting the pKas of ionizable groups in proteins are increasingly accurate, a number of important questions remain: (1) What factors limit the accuracy of current models? (2) How can conformational flexibility of proteins best be accounted for? (3) Will use of solution structures in the calculations, rather than crystal structures, improve the accuracy of the computed pKas? and (4) Why does accurate prediction of protein pKas seem to require that a high dielectric constant be assigned to the protein interior? This paper addresses these and related issues. Among the conclusions are the following: (1) computed pKas averaged over NMR structure sets are more accurate than those based upon single crystal structures; (2) use of atomic parameters optimized to reproduce hydration energies of small molecules improves agreement with experiment when a low protein dielectric constant is assumed; (3) despite use of NMR structures and optimized atomic pa...
Pericarditis and Myocarditis in Germfree and Colostrum-deprived Pigs Experimentally Infected with a Porcine Polioencephalomyelitis Virus

In the study of porcine polioencephalomyelitis a strain of virus was encountered which consistently produced pericarditis in addition to polioencephalomyelitis. No other porcine enteroviruses have been associated specifically with pericarditis, although the occasional occurrence of myocarditis has been reported in association with Teschen disease [1-3] and with another porcine enteroviral infection [4]. Several human enteroviruses including Coxsackie and poliomyelitis viruses have been associated with pericarditis and myocarditis in man [5-8]. The significance of this aspect of enteroviral infection in man is indicated by epidemics of myocarditis in infants [9] and the occasionally resulting constrictive pericarditis [10]. With some human enteroviral strains, myocarditis (Coxsackie B3) was produced experimentally in mice [11], and endocarditis (Coxsackie B4) was produced in mice [12] and in monkeys [13]. It was the objective of this investigation to describe and classify the lesions in the heart following experimental infection of germfree and colostrumdeprived pigs with this strain of porcine polioencephalomyelitis virus, and to correlate the findings with data obtained by electrocardiography and reisolation.
Abstract P3-04-06: Expression of genes for peptide/protein hormones and their receptors in breast carcinomas as biomarkers predicting risk of recurrence

Background: Several reports have suggested expression of certain peptide/protein hormones in breast cancer cells appear to be related to clinical behavior. We have taken a global approach by evaluating relationships between genes for these hormones and their cognate receptor proteins as independent predictors of risk of recurrence. Methods: Expression of genes for 55 peptide/protein hormones (the ligands) and 73 of their cognate receptor proteins were measured by microarray analyses of LCM-procured carcinoma cells from 247 breast carcinoma biopsies. Using an IRB-approved biorepository and comprehensive database, total RNA was extracted from carcinoma cells to determine expression levels of 22,000 genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions with interaction were determined using expression values of each ligand and its cognate receptor with an interaction term. Results: When pairs of hormone ligand and cognate receptor genes were evaluated by multivariate Cox regression with interaction, the following sets of genes were identified that predicted risk of breast cancer recurrence (INS/IGF2R, HAMP/SLC40A1, POMC/MC4R, GH1/GHR and VIP/VIPR2) and OS (CORT/SSTR5, VIP/VIPR2 and GHRH/GHRHR, based on unadjusted p-value for interaction term Conclusion: As a result of determining gene expression directly on pure populations of breast carcinoma cells procured by LCM, we have demonstrated the many lesions synthesize mRNA species for a wide variety of peptide and protein hormones as well as for their cognate receptor proteins. Using clinical follow-up that extended as much as 12 years, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses with and without interaction models revealed a number of noteworthy candidates of hormone-receptor complexes that predicted risk of breast cancer recurrence as well as overall survival. Collectively, our results suggests that many breast carcinomas exhibit considerable endocrine autonomy for controlling progression, which warrants investigation of the protein products of the gene candidates in isolated populations of breast carcinoma cells. Citation Format: Wittliff JL, Daniels MW, Brock GN. Expression of genes for peptide/protein hormones and their receptors in breast carcinomas as biomarkers predicting risk of recurrence. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-04-06.
The Heterozygous Carrier in Galactosæmia

GALACTOSAEMIA is a hereditary disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by vomiting, diarrhœa, jaundice, poor weight gain and malnutrition during early infancy. Mental retardation, cataracts and cirrhosis of the liver are common complications. The diagnosis can be made by a markedly elevated galactose tolerance test, and identification of galactose in the urine. In 1956, Schwarz, Goldberg, Komrower and Holzel1 showed that galactose-1-phosphate accumulates in the erythrocytes of galactosaemic children if they receive galactose or milk. This indicated that galactokinase must be present in such individuals. In the same year, Isselbacher, Anderson, Kurahashi and Kalckar2 demonstrated a deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate-uridyl transferase in the erythrocytes of these children. This indicated that the site of the metabolic block in this disease was at the step of: Galactose-1-PO4 + UDP glucose ⇌ UDP galactose + glucose-1-PO4
Simultaneous Bladder and Prostatomembranous Urethral Rupture from External Trauma

Simultaneous bladder and prostatomembranous (posterior) urethral ruptures from external trauma occur in 10 to 29 per cent of male patients with traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra. The records of 47 male patients with traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra were evaluated. A total of 8 patients (17 per cent) had simultaneous rupture of the bladder (4 extraperitoneal, 3 intraperitoneal and 1 both) and posterior urethra (5 complete and 3 partial ruptures). A fractured pelvis was present in all 8 patients, with an average of 3.1 associated injuries per patient. Both ruptures were diagnosed preoperatively in only 1 patient. In male patients with multiple injuries, including a fractured pelvis and rupture of the posterior urethra, a concomitant rupture of the bladder must be suspected and sought at surgical exploration.
Root caries: prevention and chemotherapy.

Purpose Root caries is a problem of importance among dentate elderly. Greater life expectancies at both birth and age 65, combined with improvements in tooth retention across all age groups, have resulted in an increasing number of Americans who have retained their teeth into old age. This increase in numbers of teeth combined with the increase in the percent of teeth with recession has in turn resulted in older persons with more root surfaces at risk for caries than ever before. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the prevention and chemotherapeutic approach to root caries. Methods A review of the literature and synthesis of this information resulted in recommendations for the improved root caries risk assessment and the development of clinical examination protocols and strategies for prevention and treatment. Results Clinicians can better identify persons at risk for root caries in their practice. People who are older, have moderate to severe periodontal bone loss and gingival recession, are impaired, have poor oral hygiene, take multiple medications, have partials, have retained root tips and the recently unemployed or retired are all at increased risk for root caries. Examination strategies should include the use of at least annual bite-wing radiographs (vertical bite-wings in persons with significant attachment loss) and careful examination of the proximal tooth surfaces. Once identified as low, moderate or high risk, daily and professionally applied fluoride therapies should be combined with dietary modifications, and in high risk individuals, antimicrobial agents for both the remineralization of early lesions and prevention of further root caries.
Optimal vibration control of nonlinear systems with multiple time-delays: An application to vehicle suspension

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses optimal vibration control problem for nonlinear systems with state, control, and measurement delays. By using the functional transformations, the original system is reduced to an equivalent delay-free one. The approximating sequence method is applied to simplify and solve the nonlinear optimal vibration control (NOVC) problem, which is reduced to a linear two-point boundary value problem of approximating sequences. The nonlinear optimal control law is obtained from the convergence solutions by solving a Riccati equation, a Sylvester equation, and the state and adjoint vector differential equations of approximating sequences. The proposed control strategy is applied to design a vibration controller for an active vehicle suspension. The nonlinear vehicle suspension system with delays is modelled, as well as the road disturbance model is established. Comparing with a passive controller and a non-delay-compensation controller (NDCC), the simulations for the designed NOVC are demon...
Congenital hypothyroidism screening program: A five-year experience at Saudi ARAMCO Al Hasa Health Center.

We report the results of a five-year study of cord blood screening for congenital hypothyroidism in a genetically homogeneous population in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of c...
The effects of high-involvement work systems on employee and union–management communication networks

The authors link High-Involvement Work Systems (HIWS) with social network research both theoretically and methodologically by conceiving of these work systems as networks and by using network methods to better understand and evaluate these arrangements. Their approach is to integrate the institutional perspective of industrial relations with the analytical methodology of social network analysis. They use a longitudinal data set collected before and after the introduction of an HIWS in a pharmaceutical company to measure the impact on patterns of employee communication as well as communication between the union and management. Improvements were found in customer satisfaction, and positive effects were seen in the pattern and structure of organizational communication with an increase in the density of lateral and vertical interdepartmental communication, and a decrease in hierarchy. These results were confirmed using survey data on employee perceptions of particular types of communication and interviews with employees at various levels of authority.
The Frontal Sinus “Box”: A Simple Anatomic Concept with Implications for Surgical Approaches

Dissection of the Frontal Recess may be challenging and detailed study of the anatomy should be undertaken prior to surgical dissection
Effects of A771726, the Active Metabolite of Leflunomide,on Multiple Myeloma Cells Proliferation in Vitro.

Abstract Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of terminally differentiated plasma cell in the bone morrow, which accounts for 10% of all hematological cancers. Despite major advance of last decade, MM remains an incurable disease in need of new therapeutic approaches. Leflunomide was originally developed as an immunosuppressive drug capable of alleviating the severity of autoimmune disease and preventing allograft and xenograft rejection and it has been FDA approved to use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since 1998. It rapidly converted in gastrointestinal tract and plasma to open ring metabolite A771726. In current study, we examine the effects of A771726 to the growth of MM cell lines in vivo and show that A771726 inhibits the proliferation of four different well-characterized MM cell lines (MM.1, U266, RPMI8226 and MDR10V) in a dose- and time- dependent manner, regardless their sensitivity to the conventional chemotherapies. Cell cycle analyses further demonstrate that G1-S phase transition is blocked by A771726 in those cells. Moreover, we find that, at higher concentration, A771726 is able to induce apoptosis in at least two of the cell lines tested as measured by an increase of the cells with subG1 DNA content, an increasing in caspase activity and cleavage of caspase substrate. Previous studies suggested that A771726 exerts its anti-proliferate function mostly by inhibiting de novo pyrimidine synthesis in lymphocyte and supplementation of the cultures with exogenous uridine could prevent A771726-induced cell cycle block by restoring the intracellular UTP and CTP lever. However, we find that additions of exogenous uridine can prevent neither A771726-induced cell cycle block nor apoptosis in the MM cell lines tested, suggesting a novel mechanism. It shall be noted that pharmacologically, the highest concentration of A771726 (200uM) used in our study is readily achievable in the plasma through current drug regiment of Leflunomide in RA patients. Since its approval, Leflunomide has been proved to be an effective antirheumatic drug with mild side effects. Given the results from current study, we are tempting to suggest that Leflunomide might also provide a safe alternative in the treatment of MM. The vast knowledge gained from clinical use of Leflunomide in last six year will greatly help us greatly in testing this hypothesis in a clinical setting in a near future.
SH-wave scattering from a sinusoidal grating: An evaluation of four discrete wavenumber methods

Abstract A useful test of discrete wavenumber modeling techniques is to model scattering from a sinusoidal free surface, while varying the maximum slope of the interface. Four discrete wavenumber methods, the Aki-Larner, the Waterman, the Waterman-Fourier, and the Campillo-Bouchon, are evaluated by testing for energy conservation and comparing displacement. Contrary to the claim of some authors (Varadan et al. 1987), the Waterman-Fourier shows no advantage over the Aki-Larner method for steep slopes. With the FFT to calculate the scattering matrix, the Waterman-Fourier method is as fast as Aki-Larner. The Campillo-Bouchon method is superior to the other methods in its ability to handle steep slopes, but it requires more wavenumber samples and is an order of magnitude slower.
PROXIMAL-DISTAL DIFFERENCES IN MOVEMENT SMOOTHNESS REFLECT DIFFERENCES IN BIOMECHANICS

This article presents the first thorough characterization of the smoothness of wrist rotations (flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation) and comparison with the smoothness of reaching (shoulde...
Outcomes of Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair: Does Study Design Matter?

Nute et al. are to be congratulated for this retrospective study comprising a large cohort of 257 U.S. active-duty military patients following primary pectoralis major tendon repair performed by 152 surgeons at 57 medical treatment facilities between 2008 and 2013, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The patients were identified from the Military Health System utilizing the Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2). Historically, pectoralis major tendon tears have occurred infrequently. A systematic review identified only 365 cases in the literature since Patissier’s description of the injury in 1822 through 20101. Pectoralis major tendon tears have occurred with increasing frequency in more recent years. Changing demographic characteristics with increased participation in contact sports and weight-training activities are likely responsible. Previous studies have demonstrated that improved outcomes can be anticipated with surgical repair compared with nonoperative treatment and that acute repair is preferable2-4. Recent publications have begun to provide more information on anticipated functional outcomes, adduction strength following surgical repair, complications, and second surgical procedure rates5. The strengths of this study from Nute et al. include the large cohort of patients and the information provided with regard to functional outcomes, complications, reoperation rates, and risk factors for failure. A total of 242 patients (94%) were able to return to full duty at a mean time of 7.1 months following the surgical …
Thermal stabilization of anti-α-cobratoxin single domain antibodies.

There is an unmet need for snake antivenoms that can be stored ready to use near the point of care. To address that need we have taken two anti-α-cobratoxin single domain antibodies and increased their thermal stability to improve their ambient temperature shelf-life. The anti-α-cobratoxin single domain antibodies C2 and C20 were first isolated, and demonstrated to be toxin neutralizing by Richard et al., 2013 (Richard, G., Meyers, A.J., McLean, M.D., Arbabi-Ghahroudi, M., MacKenzie, R., Hall, J.C., 2013. In vivo neutralization of alpha-cobratoxin with high-affinity llama single-domain antibodies (VHHs) and a VHH-Fc antibody. PLoS One 8, e69495). To thermal stabilize C2 and C20, we first made changes to their frame work 1 region that we had previously identified to be stabilizing, as well as reverted to the hallmark amino acids highly conserved in VHH domains; these changes improved their melting temperature (Tm) by 2 and 6 °C respectively. The further addition of a non-canonical disulfide bond raised the Tm an additional 13 and 9 °C respectively; giving final Tm values of 86 and 75 °C. Testing these mutants at 1 mg/mL at a range of elevated temperatures for an hour; we found that at 65 °C the wild type C2 and C20 had lost 35 and 95% of their binding activity respectively, while the mutants with the added disulfide bond retained nearly 100% of their initial binding activity. While significant work remains to formulate and field a shelf-stable antivenom, our results indicate such a product should be attainable in the near future.
Rotational alignment of the knee is different in osteological specimens with and without a large cam deformity of the proximal femur

PURPOSE We studied a large osteological collection for differences in knee rotation based upon the presence or absence of a large cam deformity of the proximal femur. METHODS We obtained 357 matched tibiae and femora from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection and measured: femoral head-neck alpha angle, anteroposterior axis (or Whiteside's line) at the distal femur relative to the posterior condylar axis, and position of the tibial tubercle with respect to the posterior condylar axis of the proximal tibia. We then divided these specimens into two groups based upon alpha angle 60° (Group 2, n = 122) and performed an independent samples t-test to evaluate for differences in measured parameters between groups using this subset of specimens. RESULTS The mean alpha angles in Group 1 and 2 were 40.9° ± 3.3° and 67.0° ± 5.6°, respectively. Whiteside's line was externally rotated with respect to the posterior femoral condylar axis by a mean of 1.8° ± 6.8° in Group 1, vs. 3.0° ± 3.7° in Group 2 (p = 0.03). The tibial tubercle was externally rotated by a mean of 19.4° ± 6.8° in Group 1, versus 16.6° ± 5.1° in Group 2 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Specimens with femoral head-neck alpha angle >60° demonstrated greater external rotation of the distal femur and a more internally-rotated tibial tubercle compared to specimens with an alpha angle <45°. Differences in anatomic characteristics of the knee may play a role in the development of patellofemoral pain in patients with a large cam deformity.
Do Attributes of Patient Satisfaction Affect Word-of-Mouth Communication?

The objective of this paper is to propose hypotheses that explore the impact of three patient-centered attributes of patient satisfaction on word-of-mouth communication by patients. With the underpinnings of advertising communications theory, we examine how empathy, responsiveness, and physical environment of a hospital affect word-of-mouth communication and intensity. This conceptual paper lays the foundation for future empirical research that has a potential to yield important and insightful findings. Results from an examination of hypotheses developed in this paper may advance knowledge in this area and assist administrators in improving patient-centered attributes of patient satisfaction that can stimulate positive word-of-mouth communication.
Patterns of morphological variation following colonization of a novel prey environment

Colonization of new areas is accompanied by a variety of novel pressures, which can lead to rapid phenotypic change. We compared morphology of diamond-backed watersnakes (Nerodia rhombifer) among populations of recently colonized fish farms to examine responses to a potential selective pressure, prey size and evaluated intersexual differences in phenotypic responses. Our data suggest not only have these populations experienced morphological change but also that males and females might be responding differently to the shared selective pressure. We found that male snakes from two sites raising primarily small fish had smaller cranial elements than males from one of the sites raising large fish and did not differ from the other large-fish site. Similar to their male conspecifics, we found that females from both large-prey sites had longer quadrates than one of the small-prey sites. In addition, females from large-fish populations reached greater snout-vent lengths than females from small-fish sites. These findings are consistent with an adaptive response to prey size, and also a differential response between the sexes. Our study demonstrates the potential for rapid phenotypic response to a strong selective pressure following colonization.
North Central Sociological Association 2017 Teaching Address—The John F. Schnabel Lecture: Creative Use of Stories as a Pedagogical Tool in the Classroom

Using stories to transmit values, cultures, traditions, and religions from one generation to the next has been practiced in almost all societies for centuries. In this lecture, the author reflects ...
Miscellaneous Placental Lesions

Intervillous thrombi are common lesions, occurring in approximately one fifth of term placentas. They are defined as localized clots in the intervillous space and were previously known as Kline’s hemorrhages. Intervillous thrombi may occur secondary to leakage from the fetal capillaries and thus may be a manifestation of fetomaternal hemorrhage. If they are large or numerous, they may be an indication of significant hemorrhage (see Chap. 20). Immunohistochemistry for fetal ­hemoglobin has identified fetal red blood cells in intervillous thrombi, and in fact, a good correlation exists between the presence of fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation and intervillous thrombi. It should also be mentioned that when the maternal and fetal bloods are compatible, clotting might not take place even in a significant fetal hemorrhage. However, in many cases, intervillous thrombi have no clinical impact on mother or infant.