cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Validity and Reliability of the Reflux Finding Score.

Abstract Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease is common. The incidence of newly diagnosed cases has increased substantially due to awareness and development of new diagnostic measurements. The reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI) are believed to be useful in the assessment process, including after the initiation of therapy. However, many authors have suggested concerns about the reliability and validity of the RFS. Objective To evaluate the validity and reliability of the RFS. Methods Ninety-two patients diagnosed with LPR who had undergone 24-hour pH-Impedance tests were included. All patients underwent stroboscopy and 24-Hour pH-Impedance monitoring within thirty days. Fifty-nine patients filled out a RSI prior to stroboscopic exam. The RFS was determined by four blinded observers: one otolaryngology resident, two laryngology fellows, and one laryngologist. Stroboscopic images were reviewed again one year later to assess intrarater reliability. RFS and RSI were correlated with 24-hour pH Impedance testing. Results The Kappa value between reviewers was 0.479. The percent agreement of the four observers for total RFS was 74.04%.The percent agreement between reviewers for subglottic edema was 78.77%; for ventricular obliteration was 65.55%; for erythema/hyperemia was 69.62%, for vocal fold edema was 68.32%; for diffuse laryngeal edema was 66.86%, for posterior commissure hypertrophy was 73.54%; for granuloma/granulation was 96.80%; for thick endolaryngeal mucus was 72.81%. The intrarater reliability of the four observers for total RFS was 67.5% with an intrarater reliability range of 50%–90%. The intrarater reliability for subglottic edema was 85% with a range of 70%–100%; for ventricular obliteration was 77.50% with a range of 70%–90%; for erythema/hyperemia was 65.00% with a range of 50%–90%; for vocal fold edema was 52.50% with a range of 30%–70%; for diffuse laryngeal edema was 62.50% with a range of 20%–80%; for posterior commissure hypertrophy was 52.50% with a range of 10%–80%; for granuloma/granulation was 100%; for thick endolaryngeal mucus was 55.00% with a range of 10%–90%. There was no correlation between RFS and any parameter of the 24-Hr pH-Impedance Test. RSI had a significant correlation with number of upright events (r value of 0.271, R2 of 0.0733 and P-value of 0.037), total symptoms experienced (r value of 0.0.267, R2 of 0.0715 and P-value of 0.041), and symptom correlation score (r value of -0.297, R2 of 0.0884 and P-value of 0.022). Conclusion Many authors have expressed concerns about the reliability and validity of the RFS. In our study we found a fair/substantial interrater reliability, and a modest intra-rater reliability. We found no correlation between the RFS and 24-Hr pH Impedance testing. This study suggests that the concerns about the validity and reliability of the RFS may be warranted. This widely used clinical score should be interpreted with caution and further research and refinement should be considered.
Community dental health coordinators' role in community-based pediatric dental education.

PURPOSE The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry utilized a Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) to transform a community-based dental education rotation into a positive learning experience for senior dental students. Based in a county health department's Women, Infant, and Children's (WIC) clinic and dental clinic, the initial rotation before implementation of the CDHC was received poorly by students and community partners. This paper reports how CDHC involvement improved student experiences with pediatric patients. METHODS In 2018, the CDHC embedded in the WIC clinic where student rotations occur and developed relationships with the community partners to identify key issues. The CDHC then implemented qualitative improvements, including a restructured workflow, preparatory educational modules, and assessment systems to address the issues. Student performance reports, focus group discussions, and a postgraduation questionnaire provided data for evaluation of performance. RESULTS By year 3, dental appointments for patients under age 6 increased, resulting in 95% of UAB students seeing this age patient; 74% completed four or more. Three-quarters of students reported performing restorative procedures on children. Student and community partner acceptance of the rotation also improved. Postgraduation questionnaires (32% response rate) indicate 35% of graduates continue to treat Medicaid patients after graduation. CONCLUSION The CDHC's unique skills in community relationship-building, community-based dental screenings, and pediatric dental care coordination produced measurable improvements in community participation and student clinical experiences. The CDHC can be a vital part of dental education, especially in community education settings. Community-based dental education generated measurable improvements in students' clinical experiences.
Global Sensitivity Analysis on the Bergman Minimal Model

Abstract In this paper, a novel Global Sensitivity Analysis method is developed and is illustrated on the popular Bergman minimal model for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Four parameters are assumed to be uncertain in the model to mimic patient variability. An algorithm is presented to evaluate sensitivity metrics by which the uncertain parameters can be ranked. Results reveal that for a single meal scenario, insulin sensitivity is one of the most important factors after the consumption of meal that influences the blood glucose concentration in people with T1D.
Immunoresponsive gene 1 modulates the severity of brain injury in cerebral ischaemia.

Inflammatory stimuli induce immunoresponsive gene 1 expression that in turn catalyses the production of itaconate through diverting cis-aconitate away from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The immunoregulatory effect of the immunoresponsive gene 1/itaconate axis has been recently documented in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse and human macrophages. In addition, dimethyl itaconate, an itaconate derivative, was reported to ameliorate disease severity in the animal models of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Currently, whether immunoresponsive gene 1/itaconate axis exerts a modulatory effect in ischaemic stroke remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated whether immunoresponsive gene 1 plays a role in modulating ischaemic brain injury. In addition, the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of immunoresponsive gene 1 in ischaemic stroke was elucidated. Our results showed that immunoresponsive gene 1 was highly induced in the ischaemic brain following ischaemic injury. Interestingly, we found that IRG1-/- stroke animals exhibited exacerbated brain injury, displayed with enlarged cerebral infarct, compared to wild-type stroke controls. Furthermore, IRG1-/- stroke animals presented aggravated blood-brain barrier disruption, associated with augmented Evans blue leakage and increased immune cell infiltrates in the ischaemic brain. Moreover, IRG1-/- stroke animals displayed elevated microglia activation, demonstrated with increased CD68, CD86 and Iba1 expression. Further analysis revealed that immunoresponsive gene 1 was induced in microglia after ischaemic stroke, and deficiency in immunoresponsive gene 1 resulted in repressed microglial heme oxygenase-1 expression and exacerbated ischaemic brain injury. Notably, the administration of dimethyl itaconate to compensate for the deficiency of immunoresponsive gene 1/itaconate axis led to enhanced microglial heme oxygenase-1 expression, alleviated ischaemic brain injury, improved motor function and decreased mortality in IRG1-/- stroke animals. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that the induction of immunoresponsive gene 1 in microglia following ischaemic stroke serves as an endogenous protective mechanism to restrain brain injury through heme oxygenase-1 up-regulation. Thus, our findings suggest that targeting immunoresponsive gene 1 may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of ischaemic stroke.
Potholes Detection Using Deep Learning and Area Estimation Using Image Processing

Roads make a huge contribution to the economy of a territory. As a platform for transportation, roads are widely used by every countries in the world. Potholes in road are one of the major concerns in the transportation infrastructure. A lot of research works have been proposed using Computer Vision to detect potholes that include wide range of image processing and object detection algorithms. There is a need for potholes detection with adequate accuracy and speed, and that can be implemented with ease and low setup cost. In this paper, we have developed efficient deep learning Convolution Neural Networks (CNNs) to detect potholes in real-time with adequate accuracy. This paper compares the performance of YOLOv5 Large (Y\(_{l}\)), YOLOv5 Medium (Y\(_{m}\)) and YOLOv5 Small (Y\(_{s}\)) with ResNet101 backbone and Faster R-CNN with ResNet50 (FPN), VGG16 and MobileNetV2 backbone. The experiments results show that YOLOv5s is more applicable for real-time potholes detection because of its speed. It is able to detect potholes in high as well as low resolution images in 0.009s. With the use of Inverse Perspective Mapping with YOLOv5 to estimate area, we concluded that the detection can still be done in real time with area estimation.
Moral Injury and the Psyche of Counterinsurgency

Public and clinical interest in a condition called moral injury – psychological distress resembling posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but said to originate from shame, guilt, or transgression in...
The Impacts of Corporate Social Responsibility on State Capacity and the Provision of Social Services: A Case Study of Multinational Oil Companies in Equatorial Guinea

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as both a concept and programmatic activity, has grown rapidly. Yet despite its proliferation, there remains a lack of empirical studies that assess CSR’s ability to generate sustainable development. Proponents of CSR christen it the new development paradigm and the solution to 50 years of failed development efforts based on their view that multinational corporations are the only entities in the world with the technology, resources, capacity, and global reach necessary to effectively accomplish sustainable development. Critics, on the other hand, condemn CSR as corporate window dressing that fails to address the root causes of underdevelopment. In reality, insufficient empirical evidence of CSR efforts in developing countries exists to draw any definitive conclusions about their impacts on development. This paper, drawing upon fieldwork in Equatorial Guinea, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of CSR projects implemented in a developing country context. The paper suggests that CSR programs, despite shortcomings, can in certain contexts represent a mechanism for pressuring recalcitrant governments to invest greater financial and human capital in social service programs.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic: Equivalential π-Institutions

The theory of equivalential deductive systems, as introduced by Prucnal and Wronski and further developed by Czelakowski, is abstracted to cover the case of logical systems formalized as π-institutions. More precisely, the notion of an N-equivalence system for a given π-institution is introduced. A characterization theorem for N-equivalence systems, previously proven for N-parameterized equivalence systems, is revisited and a “transfer theorem” for N-equivalence systems is proven. For a π-institution I having an N-equivalence system, the maximum such system is singled out and, then, an analog of Herrmann’s Test, characterizing those N-protoalgebraic π-institutions having an N-equivalence system, is formulated. Finally, some of the rudiments of matrix theory are revisited in the context of π-institutions, as they relate to the existence of N-equivalence systems.
The Threatened Brain

The human brain's distinct reactions to distant dangers and nearby threats may be deregulated in anxiety disorders.
End-to-end rate-distortion optimized mode selection for multiple description video coding

Multiple description (MD) video coding can be used to reduce the detrimental effects caused by transmission over lossy packet networks. Each approach to MD coding consists of a tradeoff between compression efficiency and error resilience. How effectively each method achieves this tradeoff depends on the network conditions as well as on the characteristics of the video itself. This paper proposes an adaptive MD coding approach which adjusts to these conditions through the use of adaptive MD mode selection. The encoder in this system is able to accurately estimate the expected end-to-end distortion, accounting for both coding and packet-loss-induced distortions, as well as for the bursty nature of channel losses and the effective use of multiple transmission paths. With this model of end-to-end expected distortion, the encoder selects between MD coding modes in a rate-distortion optimized manner to most effectively trade-off compression efficiency for error resilience. We show how this approach adapts to the local characteristics of the video as well as to current network conditions and demonstrate the resulting gains in performance.
From risk for trauma to unintentional injury risk: falls--a concept analysis. Nursing Diagnosis Extension and Classification Research Team.

TOPIC.Concept analysis of the nursing diagnosis risk for trauma. PURPOSE.To examine the nursing diagnosis risk for trauma and to specify the risk factors for falling. SOURCES.Research and informational articles on falling, and NANDA Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification, 1999–2000. CONCLUSIONS.Replace the current nursing diagnosis risk for trauma with the more specific nursing diagnosis unintentional injury risk: falls. The other risks included in risk for trauma (e.g., burns) also will need to be developed.
Effects of Water Flow and Density on Early Survivorship and Growth of the Northern Quahog Mercenaria mercenaria L.

ABSTRACT Clam aquaculturists have suspected low water flow over clam grow-out areas as a principal explanation for decreased growth and yield of bivalves; however, empirical data from field studies to support these observations are rare and in some cases contradictory. I conducted two experiments in Back Sound, NC, to examine the effects of water flow and juvenile density on hard clam survivorship and growth. The first experiment assessed differences in early growth and survivorship of juvenile seed clams under three manipulated water flows (enhanced [0–32 cm sec-1], reduced [0–12 cm sec-1], and ambient tidal flows [0–22 cm sec-1]) and three initial stocking density (250, 500, or 1000 m-2) of juvenile clams (shell length [SL] = 9 mm). The second set experiment examined the effects of two different water flow regimes (ambient [0–22 cm sec-1] and low [ 0–11 cm sec-1]), and three stocking densities (250, 500, or 1000 m-2) on growth of seed clams (SL = 12 mm) to market size. Unlike the first experiment, in wh...
Directional cell-to-cell communication in the Arabidopsis root apical meristem. III. Plasmodesmata turnover and apoptosis in meristem and root cap cells during four weeks after germination.

Plasmodesmata frequency and distribution in root cap cells ofArabidopsis thaliana root tips were characterized during four weeks after germination to understand the symplasmic control of apoptosis. Apoptotic cells in some of the root apical-meristem cells and in root cap cells were identified by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling reaction and characterized by electron microscopy. Starting at the second week after germination, cells in the outermost layers of the root cap showed typical apoptotic features, including nuclear DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and organelle destruction. Intercellular connections, indicated by the frequency and number of plasmodesmata per cell length, were significantly reduced in the walls of outer root cap cells. This shows that cells become symplasmically isolated during the apoptosis process. In apoptotic root cap cells, the majority of nonfunctional plasmodesmata were observed to be associated with degenerated endoplasmic reticulum; this state was prior to the detection of any nuclear DNA fragmentation. Other nonfunctional plasmodesmata were sealed by heterogeneous cell wall materials. However, in immature epidermal and cortical cells in 4-week-old arrested roots the endoplasmic reticulum associated with plasmodesmata became disconnected as a result of protoplast condensation and shrinkage. No degenerated endoplasmic reticulum was observed in these cells. These observations suggest that the apoptotic processes in the root body and the root cap are different.
The extended Peierls-Hubbard model: Off-diagonal terms

Abstract We investigate the effects of including “off-diagonal” terms-nearest-neighbor bond-bond repulsion ( W ) and bond-site repulsion ( X ) — in the extended Peierls-Hubbard model. As a specific illustration we study the ground state dimerization in the one-dimensional, half-filled-band models that have been widely applied to conjugated polymers such as trans -polyacetylene and related charge density wave systems.
Development of cost‐effective and high‐property mask in Flatron

Abstract We developed the tension mask of which thickness increased from 25 um to 50 um to reduce the mask cost and improve the vibration property. First of all, the limitation by which rail structure can support is calculated and the optimal thickness of mask is determined. To prevent the reduction of brightness and brightness uniformity, the dimensions of mask was reassigned. As a result, the increase of mask thickness brought about a reduction in cost and improvement of howling property which had been a weak point of flat CRTs.
Two bovine genes for cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV: a processed pseudogene and an expressed gene

Abstract We have isolated and analyzed 17 clones from a bovine genomic library in phage λ Charon28 probed with a bovine liver cDNA for cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV. Restriction enzyme mapping and Southern analysis indicated that these clones represent only two genomic regions. One region was shown by nucleotide sequencing to contain a subunit IV pseudogene of the processed type. The other class of clones contained the 5' region of a putative expressed gene; the region consists of two exons and two introns, with one exon encoding exclusively the domain representing the presequence present on newly synthesized subunit-IV polypeptides. Genomic Southern analysis indicated that these two clones probably represent the only sequences in the bovine nucleus that share nucleotide sequence identity with the liver subunit IV cDNA when utilizing moderately stringent hybridization conditions.
Developing patient-specific dose protocols for a CT scanner and exam using diagnostic reference levels

The management of image quality and radiation dose during pediatric CT scanning is dependent on how well one manages the radiographic techniques as a function of the type of exam, type of CT scanner, and patient size. The CT scanner’s display of expected CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) after the projection scan provides the operator with a powerful tool prior to the patient scan to identify and manage appropriate CT techniques, provided the department has established appropriate diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). This paper provides a step-by-step process that allows the development of DRLs as a function of type of exam, of actual patient size and of the individual radiation output of each CT scanner in a department. Abdomen, pelvis, thorax and head scans are addressed. Patient sizes from newborns to large adults are discussed. The method addresses every CT scanner regardless of vendor, model or vintage. We cover adjustments to techniques to manage the impact of iterative reconstruction and provide a method to handle all available voltages other than 120 kV. This level of management of CT techniques is necessary to properly monitor radiation dose and image quality during pediatric CT scans.
Return to work dynamics: a new perspective on the three Rs.

We are living in an atmosphere of anxiety and stress, not only in the workplace but also in the world. Changes are occurring at breakneck speeds. An injury can compound that anxiety and stress and disrupt an individual's work and family life.
Unified Flexural Resistance Equations for Stability Design of Steel I-Section Members: Moment Gradient Tests

The 2004 AASHTO and 2005 AISC provisions for flexural design of steel I-section members have been revised in their entirety relative to previous specifications to simplify their logic, organization, and application, simultaneously improving their accuracy and generality. This paper evaluates the lateral-torsional and flange local buckling (LTB and FLB) resistance predictions from these specifications versus the results from moment gradient experimental tests. Two types of moment gradient tests are considered: (1) “end-loaded” tests in which the moment varies linearly within the critical unbraced length and (2) “internally loaded” tests in which the member is subjected to concentrated transverse load, resulting in a multilinear moment diagram within the critical unbraced length. A total of 27 welded and 10 rolled I-section end-loaded FLB tests, 73 rolled and 93 welded end-loaded LTB tests, and 129 rolled and 111 welded internally loaded LTB tests are considered. Reliability indices are estimated for load and resistance factor design of buildings based on the statistics from these tests combined with established statistics for material and fabrication bias factors and the ASCE 7 load model.
A Suggested Hereditary Mechanism for Visual Pigments of Chars (Salvelinus spp.)

A RECENT investigation (Munz, F. W., unpublished results) has shown that salmonid fishes of the genus Salvelinus have several different visual pigments. The methods used have been fully described elsewhere1. Retinae of dark-adapted animals were extracted with aqueous digitonin solution and then tested for homogeneity of the photosensitive pigment by the method of partial bleaching with coloured light2. Brook char, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), and Dolly Varden, S. malma (Walbaum), have the same visual pigments as are characteristic of Pacific salmon and of trout1. These are a retinene1 pigment with λmax 503 ± 1 mµ and the corresponding retinene2 pigment (λmax 527 ± 1 mµ). The arctic char, S. alpinus (L.), has a retinene1 pigment with λmax 509 ± 2 mµ; the single extract which was examined contained no retinene2 pigment. The lake char, S. namaycush (Walbaum), has a retinene1 pigment with λmax 512 ± 1 mµ. Some individuals of this species also possess the corresponding retinene2 pigment (λmax about 545 mµ,). Thus, in species of this genus, retinene1 pigments having three distinct maxima have been characterized. These maxima represent specific differences in the nature of the ‘opsin’, as the protein moiety of a visual pigment is usually called2.
Physician/nurse attitudes and treatment adherence in children with cancer: A pilot study and new instrument

A new instrument designed to assess the treatment team's attitudes towards individual families was field tested to assess its correlation with missed appointments. We hypothesized that positive attitudes about families would be associated with high treatment adherence as measured by appointment keeping. The oncologists rated ease of working with parents, estimated appointment adherence and child's degree of illness in 18 children being treated for cancer. The 35 cohabitating parents were assessed for marital discord and parental-estimated appointment adherence. Actual appointment adherence was determined by clinic chart review. Physician-estimated adherence varied systematically with each physician and degree of the patient's morbidity. Factors related to actual adherence include: physician's discomfort in working with parents, father's estimate of home-treatment adherence, with a statistical trend for distance travelled to be inversely related to adherence. Neither marital discord nor parent-estimated adherence was related to appointment adherence. Results are discussed in terms of implications for facilitating adherence.
Civil Society and Cyber Society: The Role of the Internet in Community Associations and Democratic Politics

A healthy civil society has long been held as vital to a healthy democracy and there is interest in whether the Internet affects this linkage. This paper explores the relationships between offline and online modes of associational life and also analyzes offline and online interactions with local governments in the US context. Based on our empirical analyses of 1,203 respondents, we show that online participation is not simply an extension of offline participation, but can be distinguished in important ways. First, we find that political and community-oriented engagements cluster separately from more private-regarding engagements. Second, participants of online democratic engagement are not characterized by the SES markers associated with offline democratic engagement who are older, have higher incomes, and have lived in the community longer. Finally, we find significant links between democratic engagement with the political system and involvement with political associations (but not social and community-oriented associations).
Discovery and Characterization of a Highly Selective FAAH Inhibitor that Reduces Inflammatory Pain

Endocannabinoids are lipid signaling molecules that regulate a wide range of mammalian behaviors, including pain, inflammation, and cognitive/emotional state. The endocannabinoid anandamide is principally degraded by the integral membrane enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and there is currently much interest in developing FAAH inhibitors to augment endocannabinoid signaling in vivo. Here, we report the discovery and detailed characterization of a highly efficacious and selective FAAH inhibitor, PF-3845. Mechanistic and structural studies confirm that PF-3845 is a covalent inhibitor that carbamylates FAAH's serine nucleophile. PF-3845 selectively inhibits FAAH in vivo, as determined by activity-based protein profiling; raises brain anandamide levels for up to 24 hr; and produces significant cannabinoid receptor-dependent reductions in inflammatory pain. These data thus designate PF-3845 as a valuable pharmacological tool for in vivo characterization of the endocannabinoid system.
1708 NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE IN INFANTS WITH AIDS

We followed serially the neurological examination of three infants with AIDS. All three children, first seen 6-8 months of age came from families with high risk for AIDS: Haitian (1/3) and I.V. drug user (2/3), all had failure to thrive, hepato-splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and recurrent infections. All exhibited a marked arrest of development, progressive corticospinal tract signs and impaired brain growth (microcephaly). Developmental delay was most striking in the areas of language acquisition and gross motor skills while fine motor skills were relatively intact. The corticospinal tract signs were progressive, presenting as ankle clonus and increased deep tendon reflexes and progressing to spastic rigidity. One child had basal ganglion calcification on CT scan. One child died of pneumococcal meningitis at 13 months of age. Repeated cerebral spinal fluid cultures for bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens were negative. We postulate that the neurological disease in infants with AIDS is caused by intrauterine infection with an agent that interrupts neurological maturation during the vulnerable period. Search for HTLV-III in neural tissue or spinal fluid may help elucidate the etiology.
Cue-induced transfer of CS preexposure effects across contexts

These experiments confirmed previous reports that latent inhibition effects can be abolished if rats receive CS preexposures and CS-US pairings in different contexts. However, latent inhibition effects were restored if animals were given a cuing treatment in the conditioning context prior to the conditioning trials. This restoration of latent inhibition occurred only when the cuing treatment could have served to remind the animals of CS-alone presentations in the specific context used for conditioning. These findings are discussed in relation to various accounts of latent inhibition effects.
Selective Binding of the Estradiol Receptor to a Region at Least One Kilobase Upstream From the Rat Prolactin Gene

ABSTRACT The interaction of the estradiol receptor with cloned DNA fragments from the prolactin gene was investigated using a competitive binding assay. A DNA fragment from the 5′-flanking region o...
Particle wake effects on the drag force of an interactive particle

Abstract Direct measurements of the drag force on two interacting particles arranged in the longitudinal direction for particle Reynolds numbers (Re) varying from 20 to 130 are conducted using a microforce measurement system. The system is capable of measuring the force up to 50 g with an accuracy of 1 mg. The effects of the interparticle distance and Re on the drag forces of both the trailing and leading particles are examined. An empirical equation is obtained to describe the drag force variation of a single particle trailing in the wake of a leading particle. A mechanistic model is also developed to account for the motion of the trailing particle in the wake region of the leading particle as well as for their contact velocity. Moreover, a simultaneous flow-field visualization is conducted to characterize the wake flow phenomena. The results indicate that Re affects not only the magnitude of the drag force of an interacting particle but also its variation with the interparticle distance. At contact, the drag force of a trailing particle can be less than one-fifth of the drag force of a single particle without interparticle effects. Both tbe drag force measurements and the flow-field visualization reflect that the wake-influenced region of the leading particle can be longer at a lower Re. The mechanistic model suggests that both the drag force and the Basset force should be included in the description of the motion of the trailing particle in the wake region of the leading particle. The model predicting the contact velocity of the two particles is reasonably validated with the experimental data.
Azadecalin analogs of 4,4,10β-trimethyl-trans-decal-3β-ol: Synthesis and assay as inhibitors of oxidosqualene cyclase

Abstract Azadecalins 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 have been synthesized and tested as inhibitors of oxidosqualene cyclase in a rat liver microsomal assay. These compounds, which structurally resemble the known cyclase inhibitor 4,4,10β-trimethyl- trans -decal-3β-ol (TMD) (1) , were selected because, under physiological conditions, they all have at least partial positive character at or near the initial putatively carbocationic site formed during the cyclization of squalene oxide and thus were potential transition state analog inhibitors. All of these azadecaline are, in fact, cyclase inhibitors, but, disappointingly, none is as effective as TMD itself.
Retract-ligate-unroof-biopsy: a novel approach to the diagnosis and therapy of large nonpedunculated stromal tumors (with video)

Background We report a novel technique of retract-ligate-unroof-biopsy (RLUB) for the diagnosis and treatment of large nonpedunculated upper GI stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. Objective Proof-of-concept evaluation of the RLUB technique. Design Pilot and feasibility study. Setting Tertiary care center. Patients Sixteen patients (median age 71 years) fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: poor surgical candidates with lesions that are broad based with a benign appearance, originating from the muscularis propria, size 2 cm or larger. Interventions A double-channel endoscope was used to simultaneously retract the stromal tumor while advancing an endoloop beyond the tumor for ligation. The overlying tissue was incised ("unroofed") to expose and partially enucleate the tumor, and multiple biopsy samples were obtained. After unroofing, an additional endoloop was placed below the previous one by using the loop-over-loop technique to reinforce enucleation and ischemic ablation. Main Outcome Measurements Successful ligation, immunohistochemistry and mitotic index yield, therapeutic ablation, adverse events. Results Technical success was achieved in 13 of 16 patients (81%). Immunohistology of biopsy specimens: GI stromal tumor (n = 10), leiomyoma (n = 3). Twelve of 13 patients (92%) with follow-up (median 22 weeks, range 1-82.5 weeks) had confirmed tumor ablation by endoscopy and EUS. One patient with partial resolution was re-treated, but was subsequently lost to follow-up. Delayed bleeding occurred in 2 patients that required hospitalization and blood transfusions, both successfully controlled with repeat endolooping. One patient reported transient pain. Limitations Single center, single operator, small sample size. Conclusions The RLUB technique is feasible as a platform for full-thickness treatment of stromal tumors. Limitations encountered included technical challenges and delayed bleeding. Further developmental work is needed.
Leveraging Virtual Humans to Effectively Prepare Learners for Stressful Interpersonal Experiences

Stressful interpersonal experiences can be difficult to prepare for. Virtual humans may be leveraged to allow learners to safely gain exposure to stressful interpersonal experiences. In this paper we present a between-subjects study exploring how the presence of a virtual human affected learners while practicing a stressful interpersonal experience. Twenty-six fourth-year medical students practiced performing a prostate exam on a prostate exam simulator. Participants in the experimental condition examined a simulator augmented with a virtual human. Other participants examined a standard unaugmented simulator. Participants reactions were assessed using self-reported, behavioral, and physiological metrics. Participants who examined the virtual human experienced significantly more stress, measured via skin conductance. Participants stress was correlated with previous experience performing real prostate exams; participants who had performed more real prostate exams were more likely to experience stress while examining the virtual human. Participants who examined the virtual human showed signs of greater engagement; non-stressed participants performed better prostate exams while stressed participants treated the virtual human more realistically. Results indicated that stress evoked by virtual humans is linked to similar previous real-world stressful experiences, implying that learners real-world experience must be taken into account when using virtual humans to prepare them for stressful interpersonal experiences.
A quantum description of the chemical bond

Traditionally a molecule's structure and properties are seen as originating from its bonds, despite the fact that there is no rigorous quantum mechanical description of a bond. Here, the formalism of atoms in molecules is extended and the chemical bond is rigorously defined. Using this definition, it is possible to associate properties unambiguously with particular bonds, with its energy being one such property. With this definition for a bond, it is demonstrated that there are relationships between the bonding and the solid-state properties of a series of transition-metal aluminides. It is shown that these relationships correlate well with the computed difference between first- and second-neighbour bond energies. It is argued that the resulting bonding-property relationships provide the conceptual basis from which to alter bonds predictably and systematically and the properties that originate from these.
Pleomorphic mesothelioma: report of 10 cases

Mesotheliomas with pleomorphic features are rare and only a few studies on this mesothelioma variant have been published. Little information regarding the immunoprofile of these tumors and none on their electron microscopic features was included in these studies. Herein are reported 10 cases of pleomorphic mesothelioma that were investigated using a large panel of immunohistochemical markers, 4 of which were also studied by electron microscopy. All of the patients were men and seven had a history of asbestos exposure. Nine of the cases originated in the pleura and one in the peritoneum. Histologically, the tumors were characterized by being composed of large, often discohesive, cells that varied in size and shape, had dense abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, and single or multiple irregular nuclei, which often contained one or several large nucleoli. Mitotic activity was high and atypical mitoses frequent. Immunoreactivity for pan-keratin and keratin 7 was strong in all of the cases. Expression for calretinin, WT1, podoplanin, mesothelin and keratin 5/6 was also frequent, but variable. All cases were negative for MOC-31, carcinoembryonic antigen, CD15, TAG-72 and thyroid transcription factor-1. Electron microscopy often showed the presence of abundant long, slender microvilli on the cell membrane of the neoplastic cells. These findings demonstrate that, contrary to what has been suggested by some investigators, both immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy can be very helpful in assisting in the diagnosis of pleomorphic mesotheliomas. That the seven patients who underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy had extensive lymph node metastasis and that the median survival of those patients for whom follow-up information was available was only 8.2 months indicates that mesotheliomas with pleomorphic features are associated with highly aggressive clinical behavior. Therefore, when this subtype of epithelioid mesothelioma is present, it should be reported as it can significantly affect the prognosis and treatment of the patient.
Extinct 1918 virus comes alive.

The 1918 'Spanish' flu that killed 20–50 million people has been recreated from its gene sequence. The virus truly is a nasty beast.
A multi-level cross-classified model for discrete response variables

In many spatial analysis contexts, the variable of interest is discrete and there is spatial clustering of observations. This paper formulates a model that accommodates clustering along more than one dimension in the context of a discrete response variable. For example, in a travel mode choice context, individuals are clustered by both the home zone in which they live as well as by their work locations. The model formulation takes the form of a mixed logit structure and is estimated by maximum likelihood using a combination of Gaussian quadrature and quasi-Monte Carlo simulation techniques. An application to travel mode choice suggests that ignoring the spatial context in which individuals make mode choice decisions can lead to an inferior data fit as well as provide inconsistent evaluations of transportation policy measures.
In vitro studies of immune reactions against autochthonous and syngeneic mouse tumors induced by methylcholanthrene and plastic discs

A colony inhibition (CI) technique was used to demonstrate lymph node cell (LNC) and serum-mediated immune reactions against specific transplantation antigens of mouse sarcomas which were induced by methylcholanthrene (MCA) or by plastic disc implantation. Lymph node cells from mice whose primary MCA sarcomas had been removed 3–8 days before the test strongly reduced the plating efficiency of autochthonous target tumor cells. An approximately equal reduction was also obtained with LNC from mice with progressively growing MCA sarcomas or from those which had been inoculated once with untreated or heavily X-irradiated (15,000 R) sarcoma cells. Cytotoxic antibodies were infrequently detected in serum from these mice. Repeated immunization with heavily irradiated tumor cells appeared to increase the level of cytotoxic humoral antibodies but did not augment the LNC-mediated immune reactions. ETUDE IN VITRO DES REACTIONS IMMUNITAIRES CONTRE DES TUMEURS DE SOURIS AUTOCHTONES ET SYNGENEIQUES PROVOQUEES PAR LE METHYLCHOLANTHRENE ET PAR DES DISQUES DE PLASTIQUE On a utilise une technique d'inhibition des colonies (IC) pour mettre en evidence les reactions immunitaires des cellules des ganglions lymphatiques (CGL) et du serum contre les antigenes specifiques de transplantation de sarcomes de souris, ces sarcomes etant provoques par le methylcholanthrene (MCA) ou par implantation d'un disque de plastique. Les CGL des souris dont le sarcome MCA primitif avait ete enleve de 3 a 8 jours avant l'epreuve ont fortement abaisse la vitalite des colonies de cellules-cibles tumorales autochtones. On a obtenu un abaissement a peu pres egal avec des CGL provenant de souris a sarcomes MCA progressivement croissants ou de souris inoculees une fois avec des cellules sarcomateuses non traitees ou fortement irradiees par les rayons X (15,000 R.). On n'a que rarement trouve des anticorps cytotoxiques dans le serum de ces souris. L'immunisation repetee par des cellules tumorales fortement irradiees a paru augmenter la concentration en anticorps humoraux cytotoxiques mais non les reactions immunitaires a mediation CGL.
Down–Up Algebras and Their Representations

Abstract The down–up algebras were introduced in [G. Benkart and T. Roby, 1998, J. Algebra209, 305–344, and G. Benkart, 1998, Contemp. Math.224, 29–45]. Their representations were studied via category O and Verma modules. Here we prove that when β ≠ 0 they are hyperbolic rings, and we study their representations via their left spectrum as defined in [A. L. Rosenberg, 1995, “Noncommutative Algebraic Geometry and Representations of Quantized Algebras,” Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht]. The center of these algebras is computed using results from hyperbolic rings which are also proved here. The case when the down–up algebra is a finite module over its center is considered in detail and its relation to the Clifford algebra of a binary form of arbitrary degree is established.
Tracking detectors for the sLHC, the LHC upgrade

Abstract The plans for an upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to the Super-LHC (sLHC) are reviewed with special consideration of the environment for the inner tracking system. A straw-man detector upgrade for ATLAS is presented, which is motivated by the varying radiation levels as a function of radius, and choices for detector geometries and technologies are proposed, based on the environmental constraints. A few promising technologies for detectors are discussed, both for sensors and for the associated front-end electronics. On-going research in silicon detectors and in ASIC technologies will be crucial for the success of the upgrade.
Adsorption and movement of selected pesticides at high concentrations in soils

Adsorption of 2,4-d amine, atrazine, terbacil and methyl parathion pesticides on Webster, Cecil and Eustis soils was measured at pesticide solution concentrations ranging from zero to the aqueous solubility limit of each pesticide. Measured equilibrium adsorption isotherms for nearly all soil-pesticide combinations were of nonlinear Freundlich type. The Freundlich adsorption constant (K) based on soil organic carbon was much less variable for a given pesticide among the four soils than was the K based on total soil mass. The influence of the shape of the adsorption isotherm on the movement of 2,4-d amine and atrazine through water-saturated soil columns was also examined. Pesticide effluent concentrations from soil columns were measured at two input solution concentrations (50 and 5000 μg ml−1 for 2,4-d amine; 5 and 50μg ml−1 for atrazine). In all cases, pesticide mobility was significantly greater for the higher concentrations. Thus, serious errors may be introduced by assuming a linear adsorption isotherm (i.e. pesticide mobility is invariant with input concentration) when predicting pesticide transport from waste disposal sites where high concentrations exist.
DNA damage and repair in epithelial (mucous) cells and crypt cells from isolated colon.

Abstract Colon epithelium is made up of two general classes of cells, surface cells which are post-mitotic and crypt cells which contain the proliferative population. Their relative vulnerability to environmental damage and ability to perform DNA repair are important issues in colon carcinogenesis. DNA damage and repair was studied by the nucleoid sedimentation method in freshly isolated crypt cells for comparison with previous studies of postmitotic surface epithelial cells. Suspensions of crypt cells were isolated from preparations of mouse colon by a series of sequential incubations in buffer containing 1.5 mM EDTA. Treatment of crypt cells for 30 min with 1.2 × 10 −6 M methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), photoaffinity labeling with 1 × 10 −6 M ethidium monoazide, lithocholic acid (2.5 × 10 −4 M) treatment for 1 h or X-irradiation at 1500 rads resulted in single-strand breaks in the DNA, which were repaired after 2 h of additional incubation. Interestingly, X-rays at 1000 rads and lithocholic acid (LA) (2.5 × 10 −6 M) after 30 min incubation failed to produce the detectable shift in nucleoid sedimentation characteristic of single-strand breaks, perhaps due to rapid repair by these proliferative cells. UV-irradiation failed to provoke strand incision as was also observed for the superficial post-mitotic cells in the previous studies. These studies showed the feasibility of studying DNA damage and repair processes in these two classes of colon epithelial cells in response to specific carcinogenic insult.
Airborne Laser Communications with Impulse Response Shortening and Viterbi Decoding

This paper is about signal processing schemes for airborne free-space optical wireless communications through cloud. FSO channel is known to be accompanied by multiscattering, which causes severe intersymbol interference. Unlike traditional FSO with optical signal processing, this research will study feasibility of RF signal processing schemes applied to FSO. By employing a channel shortening equalizer followed by a maximum likelihood sequential detector, reliable communication at low-to-mid level optical thickness values is shown to be feasible.
Effect of three advanced lubricants on high- temperature bearing life.

Steel ball bearing high temperature fatigue life tested with synthetic paraffinic oil, fluorocarbon and polyphenyl ether