cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SEQUENTIAL CHANGES POST-SCLEROTHERAPY OF A LARGE MANDIBULAR INTRAOSSEOUS HEMANGIOMA

Background Intraosseous hemangiomas of the jaws are rare entities, for which the origin is still being debated. Some believe them to be hamartomatous lesions derived from mesodermal cells that undergo endothelial differentiation, while others believe they are true neoplasms. Clinical features reported are swelling, facial asymmetry, mobile teeth, and audible bruits. Patients may report pain, paresthesia, or a sensation of pulsation. The majority of the reported cases in the literature have been treated with en block resection. In this case presentation sclerotherapy was implemented as the primary treatment for a large, albeit low-flow, lesion, in part because of the patient's objection to extensive surgery. Discussion/Conclusions A 59-year-old female was referred to our clinic for treatment of a histopathologically confirmed intraosseous vascular malformation diagnosed 5 years earlier. She presented with mild swelling of the left mandible, pain on chewing, and paresthesia in that region. A pantomograph revealed a large, partially loculated, radiolucent area in the left mandible; the lesion had approximately doubled in size since her initial visit. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) revealed an expansile lesion with effacement of the buccal cortex. Root resorption of multiple associated teeth was present. Spiral computed tomography (CT) angiography demonstrated an expansile, hypervascular soft tissue mass with no evidence of arteriovenous malformation, consistent with focal hemangioma. In this case, the goal was to resolve or at least greatly reduce the size of the lesion; thus, if surgical intervention was deemed necessary, it would be more conservative. Sequential sclerotherapy was performed and resulted in the return of nonvascular stroma, although with delayed significant reossification. It appears the patient's resistance to surgery was rewarded and likely resulted in a more aesthetic outcome. Because of the risk for recurrence, periodic long-term follow-up is scheduled.
A Hypomorphic Cbfb Allele Reveals Requirements for the Development of T Lymphocytes, Granulocytes, and Monocytes/Macrophages, and for Maintaining Proper Numbers of Hematopoietic Progenitors.

CBFβ is the non-DNA binding subunit of the core binding factors, and is required for both the functions of Runx1 in hematopoiesis and Runx2 in osteogenesis. Homozygous disruption of Cbfb results in embryonic lethality at mid-gestation and a severe impairment of fetal liver hematopoiesis, a phenotype similar to Runx1 deficiency. To examine Cbfb requirements at later stages of hematopoiesis, we generated a hypomorphic Cbfb allele ( Cbfb rss ). Mice homozygous for the Cbfb rss allele have a 4- to 5-fold reduction in CBFβ protein levels, while Cbfb rss/− mice have an 8- to 10-fold reduction in CBFβ concentration. Cbfb rss/rss and Cbfb rss/− mice die at P0 for unknown reasons and display minor defects in bone ossification. Granulocyte and macrophage differentiation at E17.5 is impaired in both Cbfb rss/rss and Cbfb rss/− animals, as evidenced by a 2- to 3- fold decrease in GR1+ and Mac1+ cells. The percentages of Ter119+, B220+, and CD19+ cells are normal. Fetal liver hematopoietic progenitor numbers, as determined by cell surface marker and functional analyses, are increased approximately 2-fold. The most severe defects are in the T cell lineage. Cbfb rss/rss fetuses have reduced thymus cellularity and lower numbers of CD8 SP T cells, consistent with a role for Runx1 and Runx3 in epigenetic CD4 silencing. A further 2-fold reduction in CBFβ levels in Cbfb rss/− fetuses results in an absence of CD4/8 SP and DP cells. These hematopoietic defects were also seen upon transplantation of Cbfb rss/rss and Cbfb rss/− fetal liver cells into congenic Ly5.1/5.2 mice. Our data indicate that the threshold level of CBFβ required for normal hematopoiesis, bone development, and postnatal viability is somewhere between 25%-50% of its normal concentration. The data demonstrate that T cell development is particularly sensitive to CBFβ levels, and both granulocyte and macrophage differentiation require CBFβ. Since the conditional knockout of Runx1 in the adult mouse reported by Ichikawa et al. (Nat Med.10, 299, 2004) did not cause either granulocyte or monocyte/macrophage defects, we hypothesize that Runx2 and/or Runx3 are also required in these lineages. Hemizygosity for CBFB-MYH11, the product of the inv(16), is associated with a more severe phenotype than is seen in the Cbfb rss/− fetuses (Castilla et al. Cell87, 687, 1996). We therefore conclude that the hematopoietic consequences for cells expressing the inv(16) are equivalent to a greater than 10-fold reduction in the level of functional CBFβ.
Glatiramer acetate immune modulates B-cell antigen presentation in treatment of MS.

Objective We examined the effect of glatiramer acetate (GA) on B-cell maturation, differentiation, and antigen presentation in MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods A cross-sectional study of blood samples from 20 GA-treated and 18 untreated patients with MS was performed by flow cytometry; 6 GA-treated patients with MS were analyzed longitudinally. GA-mediated effects on B-cell antigen-presenting function were investigated in EAE, or, alternatively, B cells were treated with GA in vitro using vehicle as a control. Results In MS, GA diminished transitional B-cell and plasmablast frequency, downregulated CD69, CD25, and CD95 expression, and decreased TNF-α production, whereas IL-10 secretion and MHC Class II expression were increased. In EAE, we observed an equivalent dampening of proinflammatory B-cell properties and an enhanced expression of MHC Class II. When used as antigen-presenting cells for activation of naive T cells, GA-treated B cells promoted development of regulatory T cells, whereas proinflammatory T-cell differentiation was diminished. Conclusions GA immune modulates B-cell function in EAE and MS and efficiently interferes with pathogenic B cell–T cell interaction.
Experimental evaluation of shear modulus scaling of dynamic strength at extreme pressures

Recent progress in the development of dynamic strength experimental platforms is allowing for unprecedented insight into the assumptions used to construct constitutive models operating in extreme conditions. In this work, we make a quantitative assessment of how tantalum strength scales with its shear modulus to pressures of hundreds of gigapascals through a cross-platform examination of three dynamic strength experiments. Specifically, we make use of Split–Hopkinson pressure bar and Richtmyer–Meshkov instability experiments to assess the low-pressure strain and strain rate dependence. Concurrent examination of magnetically driven ramp-release experiments up to pressures of 350 GPa allows us to examine the pressure dependence. Using a modern description of the shear modulus, validated against both ab initio theory and experimental measurements, we then assess how the experimentally measured pressure dependence scales with shear modulus. We find that the common assumption of scaling strength linearly with the shear modulus is too soft at high pressures and offer discussion as to how descriptions of slip mediated plasticity could result in an alternative scaling that is consistent with the data.
Long-term core outcomes of patients with simple gastroschisis.

Abstract Purpose To report the long-term core outcome set of patients with simple gastroschisis. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of all patients with simple gastroschisis managed at our hospital between August 2008 and July 2016. We collected all data included in the core outcome set developed for the standardization of gastroschisis outcomes reporting. We conducted a phone survey of the patients' parents using the PedsQL™ Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Cognitive Functioning Scale, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (GSS). Additionally, parents reported their subjective evaluation of the patients' cosmetic result and overall quality of life. Results There were 124 patients included in the study. The majority (76.5%) was born prematurely at a median gestational age of 36 (range 27.6–38) weeks. At neonatal discharge (median 36 days [18–150] days) most patients were below the 10th percentile for height (81.4%) and weight (87%). Their growth, however, normalized during early childhood. Seven patients (5.6%) required at some point an operation for acute abdominal complications. One-third of patients required long-term treatment for constipation and one-third of patients required long-term treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thirty-five parents participated in the phone survey. Mean parent-reported quality of life score was better than healthy controls (87.5% vs. 82.3%, p = 0.049). Cognitive functions and gastrointestinal symptoms scores were similar to healthy controls. All patients are alive. Conclusion Growth restriction in patients with simple gastroschisis is common at birth and during the neonatal period, but it improves during the first three years of life. Abdominal operations are rarely needed in patients with simple gastroschisis. GERD and constipation, on the other hand, are common and often require long-term medical management. The overall parent-reported quality of life of patients with simple gastroschisis is excellent. Level of evidence Level II.
Visual acuity in the flying snake, Chrysopelea paradisi.

Visual control during high-speed aerial locomotion requires a visual system adapted for such behaviors. Flying snakes (genus: Chrysopelea) are capable of gliding at speeds up to 11 m s-1 and perform visual assessments before take-off. Determining nuances of control requires a closed-loop experimental system, such as immersive virtual arenas. To characterize vision in the flying snake Chrysopelea paradisi, we used digitally reconstructed models of the head to determine a 3D field of vision. We also used optokinetic drum experiments and compared slowphase optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) speeds to calculate visual acuity and conducted preliminary experiments to determine whether snakes would respond to closed-loop virtual stimuli. Visual characterization showed that C. paradisi likely has a large field of view (308.5 ± 6.5° azimuthal range), with a considerable binocular region (33.0 ± 11.0° azimuthal width) that extends overhead. Their visual systems are broadly tuned and motion-sensitive, with peak OKN response gains of 0.50 ± 0.11 seen at 46.06 ± 11.08 Hz, and a low spatial acuity, with peak gain of 0.92 ± 0.41 seen at 2.89 ± 0.16 cpd (cycles per degree). These characteristics were used to inform settings in an immersive virtual arena, including framerate, brightness, and stimulus size. In turn, the immersive virtual arena was used to reproduce the optokinetic drum experiments. We elicited OKN in open-loop experiments, with a mean gain of 0.21 ± 0.9 seen at 0.019 ± 6x10-5 cpd and 1.79 ± 0.01 Hz. In closed-loop experiments, snakes did not exhibit OKN, but held the image fixed, indicating visual stabilization. These results demonstrate for that C. paradisi responds to visual stimuli in a digital virtual arena. The accessibility and adaptability of the virtual setup make it suitable for future studies of visual control in snakes and other animals in an unconstrained setting.
Twenty-year survival following orthotopic heart transplantation in the United States

Background This study evaluated 20-year survival after adult orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Methods The United Network of Organ Sharing Registry database was queried to study adult OHT recipients between 1987 and 1998 with over 20-year posttransplant follow-up. The primary and secondary outcomes were 20-year survival and cause of death after OHT, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant independent predictors of long-term survival, and long-term survival was compared among cohorts stratified by number of predictors using Kaplan Meier survival analysis. Results 20,658 patients undergoing OHT were included, with a median follow-up of 9.0 (IQR, 3.2-15.4) years. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 10-, 15-, and 20-year survival were 50.2%, 30.1%, and 17.2%, respectively. Median survival was 10.1 (IQR, 3.9-16.9) years. Increasing recipient age (>65 years), increasing donor age (>40 years), increasing recipient body mass index (>30), black race, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and longer cold ischemic time (>4 h) were adversely associated with a 20-year survival. Of these 6 negative predictors, presence of 0 risk factors had the greatest 10-year (59.7%) and 20-year survival (26.2%), with decreasing survival with additional negative predictors. The most common cause of death in 20-year survivors was renal, liver, and/or multisystem organ failure whereas graft failure more greatly impacted earlier mortality. Conclusions This study identifies six negative preoperative predictors of 20-year survival with 20-year survival rates exceeding 25% in the absence of these factors. These data highlight the potential for very long-term survival after OHT in patients with end-stage heart failure and may be useful for patient selection and prognostication.
Quantum Mechanical Features of Optically Pumped FIR C.W. Lasers

Generation of far infrared (FIR) laser radiation by means of optical pumping of molecules has received increasing attention over the past few years [1]. In the course of the development of FIR sources two important features have been largely neglected; (i) the assignment of the pump and FIR transitions; (ii) the detailed tuning behavior of the FIR emission. Knowledge of these two points is essential for a complete understanding of the optical pumping mechanism, and for assessing the full potential of various FIR laser sources and their extension to new spectral ranges. The assignment of CH 3 OH transitions is presented in another talk. This communication discusses the frequency characteristics of the FIR emission.
Aortic closure signal length on doppler echocardiography differentiates aortic patient-prosthesis mismatch from prosthetic stenosis

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of the aortic closure (A2) signal length on Doppler echocardiography in distinguishing aortic patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) from prosthetic stenosis among patients with elevated gradients over bioprosthetic valves. METHODS The A2 signal length was retrospectively measured for 150 patients with bioprosthetic aortic valves (50 with PPM, 50 with prosthetic stenosis, and 50 with normally functioning valves) from transthoracic echocardiograms performed at NYU Langone Health between 01/01/2012 and 08/01/2018. RESULTS Mean A2 signal length was shorter among patients with PPM (11.1 ms ± 5.2 ms), than among those with prosthetic stenosis (21.1 ms ± 6.0 ms), P < .001 and controls (21.7 ms ± 7.4 ms), P < .001. There was no difference in A2 signal length between prosthetic stenosis and controls. The A2 signal length yielded an AUC of 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.95) for predicting PPM over prosthetic stenosis. CONCLUSION Among patients with bioprosthetic aortic valves, the length of the A2 signal on Doppler echocardiography is shorter in PPM than in prosthetic stenosis and normally functioning valves. The A2 signal length may represent a novel metric to distinguish PPM from prosthetic stenosis.
The Diagnosis Is in the Smear: A Case and Review of Spur Cell Anemia in Cirrhosis.

The etiology of anemia in liver cirrhosis is multifactorial; one less recognized cause is hemolytic anemia due to spur cells, known as spur cell anemia. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman with alcoholic cirrhosis who presented with symptomatic macrocytic anemia with a hemoglobin level of 7.4 g/dL and signs of decompensated liver disease. Notably, she had no signs of overt bleeding. Further workup was consistent with hemolysis, with peripheral smear demonstrating spur cells. The patient was treated with both steroids and IVIG, although she eventually expired. The characteristic morphology of spur cells is due to alteration of the lipid composition of the erythrocyte membrane, changing its shape and leading to splenic sequestration and destruction. Characteristic of this disorder is an increased ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid on the membrane, as well as low levels of apolipoproteins and low- and high-density lipoproteins. The presence of spur cells is an indicator of poor prognosis and high risk of mortality. Currently, the only definitive cure is liver transplantation. There is a paucity of literature on the prevalence of this phenomenon and even less about treatment. This case highlights the importance of recognition of spur cell anemia as a cause of anemia in cirrhosis as well as the importance of the peripheral smear in the diagnostic workup. Early recognition can lead to avoidance of unnecessary procedures. Further research is needed to elucidate the true prevalence of spur cell anemia and examine further treatment options.
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness in Children and Adolescents.

Objective Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a recently defined diagnostic syndrome characterized by chronic symptoms of dizziness, unsteadiness, and/or non-spinning vertigo. Although PPPD has been studied in adults, reports in the pediatric population are few. The goal of this study was to describe the presentation and treatment of PPPD in a group of pediatric patients. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients ≤21 years old, who met Barany Society consensus criteria for a diagnosis of PPPD and were followed for ≥6 months or until symptom resolution. Main outcome measuress Patient demographics, comorbidities, symptom chronicity, and response to treatment(s). Results Of the 53 patients identified, 44 (83.0%) were women. Mean age at the time of initial evaluation was 14.6 years old. Common diagnoses in addition to PPPD included benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (64.2%), vestibular migraine (56.6%), and anxiety (28.3%). A high proportion of patients (43.4%) reported initially missing school or work due to their symptoms. Eighteen patients (34.0%) reported symptom resolution ranging from 2 to 48 months after diagnosis (median 9 mo). Of these patients, 15 of 18 attended physical therapy (PT), 11 of 18 attended cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or biofeedback therapy, and 10 of 18 took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications, and 7 of 18 (40%) did a combination of all three therapies. Conclusion PPPD can impact patients at a young age, and prolonged symptoms present a significant burden to children and adolescents, many of whom are unable to attend school. Treatments such as PT, CBT, and SSRI medication may be effective.
P 13. The added benefit of intraoperative neuromonitoring for resection of motor eloquent brain lesions: A comparative study

Objective. Resection remains the most important form of treatment for patients with intracranial malignancies. The advantages of surgical resection must be balanced with the risk of surgery. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) is utilized to improve safety and enlarge the resection extent. However, comparative data on the use if IOM is scarce. Methods. Retrospective analysis of patients following resection of motor eloquent lesions between June 2018 and June 2020 was performed. A comparative analysis of the extend of resection; neurological squeal were compared between resections with or without IOM. Results. 66 patients (31 female, 35 male, age median, SD 62+/− 11,2) were identified. IOM was performed in 34 (51%) cases. 46% were female with a median age of 62 (range 31–82). There were no differences in baseline patient“s characteristics between both groups. 14% and 3% had a temporary neurological deterioration in the IOM and non-IOM group (P = 0,198), respectively. 3% and 15% had a permanent neurological in the IOM and non-IOM group, respectively (P = 0.100). 65% and 35% of resections were total and subtotal in both the IOM and non-IOM group (P = 0.027), respectively. Conclusion. IOM is associated with lower rates of new postoperative neurological deterioration with the same rate resection quality following resection of motor eloquent lesions.
Erasure and resistance: the state of public education in Puerto Rico

In April 2018, somebody painted over a mural in the Julia de Burgos public school’s cafeteria, turning the wall into a blank, off-white slate. The mural’s erasure symbolically encapsulates a combin...
Anti-Integrins for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Current Evidence and Perspectives

Leukocyte trafficking to the gastrointestinal tract is recognized to play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Integrins are expressed on immune cells and interact with cell adhesion molecules (CAM) to mediate leukocyte trafficking. Blockade of the gut-tropic integrin α4β7 and its subunits has been exploited as a therapeutic target in IBD. Natalizumab (anti-α4) is approved for moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD), but its use is limited due to potential risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Vedolizumab (anti-α4β7) is approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and CD. It is the most widely used anti-integrin therapy in IBD and has been shown to be effective in both induction and maintenance therapy, with a favorable safety profile. Several models incorporating clinical, genetic, immune, gut microbial, and vitamin D markers to predict response to vedolizumab in IBD have been developed. Etrolizumab (anti-β7) blocks leukocyte trafficking via α4β7 and cell adhesion via αEβ7 integrins. Large phase 3 clinical trials evaluating efficacy of etrolizumab in the induction and maintenance of patients with IBD are underway. Other investigational anti-integrin therapies include abrilumab (anti-α4β7 IgG2), PN-943 (orally administered and gut-restricted α4β7 antagonist peptide), AJM300 (orally active small molecule inhibitor of α4), and ontamalimab (anti-MAdCAM-1 IgG).
Comprehensive RNA analysis of CSF reveals a role for CEACAM6 in lung cancer leptomeningeal metastases

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastatic to the brain leptomeninges is rapidly fatal, cannot be biopsied, and cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are few; therefore, available tissue samples to develop effective treatments are severely limited. This study aimed to converge single-cell RNA-seq and cell-free RNA (cfRNA) analyses to both diagnose NSCLC leptomeningeal metastases (LM), and to use gene expression profiles to understand progression mechanisms of NSCLC in the brain leptomeninges. NSCLC patients with suspected LM underwent withdrawal of CSF via lumbar puncture. Four cytology-positive CSF samples underwent single-cell capture (n = 197 cells) by microfluidic chip. Using robust principal component analyses, NSCLC LM cell gene expression was compared to immune cells. Massively parallel qPCR (9216 simultaneous reactions) on human CSF cfRNA samples compared the relative gene expression of patients with NSCLC LM (n = 14) to non-tumor controls (n = 7). The NSCLC-associated gene, CEACAM6, underwent in vitro validation in NSCLC cell lines for involvement in pathologic behaviors characteristic of LM. NSCLC LM gene expression revealed by single-cell RNA-seq was also reflected in CSF cfRNA of cytology-positive patients. Tumor-associated cfRNA (e.g., CEACAM6, MUC1) was present in NSCLC LM patients’ CSF, but not in controls (CEACAM6 detection sensitivity 88.24% and specificity 100%). Cell migration in NSCLC cell lines was directly proportional to CEACAM6 expression, suggesting a role in disease progression. NSCLC-associated cfRNA is detectable in the CSF of patients with LM, and corresponds to the gene expression profile of NSCLC LM cells. CEACAM6 contributes significantly to NSCLC migration, a hallmark of LM pathophysiology.
Network Controllability Metrics for Corruption Research

This chapter will discuss political corruption in a legislative social network using the tools of network control theory. We aim to cultivate an understanding of the mechanisms by which corrupting actors can perturb nodes’ behavior at certain points within a larger social system, and harness the natural magnification of these perturbations to drive the network to a more desirable state. In other words, we investigate how social capital is harnessed to amplify the effects of corruption using a social influence network or hierarchy. We provide a brief overview of control-theoretic metrics that may prove useful to researchers in identifying high-risk areas of legislative or other political social networks—areas which are particularly vulnerable to the spread of misinformation, and thus particularly valuable to the corruption of social dynamics.
Acute Kidney Injury Incidence in Noncritically Ill Hospitalized Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been characterized in high-risk pediatric hospital inpatients, in whom AKI is frequent and associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. The incidence of AKI among patients not requiring intensive care is unknown. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting & Participants 13,914 noncritical admissions during 2011 and 2012 at our tertiary referral pediatric hospital were evaluated. Patients younger than 28 days or older than 21 years of age or with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were excluded. Admissions with 2 or more serum creatinine measurements were evaluated. Factors Demographic features, laboratory measurements, medication exposures, and length of stay. Outcome AKI defined as increased serum creatinine level in accordance with KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) criteria. Based on time of admission, time interval requirements were met in 97% of cases, but KDIGO time window criteria were not strictly enforced to allow implementation using clinically obtained data. Results 2 or more creatinine measurements (one baseline before or during admission and a second during admission) in 2,374 of 13,914 (17%) patients allowed for AKI evaluation. A serum creatinine difference ≥0.3mg/dL or ≥1.5 times baseline was seen in 722 of 2,374 (30%) patients. A minimum of 5% of all noncritical inpatients without CKD in pediatric wards have an episode of AKI during routine hospital admission. Limitations Urine output, glomerular filtration rate, and time interval criteria for AKI were not applied secondary to study design and available data. The evaluated cohort was restricted to patients with 2 or more clinically obtained serum creatinine measurements, and baseline creatinine level may have been measured after the AKI episode. Conclusions AKI occurs in at least 5% of all noncritically ill hospitalized children, adolescents, and young adults without known CKD. Physicians should increase their awareness of AKI and improve surveillance strategies with serum creatinine measurements in this population so that exacerbating factors such as nephrotoxic medication exposures may be modified as indicated.
Compiler-Directed ILP Extraction for Clustered VLIW/EPIC Machines

Compiler-directed ILP extraction techniques are critical to effectively exploiting the significant processing capacity of contemporaneous VLIW/EPIC machines. In this paper we propose a novel algorithm for ILP extraction targeting clustered EPIC machines that integrates three powerful techniques: predication, speculation and modulo scheduling. In addition, our framework schedules and binds operations to clusters, generating actual VLIW code. A key innovation in our approach is the ability to perform resource constrained speculation in the context of a complex (phased) optimization process. Specifically, in order to enable maximum utilization of the resources of the clustered processor, and thus maximize performance, our algorithm judiciously speculates operations on the predicated modulo scheduled loop body using a set of effective load based metrics. Our experimental results show that by jointly considering different extraction techniques in a resource aware context, the proposed algorithm can take maximum advantage of the resources available on the clustered machine, aggressively improving the initiation interval of time critical loops.
High Frequency Acoustic Channel Characterization for Propagation and Ambient Noise

Abstract : Predicting underwater detection capabilities as well as vulnerabilities depends strongly on the characteristics of the ocean acoustic propagation channel. Operational advantages can be obtained by exploiting the ambient noise field to characterize the channel. The long term goal of this research is to determine methods that take advantage of the ambient noise field to extract useful information about the ocean operating environment.
Integrated processing produces robust understanding

Natural language interfaces to computers must deal with wide variation in real-world input. This paper proposes that, in order to handle real-world input robustly, a natural language interface should be constructed in accord with principles of integrated processing: processing syntax and semantics at the same time, processing syntax and semantics using the same mechanisms, and processing language and memory using the same mechanisms. This paper describes an experimental natural language interface constructed according to these principles which displays the desired robustness. The success of this interface suggests that future real-world interfaces could achieve robustness by performing integrated processing.
The use of intangible assets as loan collateral

Using a sample of secured syndicated loans, I explore the use of intangible assets as loan collateral and whether this credit practice was an innovation or a negative mutation in the corporate loan market. While intangible assets were not traditionally considered as eligible collateral, I find that twenty-one percent of U.S.-originated secured syndicated loans during 1996-2005 have been collateralized by intangibles, with intangible asset collateralization significantly increasing over this time period. I hypothesize and find that intangible redeployability and borrower reputation are positively related to the probability of using intangibles as loan collateral. I further hypothesize and find that collateralizing loans by intangibles significantly increases loan pricing and credit supply to firms. Finally, loans secured by intangibles perform no worse than other secured loans. Overall, I find evidence consistent with the fact that intangible asset collateralization was a credit market innovation that partially alleviated financing frictions.
Kinetics of secretion of luteinizing hormone subunits and free alpha, and effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone

While GnRH is known to stimulate release of pituitary gonadotropins, its acute effects on the kinetics of secretion of the various hormones and subunits are not well characterized. Pulse-chase experiments were therefore performed to compare the time course of secretion of newly synthesized LH subunits and free alpha from rat pituitary quarters, and to study the effects of GnRH. After a 1-h pulse labeling with [35S]cysteine in the presence or absence of 10(-8) M GnRH, cultures were chased with excess unlabeled cysteine for 1, 2, 4, 8, or 20 h. Tissue lysates and media were immunoprecipitated sequentially with antisera to PRL, GH, LH beta and LH alpha, and the products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Labeled LH alpha was completely secreted by 4 h of chase without GnRH, and by 2 h with GnRH, as shown by its appearance in media and depletion from pituitary. Newly synthesized LH beta was depleted only at 8 h with GnRH from pituitary, suggesting much slower secretion. Incorporation of 35S into LH beta was approximately half that into LH alpha. Newly synthesized free alpha subunit was secreted between 4 and 20 h without GnRH, and by 8 h with GnRH. Free alpha incorporated a similar amount of radioactivity as LH beta. GnRH had no effect on the timing of the secretion of labeled total protein, PRL, GH, or TSH subunits. The amount of label incorporated during the pulse was greatest for PRL, approximately 15% of total protein label. GH incorporated approximately 20% as much label as PRL, with the glycoprotein subunits somewhat lower. The total amount of 35S incorporated into each protein studied was not affected by GnRH. The data indicate that short term in vitro GnRH exposure during a 1-h pulse labeling and chase acts to accelerate early secretion of LH alpha, LH beta and free alpha but does not affect overall protein synthesis. The peptide hormones PRL and GH incorporated the greatest amount of label and were the most briskly secreted hormones, while LH alpha led the glycoprotein subunits in the amount of incorporation and rapidity of secretion.
Assessing quality of healing in skin: Review of available methods and devices

The process of wound healing is dynamic and takes place over months to years, during which there is a resolution of angiogenesis, continued wound contraction, and connective tissue remodeling. The outcome of this process is most commonly the formation of a scar, defined as a fibrous tissue replacing normal tissues destroyed by injury or disease. Scars often have a lowered or total loss of vital skin functions and imbue a large burden on both the patient and the health care system as a whole. Scar treatments are plentiful but are often unsatisfactory or inconsistent. No single treatment method has been universally adopted. To evaluate the clinical treatment as well as research focused on developing novel methods for scar management, objective studies of the progression of scar formation and the properties of mature scars are needed. Several parameters, including barrier function as well as mechanical and physiological properties, need to be taken into account when both categorizing and treating healing wounds and scars. To date, there is no available methodology that provides a comprehensive evaluation of a scar's properties. This review aims at presenting an overview of available scar assessment methods and devices, ranging from analysis of collagen properties in tissue biopsies to noninvasive methods for studies of mechanical parameters such as breaking strength and skin elasticity. In the cases where conclusive studies have been performed, the differences between normal skin and scar with respect to the above parameters are presented. Furthermore, this review highlights areas where the development of additional modalities are needed.
Progressive Educational Practices and Environments in Sweden: Preparing Students to Live and Work in the Global Age.

A multi-site case study of three Swedish schools examined the dimensions of trust, responsibility, shared power (democracy), and global workforce competence as required by a decade-old national education reforms. A key finding was the existence of progressive educational practices including constructivist epistemology, evidenced by the schools’ organizational structure, the instructional methods employed, and the various roles engaged in by the teachers, students, and administrators. These progressive practices and the mechanisms used to sustain them in one Swedish public school system may be conducive to effective preparation of workers and citizens for the post-industrial economy and to live in a participatory democracy.
Basic Biological Sciences Atherosclerosis in the Tongue of the Rhesus Monkey

Atherosclerotic vascular lesions in rhesus monkey tongues were studied, in both induction and regression periods. Vascular lesions were induced by peanut oil and a combination of coconut oil and butter fat, which caused the rapid elevation of serum lipids of all the animals. Atherosclerotic lesions were found in the tongues of all animals on an atherogenic diet. Larger arteries were found to be more susceptible to the disease.During the regression period animals received either a low-fat, low-chalesterol diet with or without cholestyramine, or an atherogenic diet with cholestyramine. Regression of the disease was more significant in animals on a low-fat, low-cholesterol and cholestyramine diet. Lesions in larger arteries in the tongues appeared to respond to the treatment more rapidly.
Personality and Physiological Traits in Middle-Aged Runners and Joggers

A series of personality and physiological tests and measurements were made in 48 healthy male runners and joggers 40-59 years of age (x = 47.3 yrs.). The Cattell 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire showed that the subjects were significantly more intelligent, imaginative, reserved, self-sufficient, sober, shy, and forthright than the general population. A maximal treadmill test revealed the men to be well above the mean for their age in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness. The men who had run a marathon race and the 40-49-year-age group were higher in terms of fitness than nonmarathoners and the 50-59-age groups, but the groups differed very little from each other on personality characteristics. Middle-aged runners and joggers either possess or develop high levels of self-sufficiency and imagination and tend toward introversion in their personality makeup. It is not known for sure if these factors are a result of or a casual factor in their habitual exercise pattern.
Accessibility and Wear of Personal Flotation Devices in Recreational Boating

Previous research on personal flotation devices (PFD's) indicates that they are highly effective and reliable, but are typically not worn, nor even accessible to victims of boating accidents. It has been estimated that 90% of the drowning victims could have been saved by the use of PFD's. A large-scale study assessed PFD wear and accessibility by direct observation at seven locations across the Continental United States. The percentage of people wearing PFD's, the number of accessible PFD's aboard, the percentage of accessible PFD's worn, and the distribution of various types of accessible PFD's were tabulated. Differences in these measures as a function of location, boating activity, age and sex of the boater, boat length and type, and type of PFD are reported. For example, the wearability of a PFD (percentage of accessible PFD's worn) depended on geographic location, air temperature and activity. The most wearable device for fishing was not the most wearable for waterskiing or other activities. The results are used to generate recommendations for educational and regulatory programs aimed at improving the life-saving capability of PFD's. Language: en
Ringing the changes

The ancient and continuing art of change ringing, or campanology (how the British ring church bells), is studied from a mathematical viewpoint. An extent on n bells is regarded as a hamiltonian cycle in a Cayley colour graph for the symmetric group Sn, embedded on an appropriate surface. Two methods for variable n (Plain Bob for all n and Grandsire for n =; 3 (mod 4)) are discussed, and a new method for n odd is introduced. All minimus methods (n = 4) and five doubles methods (n = 5) are depicted, one of these being the new No Call Doubles.
Simulation of “left atrial rhythm” by right atrial pacing

Abstract In a patient with electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of socalled left atrial rhythm, a similar pattern was produced by catheter pacemaker stimulation of the wall of the mid-right atrium, low right atrium and coronary sinus. These findings are presented as evidence for the need of increased caution before assuming that a left to right pattern of atrial depolarization, as interpreted in leads I, V 1 and V 6 of the scalar electrocardiogram, can pinpoint the anatomic origin of the pacemaker.
Learning from Negative Examples in Set-Expansion

This paper addresses the task of set-expansion on free text. Set-expansion has been viewed as a problem of generating an extensive list of instances of a concept of interest, given a few examples of the concept as input. Our key contribution is that we show that the concept definition can be significantly improved by specifying some negative examples in the input, along with the positive examples. The state-of-the art centroid-based approach to set-expansion doesn't readily admit the negative examples. We develop an inference-based approach to set-expansion which naturally allows for negative examples and show that it performs significantly better than a strong baseline.
Cyanine dye fluorescence used to measure membrane potential changes due to the assembly of complement proteins C5b-9.

The fluorescent potentiometric indicator diS−C3-(5) has been used to investigate changes in membrane potential due to assembly of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex of the complement system. EAC1-7 human red blood cells and resealed erythrocyte ghosts—bearing membrane-assembled C5b67 complexes—were generated by immune activation in C8-deficient human serum. Studies performed with these cellular intermediates revealed that the membrane potential of EAC1-7 red cells and ghosts is unchanged from control red cells (−7 mV) and ghosts (0 mV), respectively. Addition of complement proteins C8 and C9 to EAC1-7 red cells results in a dose-dependent depolarization of membrane potential which precedes hemolysis. This prelytic depolarization of membrane potential—and the consequent onset of hemolysis—is accelerated by raising external [K+], suggesting that the diffusional equilibration of transmembrane cation gradients is rate limiting to the cytolytic event. In the case of EAC1-7 resealed ghosts suspended at either high external [K+] or [Na+], no change in membrane potential (from 0 mV) could be detected after C8/C9 additions. When the membrane potential of the EAC1-7 ghost was displaced from 0 mV by selectively increasing the K+ conductance with valinomycin, a dose-dependent depolarization of the membrane was observed upon addition of C8 and C9. In these experiments, lytic breakdown of the ghost membranes was <5%. Conclusions derived from this study include: (i) measured prelytic depolarization of the red cell Donnan potential directly confirms the colloid-osmotic theory of immune cytolysis. (ii) The diffusional transmenbrane equilibration of Na+ and K+ through the C5b-9 pore results in a dose-dependent depolarization of the membrane potential (E m ) which appears to be rate-limiting to cytolytic rupture of the target erythrocyte. (iii) Enhanced immune hemolysis observed in high K+ media cannot be attributed to cation-selective conductance across the C5b-9 pore, and is probably related to the nearequilibrium condition of potassium-containing red cells when suspended at high external K+. These experiments demonstrate that carbocyanine dye fluorescent indicators can be used to monitor electrochemical changes arising from immune damage to the plasma membrane under both cytolytic and noncytolytic conditions. Potential application of this method to the detection of sublytic pathophysiological changes in the plasma membrane of complement-damaged cells are discussed.
The Gentle Force of Entropy

On reading the Research News article by David Kestenbaum “Gentle force of entropy bridges disciplines” (20 Mar., [p. 1849][1]), I was reminded of the old saying, “What goes around comes around.” The article reports that in the case of a suspension of two sizes of spheres, the larger ones
Characterization of recombinant raccoonpox vaccine vectors in chickens.

Abstract Raccoonpox virus (RCN) has been used as a recombinant vector against several mammalian pathogens but has not been tested in birds. The replication of RCN in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) and chickens was studied with the use of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) as a model antigen and luciferase (luc) as a reporter gene. Although RCN replicated to low levels in CEFs, it efficiently expressed recombinant proteins and, in vivo, elicited anti-HA immunoglobulin yolk (IgY) antibody responses comparable to inactivated influenza virus. Biophotonic in vivo imaging of 1-wk-old chicks with RCN-luc showed strong expression of the luc reporter gene lasting up to 3 days postinfection. These studies demonstrate the potential of RCN as a vaccine vector for avian influenza and other poultry pathogens.
The rate of decline of blood lead in lead industry workers during medical removal: The effect of job tenure☆

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for occupational exposure to lead, workers whose blood lead concentration has reached or exceeded a specified trigger level are removed from work areas where 8-hr time-weighted-average air lead concentration is equal to or in excess of a specified value, and are returned when two consecutive blood lead concentration measurements have been at or below the return trigger level. Initial removal and return triggers, of 80 and 60 micrograms/100 g respectively, instituted in 1979, were supplanted in a scheduled sequence by 70/50 and later by 60/40 triggers. This paper presents a descriptive summary of lead industry-wide experience with medical removals from high workplace-lead exposure as mandated by OSHA, and an examination of the influence of job tenure on length of removal. Median length of removal under the 80/60 triggers was 3.4 months; under the 70/50 triggers, it was 4.4 months. Median length of removal under the 60/40 triggers can only be estimated due to censoring of the data set, but was between 6 and 8 months for employees removed during the first 4 months after institution of the 60/40 triggers. Respirator use and company identity significantly influenced length of removal only under the 80/60 triggers. Job tenure did not influence length of removal of employees removed and returned within the 18-month limit. However, mean tenure of employees reaching 18 months on removal was significantly longer than mean tenure of employees removed and returned within 18 months, under all three sets of triggers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Primary Blast Injuries—An Updated Concise Review

Blast injuries have been increasing in the civilian setting and clinicians need to understand the spectrum of injury and management strategies. Multisystem trauma associated with combined blunt and penetrating injuries is the rule. Explosions in closed spaces increase the likelihood of primary blast injury. Rupture of tympanic membranes is an inaccurate marker for severe primary blast injury. Blast lung injury manifests early and should be managed with lung-protective ventilation. Blast brain injury is more common than previously appreciated.
Multiphoton fluorescence microscopy for functional imaging of biomolecules

Molecular level understanding of numerous biological processes can be elucidated using multiphoton fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamics, and microscopy. We exploit the intrinsic biomolecular fluorescence in live cells for non-invasive and real-time monitoring of in vivo biological processes including the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Relative single-and double-photoionization cross sections of Mg around the 2p→nl resonances

Using highly monochromatized synchrotron light and the ion time-of-flight method to detect singly and doubly charged magnesium ions, we have measured relative single- and double-photoionization cross sections of Mg from $55\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}58\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, which includes the region of the $2p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}nl$ inner-shell excitations. The resonances were analyzed using Fano profiles and the resonance positions are compared to previously published data. The quantum defect theory is applied to the resonance energies revealing that the published Mg $2{p}_{1∕2}$ and $2{p}_{3∕2}$ thresholds need to be revised. In addition, we have determined the double-to-single photoionization ratio in the $55\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}71\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ region.