cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supramalleolar wedge osteotomy: a method of correcting fixed equinus and associated deformities in children

Abstract Patients with fixed equinus and associated angular and rotational deformities, who have had multiple previous surgeries, present a significant challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. We chose to correct these deformities with supramalleolar extension wedge osteotomies in 21 feet in 13 patients between 1991 and 2002. The median age at presentation was 11 years (range: 2–17 years). An average correction of 20° of extension (range: 10–33°) was required to achieve a plantigrade foot. Fourteen of 20 feet (70%) remained plantigrade at a mean follow-up of 6 years. Unlike traditional procedures such as triple arthrodesis and talectomy, this technique preserves preoperative mobility, avoids shortening of the foot, and restores a plantigrade and functional attitude.
Seminal: searching for ML type-error messages

We present a new way to generate type-error messages in a polymorphic, implicitly, and strongly typed language (specifically Caml). Our method separates error-message generation from type-checking by taking a fundamentally new approach: we present to programmers small term-level modifications that cause an ill-typed program to become well-typed. This approach aims to improve feedback to programmers with no change to the underlying type-checker nor the compilation of well-typed programs.We have added a prototype implementation of our approach to the Objective Caml system by intercepting type-checker error messages and using the type-checker on candidate changes to see if they succeed. This novel front-end architecture naturally decomposes into (1) enumerating local changes to the abstract syntax tree that may remove type errors, (2) searching for places to try the changes, (3) using the type-checker to evaluate the changes, and (4) ranking the changes and presenting them to the user.
Pulsed-power driver for a 100 to 200 T single-turn-coil cluster fusion experiment

Recent experiments have shown that interactions of intense ultrafast lasers with targets of small DD clusters with hundreds to thousands of atoms can produce very high ion temperature plasmas and produce DD fusion neutrons1. Because ion temperatures exceeding 10 keV are achievable it is possible to produce high fusion yields even with laser pulses of a few joules to a few hundred joules. The fusion yield in these experiments is limited by the fast disassembly time (≪100 ps) of the small, hot laser-produced deuterium plasma. Enhancement of fusion neutron yield might be achieved if plasma confinement could be improved by the introduction of an external magnetic field, even if for only a few nanoseconds. At the densities of these plasmas (∼ 1019 /cm3), magnetic fields of 100 to 200 T are needed to slow plasma expansion sufficiently to enhance neutron yield. Because magnetic pressures exceed the yield strength of almost materials at these field levels it is necessary to design a system based on disposable, single-use, single-turn coils. The current required to drive these coils ranges from 1 to 2 MA, depending on coil diameter. Such parameters are similar to a driver at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory2. However, a driver for this application must be transportable with a sufficiently small footprint that it can be placed near the output of the laser.
Predicting co-complexed protein pairs using genomic and proteomic data integration

Identifying all protein-protein interactions in an organism is a major objective of proteomics. A related goal is to know which protein pairs are present in the same protein complex. High-throughput methods such as yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (APMS) have been used to detect interacting proteins on a genomic scale. However, both Y2H and APMS methods have substantial false-positive rates. Aside from high-throughput interaction screens, other gene- or protein-pair characteristics may also be informative of physical interaction. Therefore it is desirable to integrate multiple datasets and utilize their different predictive value for more accurate prediction of co-complexed relationship. Using a supervised machine learning approach – probabilistic decision tree, we integrated high-throughput protein interaction datasets and other gene- and protein-pair characteristics to predict co-complexed pairs (CCP) of proteins. Our predictions proved more sensitive and specific than predictions based on Y2H or APMS methods alone or in combination. Among the top predictions not annotated as CCPs in our reference set (obtained from the MIPS complex catalogue), a significant fraction was found to physically interact according to a separate database (YPD, Yeast Proteome Database), and the remaining predictions may potentially represent unknown CCPs. We demonstrated that the probabilistic decision tree approach can be successfully used to predict co-complexed protein (CCP) pairs from other characteristics. Our top-scoring CCP predictions provide testable hypotheses for experimental validation.
Bosco: One-Step Byzantine Asynchronous Consensus

Asynchronous Byzantine consensus algorithms are an important primitive for building Byzantine fault-tolerant systems. Algorithms for Byzantine consensus typically require at least two communication steps for decision; in many systems, this imposes a significant performance overhead. In this paper, we show that it is possible to design Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus algorithms that decide in one message latency under contention-free scenarios and still provide strong consistency guarantees when contention occurs. We define two variants of one-step asynchronous Byzantine consensus and show a lower bound on the number of processors needed for each. We present a Byzantine consensus algorithm, Bosco, for asynchronous networks that meets these bounds, even in the face of a strong network adversary.
Cruzan fishers’ perspectives on the performance of the Buck Island Reef National Monument and the red hind seasonal closure

Despite the growing use of marine protected areas and seasonal closures to promote the sustainable use of marine ecosystems, few studies have examined the socio-economic performance of these management strategies. This study details the viewpoints of small-scale fishermen regarding the biological and socio-economic performance of the expansion of the Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM) and the red hind seasonal closure off St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The analysis, which drew on 95 in-person closed-ended surveys and 14 semi-structured interviews, showed that fishermen believed that the expansion enhanced fish production within the BIRNM, but they were irresolute about its ability to protect spawning aggregations, replenish fish abundance outside its boundaries and protect fish sensitive sites. Fishermen also reported that the expansion curtailed access to productive lobster and conch grounds and a popular fish-aggregating device which marginalized their livelihoods. The reported conservation benefits of the red hind seasonal closure were more tenuous but broadly mirrored those voiced for the BIRNM. In addition, fishermen stated that the mounting number of closures and gear restrictions has brought about severe economic hardships and has made them more reliant on the southern grounds, which are exposed to industrial and waste treatment effluent.
Geospatial analysis of vulnerable beach-foredune systems from decadal time series of lidar data

Time series of lidar data, acquired over the past decade along the North American East Coast, provide opportunities to gain new insights into 3D evolution of barrier islands and their beach and dune systems. GIS-based per grid cell statistics and map algebra was applied to time series of Digital Surface Models representing two sections of North Carolina barrier islands to quantify elevation change trends, map dynamic and stable locations, identify new and lost buildings, measure relative volume evolution in the beach and foredune systems and analyze shoreline dynamics. Results show a relatively small stable core in both study areas, with beaches and the ocean side of the dunes exhibiting systematic high rates of elevation loss while areas landward from the dunes increase slightly in elevation. Significant number of new homes have been built at locations with very small core surface elevation, and homes built within the shoreline dynamics band have already been lost. The raster-based methodology used in this study can be applied to perform similar analyses in other coastal areas where time series of lidar data are available.
The virtual surgery patient: development of a digital, three-dimensional model of human anatomy designed for surgical education

Teaching medical students about the anatomical principles of surgical procedures is a challenging task. In an effort to design a new tool that allows a third year medical student to explore specific surgical problems, the New York University School of Medicine Department of Surgery and the New York University School of Medicine Advanced Educational Systems lab collaborated to develop a virtual surgery patient (VSP). The VSP is a realistic set of three-dimensional models of human anatomy. Unlike previous applications, our objective was to create lightweight 3-D models with the inherent ability to deform smoothly upon animation, with an architecture that allowed for enhanced texturing as well as polygon reduction. We developed a technique for using reconstructed volume data from the Visible Human Project to create surface models that were easy to manipulate, avoiding artifacts introduced when resurrecting volumes from cadaveric sliced stacks. Surface shading can be used to give the models the appearance of living tissue, as well as allow for enhancements sometimes necessary to achieve an educational goal.
Even viruses can be beneficial microbes

Although viruses are almost always thought of as pathogens, most viruses probably do not cause disease, and some provide essential benefits to their hosts. Beneficial viruses are found in a wide variety of hosts including bacteria, insects, plants, fungi and other microbial eukaryotes, and humans and other animals. Beneficial viruses can confer tolerance to stress such as heat, cold and drought; they can prevent or attenuate infection by pathogenic microbes; they can act as bioweapons to allow their hosts access to new territory; and they have been critical in the evolution of their hosts. In spite of their bad reputation, viruses could be used to benefit humans and their food sources in novel ways.
Discovery Learning (Teaching)

The psychologist Jerome Bruner proposed discovery teaching in the middle of the 20thcentury by suggesting that knowing is a process distinct from simply accumulating the wisdom of science in textbooks. He suggested that all learners are problem solvers who interact with the natural world to test ideas and propose patterns through personal discovery (Hassard & Dias, 2009).
Medium Optimization for Lowering Head Field and Heating Requirements in Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording

For FePt-L10 granular media, its high anisotropy temperature gradient, ${dH}_{\rm k}/{dT}$ , near the Curie temperature is a key motivating factor for its potential high recording area density capability at small grain sizes. The micromagnetic modeling study presented in this letter argues that for today's media with relatively large grain size, if the anisotropy temperature gradient can be relaxed through material engineering, the required head field amplitude and heating can be relaxed while maintaining medium recording signal-to-noise ratio. The study shows that the recording time window holds the key to the optimization of signal-to-noise ratio performance.
Can ETFs Increase Market Fragility? Effect of Information Linkages in ETF Markets

We show how inter-market information linkages in ETFs can lead to market instability and herding. When underlying assets are hard-to-trade, informed trading may take place in the ETF. Underlying market makers, then, have an incentive to learn from ETF price when setting prices in their respective markets. We demonstrate that this learning is imperfect: market makers pick up information unrelated to asset value along with pertinent information. This leads to propagation of shocks unrelated to fundamentals and causes market instability. Further, if market makers cannot instantaneously synchronize their prices, inter-market learning can lead to herding, where speculators across markets trade in the same direction using similar signals, unhinged from fundamentals.
Morphologic and morphometric features of low grade serous tumors of the ovary

Peritoneal washings of 12 patients with serous tumors of the ovary were studied. Six patients had borderline tumors, and six had grade one adenocarcinomas. Papanicolai stained slides were assessed for nine morpholigic parameters: background, single cells, papillary fragments, contour of papillary fragments, psamnioma bodies, cytoplasmic vacuoles, nuclear pleomorphism, nuclear membrane contour, and nucleoli. The slides were destained and restained by the Feulgen method, for assessment with a computer based image analysis system (CAS100, Cell Analysis Systems, Inc., Lombard, IL), of DNA content, nuclear size, and nuclear roundness. The contour of the papillary fragments (p=0.004) and the presence of nuclear pleomorphism (p=0.019) were distinguishing characteristics. All six borderline tumors were diploid while three of six adenocarcinomas had aneuploidy. The pooled data for the nuclear size and roundness showed little difference in the modal values, although the nuclei of the adenocarcinoma cells were slightly larger than those of the borderline cells (54 sq. microns vs 46 sq. microns). However, the coefficients of variation (CVs) for each of these parameters were larger In the adenocarcinoma group than in the borderline group (59.7% vs 36.4 % for size and 33.5% vs 17.8% for roundness) Although the sample size is small the data suggest that aneuploidy is rare in borderline tumors. In addition the presence of papillary groups with irregular contours, and nuclear pleomorphism (reflected in higher CVs for nuclear size and roundness) both occur more commonly in adenocarcinomas than in borderline tumors and may be of predictive value in distinguishing the two groups.
Genetics of primary aldosteronism

ABSTRACT Objective: The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Adrenal Scientific Committee has developed a series of articles to update members on the genetics of adrenal diseases. Methods: Case presentation, discussion of literature, table, and bullet point conclusions. Results: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Early detection, surveillance, and treatment of PA may mitigate future cardiovascular risk. The genetics of PA are rapidly evolving, and the consideration for genetic causes of PA are growing. Three inheritable forms of PA are now recognized: familial hyperaldosteronism type I (glucocorticoidremediable aldosteronism), familial hyperaldosteronism type II, and familial hyperaldosteronism type III. The recent discovery of familial hyperaldosteornism type III spurred a flurry of international and collaborative research that is identifying more genetic and molecular causes of PA that relate to mutations in membrane electrolyte transport channels of zona glomerulosa cells. Conclusion: This article reviews the various genetic forms of PA, including a focus on the molecular mechanisms involved, diagnosis, and treatment. Abbreviations: ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone ARR = aldosterone to renin ratio FH-I = familial hyperaldosteronism type I FH-II = familial hyperaldosteronism type II FH-III = familial hyperaldosteronism type III GRA = glucocorticoidremediable aldosteronism PA = primary aldosteronism PRA = plasma renin activity
Relation of Adrenal Gland and Hypophysis to Blood Sugar Levels Following Administration of Alloxan.

SummaryAn initial hyperglycemia did not appear in either adrenalectomized or hypophysectomized rats injected with alloxan. with the doses of alloxan used, hypoglycemic convulsions did not appear in any of 15 intact animals whereas convulsions occurred within 6 hr in all of 14 adrenalectomized and 9 of 10 hypophysectomized animals. In the absence of the adrenal medulla the reaction to alloxan was the same as in intact animals; removal of the adrenal cortex (regenerated cortex following adrenal enucleation) resulted in the same reaction as total adrenalectomy.
Remote Sensing Contribution to Drought Mitigation

This presentation describes how the new operational space technology helps to detect drought, evaluate affected area and assess the impacts in any part of the globe. A new method is based on estimation of vegetation stress from AVHRR-derived vegetation health index (VHI), which is a numerical combination of visible near infrared and thermal radiances.. Now, drought can be detected 4-6 weeks earlier than from any other observations. Drought detection and lead time warnings helps relief organizations to provide food to droughtstricken areas when the population is in great need. Introduction Since the late 1980s, widespread intensive droughts have claimed from 50 to 150 million tons of grain from the global production. Drought early warning and monitoring are crucial components of drought preparedness and mitigation plan reducing bad consequences. With a help from environmental satellites, agricultural drought can be detected 4-6 weeks earlier than before, outlined more accurately and the impact on agriculture can be diagnosed long in advance of harvest which is the most vital for global food security and trade. The goal of this presentation is to share our many years experience in using AVHRR-based vegetation health indices for early drought detection and monitoring the impacts on agriculture. This information is available on http://orbit-net.nesdis.noaa.gov/crad/sat/vci Satellite Data Satellite observations included AVHRRmeasured radiances in Global Vegetation Index (GVI) format from 1985 through 2000. NDVI (N) was calculated from postlaunch-calibrated visible and near infrared channels. NDVI and brightness temperature (T) were used to approximate vegetation health indices. The algorithm included: (a) removal of temporal high frequency noise (b) calculation of climatology; and (c) estimation of medium-to-low frequency fluctuations (departure from climatology) associated with weather variations. The indices vegetation (VCI), temperature (TCI) and health (VH) were approximated as: VCI = 100*(N Nmin) / (Nmax Nmin) TCI = 100*(Tmax T) / (Tmax Tmin) VH = a*VCI + (1-a)*TCI where N, Nmax and Nmin (T, Tmax and Ttmin) are the smoothed weekly NDVI (BT) and its 1985-2000 absolute maximum and minimum (climatology), respectively; a is a coefficient quantifying a share of VCI and TCI contribution in the VH. The VH correlates highly with productivity of crops and pastures and can be used as numerical indicator of drought-related agricultural losses in advance of harvest. Fig. 1. Vegetation health index 54th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law 29 September 3 October 2003, Bremen, Germany IAC-03-C.1.02 This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States.
Smart Patches for Monitoring Crack Growth in Aircraft Structures

A built-in cost-effective diagnostic system for monitoring crack growth in aircraft structures was developed, particularly for riveted fuselage joints and cracked aircraft parts with composite bonded patches. Different smart patch designs for crack growth monitoring at fuselage lab joints and cracked parts with composite bonded patches were developed and integrated with the corresponding aircraft parts. Using the diagnostic software, pre-selected diagnostic signals are propagated from a designated piezoelectric actuator to neighboring sensors. The corresponding sensor signals are recorded and compared with a baseline reference, which was recorded earlier. The signal processing technique and a damage index resulting from an interpretation algorithm were developed and implemented for extracting features related to crack growth conditions at the time of measurement. A fatigue test for multi-riveted aluminum lap joint (936 x 462 mm) with smart patches installed was performed and the damage index results were compared with conventional NDT methods (eddy current and ultrasonic scan). Also, an aluminum plate repaired with boron/epoxy patch where smart patches were inserted was tested and the results were compared with the crack growth results by a visible inspection. The crack growth prediction of the damage index on both experiments showed a good agreement with NDT predictions as well as visual inspection results.
Left main coronary artery occlusion in an asymptomatic patient: late complication after arterial switch operation

Long-term complications of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries include coronary artery stenosis and occlusion. We present a patient with high-grade left main coronary artery stenosis 18 years following the arterial switch procedure who was successfully treated with a left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery bypass.
Culture, Visual Literacy, and Literacy Training in Nepal

AbstractThis paper examines the ways visual literacy, verbal literacy, and everwtav Irving intersect in the small Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. Is visual literacy a part of literacy training in developing nations? Is art a function only of a privileged society? Two model literacy programs using 'generative images" formulated bv learners themselves serve to show how visual images may become the core of turn formal literacy training. Photographs taken by the author help to illustrate visual traditions ami cues in the lives ofllwse Nepali learners
The impact of hydroclimate and dam construction on terrigenous detrital sediment composition in a 250-year Santa Barbara Basin record off southern California

Abstract The recurrence and magnitude of southern California hydroclimate extremes are poorly resolved due to the relatively short duration (
Stem cells: Cause and consequence in aged-muscle decline

Activation of aged muscle stem cells induces changes in DNA packaging that lead to expression of the gene Hoxa9. This reactivates embryonic signalling pathways, restricting the cells' ability to repair injured muscle. See Letter p.428 Satellite cells ensure muscle regeneration following injury, but their capacity for repair declines with age. Hox genes are regulators of organ formation during embryogenesis but so far, they have not been linked to ageing. Lenhard Rudolph and colleagues have found that changes in active chromatin marks and in old satellite cells lead to activation of Hoxa9, which in turn induces the expression genes normally involved in development but with a known inhibitory effect on satellite cell function or important for induction of senescence. Preventing this activation in old mice rescues muscle regeneration, and inducing Hoxa9 expression in young mice impairs satellite cells function and muscle repair.
Synthesis of austenitic stainless steel powder alloys by mechanical alloying

Fe–18Cr–xNi (x = 8, 12, 13, 15, and 20 wt%) blended elemental powders were subjected to mechanical alloying in a high-energy SPEX shaker mill. The milled powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. It was shown that the sequence of phase formation in the Fe–18Cr–8Ni, Fe–18Cr–12Ni and Fe–18Cr–13Ni compositions was ferrite in the early stages of milling and then formation of austenite, which eventually transformed to stress-induced martensite on continued milling. The time for the formation of the austenite phase was shorter for the 12Ni and 13Ni powder blends than for the 8Ni powder. However, in the Fe–18Cr–15Ni and Fe–18Cr–20Ni compositions, the initial phase to form was ferrite and then a fully austenitic structure had formed on milling the powder for 10 h. No martensitic transformation occurred in this case on continued milling. The phase formation and microstructural features were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy and diffraction techniques. A new metastable phase diagram was proposed outlining the stability of the austenite phase in ternary Fe–Cr–Ni alloys.
A Consensus Method for Ancestral Recombination Graphs

We propose a consensus method for ancestral recombination graphs (ARGs) that generates a single ARG representing commonalities among a cloud of ARGs defined for the same genomic region and set of taxa. Our method, which we call “threshold consensus,” treats a genomic location as a potential recombination breakpoint only if the number of ARGs in the cloud possessing a breakpoint at that location exceeds a chosen threshold. The estimate is further refined by ignoring recombinations that do not change the local tree topologies, as well as collapsing breakpoint locations separated only by invariant sites. We test the threshold consensus algorithm, using a range of threshold values, on simulated ARGs inferred by a genealogy sampling algorithm, and evaluate accuracy of breakpoints and local topologies in the resulting consensus ARGs.
Experimental Design as a Tool for the Optimization of Lipid Production by Meyerozyma guilliermondii in a Crude Glycerol-based Medium

Biodiesel production, which has been increasing worldwide, transformed crude glycerol, the main byproduct of the reaction, into a commodity of low commercial value, especially due to the high costs involved in its purification process and to the fact that the market cannot account for its generation. Therefore, this study aims at contributing to the search for technological alternatives to the use of surplus crude glycerol so as to add value to this byproduct by using it as the carbon source for the yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii , in order to yield lipids. The Central Composite Rotational Design was proposed to establish empirical models, codified for lipid content, production and productivity as the result of concentrations of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate (MgSO 4 .7H 2 O) and yeast extract. In the optimized conditions, the lipid content in dry basis, lipid production and lipid productivity were 8.25%, 1.10 g.L -1 and 0.0092 g.L -1 .h -1 , respectively obtained.
Weighted L∞ isotonic regression

Abstract Algorithms are given for determining weighted L ∞ isotonic regressions satisfying order constraints given by a directed acyclic graph with n vertices and m edges. An Θ ( m log ⁡ n ) algorithm is given, but it uses parametric search, so a practical approach is introduced, based on calculating prefix solutions. For linear and tree orderings it yields isotonic and unimodal regressions in Θ ( n log ⁡ n ) time. Practical algorithms are given for when the values are constrained to a specified set, and when the number of different weights, or different values, is ≪n. We also give a simple randomized algorithm taking Θ ( m log ⁡ n ) expected time. L ∞ isotonic regressions are not unique, so we examine properties of the regressions an algorithm produces. In this regard the prefix approach is superior to algorithms, such as parametric search and the randomized algorithm, which are based on feasibility tests.
Climate Impacts of CALIPSO-Guided Corrections to Black Carbon Aerosol Vertical Distributions in a Global Climate Model

We alleviate the bias in the tropospheric vertical distribution of black carbon aerosols (BC) in the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM4) using the Cloud-Aerosol and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) derived vertical profiles. A suite of sensitivity experiments are conducted with 1x, 5x and 10x the present-day model estimated BC concentration climatology, with (CC) and without (UC) CALIPSO-corrected BC vertical distribution. The globally averaged top of the atmosphere radiative flux perturbation of CC experiments are ∼ 8-50% smaller compared to uncorrected (UC) BC experiments largely due to an increase in low-level clouds. The global average surface temperature increases, the global average precipitation decreases and the ITCZ moves northwards with the increase in BC radiative forcing, irrespective of the vertical distribution of BC. Further, tropical expansion metrics for the poleward extent of the Northern Hemisphere Hadley Cell (HC) indicate that simulated HC expansion is not sensitive to existing model biases in BC vertical distribution.
Reduction in Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnoses Using a Comprehensive EMR-based Laboratory Order Set (P2.442)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an electronic medical record (EMR)-comprehensive laboratory order set in decreasing the number of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy diagnoses. Background: Despite the high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, the underlying etiology remains idiopathic in up to 46.1% of patients. This raises the question of whether a comprehensive EMR-based laboratory order set would help providers to remember and screen for a wider variety of potential causes. To our knowledge this analysis has not been done previously. Design/Methods: Retrospective study of patients from a multidisciplinary neuropathy clinic (11/21/2014–7/31/2017). 90 patients were included with newly diagnosed peripheral neuropathy, typically confirmed via EMG and/or skin biopsy, and had laboratory testing completed. Data were collected regarding the confirmed or presumed etiology, and patients were stratified into two groups: those seen before and after the EMR-laboratory set was implemented. Idiopathic cases in the two groups were compared using the odds ratio. Results: Of the 90 cases, 50 were seen before the EMR-set was initiated and 40 were seen afterward. 17 patients (18.9%) had idiopathic neuropathy, including 11 pre-EMR-set (22%) and 6 (15%) post-EMR-set. The odds ratio was 0.63 (95% CI 0.21–1.87), suggesting that after initiating the neuropathy lab order set the idiopathic neuropathy diagnosis rate was reduced by 37%. However, the result did not reach a significant level due to lack of adequate sample size. Conclusions: The rate of idiopathic neuropathy diagnoses was reduced after the implementation of the EMR-lab order set, suggesting its utility. Though the number of idiopathic diagnoses was less in our clinic than published rates, improvement was still seen using this approach. In a non-specialty neuropathy clinic with a higher idiopathic diagnosis rate, the impact of the order set may be more significant. Disclosure: Dr. Bai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cruz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pandey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zeidman has nothing to disclose.
Schemas, Social Psychology of

The concept of schema was first elaborated by Bartlett in 1932, but was influential only after the development of modern cognitive psychology in the 1970s. Initial work in this era examined the nature and functions of schemata, along with their effects on attention, interpretation, and memory. Although the concept of schema was criticized as overly broad, vague, and atheoretical, it proved to have considerable heuristic value. Social psychological work on schemata has explored such varied topics as (a) the schematic processing of social information, (b) the nature of self-schemas, (c) schematically-based errors and biases in person perception, and (d) the nature and functions of particular types of schemata. The term schema is no longer in vogue, although the essential features of the concept have been incorporated within broader theories of knowledge structure and mental representation.
Annotating breast cancer microarray samples using ontologies.

As the most common cancer among women, breast cancer results from the accumulation of mutations in essential genes. Recent advance in high-throughput gene expression microarray technology has inspired researchers to use the technology to assist breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment prediction. However, the high dimensionality of microarray experiments and public access of data from many experiments have caused inconsistencies which initiated the development of controlled terminologies and ontologies for annotating microarray experiments, such as the standard microarray Gene Expression Data (MGED) ontology (MO). In this paper, we developed BCM-CO, an ontology tailored specifically for indexing clinical annotations of breast cancer microarray samples from the NCI Thesaurus. Our research showed that the coverage of NCI Thesaurus is very limited with respect to i) terms used by researchers to describe breast cancer histology (covering 22 out of 48 histology terms); ii) breast cancer cell lines (covering one out of 12 cell lines); and iii) classes corresponding to the breast cancer grading and staging. By incorporating a wider range of those terms into BCM-CO, we were able to indexed breast cancer microarray samples from GEO using BCM-CO and MGED ontology and developed a prototype system with web interface that allows the retrieval of microarray data based on the ontology annotations.
Biomedical Ethics in the Reformed Tradition

Like most religious traditions, the Reformed movement (churches stemming from Calvin’s reformation) is today a pluralistic and dynamic phenomenon. All attempts, therefore, to quick-freeze a slice which would somehow represent both a norm and the present state of thought inevitably end up violating the inherent variety and vitality which is the ongoing character of any tradition semper reformando. In addition to this difficulty, one is never quite sure where to look for that elusive “normative center” of a given tradition. The convictions and commitments of the laity are shown by all studies to differ dramatically from those of the clergy. In Presbyterian assemblies, for example, lay, and even clerical, views are often even more discordant with the views of denominational leaders and appointed working groups. Does one look to the teaching and writing theologians who may represent cutting-edge thought that has not yet penetrated the ecclesiastical and provincial realms of the Church’s life?
The Diagnosis of Venogenic Impotence: Dynamic or Pharmacologic Cavernosometry?

AbstractIn an attempt to refine the diagnosis of venogenic impotence, we evaluated different techniques of cavernosometry in 10 dogs. Saline was perfused intracavernously in five dogs to induce erection. Regardless of the amount required for induction, a mean flow rate of 23.4ml./min. was necessary to maintain an intracavernous pressure level of 110cm. H20. In seven dogs, a leak was created by intracavernous insertion of a 19-gauge needle. When erection was induced by either cavernous nerve stimulation or a combination of papaverine injection and saline perfusion, the mean flow through the needle was significantly less than when erection was induced by saline perfusion alone (1.73, 1.78, and 8.77ml./min., respectively). Sympathetic trunk stimulation at the level of L5 could reduce the intracavernous pressure by 90% in erections induced by neural stimulation or papaverine plus perfusion but had no effect on erection induced by saline perfusion alone. Our findings show that cavernosometry after intracaverno...
On Discovering the Semiotic Organization of Experience: The Public Meanings and Private Meanings of Objects

Seemingly overwhelming problems in the study of meaning, reality realms, the organization of experience, and other related matters hinge on some fundamental scientific misconceptions about the nature of the phenomena in question. The purpose of the research that forms the basis of this paper is to discover fundamental principles that lend organization to daily human experience through the elicitation of freely associated verbal reports. Theoretical implications of the analysis have a direct bearing on theory building and the necessary relationship between method and theory in semiological inquiry. 1
Appearance and performance enhancing drug usage and psychological well-being in gay and heterosexual men

The current study examined the relationship between appearance and performance enhancing drug use and the men’s sexual orientation to body image and psychological well-being in a sample of 537 hete...
Group A Streptococcus AdcR Regulon Participates in Bacterial Defense against Host-Mediated Zinc Sequestration and Contributes to Virulence.

Colonization by pathogenic bacteria depends on their ability to overcome host nutritional defenses and acquire nutrients. The human pathogen group A streptococcus (GAS) encounters host defense factor calprotectin (CP) during infection. CP inhibits GAS growth in vitro by imposing zinc (Zn) limitation. However, GAS counterstrategies to combat CP-mediated Zn limitation and the in vivo relevance of CP-GAS interactions to bacterial pathogenesis remain unknown. Herein we report that GAS upregulates the AdcR regulon in response to CP-mediated Zn limitation. The AdcR regulon include genes encoding Zn import (adcABC), Zn sparing (rpsN.2), and Zn scavenging systems (adcAII, phtD, and phtY). Each gene in the AdcR regulon contributes to GAS Zn acquisition and CP resistance. The ΔadcC and ΔrpsN.2 mutant strains were the most susceptible to CP, whereas the ΔadcA, ΔadcAII and ΔphtD mutant strains displayed less CP sensitivity during growth in vitro. However, the ΔphtY mutant strain did not display an increased CP sensitivity. The varied sensitivity of the mutant strains to CP-mediated Zn limitation suggests distinct roles for individual AdcR regulon genes in GAS Zn acquisition. GAS upregulates the AdcR regulon during necrotizing fasciitis infection in WT mice, but not in S100a9-/- mice lacking CP. This suggests that CP induces Zn-deficiency in the host. Finally, consistent with the in vitro results, several of the AdcR regulon genes are critical for GAS virulence in WT mice, whereas they are dispensable for virulence in S100a9-/- mice, indicating the direct competition for Zn between CP and proteins encoded by GAS AdcR regulon during infection.
A novel urinary biomarker protein panel to identify children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction - A pilot study.

Summary Introduction and objective Reliable urinary biomarker proteins would be invaluable in identifying children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) as the existing biomarker proteins are inconsistent in their predictive ability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify consistent and reliable urinary biomarker proteins in children with UPJO. Methods To identify candidate biomarker proteins, total protein from age-restricted ( Finally, we calculated the average + 3(SD) and average + 4(SD) values of each of the 5 proteins in the control samples and used it as an arbitrary cutoff to classify individual control and UPJO samples. Results In the first step of our selection process, we identified 171 proteins in UPJO samples that were not detected in the majority of the control samples (16/22 samples, or 72.7%). Of the 171 proteins, only 50 proteins were detected in at least 11/21 (52.4%) of the UPJO samples and hence were selected in the second step. Subsequently, these 50 proteins were ranked according to the odds ratio value and the top 10 ranked proteins were validated by ELISA. Five of the 10 proteins – prostaglandin-reductase-1, ficolin-2, nicotinate-nucleotide pyrophosphorylase [carboxylating], immunoglobulin superfamily-containing leucine-rich-repeat-protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were present at higher levels in the UPJO samples (fold-change of the median protein concentrations ranging from 2.9 to 9.4) and emerged as a panel of biomarkers to identify obstructive uropathy. Finally, the order of prevalence of the 5 proteins in UPJO samples is PTGR1>FCN2>QPRT>ISLR>VCAM1. Conclusion In summary, this unique screening strategy led to the identification of previously unknown biomarker proteins that when screened collectively, may reliably distinguish between obstructed vs. non-obstructed infants and may prove useful in identifying informative biomarker panels for biological samples from many diseases. Download : Download high-res image (294KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Figure . PTGR1, FCN2, QPRT, ISLR and VCAM1 form a panel of UPJO-inherent urinary biomarker proteins. (A) Normalized PTGR1, FCN2, QPRT, ISLR and VCAM1 amounts in control and UPJO samples. (B) Fold change (UPJO/control) of medians of normalized PTGR1, FCN2, QPRT, ISLR and VCAM1 amounts.
Childhood Physical Fitness and Performance as Predictors of High School Sport Participation.

Participation in youth sport is positively associated with physical fitness and performance. The purpose of the current study was to examine if physical fitness measures during childhood and early ...
The pro-inflammatory microRNA miR-155 influences fibrillar β-Amyloid 1 -42 catabolism by microglia.

Microglia are the innate immune cells of the central nervous system that adopt rapid functional changes in response to Damage Associated Molecular Patterns, including aggregated β-Amyloid (Aβ) found in Alzheimer's disease (AD). microRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional modulators that influence the timing and magnitude of microglia inflammatory responses by downregulating the expression of inflammatory effectors. Recent studies implicate miR-155, a miRNA known to regulate inflammatory responses, in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders including multiple sclerosis, ALS, familial Parkinson's disease, and AD. In this work, we asked if miR-155 expression in microglia modifies cellular behaviors in response to fibrillar Aβ1-42 (fAβ1-42 ), in vitro. We hypothesized that in microglia, miR-155 expression would impact the internalization and catabolism of extracellular fAβ1-42 . Primary microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide demonstrate fast upregulation of miR-155 followed by delayed upregulation of miR-146a, an anti-inflammatory miRNA. Conditional overexpression of miR-155 in microglia resulted in significant upregulation of miR-146a. Conditional deletion of miR-155 promoted transit of fAβ1-42 to low-pH compartments where catabolism occurs, while miR-155 overexpression decreases fAβ1-42 catabolism. Uptake of fAβ1-42 across the plasma membrane increased with both up and downregulation of miR-155 expression. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that inflammatory signaling influences the ability of microglia to catabolize fAβ1-42 through interconnected mechanisms modulated by miR-155. Understanding how miRNAs modulate the ability of microglia to catabolize fAβ1-42 will further elucidate the role of cellular players and molecular crosstalk in AD pathophysiology.
Skeletal metastases in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a retrospective analysis.

Background Skeletal metastases (SM) in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an infrequent occurrence that has been previously reported in literature to occur in less than 2.5% of the cases. Complications such as pathological fractures can result in intractable pain, immobilization and a significant deterioration in quality of life. The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of the increasing incidence of SM and the importance of surveillance and adequate management of SM in these patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using a clinical database at a single tertiary care institution for cancer patients; this included 207 patients with advanced PDAC diagnosed between December 2004 and March 2017 receiving palliative chemotherapy. SM were identified by computerized tomography (CT)/fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Information regarding demographics, clinical course and date of last follow-up/death were collected. After a median follow-up of 11 months, an analysis was conducted, including a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results The study included 207 patients; 19 out of 207 patients (9.2%) developed SM; the primary tumor was located in the pancreatic body/tail in 12 out of 19 patients (63.2%). The thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were the most common sites of SM. Other common synchronous sites of metastases included the liver and lung. A majority of the lesions were osteolytic (63.2%). The median time of diagnosis from the initial diagnosis was 2 months (range, 0-60 months). Bone pain was observed as the initial symptom in 7 out of 19 patients (36.8%), 2 out of 19 patients (10.5%) had a pathological fracture and 1 out of 19 patients (5.3%) developed a para-spinal mass causing inferior vena cava compression. The median survival period for patients with SM was 11 months (range, 0-62 months) and for those without SM was 12 months (range, 0-147 months) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-2.30, P=0.51]. Conclusions There has been a challenge with regards to management of the increasing number of patients with SM. Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are the most common sites and pathological fractures in these sites can be catastrophic. Careful evaluation of skeletal signs and symptoms, early detection and intervention are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality from complications in patients with PDAC and SM.
Functional Mapping of Phenotypic Plasticity of Staphylococcus aureus Under Vancomycin Pressure

Phenotypic plasticity is the exhibition of various phenotypic traits produced by a single genotype in response to environmental changes, enabling organisms to adapt to environmental changes by maintaining growth and reproduction. Despite its significance in evolutionary studies, we still know little about the genetic control of phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we designed and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to reveal genetic architecture of how Staphylococcus aureus strains respond to increasing concentrations of vancomycin (0, 2, 4, and 6 μg/mL) in a time course. We implemented functional mapping, a dynamic model for genetic mapping using longitudinal data, to map specific loci that mediate the growth trajectories of abundance of vancomycin-exposed S. aureus strains. 78 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified following analysis of the whole growth and development process, and seven genes might play a pivotal role in governing phenotypic plasticity to the pressure of vancomycin. These seven genes, SAOUHSC_00020 (walR), SAOUHSC_00176, SAOUHSC_00544 (sdrC), SAOUHSC_02998, SAOUHSC_00025, SAOUHSC_00169, and SAOUHSC_02023, were found to help S. aureus regulate antibiotic pressure. Our dynamic gene mapping technique provides a tool for dissecting the phenotypic plasticity mechanisms of S. aureus under vancomycin pressure, emphasizing the feasibility and potential of functional mapping in the study of bacterial phenotypic plasticity.
Effect of Catalyst in Soil-Resin Stabilization

With the soil-resin stabilized samples, experimental curves are obtained showing how unconfined compressive strengths are related to percent stabilizer at different temperatures with different catalysts, such as pentachlorophenol and ferric chloride. The study indicates that at a lower temperature the ferric chloride gives a slightly better strength than pentachlorophenol, but at a higher temperature the pentachlorophenol gives a higher strength.
Information Retrieval in Literature-Based Discovery

Finding and accessing relevant information is essential for wider use of literature-based discovery (LBD). This chapter provides an overview of information retrieval (IR) with a focus on its role in LBD. It covers the major approaches to indexing and retrieval, followed by a description of research evaluating them. The chapter concludes with an overview of IR techniques used for LBD and promising directions for the future.