cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remapping the Digital Divide

A phrase with great urgency a few years ago, “the digital divide” now is on the sidelines. As the federal government renewed its commitment to marketplace solutions in telecommunications and information technology issues under the Bush administration, the idea of a digital divide faced criticism from FCC Chairman Powell for being an ill-advised version of the “Mercedes divide” in the United States: Some people can afford expensive luxury cars, others cannot, but that is the American way. The notion of a severe divide also was challenged by an array of studies documenting the rising pace of computer and Internet use and connectivity: The statistics seem to be moving in the right direction, so why worry? Numerous programs founded in the late 1990s by the federal government (NTIA’s Technology Opportunity Program, the Department of Education’s Community Technology Centers programs, Housing and Urban Development’s Neighborhood Networks Program) have been slashed. They were intended to aid technology deployment to disadvantaged populations or remote regions and to spread the reach of the Internet to more publicly available locations in order to serve people who do not have home equipment of their own, or who could not afford an Internet connection. The phrase “digital opportunity” replaced the divide, putting a blandly positive spin on all things computer related. As the very idea of inequity is eliminated from the social policy vocabulary in favor of marketplace reasoning, the concept of a divide being played out on the latest technology front may slip away from public scrutiny. This issue of The Information Society is an effort to reassert some of the new definitions of the digital divide, and to explore its shape and operations in more nuanced ways. The brief history of the digital divide illustrates symbolic, practical, and opportunistic responses to the confusing prospect presented by mass use of computers and the Internet. The confusion relies on the ready acceptance that the computer is the gateway to membership in the Information Society and the workforce of the future, and that it also renders society more democratic, even in the face of no substantial change to our existing social structure attributable to computerization. One broadband proponent
Effect of helical slow-wave circuit variations on TWT cold-test characteristics

Recent advances in the state of the art of computer modeling offer the possibility for the first time to evaluate the effect that slow-wave structure parameter variations, such as manufacturing tolerances, have on the cold-test characteristics of helical traveling-wave tubes (TWTs). This will enable manufacturers to determine the cost effectiveness of controlling the dimensions of the component parts of the TWT, which is almost impossible to do experimentally without building a large number of tubes and controlling several parameters simultaneously. The computer code MAFIA is used in this analysis to determine the effect on dispersion and on-axis interaction impedance of several helical slow-wave circuit parameter variations, including thickness and relative dielectric constant of the support rods, tape width, and height of the metallized films deposited on the dielectric rods. Previous computer analyzes required so many approximations that accurate determinations of the effect of many relevant dimensions on tube performance were practically impossible.
GaInP Selective Area Epitaxy for Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor Applications

A study of selective area epitaxy (SAE) of GalnP lattice matched to GaAs is presented. The selectively regrown GaInP is used as the emitter of a novel heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) device structure. Successful SAE of GalnP on both dark field (mostly covered) and light field (mostly open) SiO2 masks is compared. To characterize the critical regrown heterojunction, diodes and HBTs were fabricated and measured. It is found that a pre-growth pause of either TEGa or PH3 results in forward bias characteristics with low leakage and an ideality factor of ~1.25, indicating low interfacial defect density. Non-self aligned regrown emitter HBTs grown with a dark field mask scheme have been fabricated. Devices with an emitter area of 3x12 μm exhibit small signal current gain up to 80 with an f T and f MAX of 22 GHz and 18 GHz, respectively. To further improve the performance of these devices, a structure with a self-aligned refractory metal base contact and light field regrowth is proposed.
Public Information and Regulatory Processes: What the Public Knows and Regulators Decide

Because bureaucratic agencies may be less transparent in their decision processes than legislatures, most states have developed processes to incorporate input from regulated communities and other parties potentially affected by regulations. Administrative agencies may encourage democratic practices to increase legitimacy and accountability of the bureaucracy and improve decision-making processes. However, rules governing the regulatory process vary by state, with some incorporating more open practices than others. Understanding these dynamics is increasingly important, as the rulemaking process has become central to policymaking over the past several decades, with a large portion of policymaking authority delegated to administrative agencies. Drawing from regulatory documents, rulemaking comments, media coverage, and interviews with regulators in 14 regulatory decision processes across five states, this study finds that while states vary in their approach to providing access to information, there are overriding patterns that reduce the role of citizens and the overall transparency of regulatory processes.
Recent trends in splitting, adaptive and hybrid numerical methods for differential equations

Splitting, or decomposition, methods, associated with adaptive strategies, hybrid multi-scale settings, have been playing an important role in solving different differential equation problems in various applications. Latest developments in the area range from splitting for higher accuracy and flexibility in different parallel environments, splitting for nonlinear partial differential equations, splitting for singular differential equations and inverse problems, nonlinear stability and convergence of splitting schemes, iterative and adaptive splitting strategies, geometric integration and domain decomposition methods, to quantum splitting computations in modern bio-chemistry and life science applications. This survey will provide some key information on the most exciting recent achievements in the areas. Computer simulated illustrations will be given.
Analyzing Marketing Research Data with Incomplete Information on the Dependent Variable

The author presents the general EM algorithm for analyzing incomplete data. As a specific application of the EM algorithm, a model is proposed for analyzing incomplete data in an important class of...
The Influence of Hematocrit Uremia, and Hemodialysis on Whole Blood Glucose Analysis

Blood glucose concentrations were simultaneously measured on venous whole blood and plasma specimens from 207 hospitalized patients, 32 of whom were undergoing hemodialysis due to end-stage renal disease. Whole blood glucose values were obtained by a glucose oxidase-peroxidase electrode system (Stat Profile 5, Nova Biomedical Corp, Waltham, Mass) and by two glucose oxidase-peroxidase–based dry reagent reflectometry systems (Accu Chek II, Boehringer Mannheim Diagnostics, Indianapolis; One Touch, Lifescan Inc, Milpitas, Calif). Glucose, hematocrit, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and osmolality levels were determined on predialysis and postdialysis specimens. The three whole blood systems tested demonstrated linearity of response over the glucose range of 50 to 550 mg/dL, and had good correlation with plasma glucose values ( r >0.988). The meter systems, however, had a statistically significant negative proportional bias, which was eliminated after correcting for red cell volume displacement. Hematocrit values of 20% to 60%, 22.5% to 55%, and 20% to 55%, did not significantly affect the precision or accuracy of the Stat Profile 5, Accu Chek II, or One Touch systems. Elevated hematocrit values negatively affected the dry reagent strip systems, contrary to what one might predict as the effect of volume displacement. The uremia of end-stage renal disease depressed the strip glucose values by about 9%, without affecting the electrode system. Hemodialysis reversed the depression of glucose values with the Accu Chek II system, but not with the One Touch system. Despite this decrease in reactivity, these systems appear suitable for use with patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Effect Evaluation Of Human Avian Flu Health Education For Rural Residents In Anhui Province In 2008

Objective To learn the knowledge level about human avian flu in Rural Residents,and evaluate the effect of avian flu health education.Methods 8 natural villages in two counties were selected at random,and various health education were conducted in all residents among these villages.Using questionnaire,all of them were investigated before and after intervention.Results For the various causes of avian flu,significant differences were observed in the knowledge rates of the target population before and after intervention(P0.05).For examples,the knowledge rates of close contact with poultry,eating undercooked poultry eggs,eating poultry meat died of disease,timely report of died poultry,washing hands after contact with poultry,ducks could spread avian flu,everyone had risk of getting avian flu,housing poultry,housing poultry by the kind for residents who keep kinds of poultry,were 33.2%,19.5%,59.3%,29.0%,34.9%,35.3%,21.2%,24.5% and 29.3% before intervention,but after intervention,the rates were 57.9%,47.5%,78.9%,74.8%,57.4%,70.2%,35.5%,36.5% and 56.4% in turn.Conclusion The level of knowledge and behavior on human avian flu prevention and control in objects of this study was poor.It is very important to take intervention measures of human avian flu health education.
NIR light propagation in a digital head model for traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is capable of detecting and monitoring acute changes in cerebral blood volume and oxygenation associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wavelength selection, source-detector separation, optode density, and detector sensitivity are key design parameters that determine the imaging depth, chromophore separability, and, ultimately, clinical usefulness of a NIRS instrument. We present simulation results of NIR light propagation in a digital head model as it relates to the ability to detect intracranial hematomas and monitor the peri-hematomal tissue viability. These results inform NIRS instrument design specific to TBI diagnosis and monitoring.
Recurrent Light Chain Proximal Tubulopathy in a Kidney Allograft.

We describe a rare case of light chain proximal tubulopathy developing in a kidney transplant 12 months following transplantation. The patient was known to have a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for more than 15 years. A kidney biopsy done to determine the cause of decline in kidney transplant function showed light chain proximal tubulopathy characterized by numerous eosinophilic and fuchsinophilic granules in proximal tubular epithelial cells, which stained for κ light chains on pronase-based immunofluorescence studies. Electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis and showed numerous amorphous and geometrically shaped inclusions in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Evaluation of free light chains revealed markedly elevated κ light chains and bone marrow biopsy showed 5% to 10% κ light chain–restricted plasma cells. Retrospective evaluation of the native kidney biopsy performed 15 years earlier also showed numerous fuchsinophilic granules in proximal tubules that stained brightly for κ light chains on pronase-based immunofluorescence studies. The patient was treated with a regimen of bortezomib and dexamethasone with good partial hematologic response and improvement of kidney function. To summarize, we describe a case of recurrent light chain proximal tubulopathy in the transplant, which is an unusual but important cause of decreased kidney function in the setting of a monoclonal gammopathy.
The Somatic Cancer Genome

New genome sequencing technologies have led to an explosion of cancer genome sequence information, resulting in new insights into the genetic basis of cancer. This talk will review recent advances in somatic cancer genome analysis, with particular emphasis on hematological malignancies including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma. New analytical approaches have led to both a refined ability to distinguish true drivers of cancer from mere passenger mutations and to a better understanding of what scale of cancer genome sequencing will be required to “complete” a cancer genome atlas of mutations. While many of the recurrently mutated genes in cancer have known function, many remain uncharacterized. As such, a new kind of follow-up research activity is required – one that can bring systematic, high throughput biology methods to bear on elucidating mutant allele function and their potential as therapeutic targets. Efforts to pilot such a “Target Accelerator” will be presented, with particular emphasis on use of the Connectivity Map/Library of integrated cellular signatures (LINCS) resource to systematically connect mutant alleles to pathways and to potential therapeutic strategies. Disclosures Golub:Foundation Medicine, Inc.: Consultancy, Equity Ownership.
Whole-Sequence Comparison Methods

So far, this book has presented tools for describing sequences and for quantifying elementary aspects of sequence structure. In many cases, analysts are also interested in describing holistic sequences in terms of types or classes that reflect socially meaningful trajectories or patterns of events that are experienced by subjects. Some sequences are incredibly complex and thus may seem too detailed to allow meaningful interpretation or classification. This chapter shows how this can be done. The primary task in detecting holistic sequence patterns is to examine how the sequences in the sample are related to each other. This is done through comparisons of whole sequences to each other, which is an analytic step beyond the techniques that have been presented thus far (which were more focused on the elements within sequences and the transitions between them). Only by doing this can we determine, for example, the extent to which a given subject's or group of subjects' sequences are unique, to what extent they differ from other sequences, and in what way. The first step in this comparison is to assess the extent to which each pair of sequences are dissimilar, or distant, from each other. There are several ways to compare sequences. By far the most common approach in the social sciences is optimal matching (OM) analysis. This approach stems from similar techniques in molecular biology for analyzing DNA sequences (Sankoff and Kruskal 1983). Although the number of applications that use OM has grown rapidly in recent years, it is has been criticized on both theoretical and methodological grounds (see Levine 2000; Wu 2000). This chapter will present the method and also address the criticisms and problems associated with it. The chapter will then describe recent methodological advances that either improve on or expand on OM, or that sidestep some of its problems altogether by adopting different sequence comparison techniques. This chapter also shows how the results of OM and related sequence comparison techniques can be utilized to identify sequence patterns, which the techniques discussed in Chapters 3 and 4 are not capable of identifying.
Stochastic LIM for Transient Simulations of Printed Circuit Board Transmission Lines with Uncertainties

This paper proposes Stochastic LIM for simulations of transmission lines with uncertainties. Such simulations are traditionally performed using sampling techniques such as Monte Carlo, which are slow to converge and often computationally expensive. Since analysis of uncertainties in electronic packaging is critical to design for reliability and performance, simulators such as Stochastic LIM can provide fast and accurate uncertainty quantification to support design objectives and shorten design cycles. To demonstrate these capabilities, we model transmission lines using equivalent circuits where the circuit parameters are random variables reflecting uncertainties in the physical structure. The solutions to the random circuits are then obtained using Stochastic LIM, and the results are compared to Monte Carlo analysis of the same circuits using traditional deterministic circuit solvers. Techniques for projection of uncertainties in the physical space into uncertainties in the equivalent circuit are discussed.
Hierarchical decentralized control strategy for demand-side primary frequency response

The Grid Friendly™ Appliance (GFA) controller was proposed to autonomously switch off appliances by detecting under-frequency events. In this paper, a new frequency responsive load (FRL) controller is proposed by extending the functionality of the existing GFA controller. The proposed FRL controller can autonomously switch on (or off) end-use loads by detecting over-frequency (or under-frequency) events through local frequency measurement. Using the proposed FRL controller, a hierarchical decentralized control strategy is also developed for engaging the end-use loads to provide primary frequency response. The developed control strategy consists of two decision making layers including supervisory and device layers, and has several desirable features for primary frequency control. The FRL controller at the device layer preserves the autonomous operation of the enduse loads. The coordinator at the supervisory layer coordinates autonomous response to overcome the stability issue associated with high penetration of FRLs. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the developed hierarchical decentralized control strategy in providing primary frequency response with the proposed FRL controller.
Abstract 5058: Silencing ofNOTCHsignaling enhances the sensitivity ofERGpositive prostate cancer cells toARinhibitors

Introduction: Androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays a critical role in all the stages of prostate cancer (CaP) ranging from organ confined to castration-resistant (CRPC) phases. Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the mainstay treatment for advanced CaP, the inevitable transition from androgen- sensitive to CRCP presents the most significant challenge in CaP therapy. Androgen dependent expression of oncogenic ETS related gene (ERG) in half of all CaP in western countries plays critical role in the tumorigenesis of CaP through regulation of cancer specific signaling pathways. We found that NOTCH transcription factors are common targets of ERG in ERG positive cancer cells. NOTCH signaling pathway is an important signaling pathway in the development of drug-resistant tumor growth. In the current study we evaluated the combinatorial effects of NOTCH and AR inhibitors in the context of ERG positive prostate cancer cells. Methods: ERG, NOTCH1, NOTCH2 and downstream targets of NOTCH transcription factors were analyzed by Western blot assays. Dose and time kinetics of combining NOTCH inhibitor (γ-Secretase inhibitor 1, GSI-1) and AR inhibitors (Bicalutamide, Enzalutamide, and Abiraterone) were assessed in a panel of ERG positive or ERG negative CaP cells. Trypan blue exclusion, methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT), or ApoTox-Glo™ Triplex assays were used to asses cell proliferation, apoptosis and drug cytotoxicity. Results: Prostate cancer cell lines with endogenous or ectopic expression of ERG showed upregulation of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2. The NOTCH inhibitor, GSI-1 conferred an increased sensitivity to all tested AR inhibitors (Bicalutamide, Enzalutamide, and Abiraterone) with bicalutamide showing the most robust inhibition of AR, ERG, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, PSA, decreased cell growth and enhanced apoptosis in ERG positive VCaP cells. This observation was not seen in ERG negative LNCaP cells or in ERG positive primary endothelial cells. Conclusions: NOTCH inhibitor enhanced sensitivity of AR inhibitors in ERG positive VCaP cells growth. The combination of the GSI-1 with AR inhibitors has shown synergistic effect when compared to single agent treatment. Taken together, our study suggests that NOTCH inhibitors may enhance the actions of AR inhibitors in the treatment of ERG positive prostate cancers. Inhibition of AR and NOTCH signaling may offer new opportunities in assessing ERG targeted therapy for prostate cancer. Citation Format: Ahmed A. Mohamed, Shyh-Han Tan, Shilpa Katta, Charles P. Xavier, Lakshmi Ravindranath, Wei Huang, Hua Li, Meera Srivastava, Shashwat Sharad, Taduru Sreenath, Gyorgy Petrovics, Albert Dobi, Shiv Srivastava. Silencing of NOTCH signaling enhances the sensitivity of ERG positive prostate cancer cells to AR inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5058. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5058
Numerical Strategies to Model Surface and Groundwater Interactions for the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project Alternatives

WASH123D is a first-principle, physics-based numerical model that computes flow and transport in a watershed system that is conceptualized as a combination of 1-D channel network, 2-D overland regimes, and 3-D subsurface media. It has been selected as the tool to help evaluate the proposed alternatives of the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands project that is one of the 40 projects included in the Florida Comprehensive Everglade Restoration Plan. In order to best rehydrate wetlands and reduce point source discharge to Biscayne Bay, rule-controlled coastal canal structures, rule-controlled pump stations, spreader swales, stormwater treatment areas, flowways, levees, culverts, roads, and backfilling canals are included in these project alternatives. Specified target freshwater flows for Biscayne Bay and the wetlands within the redistribution system are to be computed in each alternative, which will be used in performance measurement to determine the most adequate alternative for further investigation. In this paper, the numerical strategies to incorporate all the aforementioned hydrological features and processes included in the alternatives are presented. An example alternative will be used for demonstration.
Radiographic outcomes of cable-plate versus cable-grip fixation in periprosthetic fractures of the proximal femur

Background Newer generation cable-plate designs are commonly used for periprosthetic proximal femur fractures; however, comparisons relative to cable-grips remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare radiographic healing rates of cable-plate versus cable-grip fixation for periprosthetic proximal femur fractures. Patients and methods Consecutive patients with an acute or chronic Vancouver A, B1, or B2 periprosthetic proximal femur fracture undergoing trochanteric fixation with a cable-plate (n = 46 cases) or cable-grip (n = 24 cases) system were identified retrospectively from a single-centre hospital database (mean follow-up 28 months [range 6-89 months]). Demographics, radiographic fracture healing, and complications were compared between the 2 groups. Radiographic union rates were not different between the cable-grip versus cable-plate group (67% vs. 76% respectively; p = 0.4). Healing rates of greater trochanteric fractures alone were not different between the cable-plate versus cable-grip groups (75% vs. 71% respectively; p = 0.38). The cable-plates were used for a more diverse range of fracture patterns relative to the cable-grips. Results An increased number of cables was associated with radiographic healing (odds ratio 14 [95% confidence interval 2-64]; p = 0.01), and body mass index had a negative correlation with radiographic healing (odds ratio -0.4 [95% confidence interval 0.5-0.9]. Conclusions Similar rates of periprosthetic fracture healing were seen using a cable-grip versus cable-plate system; however, the cable-plate system could be used for a more diverse range of fracture patterns.
Persistent Hypercalcemia Despite Multiple Exploratory Neck Surgeries.

A 46-year-old woman with a complex history of primary hyperparathyroidism presented to the endocrinology clinic for persistent hypercalcemia despite 3 prior neck surgeries with removal of at least 2 parathyroid glands. She was originally diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism 27 years earlier at the age of 19 when she developed kidney stones. Since then, she has required intermittent laser lithotripsy with stone removal, eventually requiring a urethral stent placed 2 years before her current presentation. Her first surgery was in 2004 and documentation of this surgery was not available because it was performed at an outside institution. Her second surgery, in 2007, excised the right inferior parathyroid gland and pathologic assessment was consistent with hypercellular parathyroid tissue. In 2012, a 4-gland neck dissection was performed and a left superior parathyroid gland was identified and excised. No parathyroid tissue was identified on the right and no gland was identified in the left inferior aspect. Her intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH)2 decreased from 495 to 258 pg/mL [reference interval (RI) 12–88 pg/mL] after removal of the left superior parathyroid gland. Despite no residual parathyroid tissue identified at the time of surgery, her hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism persisted. Given her persistent increased serum PTH concentrations and her young age at initial presentation, the possibility of a …
The Effect of Negative and Positive Childhood Divorce Experiences on Professional Performers

The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of divorce by comparing levels of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and availability of resources between professional performers who w...
Endoscopic Treatment of Mid-Portion Achilles Tendinopathy: A Retrospective Case Series of Patient Satisfaction and Functional Outcome at a 2- to 8-Year Follow-up.

Purpose To evaluate the results of endoscopic treatment in patients affected by mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, by release of the paratenon combined with a resection of the plantaris tendon, regarding patient satisfaction, functional outcome, and pain scores. Methods This retrospective study evaluated patients endoscopically treated for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy between 2000 and 2013. Patient satisfaction, functional outcome, pain scores, and health-related quality of life were measured by the use of a numeric rating scale, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, the Victorian Institute of Sport assessment for the Achilles tendon, the numeric rating scale for pain during running and during sports, and the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D-3L) standardized questionnaire. Additional questions were asked on the effectiveness of the treatment and sport participation. Results The response rate was 76.3% (45 of 59). Thirty-five (78%) patients were treated unilaterally and 10 (22%) patients were treated bilaterally. For the unilaterally treated patients, the median time to follow-up was 67 months (interquartile range [IQR] 48-99 months), and for the bilaterally treated patients, it was 89.5 months (IQR 37.5-161.75 months). The median satisfaction score for treatment results was 9 out of 10 (IQR 7-10) and 9.5 (IQR 7-10), respectively. The median Foot and Ankle Outcome Score subscales were scored 75 to 99 and 75 to 97, the median Victorian Institute of Sport assessment for the Achilles tendon scored 81 (IQR 47-90) and 97 (IQR 87-100), and the median numeric rating scale pain scores during both running and sports were 1 (IQR 0-6.5) for the unilaterally treated patients and 0 (IQR 0-4.5) and 0 (IQR 0-1) for the bilaterally treated patients, respectively. The median EQ-5D were 0.81 (IQR 0.71-1) and 1 (IQR 0.64-1), respectively. One reoperation for recurrence of symptoms was necessary. Conclusions This study shows high patient satisfaction and good functional outcomes in patients affected by mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy who were endoscopically treated by means of release of the paratenon in combination with transection of the plantaris tendon. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series (therapeutic).
The aged rhesus macaque manifests Braak stage III/IV Alzheimer's-like pathology.

Abstract Introduction An animal model of late-onset Alzheimer's disease is needed to research what causes degeneration in the absence of dominant genetic insults and why the association cortex is particularly vulnerable to degeneration. Methods We studied the progression of tau and amyloid cortical pathology in the aging rhesus macaque using immunoelectron microscopy and biochemical assays. Results Aging macaques exhibited the same qualitative pattern and sequence of tau and amyloid cortical pathology as humans, reaching Braak stage III/IV. Pathology began in the young-adult entorhinal cortex with protein kinase A-phosphorylation of tau, progressing to fibrillation with paired helical filaments and mature tangles in oldest animals. Tau pathology in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex paralleled but lagged behind the entorhinal cortex, not afflicting the primary visual cortex. Discussion The aging rhesus macaque provides the long-sought animal model for exploring the etiology of late-onset Alzheimer's disease and for testing preventive strategies.
The Adjunctive Use of Biologically Engineered Products in Plastic Surgery Practice

Biologically engineered products are medical devices offer support and structure for wound healing by providing a scaffold for cell growth and proliferation. In the field of plastic surgery, these devices are being used to improve the outcomes of surgical closure in selected patients. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the source, indications, mechanisms, and outcomes of commonly used biologic products in wound healing. It will also provide an understanding of how biologics can be of value to patients with significant tissue defects requiring plastic surgery.
Prolactin, cortisol, and insulin regulation of nucleoside uptake into mouse mammary gland explants.

Nucleosides are essential components of milk that are used for the nourishment of newborns. Effects of the three primary lactogenic hormones, including prolactin (PRL), insulin (I), and cortisol (H), on nucleoside uptake and Incorporation into cultured mammary tissues taken from 12- to 14-day pregnant mice were determined; most experiments focused on the regulation of uridine uptake. Insulin alone, as well as PRL in the presence of Insulin and cortisol, was shown to stimulate uridine uptake and incorporation into RNA in mammary explants taken from 12- to 14-day pregnant mice. The PRL effects were expressed at concentrations of 25 ng/ml and above, which are physiological plasma concentrations. In the absence of sodium, uridine uptake and Incorporation were diminished, suggesting the presence of a sodium-dependent uridine transporter. In kinetic studles the apparent K m for uridine uptake was calculated to be 312 μM, and the V m a x 2.90 μmol/hr/L cell water; PRL had no effect on the K m but Increased the V m a x to 5.88 μmol/hr/L cell water. When assessing uridine uptake in the presence of the other nucleosides at 0.1 mM, only cytidine competed with uridine uptake. The fact that distribution ratios of greater than 15:1 were achieved with uridine Indicates that uridine uptake may be via an active transporter. These studies show that PRL enhances uridine update In mammary tissues by stimulating the activity, and probably synthesis, of a sodium-dependent, active uridine and cytosine transporter.
Comment on "Negative delta rho with four families in the standard model"

We consider the contribution of a heavy fourth generation to the {rho} parameter. We show that recent claims of a large negative contribution to {delta}{rho} from a hypothetical heavy fourth family are not well founded. We discuss certain difficulties in the application of dispersion relations to the calculation of {delta}{rho} and how these give rise to uncertainties in both the magnitude and the sign of {delta}{rho}.
26S Proteasomes are rapidly activated by diverse hormones and physiological states that raise cAMP and cause Rpn6 phosphorylation.

Pharmacological agents that raise cAMP and activate protein kinase A (PKA) stimulate 26S proteasome activity, phosphorylation of subunit Rpn6, and intracellular degradation of misfolded proteins. We investigated whether a similar proteasome activation occurs in response to hormones and under various physiological conditions that raise cAMP. Treatment of mouse hepatocytes with glucagon, epinephrine, or forskolin stimulated Rpn6 phosphorylation and the 26S proteasomes’ capacity to degrade ubiquitinated proteins and peptides. These agents promoted the selective degradation of short-lived proteins, which are misfolded and regulatory proteins, but not the bulk of cell proteins or lysosomal proteolysis. Proteasome activities and Rpn6 phosphorylation increased similarly in working hearts upon epinephrine treatment, in skeletal muscles of exercising humans, and in electrically stimulated rat muscles. In WT mouse kidney cells, but not in cells lacking PKA, treatment with antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) stimulated within 5-minutes proteasomal activity, Rpn6 phosphorylation, and the selective degradation of short-lived cell proteins. In livers and muscles of mice fasted for 12–48 hours cAMP levels, Rpn6 phosphorylation, and proteasomal activities increased without any change in proteasomal content. Thus, in vivo cAMP-PKA–mediated proteasome activation is a common cellular response to diverse endocrine stimuli and rapidly enhances the capacity of target tissues to degrade regulatory and misfolded proteins (e.g., proteins damaged upon exercise). The increased destruction of preexistent regulatory proteins may help cells adapt their protein composition to new physiological conditions.
Stem Cell Aging: Potential Effects on Health and Mortality

Aging in a statistical sense is the increasing probability of death with increasing time of an organism’s existence (1, 2). Can we extrapolate this to self-regenerating tissues and most particularly to the stem cells that drive the replenishment of lost and damaged cells throughout life? To be succinct, how close is the linkage between the vitality of the stem cell population and organismal longevity? These questions are currently without clear answers and the nature of the linkage, if any, is likely to be complicated, but is nonetheless conceptually compelling. However, in the most straightforward and blunt analysis, limiting numbers of hematopoietic stem cells, for example, resulting in aplastic anemia is an infrequent cause of death (3). Moreover, the hallmark property that distinguishes stem cells from most other somatic cells, their ability to self-replicate, in theory should provide a life-long supply. It was shown many years ago that hematopoietic stem cells could be transplanted into myeloablated recipients and continue to produce large numbers of differentiated blood cells over a time period that greatly exceeded the lifespan of the donor mouse (4). Serial transplants, in which an original bone marrow graft is passaged through a series of recipients, put even greater demands on stem cell proliferation and differentiation and thus demonstrate the tremendous regenerative potential of these cells. However, the number of transplant iterations that may be carried out is limited using marrow from young mice (5, 6), and further reduced if donors are old (6, 7). In fact it is restricted to less than five, depending on mouse strain, and although it has been argued that the limitation is not so much a result of diminished stem cell potential as in the transplantation procedure itself (8), it is now clear that stem cells’ regenerative Chapter 1
Is there an alternative to a National Health Board for Technology Assessment

The National Health Board, a lynchpin of the managed competition philosophy of health reform, would perform a necessary function in regards to technology assessment for clinical decision making. However, would such an agency have what it takes to provide adequate turnaround, and nonbiased decision-making ability to play this crucial part of the reform process?
Wandering Money: Valuating and Mediating Post-War Remittances in Vietnam

Remittances from the Vietnamese diaspora have played an important role in Vietnam's post-Cold War economic development, providing important inputs to a range of household spending areas, from education to health care. In the case of Vietnam, however, remittances are also caught up with memories and traumas of war, betrayal, separation, and exodus. This article traces that history and illustrates how Vietnam's particular post-war refugee and remittance situations and channels illuminate networks and exacerbate inherent contradictions and comparisons in the mobile flows of finance, people, and goods across borders. Examining genealogies of remittance reception and management offers insight and intervention into analytical assumptions of the distancing and mediating functions inherent to classic conceptions of money, as well as the reciprocity and recognition perceptions mapped onto gift economies.
Gender-Based Differences in Urology Residency Applicant Personal Statements.

Objective To gain insight into the perceptions of urology held by medical students as they enter the field, we analyzed the linguistic characteristics and gender differences in personal statements written by urology residency program applicants. Methods Personal statements were abstracted from residency applications to a urology residency program. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, a validated text analysis software, characterized the linguistic content of the statements. Analyzed statements were compared according to gender of the applicant using multivariate analysis, examining the association of applicant gender and statement characteristics. Multivariate analysis was also performed to determine the association of personal statement characteristics with matching into urology residency. Results Of 342 analyzed personal statements, no significant difference was found in statement characteristics between matched and unmatched applicants. Male and female applicants wrote with the same degree of overall analytical thinking, authenticity, and emotional tone. Clout, a measure of portrayed confidence, was low for both genders. Female applicants used more social and affective process words. Male applicants used more words indicating a sense of community and acceptance. Female applicants had more references to women within their statements. Conclusion Significant linguistic differences exist among personal statements written by men and women applying to urology residency. Word usage differences follow societal gender norms. Statement content demonstrates a difference between genders in perceived sense of belonging, highlighting the importance of gender concordant mentorship within the field.
What Should We Do When Families Refuse Testing for Brain Death

Two commentaries respond to a case about apnea testing to confirm death by neurologic criteria.
On the non-degenerate and degenerate generic singularities formed by mean curvature flow

In this paper we study a neighborhood of generic singularities formed by mean curvature flow (MCF). We limit our consideration to the singularities modelled on $\mathbb{S}^3\times\mathbb{R}$ because, compared to the cases $\mathbb{S}^k\times \mathbb{R}^{l}$ with $l\geq 2$, the present case has the fewest possibilities to be considered. For various possibilities, we provide a detailed description for a small, but fixed, neighborhood of singularity, and prove that a small neighborhood of the singularity is mean convex, and the singularity is isolated. For the remaining possibilities, we conjecture that an entire neighborhood of the singularity becomes singular at the time of blowup, and present evidences to support this conjecture. A key technique is that, when looking for a dominating direction for the rescaled MCF, we need a normal form transformation, as a result, the rescaled MCF is parametrized over some chosen curved cylinder, instead over a standard straight one. This is a long paper. The introduction is carefully written to present the key steps and ideas.
PDE-Based Modeling and Non-collocated Feedback Control of Electrosurgical-Probe/Tissue Interaction

The first control-oriented model of the interaction of an electrosurgical probe with organic tissue, based on a 1-D PDE with a moving boundary, is introduced. To attain the desired electrosurgically-induced tissue changes using this model, a non-collocated output feedback moving boundary control law is proposed. The latter is realized through a novel non-collocated pointwise temperature-based state observer for the two-phase Stefan problem. Simulation demonstrates that the controller proposed meets the performance objective. The controller implementation is also discussed.
Revascularization Strategies for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease in the Elderly Population

ABSTRACT Background Prospective trials comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of multivessel coronary disease (MVCAD) have included mostly younger patients. We compared treatment strategies in the elderly population. Materials and Methods We performed a propensity-score-matched comparison of patients ≥75 y who underwent isolated CABG or PCI for MVCAD between 2011 and 2018, excluding those with prior cardiac surgery and/or significant left main disease. The primary outcome was 5-year Kaplan Meier survival, and secondary outcomes included readmissions and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Results Propensity-matching yielded 536 patients (266 PCI and 266 CABG). Rates of complete revascularization of all stenotic lesions were higher in the CABG arm (86.8% versus 21.8%; P Conclusions Despite longer hospitalization and higher rate of nonhome discharge, CABG was associated with improved late survival over PCI in the elderly population. Cardiac surgeons should be included in the multidisciplinary evaluation of older patients with MVCAD.
Effects of Impoundments on Water Quality

Changes occurring in the quality of water during its passage through Tennessee River reservoirs and during lengthy storage in tributary impoundments are observed. Seasonal variations of temperatures of water discharged from main-river impoundments are discussed. DO concentrations in the water discharged from main-river reservoirs recede during the summer months but do not reach the low concentrations observed below storage impoundments. Both total coliform and fecal coliform concentrations in main-stream reservoirs increase greatly below local municipalities. In tributary storage impoundments strong thermoclines develop in early spring, and relatively cool water, low in DO, is discharged through low-level power intakes well into or throughout the summer. Low DO concentrations are also caused by biological activity in eutrophic impoundments, inflows to which are otherwise relatively free of pollution. A multiple regression technique is used to develop an equation for predicting DO concentrations to be expected in releases from a proposed impoundment.
Modified gram-schmidt process vs. classical gram-schmidt

Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization has long been recognized for its numerical stability. Other virtues include ease of programming, and facility of obtaining useful side statistics. It has been argued in the literature for years that while Classical Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization always requires reinforcement, Modified Gram-Schmidt never requires reorthogonalization. It is true that the Classical approach forms the upper triangular matrix T , n × n, by columns and that the Modified approach forms T by rows, which might dictate a choice of one over the other for different reasons. It is easy to show, however, that the Classical approach can be programmed in such a way that the numerical stability is the same as that produced by Modified Gram-Schmidt, which is to say that the Gram-Schmidt process can be modified so that the results on the computer are the same whether T is formed by rows or by columns. Program listings of each approach without iterative refinement are available which demonstrate that the result...
Efficient blacklisting and pollution-level estimation in p2p file-sharing systems

P2P file-sharing systems are susceptible to pollution attacks, whereby corrupted copies of content are aggressively introduced into the system. Recent research indicates that pollution is extensive in several file sharing systems. In this paper we propose an efficient measurement methodology for identifying the sources of pollution and estimating the levels of polluted content. The methodology can be used to efficiently blacklist polluters, evaluate the success of a pollution campaign, to reduce wasted bandwidth due to the transmission of polluted content, and to remove the noise from content measurement data. The proposed methodology is efficient in that it does not involve the downloading and analysis of binary content, which would be expensive in bandwidth and in computation/human resources. The methodology is based on harvesting metadata from the file sharing system and then processing off-line the harvested meta-data. We apply the technique to the FastTrack/Kazaa file-sharing network. Analyzing the false positives and false negatives, we conclude that the methodology is efficient and accurate.
Generating and Revising Hierarchical Multi-turn Text Plans in an ITS

CIRCSIM-Tutor v. 3 is a natural-language based ITS for cardiac physiology. In this paper, we describe TIPS, a new text planning engine for CIRCSIM-Tutor based on current research in text generation. Since conversations cannot be completely planned in advance, TIPS plans and executes iteratively. It maintains a goal hierarchy for the tutor while carrying on a conversation with the student. It can handle multi-turn plans on the part of the tutor, and it can back up and replan when the student gives an unexpected answer. In this paper we sketch the design of TIPS using an analysis of human-to-human tutoring transcripts to shape the requirements.
On ALOHA multiple access system with coding

The performance of slotted ALOHA with multi-user coding is analyzed. The underlying philosophy is that most collisions among few users are handled by multi-user coder and (relatively infrequent) collisions among many users are resolved using the ALOHA, retransmission protocol. The stability, throughput, and packet delay are analyzed for this scheme. The main result is that multi-user codes designed for a maximum of T=3 simultaneous users yield the best overall performance. >
A bridge program for EE and EET in a single ECE department

A bridge program for EE and EET in a single ECE department utilizes a common freshman experience in electrical and computer engineering and a common sophomore circuit theory and instrumentation sequence. While same EET departments have abandoned engineering technology entirely for engineering programs, this bridge program demonstrates the partnership between the undergraduate EE and EET disciplines as a new paradigm. The required and elective computer language, electronics, microelectronics, VLSI, digital circuits, programmable logic, hardware description language and computer networking courses in the junior and senior year are common. Common laboratories in these applied technology courses complete the relationship. Diversity and differentiation certainly exists, though, in the mathematical prerequisites and the resulting electromagnetic, signals and systems curricula only in EE. Undergraduate student retention has been enhanced with this program because of the bridge and a common ECE departmental advising Professional employment opportunities for EET students have increased substantially because of the common applied technology courses. Transfer between the EE and EET curricula, in both directions, has been facilitated to the satisfaction of the undergraduate student.