cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Frequency Oscillations

Low-frequency rhythms ( delta oscillation (1–4 Hz), the slow oscillation ( infra-slow oscillations , which we do not further consider in this chapter. This chapter starts by discussing the key features of sleep and anesthesia in terms of low-frequency oscillatory activity in both human and experimental animal studies. Then, we briefly discuss the presence of low-frequency oscillations in the awake state, in patients with disorders of the CNS, and during early development.
Multi-Party, Whole-Body Interactions in Mathematical Activity

ABSTRACTThis study interrogates the contributions of multi-party, whole-body interactions to students' collaboration and negotiation of mathematics ideas in a task setting called walking scale geometry, where bodies in interaction became complex resources for students' emerging goals in problem solving. Whole bodies took up overlapping roles representing geometric objects, contributing to the communication and negotiation of problem-solving strategies and engaging as mathematical instruments for representation.
Progressive hemochromatotic cardiomyopathy despite reversal of iron deposition after liver transplantation.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a frequent and serious complication of idiopathic hemochromatosis. The mechanism by which disordered iron metabolism induces heart failure is not entirely understood, but myocardial dysfunction appears to be intimately related to the deposition of iron in myocytes. Cardiac function characteristically worsens or improves in proportion to the degree of iron accumulation in cardiac myocytes. The authors report the case of a 47-year-old man with idiopathic hemochromatosis and cirrhosis who developed symptoms of congestive heart failure and was found to have dilated cardiomyopathy 7 months after receiving a liver transplant. An initial endomyocardial heart biopsy demonstrated severe iron deposition in myocytes. The patient’s heart failure worsened in the next 3 years and he eventually required a heart transplant. Examination of the explanted heart revealed dilated cardiomyopathy, but the previously demonstrated iron deposits in the cardiac myocytes were depleted. This “uncoupling” of cardiac function and cardiac iron load suggests that a threshold may be reached at which point the metabolic and ultrastructural derangements of iron deposition are no longer reversible, even with the removal of the inciting agent. Furthermore, displacement of myocyte iron stores after liver transplantation implicates altered hepatic iron metabolism as a primary or contributing mechanism in the pathophysiology of idiopathic hemochromatosis.
On Atomic Spacing in Large Regular Cubic Lattices

Atomic spacing in an infinite regular lattice, which is a priori indeterminate because of symmetry, is determined here by considering the infinite array as the limiting case of a sequence of finite ones. A simple approximate formula for the spacing is derived.
Liquid–Liquid Extraction Protocol for the Removal of Aldehydes and Highly Reactive Ketones from Mixtures

The reaction of the bisulfite ion with aldehydes to form charged bisulfite adducts is a well-established method for the purification of aldehydes. This reaction has been modified to create a convenient liquid–liquid extraction method for the removal of aldehydes from mixtures. The use of a water-miscible solvent allows the reaction to occur during a simple 30 s shaking protocol by increasing the contact between the bisulfite ion and the aldehyde. The introduction of an immiscible solvent allows for the extraction of the uncharged organic components away from the bisulfite adduct. The developed protocol is applicable to a wide range of aldehydes, including sterically hindered neopentyl aldehydes. Sterically unhindered cyclic and linear ketones, as well as highly electrophilic ketones, are also removed using this protocol. The mild conditions tolerate a wide range of functional groups, allowing for excellent aldehyde contaminant removal rates with high levels of recovery of the desired component.
Getting others' perspectives: a case study of creative writing environments and mentorship

Giving students opportunities to interact with real readers of their work may not only motivate them to write, but also to take on new literacies and see themselves as writers in new ways. I detail two case studies of successful writing communities---a high school classroom and an extracurricular arts program---and describe adolescent writing practices in the active (and often interactive) presence of the two different collaborative audiences. I discuss structural implications for the structure of authentic writing and writing workshop environments, the role of mentors in such instructional spaces, and the importance of teaching students how to be effective, collaborative audience members and readers of each others' writing.
Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders: Through the Stage Model and Back Again

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches have among the highest level of empirical support for the treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders. As Psychology of Addictive Behaviors marks its 30th anniversary, we review the evolution of CBT for the addictions through the lens of the Stage Model of Behavioral Therapies Development. The large evidence base from Stage II randomized clinical trials indicates a modest effect size with evidence of relatively durable effects, but limited diffusion in clinical practice, as is the case for most empirically validated approaches for mental health and addictive disorders. Technology may provide a means for CBT interventions to circumvent the "implementation cliff" in Stages III-V by offering a flexible, low-cost, standardized means of disseminating CBT in a range of novel settings and populations. Moreover, returning to Stage I to reconnect clinical applications of CBT to recent developments in cognitive science and neuroscience holds great promise for accelerating understanding of mechanisms of action. It is critical that CBT not be considered as a static intervention, but rather 1 that constantly evolves and is refined through the stage model until the field achieves a maximally powerful intervention that addresses core features of the addictions. (PsycINFO Database Record
Some Measures of the Amount of Adaptation for Computerized Adaptive Tests

Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) is gaining wide acceptance with the ready availability of computer technology. The general intent of is to adapt the difficulty of the test to the capabilities of the examinee so that measurement accuracy is improved over fixed tests, and the entire testing process is more efficient. However, many computer administration designs, such as two-stage tests, stratified adaptive tests, and those with content balancing and exposure control, are called adaptive, but the amount of adaptation greatly varies. In this paper, several measures of the amount of adaptation for a CAT are presented along with information about their sensitivity to item pool size, distribution of item difficulty, and exposure control. A real data application is presented to show the level of adaptation of a mature, operational CAT. Some guidelines are provided for how much adaptation should take place to merit the label of an “adaptive test.”
Cross-Functional Process Integration and the Integrated Data Environment

This paper demonstrates how to plan for large-scale enterprise integration implementations using modern integrated planning methodologies. The focus is on cross-functional process integration in a manufacturing environment. The subjects covered are Integrated Data Environment, System alignment and standard software solutions. Planning for the Integrated Data Environment. Vertical and horizontal integration, and Integrated enterprise modeling.
As Safe as Possible (ASAP): A Brief App-Supported Inpatient Intervention to Prevent Postdischarge Suicidal Behavior in Hospitalized, Suicidal Adolescents.

Objective:The authors report on a pilot study of an inpatient intervention for suicidal adolescents, As Safe as Possible (ASAP), supported by a smartphone app (BRITE) to reduce suicide attempts fol...
Hepatocellular carcinoma: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and surveillance - implications for sub-Saharan Africa

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from hepatocytes usually secondary to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. It is an important disease of global significance with a high incidence and mortality. It is the fifth and eighth most common cancer in males and females, respectively. HCC is also extremely lethal; in 2015 it was the second and sixth most common cause of death from cancer in males and females, respectively. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are the most frequent risk factors for the development of HCC, and the global distribution of HCC largely mirrors that of chronic viral hepatitis. More recently, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of HCC as a result of obesity-related fatty liver disease. Here, we review the epidemiology of HCC, examine recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of HCC, discuss the implications for identification of potential therapeutic targets, and provide the most updated recommendations on surveillance for HCC, with particular attention to the unique challenges and potential opportunities to reduce the burden of illness and death from HCC in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cloud repository as a malicious service: challenge, identification and implication

The popularity of cloud hosting services also brings in new security chal- lenges: it has been reported that these services are increasingly utilized by miscreants for their malicious online activities. Mitigating this emerging threat, posed by such “bad repositories” (simply Bar), is challenging due to the different hosting strategy to traditional hosting service, the lack of direct observations of the repositories by those outside the cloud, the reluctance of the cloud provider to scan its customers’ repositories without their consent, and the unique evasion strategies employed by the adversary. In this paper, we took the first step toward understanding and detecting this emerging threat. Using a small set of “seeds” (i.e., confirmed Bars), we identified a set of collective features from the websites they serve (e.g., attempts to hide Bars), which uniquely characterize the Bars. These features were utilized to build a scanner that detected over 600 Bars on leading cloud platforms like Amazon, Google, and 150 K sites, including popular ones like , using them. Highlights of our study include the pivotal roles played by these repositories on malicious infrastructures and other important discoveries include how the adversary exploited legitimate cloud repositories and why the adversary uses Bars in the first place that has never been reported. These findings bring such malicious services to the spotlight and contribute to a better understanding and ultimately eliminating this new threat.
Report of Committee on Infiltration, 1942–43

With the beginning of a new triennium the Committee on Infiltration is reorienting and reorganizing its activities as a means of focusing its attention more directly upon certain phases of the rather broad field of infiltration and in an endeavor to secure the utmost efficiency in its work. Sub-Committees are being organized as follows: (1) Infiltration and the Physics of Soil-Moisture and of the Infiltration-Process (2) Infiltration in Relation to Ground-Water (3) Infiltration in Relation to Snow and Its Physical Properties (4) Infiltration in Relation to Irrigation and Methods of Irrigation (5) Infiltration in Relation to Evapo-Transpiration (6) Infiltration in Relation to Surface-Runoff This reorganization is in part an outgrowth of a discussion between the Chairman of this Committee and the Chairman of the Committee on Snow, in which the need of closer collaboration was recognized and plans formulated for securing it.
Defining and Managing High-Priced Cures: Healthcare Payers' Opinions.

Abstract Objectives Recent regulatory approvals of potentially curative but high-cost treatments have made these therapies a focus of health policy discussions. Cures present new challenges to healthcare payers because they have high upfront costs but have life-long health benefits. The objectives of this study are to understand how healthcare payers define and manage cures. We investigated payers’ views on key features of curative treatments and the affordability and value challenges they present. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews in 2016 with key informants in US payer organizations. Interviewees were directly involved in coverage determination for highly effective and curative therapies. Results We contacted 24 individuals and 18 participated. When asked what aspects of cures were important for coverage determination, an equal percentage of respondents (61% each) mentioned clinical and economic factors. In defining a cure, half of respondents included an economic element such as no downstream costs associated with the disease. When asked about challenges, 72% of respondents mentioned uncertainty regarding long-term outcomes and 56% mentioned membership churn and competition. Conclusions Payers expressed a novel definition of a cure—which we call a “healthcare cost cure”—that captures both the clinical and economic consequences of treatment. This definition may be more pertinent in fragmentary financing systems that unevenly distribute cure costs and benefits across payers. Overall findings indicate that decision makers desire evidence to ensure that the long-term real-world consequences of covering cures match the expected benefits. Future policies need to balance upfront acquisition costs with downstream financial benefits.
Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

According to Farber and Loscalzo, pulmonary hypertension is defined as “a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of greater than 25 mm Hg at rest or 30 mm Hg with exercise” (Farber and Loscalzo, N Engl J Med. 351:1655–1665, 2004). Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is categorized based on causes into five groups by WHO (Simonneau and Gatzoulis, J Am Coll Cardiol 62:D34–41, 2013). Diagnostic tools include echocardiography, right-sided heart catheterization, chest x-ray, V/Q scan, and pulmonary angiography (McLaughlin et al., Circulation 119:2250–2294, 2009). Chest x-ray finding is dilation and calcification within pulmonary arteries, right ventricular enlargement, and right atrial dilation (Muller and Silva, Pulmonary arterial hypertension (overview). In: High-yield imaging: chest. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2010). CT and MRI findings include increased diameter of main pulmonary artery (≥30 mm), segmental artery-to-bronchus ratio >1, right ventricular and atrial enlargement, paradoxical interventricular septum bulging to left ventricle during end diastole (septal bounce), and tricuspid regurgitation (Muller and Silva, Pulmonary arterial hypertension (overview). In: High-yield imaging: chest. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2010).
Grendel: Bare Metal Provisioning System for High Performance Computing

The Center for Computational Research (CCR) at the University at Buffalo has developed Grendel: a fast, easy to use, bare metal provisioning system for High Performance Computing (HPC). Grendel simplifies network booting racks of compute nodes by providing a robust PXE boot server, rest API, and node management in a single binary for easy installation. In this paper, we describe CCR’s HPC network architecture and how Grendel was used to provision the center’s Linux based compute clusters. We also present some modern features built into Grendel including automatic host discovery, deploying Live OS images to bare metal compute nodes, and delivering kernel, initramfs, and other provisioning assets using access tokens and trusted HTTPS.
Outcomes of talar osteochondral and transchondral lesions using an evidence-based algorithmic approach based on size, location and subchondral plate integrity: a 10-year study on 204 lesions:

Objectives:Treatments outcomes for articular lesions of the talus are variable based on size. MRI has been used to assess size and location, and base treatment. We prospectively analyzed talar lesi...
Outcome Metrics in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Background:The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the metrics used to assess outcomes after treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.Methods:We performed a systematic review following P...
Multivariate conditional anomaly detection and its clinical application

This paper overviews the background, goals, past achievements and future directions of our research that aims to build a multivariate conditional anomaly detection framework for the clinical application.
ParticleChromo3D: A Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Chromosome and Genome 3D Structure Prediction from Hi-C Data

The three-dimensional (3D) structure of chromatin has a massive effect on its function. Because of this, it is desirable to have an understanding of the 3D structural organization of chromatin. To gain greater insight into the spatial organization of chromosomes and genomes and the functions they perform, chromosome conformation capture techniques, particularly Hi-C, have been developed. The Hi-C technology is widely used and well-known because of its ability to profile interactions for all read pairs in an entire genome. The advent of Hi-C has greatly expanded our understanding of the 3D genome, genome folding, gene regulation and has enabled the development of many 3D chromosome structure reconstruction methods. Here, we propose a novel approach for 3D chromosome and genome structure reconstruction from Hi-C data using Particle Swarm Optimization approach called ParticleChromo3D. This algorithm begins with a grouping of candidate solution locations for each chromosome bin, according to the particle swarm algorithm, and then iterates its position towards a global best candidate solution. While moving towards the optimal global solution, each candidate solution or particle uses its own local best information and a randomizer to choose its path. Using several metrics to validate our results, we show that ParticleChromo3D produces a robust and rigorous representation of the 3D structure for input Hi-C data. We evaluated our algorithm on simulated and real Hi-C data in this work. Our results show that ParticleChromo3D is more accurate than most of the existing algorithms for 3D structure reconstruction. Our results also show that constructed ParticleChromo3D structures are very consistent, hence indicating that it will always arrive at the global solution at every iteration. The source code for ParticleChromo3D, the simulated and real Hi-C datasets, and the models generated for these datasets are available here: https://github.com/OluwadareLab/ParticleChromo3D
vIIIS: A Vocational Intelligent Interactive Immersive Storytelling Framework to Support Task Performance

This paper presents a framework for developing Intelligent, Interactive, and Immersive Storytelling systems for vocational training by improving task performance. We present a systematic framework that can be used to personalize training for a worker in a factory environment. We also present a system implementation that builds upon the vIIIS framework and also describes the design decisions made throughout the system. In this paper, we focus on improving a user’s episodic and working memory by employing picture sequence and object sorting tasks taken from the NIH toolbox and presenting an intelligent Augmented Reality system. A major advantage of using an intelligent and interactive system using storytelling is that the training can be curated towards each specific user, thereby enhancing the learning outcome based on individual needs.
P-099: Perturbation of CDK7 and super-enhancer driven transcriptional programs synergistically halts multiple myeloma cell proliferation

Background With the deluge of available genomic data in recent years, it is becoming evident that MM cells are characterized by cell cycle dysregulation, epigenetic heterogeneity, and perturbation of the transcriptional landscape. We here elucidated the biological role of CDK7 and explored the functional consequence of its inhibition in MM using chemical and genetic approaches, including a recently reported selective CDK7 covalent inhibitor YKL-5-124, and engineered systems for rapid CDK7 protein degradation (dTAG). As previously shown with non-selective inhibitors, CDK7 inhibition via YKL-5-124 was active against a large panel of 25 MM cell lines and observed a significant inhibition of MM cell proliferation, with a significantly lower IC50 compared to PHA-activated normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), suggesting a specific sensitivity of MM cells to CDK7 inhibition. The efficacy of YKL-5-124 was confirmed in vivo in several murine MM models. Selective pharmacological degradation of endogenously tagged CDK7 and inducible KO/KD cell systems confirmed impact of CDK7 inhibition on MM cell proliferation supporting the view that CDK7 is a pharmacologically relevant target for MM. Gene expression analysis after CDK7 inhibition in MM1S and H929 cells revealed that transcripts for only a subset of genes were substantially affected by treatment with low dose of YKL-5-124, showing a strong leading-edge enrichment for downregulation of E2F expression program, cell cycle, DNA damage, and MYC targets. We have indeed confirmed a potent reduction in phosphorylation of RB protein, with consequent decrease of E2F activity in MM cells confirmed using E2F-driven luciferase reporter. These data support the notion of CDK7 as a central hub in the oncogenic CDK-pRb-E2F pathway in MM cells, with its expression and activity positively correlated with E2F transcriptional output in patient cells. Conclusion Importantly, dual inhibition with low doses of YKL-5-124 and BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 respectively, displayed superior activity against a panel of MM cell lines and primary MM cells compared to single perturbation alone by both converging on a subset of key SE-associated dependencies as well as impacting distinct oncogenic expression programs. Isobologram analysis revealed strong synergism with a combination index (CI)
Neoplastic Transformation of Human Mutant Cells by a Tumor Promoter

Neoplastic transformation is a multi-phase process apparently caused by carcinogens and subject to the influence of promoters. The naturally occurring phorbol esters such as 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) are potent tumor promoting agents. We have studied the effects of TPA on human mutant fibroblast cell.strains derived from Individuals with hereditary adenomatosis of the colon and rectum (ACR), an autosomal dominant trait. We have previously demonstrated in these fibroblasts abnormal phenotypic expressions which often appear in transformed cells. In these studies, we have assumed that the ACR cell exists in an ‘initiated state’ due to a dominant mutation and that expression of the malignant state might only require treatment with a promoting agent. This simple experimental protocol provided a novel system for the study of cancer promotion in vitro. We have now demonstrated the growth in vivo and growth properties in vitro of human mutant cells exposed to TPA alone.
Posterior scleral bowing with choroidal nevus on enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

Importance Recognition of posterior scleral bowing with choroidal nevus is essential to avoid an underestimation of tumor thickness. Objective To describe a particular observation of posterior scleral bowing associated with choroidal nevus on enhanced-depth imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT). Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective observational case series at a referral center involving 17 eyes of 17 patients. Patients were seen from June 2013 to July 2014, with all data collected and analyzed from June 2014 to July 2014. Interventions Retrospective medical record review and multimodal imaging including fundus photography, autofluorescence, infrared reflectance, ultrasonography, and EDI-OCT. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical and imaging characteristics. Results Analysis of 318 consecutive patients with choroidal nevus imaged over a 1-year period revealed that 17 cases (5%) demonstrated the EDI-OCT feature of posterior scleral bowing. Of these 17 cases, the mean patient age was 58 years (median, 58 years; range, 36-75 years) and there were 6 men (35%) and 11 women (65%). The nevus was classified as pigmented (n = 3; 18%), nonpigmented (n = 2; 12%), and mixed pigmentation (n = 12; 71%), and with no surrounding halo (n = 7; 41%). Associated features included overlying drusen (n = 9; 53%), retinal pigment epithelial alterations (n = 9; 53%), subretinal fluid (n = 5; 29%), and orange pigment (n = 3; 18%). The nevus was clinically estimated to be of 4.91-mm basal dimension and measured ultrasonographically at 1.59-mm thickness. By EDI-OCT, the nevus mean thickness was 628 µm (0.63 mm). All cases demonstrated posterior scleral bowing with mean scleral excavation of 398 µm (median, 377 µm; range, 134-739 µm). Underlying the nevus, the scleral thickness was not measurable; however, at the nevus margin, the choroid and sclera appeared normal. Clinical features correlated with posterior scleral bowing included reduced distance to the optic disc (difference, 1.3 mm; 95% CI, −2.95 mm to 5.51 mm; P = .01) and the foveola (difference, 2.14 mm; 95% CI, 0.80 mm to 3.48 mm; P P Conclusions and Relevance Choroidal nevus can show focal posterior scleral bowing on EDI-OCT in 5% of cases. This finding was related to more posterior location of nevus, less/mixed pigmentation, and surrounding halo. This finding could lead to underestimation of tumor thickness as the tumor bows backward rather than forward.
Facing Protectionism Generated by Trade Disputes: China's Post-WTO Blues

In present-day political and policy discussions in Washington, widespread concern is shared over the large and growing U.S.-China trade deficit. In the Senate, this concern was manifested in the proposed Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2007, which was introduced in June 2007, and calls for designations and escalations to punish countries deemed to be guilty of exchange rate manipulation. Many other proposals to adjust, control or limit various elements of the U.S.-China trade relationship also exist, underscoring the belief that the U.S. economy suffers in some way from this trade relationship. More specifically, at the very base of these concerns lies the view that the large trade deficit has reduced U.S. welfare by increasing unemployment and reducing wages. Yet is this an accurate representation of the affect of current trade patterns with China on the U.S. economy? In order to determine the answer, in this paper we examine some of the economic issues associated with the large overall U.S. trade deficit (which, in 2006, was three and a half times larger than the bilateral U.S.-China trade deficit), and some of policy options in reducing U.S.-China economic tensions by posing and answering four critical questions.
Sequential hyperglycemic-euglycemic clamp to assess β-cell and peripheral tissue: studies in female athletes

Insulin secretion and rate of utilization (R(d)) of glucose were tested during a newly developed sequential clamp in 42 highly trained female athletes (A; 18-69 yr old) and 14 sedentary control women (C; 18--50 yr old; body mass index <25 kg/m(2)). The A women were categorized into four age groups: 18--29, 30--39, 40--49, and 50--69 yr old. The C women were also grouped by age (18--29 and 40--50 yr old). During the three-step clamp (hyperglycemia, return to euglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia), glucose turnover was assessed with [3-(3)H]glucose. Among the A, the youngest group had the largest first- and second-phase insulin response, which was significantly different from the oldest A (P < 0.05). Among the two C groups, first-phase response of both groups and second-phase response of the older group was higher than respective age-matched A (P < 0.05). During the hyperglycemic period, glucose R(d) was similar among A groups and between A and C. Despite similar levels of insulin between groups during the hyperinsulinemic period (approximately 400 pmol/l), A utilized 36% more glucose than C (P < 0.001). Glucose R(d) was not different across the age groups of A. This newly developed sequential clamp procedure allows assessment of both beta-cell sensitivity to glucose and peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin in a single session. We have shown that physical activity improves beta-cell efficiency across the age span in women and ameliorates the effect of age on the decline of peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin.
Expression of GM-CSF in T Cells Is Increased in Multiple Sclerosis and Suppressed by IFN-β Therapy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the CNS. Studies in animal models of MS have shown that GM-CSF produced by T cells is necessary for the development of autoimmune CNS inflammation. This suggests that GM-CSF may have a pathogenic role in MS as well, and a clinical trial testing its blockade is ongoing. However, there have been few reports on GM-CSF production by T cells in MS. The objective of this study was to characterize GM-CSF production by T cells of MS patients and to determine the effect of IFN-β therapy on its production. GM-CSF production by peripheral blood (PB) T cells and the effects of IFN-β were characterized in samples of untreated and IFN-β–treated MS patients versus healthy subjects. GM-CSF production by T cells in MS brain lesions was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Untreated MS patients had significantly greater numbers of GM-CSF+CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in PB compared with healthy controls and IFN-β–treated MS patients. IFN-β significantly suppressed GM-CSF production by T cells in vitro. A number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in MS brain lesions expressed GM-CSF. Elevated GM-CSF production by PB T cells in MS is indicative of aberrant hyperactivation of the immune system. Given its essential role in animal models, abundant GM-CSF production at the sites of CNS inflammation suggests that GM-CSF contributes to MS pathogenesis. Our findings also reveal a potential mechanism of IFN-β therapy, namely suppression of GM-CSF production.
Bankrupt: An Ethical Analysis of the 2009 Auto Bailout

The three major Detroit-based manufacturers of the American automotive industry, General Motors, Chrysler and Ford, are jointly referred to as the Big Three for distinguishing their operations from those of competitors in terms of size, sales, geography and profits. In early 2009, the Big Three found themselves covered in debts and losses as the U.S. Government handed them an initial bailout package worth $25 billion to rescue them from bankruptcy. Through an analysis of the ethics behind government bailouts and an evaluation of arguments for and against the decision to give out such a package to the auto firms, I shall argue in this paper that, given the circumstances in which the decision had to be hastily made, it was morally justified for the U.S. government to reward the bailout package to the Big Three. These circumstances, however, could have been avoided had the auto industry not disregarded the outcomes of its prolonged indulgence in corporate malpractices. Thus, if no lesson is learnt from this recession and such neglect continues, the Big Three, or any other corporation for that matter, should not be allowed access to such enormous amounts of public funds in the future.
Surgical treatment of metastatic brain tumors

The most common structural neurologic complication of systemic cancer is brain metastasis. For the most part, treatment is palliative because the majority of patients (≥ 50%) have uncontrollable systemic cancer. However, for patients in whom the only metastasis is to the brain, death is more likely to result from the metastasis than from the systemic disease; hence, treatment of the metastasis is vitally important. Although radiotherapy is generally considered the preferred treatment, surgical removal of the mass, whether single or multiple, may be the most effective palliation, especially for tumors from radio-resistant diseases such as melanoma, kidney and colon cancer. We review the information regarding therapeutic decision-making; advances in surgical procedures, namely computer-assisted stereotactic and/or intraoperative ultrasound and mapping techniques; the efficacy of postoperative WBRT; complications and benefits of surgery; our experience with reoperation for recurrent metastatic brain tumors, the results of which indicate that reoperation for recurrent brain metastasis can prolong survival and improve quality of life for most individuals; our results comparing surgery versus radiosurgery, which show that patients who undergo surgical treatment live longer and have better tumor control than those treated with radiosurgery; and the patient's prognosis. The conclusion is that surgery should remain the treatment of choice whenever possible.
Is there still a role for distal pancreatectomy in surgery for chronic pancreatitis

The medical records of patients subjected to distal pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis from 1982 to 1992 were reviewed to ascertain if pain relief could be predicted based on computed axial tomography (CAT) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) findings. Of 10 patients who had severe pain preoperatively and disease limited to the body or tail of the pancreas, 9 had no pain or only mild pain postoperatively. Of 7 patients with severe pain preoperatively and diffuse disease or disease localized to the head of the pancreas, 6 required further hospitalization and resection or drainage procedures for severe, recurrent pain. We believe 50% to 60% of distal pancreatectomy procedures meet most criteria for the best operation for a select group of patients with chronic pancreatitis: those patients with severe pain, small ducts (
Trophic factor secreting kidney cell lines: in vitro characterization and functional effects following transplantation in ischemic rats.

Abstract Several kidney cell lines were investigated for their ability to produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Cell line-conditioned medium was analyzed using ELISA and two cell lines were identified which produce GDNF in physiologically active concentrations. ELISA analyses revealed that conditioned medium from these two cell lines also contained PDGF, bFGF, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2. Both of these cell lines were then transplanted into the striatal penumbra of rats, 1 h following middle cerebral artery occlusion. Behavioral testing revealed that both cell lines reduced the deficit associated with cerebral ischemia and reduced the infarct volume relative to controls. Reduction of infarct volume was likely achieved by the action of GDNF and/or other growth factors produced by the cells.
Reclamation of niobium compounds from ionic liquid electrochemical polishing of superconducting radio frequency cavities

Recent research has shown that choline chloride (vitamin B4)-based solutions can be used as a greener alternative to acid-based electrochemical polishing solutions. This study demonstrated a successful method for electrochemical deposition of niobium compounds onto the surface of copper substrates using a novel choline chloride-based ionic liquid. Niobium ions present in the ionic liquid solution were dissolved into the solution prior to deposition via electrochemical polishing of solid niobium. A black coating was clearly visible on the surface of the Cu following deposition. This coating was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). This ionic liquid-based electrochemical deposition method effectively recycles previously dissolved niobium from electrochemical polishing of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities.
The petrogenesis of komatiites and related rocks as evidence for a layered upper mantle

Abstract Although the CaO/Al 2 O 3 ratio of komatiites has been regarded as one of the distinguishing features of these rocks, a comparison of various komatiite and oceanic tholeiite analyses suggests that there is a continuum of ratios between the two. The extremely high MgO values of peridotitic komatiites suggest that they are the result of high degrees of partial melting of the mantle, leaving a harzburgitic residuum depleted in CaO and Al 2 O 3 , and hence preserving in the melt the original CaO/Al 2 O 3 ratio of the parental material. Available chemical models of the mantle have CaO/Al 2 O 3 ratios too low to explain the origin of komatiite by such a process. Shallow-level melting of a layered mantle in which clinopyroxene content decreases and garnet content increases with depth, may explain the chemistry of komatiites and related ultrabasic lavas.
So you have a stable child welfare workforce — What's next?☆

Abstract The purpose of the study was to explore the contribution of personal and agency factors to job satisfaction, organizational commitment and retention indicators (intention to leave, preference for leaving, and looked for a job) in a state child welfare agency with fewer than eight percent turnover for five years. On balance, results from this analysis reveal that child welfare staff are satisfied with their jobs and dedicated to their work. Most significant is the finding that approximately 50% of the staff report that they would prefer to leave, but salary and benefits are a strong incentive to stay. Organizational culture appears to be the contributing factor to this finding. Implications for policy, practice and research are discussed.
Poverty and Child Development: Relevance of Research in Developing Countries to the United States.

Data from low-income countries are helpful in understanding the effects of poverty on child development in the U.S. Illustrative are 3 public health issues: (1) In the U.S., among poor African-American and Hispanic babies anemia is as high as 20%-24%, while in low-income countries, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) causes poor performance on mental and motor tests among babies and children. These data suggest that IDA is a major public health problem among poor minority children that requires prompt attention. (2) In 1993 the U.S. government appropriated $2.86 billion for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Evaluations of WIC, however, have failed to yield conclusive information on the benefits of the program. In low-income countries, nutritional supplements targeted to at-risk groups have resulted in developmental benefits. Thus, WIC is likely to buffer intellectual development against the adverse effects of malnutrition observed among poor children. (3) Evidence from developing countries suggests that concurrent illnesses and poor nutrition interfere with schooling. However, in the U.S., attention to such issues has declined, while common illnesses have increased among the poor. A reappraisal of this issue is warranted to meet the education and health goals proposed for the year 2000 in the U.S.
111 CAH (21-HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCY) PRESENTING AS CENTRAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY

A 14 year old female had the onset of pubic hair, breast development and mild acne at 6 to 7 years of age. The bone age was 3 1/2 years advanced. She had menarche at 9 years of age and has had monthly periods since. Early evaluation disclosed no abnormalities. The development of cystic acne at 10 years of age prompted additional evaluation. External genitalia were normal with no fusion of the labia and normal to small clitoris. There was no hirsutism. CT scan of the brain, ultrasound of pelvis, long bones, T4,TSH, FSH (9.1 mIU/ml), LH (6.1),estradiol (51 and 148 pg/ml) were normal.DHEA-SO4 (225 μg/dl). Elevated 17 OH-Progesterone (3028 ng/dl), androstenedione (350 ng/dl), testosterone (121 ng/dl) 24 hr urine 17 KS (14.9 mg),pregnanetriol (2.7 mg) normalized with Dexamethasone suppression and daily prednisone (5 mg) afterwards, to testosterone (34), 17 OH Progesterone (141 and 50), urinary 17 KS (5.3) and pregnanetriol (0.2). Serum 17 OH Progesterone in both parents and a brother were normal.
Supporting the information needs of mobile microentrepreneurs in the developing world: the case of Indonesian food cart vendors

This paper describes an ongoing research project exploring the business practices of mobile entrepreneurs, specifically mobile food vendors, and the potential use of location aware and mobile phone-based application to support their information needs. Mobile food vendors are a ubiquitous phenomenon in the developing world and can be seen hawking their wares in carts, bicycles, or motorcycles. In this paper we report findings from 28 interviews around business practices, challenges, personal histories, and economic wellbeing among mobile food vendors and 10 of their customers from five major Indonesian cities. Based on these findings, we point to characteristics and features of a mobile phone-based application that will enable these vendors to advertise their current location, accept orders from customers, enable customers' recommendation of vendors, and inform fellow vendors of various special events.
An early Arabidopsis demonstration. Resolving a few issues concerning photorespiration.

One of the great discoveries of 20th century biology was the elucidation of the pathway of photosynthetic CO2 fixation by Calvin, Benson, and colleagues (18). Among the many loose ends that remained after the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle had been defined was a series of observations showing
Spin-Hamiltonian Parameters and Spin-Orbit Coupling for V 3 + in ZnO

The spin-Hamiltonian parameters for ZnO: ${\mathrm{V}}^{3+}$ have been refined using electron-paramagnetic-resonance (EPR) line position calculations. The principal sources of error are discussed. The accurate spin-Hamiltonian parameters are used to discuss the spin-orbit coupling within the $3d$ manifold of electronic states.
Isolation of the opioid peptide Leu-Val-Val-hemorphin-7 from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a patient with non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract The decapeptide Leu-Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg-Phe was isolated in high yield (1.5 nmol/ml) from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from a patient with an adenocarcinoma of the lung. This peptide, termed LVV-hemorphin-7 represents residues 32–41 of the β-chain of hemoglobin and has been shown to be an endogenous ligand for opioid receptors. The N-terminal flanking peptide of LVV-hemorphin-7 [residues (1–31) of hemoglobin β-chain] was also isolated in high yield. Neither peptide was detected in BAL fluid from the tumor-free lung of the same patient or from patients with non-neoplastic inflammatory lung disease. LVV-hemorphin-7 was not identified in BAL fluid from seven additional patients with non-small cell lung cancer, indicating that the formation of the peptide is unlikely to be of any diagnostic significance. However, the ability of LVV-hemorphin-7 to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme suggests that its formation may be of pathophysiological significance in the regulation of tumor blood flow in certain patients.
Self-organized criticality in non-conservative models

Abstract Some recent results on non-conservative models of self-organized criticality are reviewed and discussed. A class of deterministic models introduced by Olami, Feder and Christensen exhibits 1 f noise with an exponent which depends on the degree of conservation. The “Game of Life”, a cellular automation mimicking a society of interacting organisms, also appears to evolve to a critical state, with avalanches obeying finite size scaling.
Unscented Kalman Filter Method for Speed Estimation Using Single Loop Detector Data

The accurate estimation of flow speeds with single loop data is critical to freeway traffic management. Many existing methods cannot accurately estimate speed because of difficulty in determining vehicle lengths and because some assumptions can be applied only to certain limited conditions. Moreover, excessive experimentally determined parameters some proposed approaches difficult to implement. A new unscented Kalman filter method of speed estimation is presented. The algorithm of the proposed method is implemented and evaluated with the use of field data from Texas Transportation Institute's vehicle detector test beds on State Route 6 in College Station, Texas, and on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas. Estimated speeds are compared with observed speed data and with results from other estimation methods. The results indicate that the proposed method has excellent estimation accuracy and outperforms other methods. In addition to its superior accuracy, the proposed method is fairly easy to implement and practi...
Estimation Risk and Adaptive Behavior in the Pricing of Options

We consider the effects of uncertainty in the statistical parameters of the Gaussian process in the context of the Black-Scholes option pricing model. With continuous time observation of returns, uncertainty about the variance disappears over any finite time interval, but uncertainty about the mean diminishes at the rate of 1/τ, where T is the length of the time interval of observation. In a market in which participants base their portfolio decisions on the predictive distribution of returns, option prices will be higher than in a market in which uncertainty in the mean is ignored. Even though the mean parameter, μ, is itself irrelevant in the Black-Scholes model, uncertainty about μ affects option values under our behavioral assumptions.
Trusty or Rusty? Oxidation Rate of Nails

In this Activity, students investigate the process of rusting using supermarket chemicals: unflavored gelatin, table salt and backache pain reliever tablets. A gelatin mixture is prepared and steel nails are placed in the gelatin and allowed to react with atmospheric oxygen. Ferric ion produced by the oxidation is made visible as a garnet-colored complex by magnesium salicylate present in the backache tablets. Factors that accelerate or retard the rate of iron oxidation are studied.
Paired associate learning: Data on pair difficulty and variables that influence difficulty

Two hundred pairs of five-letter words were produced randomly from all five-letter words in Thorndike and Lorge (1944). The difficulty of each pair was established for paired associate learning by having 50 subjects learn lists of 20 pairs. The difficulty of a pair was found to be highly reliable and was not influenced by the particular list in which it was learned. Frequency of response terms was positively related to learning, but the frequency of the stimulus terms was not. Two-syllable five-letter words were learned more rapidly than one-syllable five-letter words. Two 20-pair lists were constructed, one consisting of homogeneous pairs of average difficulty and the other of 10 very easy pairs and 10 very difficult pairs. As anticipated, performance on the latter list was initially better than that on the former, with the performance on the two lists converging over trials. The difficulty of the pairs as determined by paired associate learning was unrelated to misses on a recognition test, but the false alarms decreased as difficulty decreased.