cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iterative design of a Braille writing tutor to combat illiteracy

Less than 3% of the 145 million blind people living in developing countries are literate. This low literacy rate is partly due to the lack of trained teachers and the challenges associated with learning to write Braille on a traditional slate and stylus. These challenges include writing from right to left, writing mirrored images of letters, and receiving significantly delayed feedback. Extensive conversations with the Mathru School for the Blind near Bangalore, India, revealed the need for a robust, low-power, low-cost Braille writing tutor. We present an iterative and participatory design process resulting in the creation and refinement of a prototype Braille writing tutor system. This system uses a novel input device to capture a student's activity on a slate using a stylus and uses a range of techniques to teach Braille writing skills to both beginner and advanced students. We report on lessons learned from the implementation of this project and from a six-week pilot study at the Mathru school, and outline future directions for improvement.
Cursor-on-Target Control for Semi-autonomous UAS 1

The research presented in this paper focuses on developing and evaluating the concept of a Cursor-on-Target controller for semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The proposed Cursor-on-Target operator interface and control laws provide an extremely intuitive means for an operator (who doesn’t have to be an aircraft pilot) to maneuver a UAS with minimum workload. The operator is able to easily control the vehicle without taking eyes off of the sensor display and without having to think in terms of control surface deflections. Autonomous UAS control reduces operator workload; however, real-time information exchange often requires an operator to be able to relay decision changes to the UAS. The goal of this research is to develop a Cursor-on-Target controller to enable the operator to guide the UAS with minimal workload even during high task phases of flight. Then, an operator’s ability to track a moving target using the Cursor-on-Target controller is evaluated using an operator-in-the-loop simulation and a proposed UAS Handling Qualities Rating Scale. The results and lessons learned after having several operators perform tracking tasks using the proposed control system and rating scale is presented.
Temperature‐dependent properties of dinucleoside phosphates

The optical rotatory dispersion, hypochromism, and proton magnetic resonance were measured for a number of dinucleoside phosphates in both dilute salt solutions and in 25.2% LiCl (which freezes below −70°C.) as a function of temperature. Two models for the “disordering” of dinucleoside phosphates: the two-state model and the oscillating dimer model, are used to analyze the data. Both models fit some of the data, but neither are completely satisfactory. Evidence is given for a dynamic structure of dinucleoside phosphates, in which the bases oscillate with respect to one another, remaining parallel to one another with no solvent in between, even at high temperatures. Implications of this model to the structures of single-strand sections of RNA's are discussed.
Risk factors for symptomatic hyponatraemia: the role of pre‐existing asymptomatic hyponatraemia

Background: Hyponatraemia is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Identification of the risk factors associated with the development of symptomatic hyponatraemia is important in determining preventive strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the risks factors associated with the development of severe, symptomatic hyponatraemia requiring hospital admission over the past 3 years at our institution was carried out. Results: Forty-seven patients (26 women, 21 men) with a hospital admission serum sodium <134 mmol/L were identified. Of these patients, 31 (65.9%) had associated changes in the mental status that improved with the treatment of the hyponatraemia suggesting causality. The average admission sodium level of this cohort was 118.8 mmol/L. Symptomatic hyponatraemia was associated with volume depletion (32.6%), congestive heart failure (26%), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (26%), thiazide diuretic use (26%) and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor use (26%). In 21.7% of cases, the cause was multifactorial (congestive heart failure, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone or medication use with volume depletion). In 11% of cases, patients were taking both thiazide diuretics and serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Most importantly, 70.9% of all patients admitted with symptomatic hyponatraemia had pre-existing hyponatraemia that was untreated and believed to be asymptomatic (P < 0.05). This was the most common risk factor identified. We next investigated the prevalence of presumed asymptomatic hyponatraemia in the outpatient setting. Out of 27 496 patients analysed, 14% had serum sodium levels less than or equal to 134 mEq/L and 4% had values less than 130 mEq/L. Conclusion: Pre-existing asymptomatic hyponatraemia is a common finding and is associated with a high risk for the development of worsening hyponatraemia with altered mental status.
High risk maternal factors related to retaled to fetel wastage in rural Banglandesh

An analysis of the relationship between fetal mortality (early fetal death and stillbirth) pregnancy order maternal age and previous fetal deaths in a rural Bangladesh population characterized by high fertility and mortality and the virtual absence of obstetric and other medical care indicates that early fetal wastage and stillbirth are higher among pregnancy orders 1 and 6 or higher than among orders 2 and 3 with the increased risk particularly apparent among those pregnancies following 2 or more previous fetal deaths. The data consist of the 21144 pregnancies that occurred to the women in Matlab Bangladesh 1966-1969. By a multiple regression technique allowing for pregnancy order and previous fetal deaths adjustments were made for age of the mother and after allowances were made for previous fetal deaths adjustments were made for pregnancy order. Results show the fewest fetal deaths in 2nd and 3rd pregnancies and most at the highest parities. 10% of all pregnancy terminations 1966-1969 were registered as fetal deaths. Women in the higher pregnancy orders who have not experienced previous fetal deaths or only 1 fetal death have only a slight increase in the risk of fetal death compared to women in pregnancy orders 2 and 3. It is concluded that the virtual absence of medical care facilities is responsible for the large numbers of fetal deaths due to complications of gestation delivery and environmental influences. It also results in a higher maternal mortality of women with pregnancy complications related to fetal deaths. This absence of obstetric care and the high maternal mortality in this population may allow only women without reproductive impairments to reach the higher pregnancy orders.
Spatial distributions of genotypes under isolation by distance.

The spatial distributions of single-locus diploid genotypes, produced within populations of sexually reproducing individuals under isolation by distance, are measured and characterized in detail by quantifying the join-counts for simulated model populations. The models more realistically reflect spatially explicit distributions of genotypes in populations, because unlike the classical theory, they include the stochasticity inherent in the process of matings between genotypes. This stochasticity causes the formation of large areas or patches containing mostly one homozygous genotype, which is not predicted by the classical theory. A number of previously uncharacterized features of the spatial structures produced under isolation by distance are revealed. Spatial autocorrelation measures based on counts of pairs of homozygotes are highly consistent quantifications of the concentrations of homozygotes in patchy genotypic distributions for a given level of dispersal. Most strikingly, the degree of intermixing of homozygotes with heterozygotes over small spatial scales is much higher than previously thought, unless dispersal is extremely limited (e.g., Wright's neighborhood size less than approximately 5.0). Among implications for studies of spatial structure of real populations, one is that the results provide a basis for using join-counts as estimators of gene dispersal based solely on genetic data.
Operational fault detection for telerobotic systems using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and AC analysis of position data

This paper proposes a methodology for the operational fault detection (OFD) of telerobotic systems using discrete wavelet transform and AC analysis. For the generalization of the proposed methodology, the sensor considered in this study is confined to the sensor, which is usually installed in the standard or general configuration of telerobots, such as joint position sensors. Also, the common characteristics and limitations of telerobots are considered in the development of the algorithms.
Synteny mapping of human chromosome 8 loci in cattle.

Summary. Four genes having homologous loci on the short arm of human chromosome 8 have been mapped to two different bovine syntenic groups. The gene coding for the tissue-type plasminogen activator mapped with GSR, a human chromosome 8 marker, of syntenic group U14 while lipoprotein lipase and the medium and light neurofilament polypeptide genes were shown to be syntenic with the human chromosome 9 marker GGTB2 of syntenic group U18.
Dogmatism and Mental Health: A Comparison of the Religious and Secular

Religiousness has frequently been found to be associated with higher reported mental health levels than those found in individuals lower in reported religiousness. These results have often been inferred by scholars to mean that secular groups have poorer levels of mental health despite the fact that secular populations have rarely been included in studies. In this study, an ideologically diverse sample of 4,667 respondents was included to determine the relationships among general dogmatism levels, existential dogmatism, religiousness, and 5 indicators of mental health. The sample mainly comprised agnostic, atheist, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and spiritual nonreligious participants. Statistical analyses indicated that atheistic and theistic groups showed no significant differences on 4 of the 5 mental health indicators. Existential dogmatism and religiousness had similar positive relationships with mental health, but each had weak predictive strengths. The implications of the current study are that secular and religious adherents have similar levels of mental health, which is contrary to expectations based on the previous
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Compliance and Resident Competence in Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery during General Surgery Residency: A Program Director Review

Objective A survey of general surgery (GS) program directors (PD) was performed to determine how Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) requirements are met and compare the findings with previous national averages. The objectives were to establish whether GS residencies are in compliance with ACGME recommendations. Secondary objectives aimed to determine if fellowship affects residency training. Methods A 30-question survey was sent out to GS PDs registered with Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Analysis of the responses was then completed using statistical software (GraphPad) and compared with the ACGME data. Results Although HPB training and exposure has changed, most programs continue to meet HPB requirements at their main institution (73%). Overall, 27% of PDs now send residents to outside facilities or have hired new HPB faculty to manage the shift in caseload. GS graduates have HPB numbers comparable to the national resident averages of 2010 to 2011, and many programs graduate residents exceeding ACGME HPB requirements. Although 69% of residents complete >50% of HPB cases, only 50% of PDs felt residents were competent. Altogether, 30% of programs had HPB fellowships; few PDs felt fellows positively affected residency training. Conclusions PDs feel that residents achieve more than minimum required HPB numbers required by the ACGME but not all are competent. Fellows reduce resident exposure to HPB cases. More simulation and autonomy may improve HPB education in GS residency.
Is family history of breast cancer a marker of susceptibility to exposures in the incidence of de novo adult acute leukemia

The risk factors for adult acute leukemia incidence have been difficult to establish. Family history of cancer might interact with environmental exposures to produce associations that are otherwise difficult to detect. In addition to family history of leukemia or other hematopoietic cancers, family history of breast cancer could be a marker of susceptibility, because leukemia and breast cancer are known to cluster in families that have specific germ-line mutations. In a population-based case control study of 779 incident adult acute leukemia patients and 625 controls, we estimated the relative risk for exposed individuals with a family history compared with unexposed individuals without a family history (RR(11)), along with a measure of interdependence, the interaction contrast ratio. Combined with a family history of breast cancer, ever-smoking [RR(11) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-4.8], general solvent exposure (RR(11) = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.4), aromatic hydrocarbon exposure (RR(11) = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.1-14), and diagnostic ionizing radiation exposure (RR(11) = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.8) were all associated with increased incidence. Furthermore, there was no increased incidence associated with any of these exposures in the absence of a family history of breast cancer and no increased incidence for family history of breast cancer in the absence of exposures. The pattern of relative risks strongly suggested synergy across exposures. Family history of breast cancer might be a marker of susceptibility to a range of leukemia risk factors, whose effects are generally weak or nonexistent when considered alone.
An Innovative Approach to Permanent State Funding of Civil Legal Services: One State's Experience-So Far

In October 1997 the Chief Judge of the State of New York, Judith S. Kaye, appointed a Legal Services Project and charged its members with finding a means of "promot[ing] constancy in the flow of resources for professional legal services organizations so that they may continue their excellent work and serve greater numbers of litigants."1 At the time of announcing the project, Chief Judge Kaye stated: "A justice system that allows disparities in justice based on the ability to pay is inconsistent with a fundamental principle of our free democratic society equal justice for all." The Project therefore viewed its mandate as identifying a potential source of permanent state funding for civil legal services programs one that would be "substantial, stable from year to year, and secure (that is, permanent)."2 The Legal Services Project issued its Report to the Chief Judge, entitled "Funding Civil Legal Services for the Poor," in May 1998. The Report "concluded that only one potential funding source meets the criteria of substantiality, permanence, constancy and fairness: abandoned (unclaimed) property." It therefore recommended the annual transfer of $40 million from the Abandoned Property Fund to a newly created Access to Justice Fund.3 The story of how the Project reached its conclusion follows.
Mean-field theory of magnetic properties of MnxIII1−xV semiconductors

Abstract We present a mean-field theory of carrier-induced ferromagnetism in Mn x III 1− x V diluted magnetic semiconductors with a special emphasis placed on the magnetic anisotropy. The valence band holes are described using the six band Kohn–Luttinger model. We find that the magnetic anisotropy is a complicated function of sample parameters such as hole density or strain. Results of our numerical simulations are in agreement with magnetic anisotropy measurements on samples with both compressive and tensile strains.
PatchSurfers: Two methods for local molecular property-based binding ligand prediction

Protein function prediction is an active area of research in computational biology. Function prediction can help biologists make hypotheses for characterization of genes and help interpret biological assays, and thus is a productive area for collaboration between experimental and computational biologists. Among various function prediction methods, predicting binding ligand molecules for a target protein is an important class because ligand binding events for a protein are usually closely intertwined with the proteins' biological function, and also because predicted binding ligands can often be directly tested by biochemical assays. Binding ligand prediction methods can be classified into two types: those which are based on protein-protein (or pocket-pocket) comparison, and those that compare a target pocket directly to ligands. Recently, our group proposed two computational binding ligand prediction methods, Patch-Surfer, which is a pocket-pocket comparison method, and PL-PatchSurfer, which compares a pocket to ligand molecules. The two programs apply surface patch-based descriptions to calculate similarity or complementarity between molecules. A surface patch is characterized by physicochemical properties such as shape, hydrophobicity, and electrostatic potentials. These properties on the surface are represented using three-dimensional Zernike descriptors (3DZD), which are based on a series expansion of a 3 dimensional function. Utilizing 3DZD for describing the physicochemical properties has two main advantages: (1) rotational invariance and (2) fast comparison. Here, we introduce Patch-Surfer and PL-PatchSurfer with an emphasis on PL-PatchSurfer, which is more recently developed. Illustrative examples of PL-PatchSurfer performance on binding ligand prediction as well as virtual drug screening are also provided.
Spectrum of ocular manifestations in cobalamin C and cobalamin A types of methylmalonic acidemia

ABSTRACTBackground: Cobalamin C disease (cblC), which leads to methylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria, is the most common inherited disorder of vitamin B12 metabolism. Reported ocular findings associated with cblC have been maculopathy, pigmentary retinopathy, and optic nerve atrophy. Cobalamin A disease (cblA) which causes an isolated methylmalonic acidemia without homocystinuria is rarer than cblC. This is the first detailed report of the ocular findings associated with cblA. We also describe the spectrum of ocular findings in our cblC patients.Materials and methods: A case series describing the ophthalmologic clinical course of six patients with a diagnosis of cobalamin C type and one patient with cobalamin A type of methylmalonic acidemia. Patients were diagnosed through biochemical laboratory testing and genetic analysis was conducted on most patients. Longitudinal fundus findings, optical coherence tomography (OCT), autofluorescence, and electrophysiology were followed in the patients.Results: T...
Electromyography findings of the cricopharyngeus in association with ipsilateral pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles.

OBJECTIVES We reviewed a large series of cricopharyngeal (CP) muscle electromyography (EMG) results and compared them with the EMG results from the inferior constrictor (IC), thyroarytenoid, (TA), cricothyroid (CT), and posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscles. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of all CP muscle EMG reports from studies performed between January 1996 and June 2003. All of the tested elements from the CP muscle EMG reports were recorded. The EMG results were recorded for the ipsilateral IC, TA, CT, and PCA muscles if they were simultaneously tested. Each muscle result was classified as normal, neurogenic inactive axonal injury (IAI), or neurogenic active axonal injury (AAI), and the muscle findings were compared. A patient chart review was performed to determine a clinical correlation. RESULTS Fifty-nine patients underwent CP muscle EMG. Eighteen patients had bilateral EMG studies, making a total of 77 CP muscle studies. Nineteen sets of CP muscle results were normal, 43 demonstrated neurogenic IAI, and 15 demonstrated neurogenic AAI. The ipsilateral IC and CP muscles had the same innervation status in 27 of 28 studies (p < .0001). When the ipsilateral TA muscle was studied simultaneously with the CP muscle, 31 of 50 studies had the same innervation status (p = .005). The ipsilateral CT and CP muscles demonstrated the same innervation status in 40 of 50 studies (p < .0001). The correlations between the CP and IC muscle findings and between the CP and CT muscle findings were both stronger than the correlation between the CP and TA muscle findings (p < .0001 and p = .024, respectively). The chart review demonstrated the clinical findings to be consistent with the EMG results. CONCLUSIONS The EMG studies demonstrated that CP muscle findings have the strongest correlation with IC muscle findings, followed by the CT and TA muscles. This outcome does not support theories indicating that the recurrent laryngeal nerve innervates the CP muscle in all cases.
Hydroxyapatite Granule Implantation into Superplastic Titanium Alloy

To obtain a biomaterial which has both biological affinity and high mechanical strengths, the hydroxyapatite granules were implanted into surperplastic Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Fe-2Mo alloy substrates. It is known that this alloy becomes superplastic when heated to approximately 750°C. Hydroxyapatite granules (32-38μm in diameter) were spread over the alloy and pressed with a plunger. The granules were implanted into the substrate under 8.5MPa at 750°C for 10min. Granules were firmly bonded to the substrate. Granules adhered to the alloy were closed and product layers formed at the interface. The hydroxyapatite-granule-implanted titanium alloy was expected to be useful for biomaterials for artificial bones and dental roots.
Embryonic Orientation in Pentatomids: Its Mechanism and Function in Southern Green Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

A newly discovered phenomenon in insect development, extrinsically mediated embryonic orientation, is documented, and the possible mechanisms and functions of this behavior are described. Embryos of 12 species of pentatomids were found to orient toward the center of the egg mass. In several species the orientation angle of embryos in the outer row of the egg mass was significantly less than that of embryos in eggs of the inner row. Using the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), as the model organism, we determined that orientation toward the center of the egg mass by outer row embryos was not due to the oviposition pattern of the female. Embryonic orientation was not a function of photic cues but was mediated by stimuli provided by the glue that holds the egg mass together. Physical and chemical orientation cues associated with the glue were present only on inner surfaces of outer-row eggs; inner-row eggs received no such differential stimuli and, therefore, oriented as a function of the oviposition behavior of the female. Embryonic orientation functioned in assuring that upon hatching, outer-row nymphs received stimulation from the egg mass and siblings necessary for arrestment and inclusion in the first-instar aggregation.
All Things in Moderation: Prevention of Intestinal Adenomas by DNA Hypomethylation

DNA hypomethylation can prevent intestinal tumorigenesis, presumably by reducing epigenetic silencing of tumor-suppressor genes. A study in this issue by Sheaffer and colleagues challenges this notion by showing that severe DNA hypomethylation by tissue-specific Dnmt1 knockout can actually promote intestinal adenoma formation. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 509-11. ©2016 AACRSee related article by Sheaffer, et al., p. 534.
Barthes and the Pleasures of Alienation

Barthes turned life into language and his alienation in Writing, Play and Pleasure. Barthes’ writings are repetitive: they unfold from the same key words and fundamental patterning structures. Like Yeats, Barthes has his own ex-centric vocabulary of interlocking terms and his own ex-centric mythology. But Barthes’ writings are also always different, always new: they change with the changes in Barthes’ intellectual environment and with the growing boldness of his mental, emotional and sexual striptease.1 Because Barthes translated the languages and conventions of his culture, his readings, his thinking, his ‘art of life’, his habits, his loves, his ‘perversions’, his tenderness and even his own texts into Writing (Ecriture), there remains, in his own words, ‘no person behind’ the plural surfaces of his texts. Indeed, one could conceive of writing about Barthes exclusively by putting together a patchwork of citations from Barthes. For instance: It is my profound conviction (and it is linked to all my work during the past twenty years) that everything is language, that nothing escapes language, and that the whole of society is penetrated by language (GV, 145). Each of us speaks only one sentence which can be interrupted only by death (GV, 101).
Optimal out-of-ecliptic trajectories for space-borne observatories

In this paper novel trajectories that are particularly suitable for space-borne observation missions are introduced. Based on the framework of the spatial circular restricted three-body problem with the Sun and the Earth as the primaries and a special selection of a coordinate system, a family of trajectories with considerable displacements above the ecliptic plane is found. Stability analysis of these trajectories is carried out using practical stability theory. The normal component of motion results in significantly reduced noise from the interplanetary (zodiacal) dust and a concomitant reduction in the necessary size of the optical collecting area. The reduced size of the mirrors allows a considerable reduction in payload mass and manufacturing costs. The quest for optimal trajectories is performed using genetic algorithms. First, types of trajectories are characterized using a genetic search. Utilizing the results and insight obtained from the characterization process, optimal trajectories are designed. The first optimal trajectory requires low launch energy and yields a maximum decrease of 67% in the zodiacal cloud brightness. The second optimal trajectory requires higher launch energy, but it renders a dramatic 97% maximum noise decrease.
Adaptive likelihood codebook reordering vector quantization for 1-D data sources

This paper outlines an adaptive extension of likelihood codebook reordering (LCR) vector quantization. By providing a method for allowing the vector quantization to adapt in a predetermined way, the codebook may be adaptively reordered to allow more efficient encoding by giving preference to encountered vectors in the dictionary. In particular, adaptation allows the trained dictionaries to be more efficient in representing specific data. The difference in the training and testing sets produces different transition matrices which are used to encode testing vectors. The adaptive likelihood codebook reordering vector quantization adapts the a priori transition matrix obtained from training data set to the testing data set on an online instantaneous basis. This method yields improvements in coding rate when entropy coding is applied to the reordered indices obtained from the adaptive version of the LCR algorithm.
Electronic Cigarette Expectancies in Smokers with Psychological Distress.

Objectives Very few studies have evaluated perceptions of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among smokers with mental illness. This study assessed expectancies about the effects of smoking combustible cigarettes or using ENDS among current smokers with and without severe psychological distress (SPD). Methods We used a crowdsourcing system to survey 268 smokers on their expectancies for the effects of combustible cigarettes and ENDS. Positive expectancies assessed included negative affect reduction, stimulation, positive social effects and weight control, and negative expectancies included negative physical effects, negative psychosocial effects and future health concerns. Results Smokers with SPD had higher positive expectancies for weight control and social effects of both products compared to those without such distress, and higher expectancies for stimulation from combustible cigarettes compared to ENDS. All participants had significantly lower negative expectancies for ENDS compared to combustible cigarettes, with no significant differences between the groups. Conclusions Smokers with SPD may be more vulnerable toward ENDS use, as they are for combustible cigarette use, due to greater positive expectancies of the products. Challenging positive expectancies may increase the efficacy of tobacco control efforts in this vulnerable population.
Generation of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells via In Vitro Ocular Lineage Restriction of Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Purpose We generate a renewable supply of corneal endothelial cells (CEC) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) under defined culture conditions. Methods Corneal endothelial cell induction was driven by small molecules in a stepwise fashion of lineage specification. During the initial phase, PSC fate was restricted to the eye field-like state and became eye field stem cells (EFSCs). In the second phase, PSC-derived EFSCs were further directed toward either neural crest lineage or retinal lineage. The CECs were directly induced from ocular neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) by suppressing TGF-β and ROCK signaling. Results Under chemically defined conditions, PSCs were massively converted into EFSCs and subsequently NCSCs. Eye field cell identity was characterized by the expression of key fate restriction factors for early eye field cells, such as PAX6, LHX2, and VSX2. The induction of ocular NCSCs was initiated by promoting WNT signaling in EFSCs. Within 2 weeks of induction, the majority of cells expressed the typical neural crest markers p75NTR and HNK-1. Eye field stem cell-derived NCSCs can be propagated and cryopreserved. Subsequently, a CEC monolayer was induced from adherent NCSCs in the presence of small molecular inhibitors to suppress TGF-β and ROCK signaling. The polygon-shaped CEC-like cells became visible after a week in culture. The NCSC-derived CECs expressed typical CEC markers, such as N-Cadherin and Na+/K+-ATPase. Conclusions A novel small molecule-based approach was developed to derive human CECs from PSCs via ocular lineage specification. Moreover, EFSC-derived NCSCs could serve as an immediate source cell for rapid CEC induction in vitro.
Emergent Management of Intracardiac Thrombosis during Liver Transplantation

Intraoperative thromboembolism is a well-documented complication associated with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) but its identification and intraoperative treatment are still an emerging topic in anesthesia. Intracardiac thrombus during OLT is associated with a high mortality rate. There are only a few reports describing the successful management of thromboembolism during OLT. We describe a case where routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography during a live donor liver transplantation enabled early detection of an intracardiac thrombus with subsequent successful heparin treatment. Our case suggests that if an intracardiac thrombus is identified early (before hemodynamic instability occurs), the use of IV heparin may be a safe therapeutic option.
Unpacking the parallel effects of parental alcohol misuse and low income on risk of supervisory neglect

Although low income status and parent alcohol misuse are considered critical risk factors for child neglect, little is known about the mechanisms of this association. No known research has assessed the parallel effect of each on occurrence of child neglect. This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect effects of parent alcohol misuse and low family income on risk of supervisory neglect through mediating factors such as parent depressive symptoms and low social support. The study used a sample of 2990 parents of children under 13 years old who completed a listed telephone survey conducted in 50 mid-sized cities within California during 2009. We used a structural equation model to estimate the direct and indirect effects of parent alcohol misuse (defined as heavy drinking frequency) and low family income on supervisory neglect toward a focal child, as well as the indirect effect via parental depressive symptoms and low social support. Mediation analysis to capture direct, indirect, and total effects of these two independent variables was also conducted. Results revealed a significant direct effect of low family income on likelihood of supervisory neglect. Low income also exhibited an indirect effect via increased depressive symptoms and low social support. Annual frequency of heavy drinking showed no direct effect on supervisory neglect likelihood, but an indirect effect was observed via increased depressive symptoms and decreased social support. Parent low income and high frequency heavy drinking likely increase risks for supervisory neglect through distinct pathways. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm the pathways identified within this study.
The type IV pilus assembly ATPase PilB functions as a signaling protein to regulate exopolysaccharide production in Myxococcus xanthus.

Myxococcus xanthus possesses a form of surface motility powered by the retraction of the type IV pilus (T4P). Additionally, exopolysaccharide (EPS), the major constituent of bacterial biofilms, is required for this T4P-mediated motility in M. xanthus as the putative trigger of T4P retraction. The results here demonstrate that the T4P assembly ATPase PilB functions as an intermediary in the EPS regulatory pathway composed of the T4P upstream of the Dif signaling proteins in M. xanthus. A suppressor screen isolated a pilB mutation that restored EPS production to a T4P− mutant. An additional PilB mutant variant, which is deficient in ATP hydrolysis and T4P assembly, supports EPS production without the T4P, indicating PilB can regulate EPS production independently of its function in T4P assembly. Further analysis confirms that PilB functions downstream of the T4P filament but upstream of the Dif proteins. In vitro studies suggest that the nucleotide-free form of PilB assumes the active signaling conformation in EPS regulation. Since M. xanthus PilB possesses conserved motifs with high affinity for c-di-GMP binding, the findings here suggest that c-di-GMP can regulate both motility and biofilm formation through a single effector in this surface-motile bacterium.
In vitro evaluation of sunitinib loaded bioresorbable microspheres for potential application in arterial chemoembolization.

Abstract Drug-loadable bioresorbable microspheres (BRMS) are designed for treating hypervascular tumors through chemoembolization, thereby reducing systemic side effects via controllable local delivery. The present study investigated the degradation and loading capability of bioresorbable microspheres with an anti-angiogenic agent, sunitinib, and then evaluated the release profiles in different media (PBS, 10 μg/mL and 4 mg/mL lysozyme solutions), and tested catheter deliverability as well as potential antiangiogenic effects of the loaded microspheres. The dry weight of the BRMS showed a consistent decrease over the period of incubation in a 10 μg/mL lysozyme solution with 61.3% mass remaining on day 21. Sunitinib was loaded efficiently onto the microspheres, with smaller sizes exhibiting a slightly faster loading and release rate. At 2 h, the loading percentages were 99.28%, 97.95%, and 94.39% for 100–300, 300–500, and 500–700 μm microspheres, respectively. At 8 h, the percentage of drug released were 78.4 ± 5.8%, 71.7 ± 0.3%, and 67.0 ± 2.9% for 100–300, 300–500, and 500–700 μm microspheres under static medium conditions, respectively. Under replacing-medium conditions, the presence of 10 μg/mL lysozyme slightly delayed the drug release while 4 mg/mL lysozyme significantly facilitated the drug release from the microspheres as compared with PBS solution. Confocal imaging revealed an even distribution of sunitinib throughout the microspheres. Drug loaded microspheres were delivered through microcatheters smoothly without any clogging. Sunitinib retained its efficacy at reducing the viability of human endothelial cells after elution from the microspheres. Thus, these bioresorbable microspheres are promising for arterial chemoembolization.
The Cassini Mission: Reconstructing Thirteen Years of the Most Complex Gravity-Assist Trajectory Flown to Date

Cassini launched in 1997 and completed its prime mission, its Equinox first extended mission, and its Solstice second extended mission. Since its arrival at Saturn in 2004, Cassini completed almost 300 orbits around the planet. Over the span of the mission, significant improvements were made to all the major satellites ephemeris and to Saturn gravitational and pole models. These improvements have enabled better trajectory reconstructions throughout the timeframe of the mission, although using about one hundred different models of the Saturn system. Now that the mission is over, the paper reports on the uniform reconstruction of the entire Cassini orbital mission, which uses one consistent Saturn system model and satellite ephemerides throughout. We discuss the challenges of undertaking this task and comparison strategies for choosing the best and greatest Cassini trajectory for its very final delivery.
Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula and concomitant intramedullary spinal lesion. (P6.122)

Objective: To report a 63-year-old man with a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) and concomitant intramedullary non-vascular spinal lesion. Background: Spinal dAVFs are the most common spinal vascular malformations. Although extremely rare, patients with multiple independent spinal dAVFs have been reported. Moreover, cases of combined dAVF and spinal lipoma as well as dAVF and spinal dysraphism are similarly rare. Occurrence of spinal dAVF and concurrent intramedullary spinal neoplastic lesion has not yet been described, to our knowledge. Design/Methods: Case report. Results: 63-year-old man who presented with a 6-month history of lower back pain followed by progressive bilateral leg weakness/paresthesia and bowel and bladder incontinence. Neuroimaging showed an enhancing C6 intramedullary lesion and diffuse T2 signal abnormality in the thoracic cord as well as vascular flow voids. CSF examination was unremarkable. He received a 5-day course of IV steroids, with minimal symptomatic improvement. Further investigation with spinal angiography revealed a L1 dAVF - subsequently embolized with significant clinical improvement. The cervical lesion was observed with periodic surveillance. Three-month follow-up spinal/cerebral angiography showed no residual vascular lesion or evidence of any vascular malformation in the cervical topography. Six-month follow-up imaging showed that the intramedullary cervical lesion had remained stable. We believe the cervical lesion is highly suspicious for low-grade glioma - based on clinical/imaging features. Therefore, this patient may be the first reported case of spinal dAVF and concomitant intramedullary spinal neoplasm. Conclusions: DAVF is a rare but treatable cause of progressive paraparesis. This condition should be included in the differential diagnoses of patients (especially older men) presenting with progressive symptoms of myelopathy whose imaging studies show an enlarged cord with intramedullary enhancement and T2 hyperintensity along with flow voids along the dorsal aspect of the cord. This report highlights the importance of pursuing a diagnosis of dAVF even in the setting of a concomitant, non-vascular spinal lesion. Disclosure: Dr. Nascimento has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sharp has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mandel has nothing to disclose.
Congenital Heart Defects That Include Cardiac Valve Abnormalities

This chapter introduces the reader to the spectrum of congenital heart malformations that are associated with abnormalities of the cardiac valves. The author’s intent is to describe the basic structural anatomy of the cardiac valves, the pathologic features and clinical manifestations of common abnormalities that affect them, the indications and timing of surgical intervention, and the surgical techniques used for repair.
Signal Transduction in Host-Parasite Interactions

Recognition is an early event in plant-microbe interactions that activates specific biochemical, physiological, or morphological reactions resulting in either disease development (compatible reaction) or resistance response (incompatible reaction). Very little is known about the mechanisms by which the event is initiated and proceeded. It is generally believed that recognition process begins with the arrival of a propagule on or in the vicinity of the host. The information is transduced from the pathogen to the host or vice verse via molecular interaction. The molecules involved in the process are signal molecules and their complementary receptors. The perception of the signal by the receptor generates intracellular second messengers that in turn activate, repress, or regulate gene expression.
Does Enterococcus faecalis from Traditional Raw Milk Cheeses Serve as a Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistance and Pathogenic Traits

Enterococcus faecalis is not only a prevalent species among dairy microbial community but also a well-documented opportunistic pathogen. Food safety should exclude the possibility of consumer exposure to its virulence traits through consumption of dairy products. In this study, an integrated approach based on both phenotypic and genotypic methods was applied to investigate the incidence of antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity potential in 40 E. faecalis isolated from 10 Italian raw milk cheeses over a 13-year period (1997-2009). Among the 14 tested antibiotics, resistance to tetracycline, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin was observed, whereas vancomycin-resistant enterococci were not found. A high incidence (90% of strains) of the tet(M) gene emerged, whereas tet(K), tet(S), tet(L), int, and ermB genes were occasionally amplified (12.5%, 10%, 7.5%, 2.5% and 30%, respectively). No strain was positive for vancomycin-resistant determinants. Among the seven virulence determinants considered, the asa1, gelE, esp, and efaA genes were harbored. No other gene encoding for either different virulence factors (cylA, hyl, and ace) or amino acid decarboxylase activity (hdc, tdc, and odc) was detected. Consequently, E. faecalis isolated from raw milk cheeses does not represent a substantial reservoir of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors if compared with clinical strains. However, this species occasionally harbors detrimental traits; thus, the possibility that it could be a route for transmission of pathogenic genes through dairy products should never be disregarded.
Comment on “identities and congruences for the general partition and Ramanujan’s tau functions”

This short commentary serves as a correction of the paper by Baruah and Sarmah [N. D. Baruah and B. K. Sarmah, Identities and congruences for the general partition and Ramanujan’s tau functions, Indian J. Pure. Appl. Math., 44(5) (2013), 643–671].
Converging on quality: Examining multiple measures of teaching effectiveness

The present study explores the convergent and predictive validity for several widely used measures of teaching quality from the Measures of Effective Teaching Project (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2009-2011). Specifically, the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS; Pianta, Hamre, & Mintz, 2012), the Framework for Teaching (FFT; Danielson Group, 2013), and the Tripod Student Perceptions Scale (Tripod; Ferguson, 2008) were examined. Correlations among measures were assessed by developmental level and content area (elementary mathematics N = 70; elementary English language arts N = 101; middle school mathematics N = 291, middle school English language arts N = 280). Both average scores and score variability (i.e., coefficient of variation) for the CLASS, FFT, and Tripod were used to predict value-added models (VAM), a high-stakes measure of students' academic growth. For elementary mathematics and ELA, findings indicated the CLASS and FFT exhibited moderate convergent validity while divergent validity was found between the Tripod and the CLASS and FFT. Across content areas in middle school grades, the CLASS, FFT, and Tripod exhibited moderate to high-moderate convergent validity. Average student and observer scores were positively related to VAM scores, whereas variability in scores demonstrated negative relations to VAM scores. Implications of findings for teacher evaluation and professional development are discussed.
User Behavior Trust Modeling in Cloud Security

Evaluating user behavior in cloud computing infrastructure is important for both Cloud Users and Cloud Service Providers. The service providers must ensure the safety of users who access the cloud. User behavior can be modeled and employed to help assess trust and play a role in ensuring authenticity and safety of the user. In this paper, we propose a User Behavior Trust Model based on Fuzzy Logic (UBTMFL). In this model, we develop user history patterns and compare them current user behavior. The outcome of the comparison is sent to a trust computation center to calculate a user trust value. This model considers three types of trust: direct, history and comprehensive. Simulation results are included.
Control Strategy for Battery/Flywheel Hybrid Energy Storage in Electric Shipboard Microgrids

Integrated power system combines electrical power for both ship service and electric propulsion loads by forming a microgrid. In this article, a battery/flywheel hybrid energy storage system (HESS) is studied to mitigate load fluctuations in a shipboard microgrid. This article focuses on how to determine the reference operation state of the flywheel, which depends on both future power load and the power split between the battery and flywheel. Two control strategies are proposed—an optimization-based approach and a lookup-table-based approach. Case studies are performed in different sea conditions, and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategies outperform baseline control strategies in terms of power fluctuation mitigation and HESS power-loss reduction. A comparison between the two proposed approaches is performed, where their performances are quantified, the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are analyzed, and the cases where they are most applicable are highlighted.
Chapter 20 – Network Forensics

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the current network forensic techniques in cyber attack traceback. Cyber crime has become a painful side effect of the innovations of computer and Internet technologies. With the growth of the Internet, cyber attacks and crimes are happening every day and everywhere. It is very important to build the capability to trace and attribute attacks to the real cyber criminals and terrorists, especially in this large-scale human-built networked environment. The cyber criminal investigator faces a formidable challenge—tracing network-based cyber criminals. The possibility of becoming a victim of cyber crime is the number-one fear of billions of people. This concern is well founded. Traceback and attribution are performed during or after cyber violations and attacks, to identify where an attack originated, how it propagated, and what computer(s) and person(s) are responsible and should be held accountable. The goal of network forensics capabilities is to determine the path from a victimized network or system through any intermediate systems and communication pathways, back to the point of attack origination or the person who is accountable.