cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface Inspection Of Automotive Bodies By Reflective Computer Vision

A simple but practical optical technique for automated surface inspection of car bodies is presented. The method which is based on light reflection is applicable to inspecting specularly reflective surfaces such as painted car bodies. A structured light signal consists of linear grating is imaged by a video camera via the surface to be inspected. With this arrangement, the surface being inspected acts as a mirror. Presence of surface flaws causes the grating to be locally perturbed. The grating-image is digitized and analyzed by a computer. Several algorithms are developed which automatically identifies the surface flaws by analyzing the perturbation in the grating-image. The technique allows surface flaws to be quantified in terms of slope deviation or depth variation. The sensitivity of the technique is very high permitting minute flaws to be detected. In the paper the theory of the technique will be presented together with experimental validation. The technique possesses numerous practical features such as requiring no special surface preparation, allowing evaluation in place, requiring minimum environmental safeguards, allowing rapid testing and evaluation, providing reliable and quantitative results, and it can be automated. Therefore the technique has clearly exhibited a great potential for being developed into a production-line inspection tool.
Λ -neighborhood wavelet shrinkage

We propose a wavelet-based denoising methodology based on total energy of a neighboring pair of coefficients plus their "parental" coefficient. The model is based on a Bayesian hierarchical model using a contaminated exponential prior on the total mean energy in a neighborhood of wavelet coefficients. The hyperparameters in the model are estimated by the empirical Bayes method, and the posterior mean, median and Bayes factor are obtained and used in the estimation of the total mean energy. Shrinkage of the neighboring coefficients are based on the ratio of the estimated and the observed energy. It is shown that the methodology is comparable and often superior to several existing and established wavelet denoising methods that utilize neighboring information, which is demonstrated by extensive simulations on a standard battery of test functions. An application to real-word data set from inductance plethysmography is also considered.
Efficient morphological shape representation

Mathematical morphology is well suited to capturing geometric information. Hence, morphology-based approaches have been popular for object shape representation. The two primary morphology-based approaches-the morphological skeleton and the morphological shape decomposition (MSD)-each represent an object as a collection of disjoint sets. A practical shape representation scheme, though, should give a representation that is computationally efficient to use. Unfortunately, little work has been done for the morphological skeleton and the MSD to address efficiency. We propose a flexible search-based shape representation scheme that typically gives more efficient representations than the morphological skeleton and MSD. Our method decomposes an object into a number of simple components based on homothetics of a set of structuring elements. To form the representation, the components are combined using set union and set difference operations. We use three constituent component types and a thorough cost-based search strategy to find efficient representations. We also consider allowing object representation error, which may yield even more efficient representations.
Surgical treatment of subaortic stenosis and noncompaction of the left ventricle.

Abstract Late presentation of noncompaction of the left ventricle is rare, especially in the adult congenital population. We describe successful surgical management of severe pulmonary hypertension related to severe left ventricular outflow tract narrowing in the context of noncompaction of the ventricle in a 46-year-old female.
Robust approximate zeros

Smale’s notion of an approximate zero of an analytic function f: C →C is extended to take into account the errors incurred in the evaluation of the Newton operator. Call this stronger notion a robust approximate zero.. We develop a corresponding robust point estimate for such zeros: we prove that if z0∈ C satisfies α(f,z0)<0.02 then z0 is a robust approximate zero, with the associated zero z* lying in the closed disc ${\overline B}(z_{0},\frac{0.07}{f,z_{0}}$. Here α(f,z), γ(f,z) are standard functions in point estimates. Suppose f(z) is an L-bit integer square-free polynomial of degree d. Using our new algorithm, we can compute an n-bit absolute approximation of z*∈IR starting from a bigfloat z0, in time O[dM(n+d2(L+lg d)lg(n+L))], where M(n) is the complexity of multiplying n-bit integers.
A compact passive broadband hexagonal spiral antenna array for VHF remote sensing

This paper presents the results of research exploring compact antenna design techniques for a desired 10:1 bandwidth in the Very High Frequency (VHF) band for remote sensing applications. A relatively compact antenna array has been developed to efficiently receive arbitrary RF signals across the entire 30 to 300 MHz VHF spectrum. Specifically, the antenna fits within a 3 meter cube, is capable of receiving both horizontally and vertically polarized signals, and has a single main beam that consistently maintains a beamwidth close to 45deg. Additionally it has only one output, and it is entirely passive, i.e. no power is provided to the antenna.
PRIMARY MOTOR CORTEX REORGANIZATION IN A LONG-TERM MONKEY AMPUTEE

The primary motor cortex (M1) was mapped with intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) in a 15 year-old macaque whose right upper extremity was amputated at the shoulder joint prior to 2 years of age....
Phase transitions for uniformly expanding maps

Given a uniformly expanding map of two intervals we describe a large class of potentials admitting unique equilibrium measures. This class includes all Holder continuous potentials but goes far beyond them. We also construct a family of continuous but not Holder continuous potentials for which we observe phase transitions. This provides a version of the example in (9) for uniformly expanding maps.
Close Calls and the Confident Agent: Free Will, Deliberation, and Alternative Possibilities

Two intuitions lie at the heart of our conception of free will. One intuition locates free will in our ability to deliberate effectively and control our actions accordingly: the ‘Deliberation and Control’ (DC) condition. The other intuition is that free will requires the existence of alternative possibilities for choice: the AP condition. These intuitions seem to conflict when, for instance, we deliberate well to decide what to do, and we do not want it to be possible to act in some other way. I suggest that intuitions about the AP condition arise when we face ‘close calls,’ situations in which, after deliberating, we still do not know what we really want to do. Indeed, several incompatibilists suggest such close calls are necessary for free will. I challenge this suggestion by describing a ‘confident agent’ who, after deliberating, always feels confident about what to do (and can then control her actions accordingly). Because she maximally satisfies the DC condition, she does not face close calls, and the intuition that the AP condition is essential for free will does not seem to apply to her. I conclude that intuitions about the importance of the AP condition rest on our experiences of close calls and arise precisely to the extent that our deliberations fail to arrive at a clear decision. I then raise and respond to several objections to this thought experiment and its relevance to the free will debate.
Observed and simulated seasonal co‐variations of outgoing longwave radiation spectrum and surface temperature

[1] We analyze the seasonal variations of Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) accompanying the variations in sea surface temperature (SST) from satellite observations and model simulations, focusing on the tropical oceans where the two quantities are strikingly anti-correlated. A spectral perspective of this “super-greenhouse effect” is provided, which demonstrates the roles of water vapor line and continuum absorptions at different altitudes and the influences due to clouds. A model-satellite comparison indicates that the GFDL General Circulation Model can fairly well represent the total-sky radiative response to SST in the water vapor infrared absorption band despite the significant bias in the mean state, but this comprises compensating water vapor- and cloud-related errors. The analysis also reveals that the GCM significantly underestimates the cloud induced radiative responses in the window region which arises from the model bias in the mean cloud forcing in convectively active regions. Thus, spectral decomposition proves essential to understand and assess the OLR-SST relationship and the impacts of water vapor and cloud upon this linkage.
A notation for describing multiple views of VLSI circuits

A declaration hierarchical notation is introduced that allows the parametric representation of entire families of VLSI circuits. Layout, schematic diagrams and network structure are all accommodated by the notation in a way that emphasizes common elements. The notation is the basic of a structured environment for developing design generators as well as capturing design expertise. >
Effect of Load Admittance on the Low-Pass Characteristics of Distributed RC Lines

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative effects of terminating impedances on the low-pass voltage transfer characteristics of RC lines. Four general shapes of these lines,with constant r(x)c(x) product along the line, are included in the investigation. Previous studies of the open-circuit performance of networks from these four general shapes provide a basis for continued investigations of their characteristics with terminations limited to parallel combinations of a resistance and a capacitance. The investigation shows that in order to reduce the effect of the load admittance on the open-circuit characteristic, the line should be shaped such that its resistance at the output end is as low as practicable.
Adaptive proportional rate control for ABR service in ATM networks

The emergence of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology has generated new challenging problems for computer network designers. One of these challenges lies in the efficient management of ATM traffic so that the communication bandwidth of the network can be optimally utilized. Considerable standardisation efforts in recent ATM Forum activities have been centered on the traffic management of available bit rate (ABR) service. In this paper, we examine congestion control schemes for ABR service in ATM networks. We propose a rate-based scheme that is now referred to by the ATM Forum as 'intelligent congestion control' or 'intelligent marking'. This general rate-based framework has been adopted as the standard approach to congestion control for ABR service by the ATM Forum. Moreover, we present analytical and simulation results illustrating the characteristics of the proposed scheme. >
Predatory Online Behavior: Modus Operandi of Convicted Sex Offenders in Identifying Potential Victims and Contacting Minors Over the Internet

Sex offenders have used the Internet to identify and contact minors for sexual exploitation (Armagh, 1998; Hernandez, 2000; Lamb, 1998; Lanning, 1998). Yet little is known about how these individuals select their online victims. In order to gain a better understanding of this behavior, the online activity of 31 men who perpetrated or attempted to perpetrate contact sex offenses against minors they communicated with via the Internet, was examined. Three-fourths of the participants monitored chat room dialogue and almost one-half reviewed online profiles of minors in an attempt to identify potential victims. Recommendations to increase the online safety of children and adolescents are discussed.
Thermogladius shockii gen. nov., sp. nov., a hyperthermophilic crenarchaeote from Yellowstone National Park, USA

A hyperthermophilic heterotrophic archaeon (strain WB1) was isolated from a thermal pool in the Washburn hot spring group of Yellowstone National Park, USA. WB1 is a coccus, 0.6-1.2 μm in diameter, with a tetragonal S-layer, vacuoles, and occasional stalk-like protrusions. Growth is optimal at 84°C (range 64-93°C), pH 5-6 (range 3.5-8.5), and <1 g/l NaCl (range 0-4.6 g/l NaCl). Tests of metabolic properties show the isolate to be a strict anaerobe that ferments complex organic substrates. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence places WB1 in a clade of previously uncultured Desulfurococcaceae and shows it to have ≤ 96% 16S rRNA sequence identity to Desulfurococcus mobilis, Staphylothermus marinus, Staphylothermus hellenicus, and Sulfophobococcus zilligii. The 16S rRNA gene contains a large insertion similar to homing endonuclease introns reported in Thermoproteus and Pyrobaculum species. Growth is unaffected by the presence of S(0) or SO(4)(2-), thereby differentiating the isolate from its closest relatives. Based on phylogenetic and physiological differences, it is proposed that isolate WB1 represents the type strain of a novel genus and species within the Desulfurococcaceae, Thermogladius shockii gen. nov., sp. nov. (RIKEN = JCM-16579, ATCC = BAA-1607, Genbank 16S rRNA gene = EU183120).
Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria: Principal Methylators of Mercury in Anoxic Estuarine Sediment

Substrate-electron acceptor combinations and specific metabolic inhibitors were applied to anoxic saltmarsh sediment spiked with mercuric ions (Hg2+) in an effort to identify, by a direct approach, the microorganisms responsible for the synthesis of hazardous monomethylmercury. 2-Bromoethane sulfonate (30 mM), a specific inhibitor of methanogens, increased monomethylmercury synthesis, whereas sodium molybdate (20 mM), a specific inhibitor of sulfate reducers, decreased Hg2+ methylation by more than 95%. Anaerobic enrichment and isolation procedures yielded a Desulfovibrio desulfuricans culture that vigorously methylated Hg2+ in culture solution and also in samples of presterilized sediment. The Hg2+ methylation activity of sulfate reducers is fully expressed only when sulfate is limiting and fermentable organic substrates are available. To date, sulfate reducers have not been suspected of Hg2+ methylation. Identification of these bacteria as the principal methylators of Hg2+ in anoxic sediments raises questions about the environmental relevance of previous pure culture-based methylation work.
The rate of oxygen uptake of quiescent cardiac muscle.

The rate of oxygen uptake of quiescent papillary muscle of the cat heart has been determined in a flow respirometer with the use of the oxygen electrode. The apparent rate of oxygen uptake as a function of the diameter of the muscle was also determined. It was found that papillary muscles from cat hearts use oxygen at a rate of 2.84 (microliters/mg. wet weight)/hour at a temperature of 35°C. Such muscles can be adequately supplied by diffusion when their surface is uniformly exposed to an atmosphere containing 95 per cent oxygen only if their diameter is 0.64 mm. or less. Papillary muscles from kitten hearts use oxygen at a rate of 4.05 (microliters/mg. wet weight)/hour at a temperature of 35°C. Such muscles can be adequately supplied by diffusion when their surface is uniformly exposed to an atmosphere containing 95 per cent oxygen only if their diameter is 0.53 mm. or less. If the muscles are small enough to be adequately supplied with oxygen by diffusion, the rate of oxygen uptake does not increase when the muscle is stretched.
Practical Operation of a Biaxial Goniometer at the Wrist Joint

The objectives of this study were (a) to determine errors in wrist angle measurements from a commercially available biaxial electrogoniometer and (b) to develop a calibration routine in order to co...
An investigation of sulphite ion oxidation as an alternative anodic reaction in fluidized bed electrowinning or other high rate electrolysis cells

The oxidation of sulphite ion to sulphate ion appears to offer attractions as an anodic reaction for cells operated at high current density such as those used in the fluidized bed electrodeposition of metals. In the present investigation several anodes were tried in a cell where the anolyte was aqueous ammonium sulphite solution and copper was electrowon from acidified aqueous cupric sulphate solution onto a fluidized cathode. The cell voltage was determined as a function of current density and a porous anode consisting of reticulated vitreous carbon with a lead coating was found to yield low cell voltages as did a DSA anode. The former anode did not evolve oxygen in the current density range up to 5500 A m−2 whereas the latter showed the onset of oxygen evolution as the current density was raised. Some effects of anolyte flow rate and extent of conversion of sulphite to sulphate, as well as the distribution of potential drops in the cell were determined. Below 3500 Am−2, sulphite ion oxidation using the reticulated vitreous carbon anode resulted in cell voltages below those of conventional commercial cells for copper electrowinning.
Platinum-sensitive recurrence in ovarian cancer: the role of tumor microenvironment.

Despite several advances in the understanding of ovarian cancer pathobiology, in terms of driver genetic alterations in high-grade serous cancer, histology heterogeneity of epithelial ovarian cancer, cell-of-origin for ovarian cancer, the survival rate from ovarian cancer is disappointingly low when compared to that of breast or prostate cancer. One of the factors contributing to the poor survival rate from ovarian cancer is the development of chemotherapy resistance following several rounds of chemotherapy. Although unicellular drug resistance mechanisms contribute to chemotherapy resistance, tumor microenvironment and the extracellular matrix, in particular, is emerging as a significant determinant of a tumor’s response to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the potential role of the tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. Finally, we propose an alternative view of platinum-sensitive recurrence to describe a potential role of the extracellular matrix in the process.
Global Videoconferencing as a Tool for Internationalizing Our Classrooms

We are sitting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and they are sitting in Cumbaya, Ecuador, and we are discussing the inequalities of globalization. In Quito, over 150,000 people are protesting in front of the Presidential Palace with signs reading, “Basta con la dictadura!” (Enough with the dictatorship!), furious over then-President Lucio Gutierrez's controversial dismissal of the country's Supreme Court. Meanwhile, back in Myrtle Beach, we're witnessing events live through video footage my students shot while in Quito participating in the protests. Political demonstrations like this are common in the less developed world, but they seldom translate this vividly into a globalization classroom. At Coastal Carolina University and La Universidad San Francisco de Quito, however, images like this and conversations about such dramatic daily events are made possible by a videoconference link between the two universities that facilitates a semester-long class on globalization.
Towards an understanding of complex protein networks

Abstract Large-scale two-hybrid screens have generated a wealth of information describing potential protein–protein interactions. When compiled with data from systematic localizations of proteins, mutant screens and other functional tests, a network of interactions among proteins and between proteins and other components of eukaryotic cells can be deduced. These networks can be viewed as maps of the cell, depicting potential signaling pathways and interactive complexes. Most importantly, they provide potential clues to the function of previously uncharacterized proteins. Focusing on recent experiments, we explore these protein-interaction studies and the maps derived from such efforts.
Comparison of the experimental and simulation results for distributed virtual environments applications framework

In our previous work we developed Caffe Neve framework that allows application developers to create flexible and extensible Distributed Virtual Environments (DVEs) applications from the distributed components. The components can serve as remote content sources that stream down interactive 3D content to the application integrator. Since DVEs are interactive, multi-user and networked systems, it is important to ensure good responsiveness and overall performances of the developed applications. We investigate the performance of the integrated applications to evaluate the framework capability. We conducted experiments and used OMNeT++ simulation tool to explore the scalability issues. We use various metrics such as the response latency and service load estimation to evaluate the framework performance.
Demand for poison control center services "surged" during the 2003 blackout.

Background. Beginning 8/14/03, for 24 hours, the largest geographic power failure in U.S. history occurred. Our Poison Control Center (PCC) catchment area was one of the most severely affected, wit...
MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION AMONG MIGRATORY AND NON- MIGRATORY POPULATIONS OF PRAIRIE WARBLERS

The two subspecies of Prairie Warblers (Dendroica discolor) differ in migratory behavior and habitat use. A concurrent study of mitochondrial DNA variation showed that behavioral differences between subspecies may persist because little gene flow occurs between subspecies. To determine whether geographic variation in morphology parallels variation in migratory behavior and mitochondrial DNA, I used measurements of museum specimens from throughout the Prairie Warbler's range. The subspecies differ in overall body size, with birds of the Florida subspecies (D. d. paludicola) significantly larger than the nominate race. Males of the subspecies differ in the extent of white coloration in the outer rectrices. These differences were apparent even among specimens collected in northern Florida and southern Georgia, where the subspecies' ranges are most proximate. Morphological differences coincide with differences in behavior and mitochondrial DNA and support the recognition of migratory and non-migratory forms of Prairie Warblers as subspecies and as potentially independent evolutionary lineages.
From Corrupting the Youth to Aggravated Murder: Who Deserves Death as Punishment?

During Classical antiquity, an Athenian jury sentenced the enigmatic philosopher, Socrates, to death for “corrupting the young” and “not believing in the gods in whom the city believes.” Ignoring all questions of Socrates’ guilt, the punishment he received was severe: Death is final, irrevocable. Today, many countries have entirely banned death as a form of punishment. In the United States, the death penalty is saved almost exclusively for crimes of aggravated murder. This was not always the case. In early American history, the death penalty was used as punishment for a variety of crimes, and while it was never imposed for the crime of “corrupting the young,” it was imposed for crimes of theft, forgery, piracy, treason, rape, and murder. This Note will address why the use of capital punishment narrowed and why is it preserved for criminal defendants who commit aggravated murder.Part I of this Note lays out basic punishment theories in Western philosophy, relying on arguments and perspectives provided by Platonic dialogues. Part II transitions from Athens to the United States by discussing the early history of the death penalty in America starting with the text of the Constitution and the criminal statute created by the First Congress. To understand why death is a lawful punishment for aggravated murder, this Note explores the history of constitutional challenges to capital punishment. Supreme Court capital punishment cases offer a variety of punishment theories concerning why death is appropriate for some crimes. Part III analyzes what arguments and justifications the Supreme Court has examined, relied on, and rejected in death penalty cases. The Supreme Court’s analysis of punishment theories is then compared, supported, and questioned by academic studies and public opinion polls on the issue. Punishment theories have the power to explain whether an action serves a legitimate purpose, achieves a desirable goal, or is simply cruel or unusual. Exploring which theories successfully validate the use of death as punishment is important because this analysis informs future constitutional challenges to the death penalty. This Note ends with a reflection on American principles. The reflection considers what the most successful, or most appealing, punishment theories tell us about the United States of America. By looking at the principles underlying the most appealing punishment theories we learn what ideas are most valuable to the American public. Reflecting on these principles helps us understand why criminal defendants convicted of aggravated murder are deemed worthy of State execution.
A Case of Beare-Stevenson Syndrome with Unusual Manifestations

Background Beare-Stevenson syndrome (BSS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder, with fewer than 25 cases reported worldwide. This autosomal dominant syndrome has been linked to two mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene (FGFR2), Tyr375Cys and Ser372Cys, both causing amino acid changes. Case report BSS is characterized by a range of morphological features, some more classically associated than others, of which craniosynostosis has been almost uniformly present. Other common features include cutis gyrata, acanthosis nigricans, ear and eye defects, skin/mucosal tissue tags, prominent umbilical stump, and anogenital anomalies. This account reports what we believe to be the 25th case of BSS, and exhibits a constellation of the characteristic features similar to those previously described, including the presence of cutis gyrata, proptosis, a bifid scrotum, and hypospadias. However, craniosynostosis was not detected prenatally by ultrasound or at birth. Prenatal ultrasound may detect some dysmorphic features of BSS. Many of these features have also been associated with other genetic disorders with overlapping phenotypes. Our case presented with the unusual features of a natal tooth and absence of craniosynostosis at birth. At birth, a diagnosis of BSS was suspected based on clinical features despite the absence of craniosynostosis. This was later confirmed with the use of molecular analysis, revealing a Tyr375Cys mutation of exon 9 of the FGFR2 gene. Conclusions We suggest that a normal antenatal ultrasound scan and the absence of craniosynostosis at birth should not preclude further workup for BSS if this possibility is clinically suspected.
Twenty years of human immunodeficiency virus care at the Mayo Clinic: Past, present and future

The Mayo human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Clinic has been providing patient centered care for persons living with HIV in Minnesota and beyond for the past 20 years. Through multidisciplinary engagement, vital clinical outcomes such as retention in care, initiation of antiretroviral therapy and virologic suppression are maximized. In this commentary, we describe the history of the Mayo HIV Clinic and its best practices, providing a "Mayo Model" of HIV care that exceeds national outcomes and may be applicable in other settings.
Fistula size and hemodynamic events within and about canine femoral arteriovenous fistulas

The effects of diameters of canine femoral arteriovenous fistulas upon regional and central hemodynamics were determined to correlate fistula size with fistula flow, as well as changes in cardiac output, “reversal” of distal arterial flow, and distal venous hypertension. Flows were measured electromagnetically. Cardiac output was determined with thermodilution techniques. Fistula size, ranging from 2 to 16 mm. in diameter, was represented by four dogs in each of four groups. Unstimulated femoral arterial blood flow was 4.76 ± 0.39 (X ± S.E.) ml. min.-1 Kg.-1; aortic pressure (AP) was 152 ± 4 mm. Hg; certral venous pressure (CVP) was 4 ± 1 mm. Hg. Pulse (P) was 147 ± 5 beats min.-1. Cardiac output (CO) increased progressively in response to the three largest fistulas. The 4 mm. fistula increased CO by 19.6 ± 4.5 ml. min.-1 Kg.-1 (p
Role of Exercise and Nutrition

Publisher Summary Physicians should encourage their patients to initiate or continue a program of regular physical activity and improved nutrition. A better diet and regular exercise can help prevent the development of the chronic diseases of older women. In patients with established disease, exercise and nutrition may delay its progression, help reverse the disease, and improve prognosis. Aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and, possibly, on depression—it specifically improves lipid profiles and insulin resistance and lowers body fat. Strength training and flexibility exercises can reduce bone loss and prevent osteoporotic fractures, respectively. Trace minerals may be important in the management of osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens may improve menopausal symptoms and reduce breast cancer risk. Healthy women can safely initiate an exercise program or change their diet with adequate counseling. Exercise and changes in diet, however, may pose serious health risks in women with certain conditions. These patients should be carefully evaluated to determine the safety of a dietary and exercise regimen, and they should be monitored on a regular basis. Exercise frequency and intensity should be prescribed according to the ability and motivation of each patient. Frequent, relatively high-intensity exercise might be more beneficial, but such a regimen is less likely to encourage compliance, may result in increased injury rates, and thus may not have lasting effects on overall health.
Communication at the crossroads

In the science community, talking about the public understanding of science is analogous to parents and grandparents discussing child-rearing. Each person has a theory usually based on personal background and intensely felt first-hand experiences. Unfortunately, the convincingly-held theories are often sharply contradictory. The result is that, although public understanding is often at the top of the agenda for science, little long-term progress is made. The visible successes that do occur seem to be based more on the drive and personality of individuals than on any collective insight or consistent approach.
Primary lymph node gastrinoma: A single institution experience.

Background Gastrinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that ectopically secrete gastrin and classically originate within the duodenum or pancreas. The presence of primary lymph node gastrinoma is controversial. We report on a single institution's experience with gastrinoma, with focus on primary lymph node tumors. Methods Patients who underwent operative resection of gastrinoma between 1992 and 2016 at a single institution were identified. A diagnosis of primary lymph node gastrinoma was defined as tumor confined to one or more resected peripancreatic lymph nodes, negative localization for any extra-nodal disease and normal gastrin postresection. Results In the study, 39 consecutive patients underwent operative resection of gastrinoma. Mean age was 53 years and 49% were male. 93% of patients had successful preoperative localization. Furthermore, 19 patients (49%) underwent enucleation of their tumor and 14 (35.9%) a pancreatic resection. Overall 5- and 10-year survival for all patients was 80.8% and 60.7%, respectively. Primary lymph node gastrinoma was identified in 11 cases (28.2%). The presentation of primary lymph node and non-primary lymph node patients were similar. There was no significant difference in operation type, tumor size, or overall survival. At median follow-up of 59 months, patients with primary lymph node gastrinoma were less likely to have persistent or recurrent disease (9.1% vs 42.9%, P = .04). Conclusion This series supports the existence of primary lymph node gastrinomas, and indicates that as many as 1 in 4 patients with gastrinoma have this form of the disease. This entity should be considered when an isolated pathologic lymph node is identified, although thorough exploration is still recommended to exclude other occult disease.
‘Show me your mad faces!’ preschool teachers’ emotion talk in the classroom

ABSTRACTEmotion talk plays an important role in the social and emotional development of preschoolers, but not much work has shown how teachers talk about emotions in the classroom. We recorded preschool teachers’ (N = 13) emotion talk in naturalistic observations. Teachers expressed 633 emotion-related utterances, about 3 per hour (range fewer than 1 to 11 per hour). Most utterances were comments, guides, or questions about emotions and referenced negative emotions. Explaining and questioning occurred during teacher-directed activities and when children were compliant in activities. Socializations and guides were common during child free play and when children acted aggressively. Findings suggest that teachers use both higher- and lower level emotion talk and that children’s behaviours may present opportunities to explain or directly instruct the expression of emotion. Overall emotion talk was infrequent and further research should consider ways to help teachers to capitalize on opportunities to introduce...
Phosphorylation of tight junction transmembrane proteins: Many sites, much to do

Phosphorylation is a dynamic post-translational modification that can alter protein structure, localization, protein-protein interactions and stability. All of the identified tight junction transmembrane proteins can be multiply phosphorylated, but only in a few cases are the consequences of phosphorylation at specific sites well characterized. The goal of this review is to highlight some of the best understood examples of phosphorylation changes in the integral membrane tight junction proteins in the context of more general overview of the effects of phosphorylation throughout the proteome. We expect as that structural information for the tight junction proteins becomes more widely available and the molecular modeling algorithms improve, so will our understanding of the relevance of phosphorylation changes at single and multiple sites in tight junction proteins.
Compact Metrizable Spaces

A topological space,X is compact if every open cover of X has a finite subcover, i.e., if (U i ) i∈I is a family of open sets and X\(X = \bigcup\nolimits_{i \in I} {{U_i}}\), then there is finite \({I_0} \subseteq I\) such that \(X = \bigcup\nolimits_{i \in {I_0}} {{U_i}}\).This is equivalent to saying that every family of closed subsets of X with the finite intersection property (i.e., one for which every finite subfamily has nonempty intersection) has nonempty intersection.
The inverse relationship of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis in rat mammary tumor (RMT) revealed by the PET biomarkers fluorobenzyl triphenyl phosphonium (FBnTP) and FDG

227 Objectives This study examined Warburg’s hypothesis that mitochondria of cancer cells are constitutively defective. FBnTP is an accurate marker of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) - a comprehensive correlate of OXPHOS. The co-distribution of FBnTP and FDG was analyzed in vitro (MCF-7 cells) and in vivo (RMT). Methods In vitro - the effect of 24-hrs of hypoxia (2% O2) was studied in MCF-7 cells co-incubated with C-14-FBnTP and F-18FDG. In vivo - C-14-FBnTP and F-18-FDG were co-administered IV in Lewis rats bearing mammary tumors (n = 10). Tracers uptake was assayed by counting gamma and beta radioactivity and autoradiography, and compared to staining for blood flow (Hoechst) and hypoxia (pimonidazol, PIMO). Results Hypoxia induced decreased FBnTP and increased FDG uptake in MCF-7 cells. In RMT, FBnTP distribution in tumor was strictly confined to normoxic regions with high blood flow as demonstrated by the inverse and direct spatial and quantitative relationship with PIMO and Hoechst. In contrast, increased FDG uptake was observed in hypoxic regions with low blood flow. Consequently, FBnTP and FDG demonstrated complementary distribution in the tumor tissue. However, in some tumor regions, FDG distribution was more uniform, which may overlap regions of high FBnTP binding. Quantitatively, a direct correlation was found between FBnTP and FDG in hypoxic regions, but an inverse relationship in normoxic ones. Conclusions This study demonstrates for the first time the spatial and quantitative complementary relationship of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in vitro and in tumor tissue. It provides evidence that Warburg’s effect is valid for discrete tumor regions only, probably as an adaptive response to hypoxic microenvironments. These data suggest that targeting ΔΨm using PET biomarkers is a successful strategy for non-invasive analysis of the metabolic profile of solid tumors, which may afford valuable prognostic information, when combined with FDG
HIV-Associated Dementia

HIV/AIDS has been known to cause many complications within the immune system as well as within other systems in the human body. HIV/AIDS complications that affect the neurological system in particular are known to be quite severe and have been associated with a high risk of mortality. HIV/AIDS often targets the brain because it has the necessary receptors that allow HIV to enter a cell known as CD4+ and CD8+ cells. These particular cells are white blood cells that play a special role in the immune system; CD4+ cells are known to fight against infections while CD8+ cells kill cancerous or virus-infected cells.
Don’t Sleep on It: An Examination of Storm Naming and Potential Heuristic Effects on Twitter

AbstractHumans often prefer representations that are cognitively easier to store, and these representations are easier to retrieve later to make judgments about events. Exemplification theory draws...
Do Vaccines Cause Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

Older formulations of rabies vaccine did cause Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), but newer formulations of rabies vaccine have not been shown to cause ADEM, and rabies vaccine is not routinely recommended to the general population in the United States. Other vaccines that are currently routinely recommended to the general population in the U.S. have not been shown to cause ADEM.
RF-Power Induced Clock Jitter Degradation and Its Modeling in High-Speed I/O Interfaces

This paper investigates jitter degradation of highspeed I/O when RF power sources, such as smartphone, are in proximity to the I/O link. The jitter is increased by as high as ~200% when a 500-mW LTE antenna is 3 cm away from the transmission line at 831 MHz and may cause failure of the high-speed link. An analytic model is developed to capture the jitter behavior at various RF amplitudes and clock slew-rates. A good agreement among the model, simulation, and measurement is obtained at various frequencies and with a measured LTE signal. This study may help to predict the jitter degradation due to adjacent RF power and may be more critical to I/O interfaces with higher speed.
Progress in Understanding Requires Modeling with Faithfulness to the Phenomenon, and Precise Mechanisms

The target article is a much-needed creative attempt to synthesize much of what we know about attitudes into a coherent framework that is more quantifiable and precise than what has come before. If...
Caffeine, acute static stretching and maximum knee flexion strength.

BACKGROUND Reductions in one-repetition maximum lifts (1RM) following static stretching can be attributed to enhanced neural inhibition, which can be reduced by using stimulants like caffeine. This study compared knee-flexion 1RM following either static stretching (SS) or no-stretching (NS), as well as after ingesting either caffeine (C) or placebo (P). METHODS Twenty-four participants (12 female, 12 male) performed four random counterbalanced knee flexion 1RM tests. A 1RM test was performed for each condition at the same time of day with ~48 hours separating each test. Static stretching consisted of 5 exercises with the 1RM being performed immediately following the stretching. Caffeine dose was 6 mg/kg body weight, and the placebo was methylcellulose (520 mg). Both doses were administered as pills 60 minutes before the SS or NS procedures. RESULTS Two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant main effect for NS vs. SS (P<0.001, ηG2=0.23). The main effect for C vs. P, and the interaction between C vs. P and NS vs. SS were not statistically different. Average 1RMs were: CNS = 512±242 N, CSS = 474±241 N, PNS = 498±247 N, and PSS = 460±247 N. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that static stretching induced strength decrements are not removed by using stimulants at doses allowed by sport governing organizations.
Rebelle Rebel: African Child Soldiers, Gender, and the War Film

Janis L. Goldie investigates the perspective of children in war films via an in-depth examination of the independent Canadian film, Rebelle/War Witch (2012), which falls within the African child soldier subgenre. While the film’s female-centered plot and perspective hold potential to challenge the typically racist and reductionist representations of African child soldiers in media culture, who are often portrayed as dangerous and disorderly, hapless victims, or redeemed heroes, Rebelle doesn’t manage to escape these tropes as Goldie illustrates. Further, she finds that the female child soldier is tightly constrained within rigid gender expectations so that she upholds familial and domestic obligations of being a “good” girl—as a good daughter, wife, and mother above all else.
Constant chemical potential cycles for capacitive deionization

The primary energy consuming operations which occur within a Capacitive Deionization (CDI) cell, are the ion removal (electrosorption), ion concentrating (electrodesorption), and solution switching processes. In theory the maximum system performance for a CDI system arises when solution switching occurs while maintaining a fixed number of ions (N), and when electrosorption/desorption occurs while maintaining a fixed chemical potential (μ). These fixed state variable based operations are analogous to the Carnot cycle, where heat transfer occurs at constant temperature and compression and expansion occur while maintaining constant entropy. In reality, maintaining a constant number of ions during switching is not practically feasible, thus here we investigate two alternative cycles where switching instead occurs while maintaining constant charge or voltage. Unlike constant number of ions, maintaining charge and voltage constant is feasible using a potentiostat. These theoretical cycles were chosen as they are analogues or ideal-like (Stirling and Ericsson) cycles, which are also practically feasible. The thermodynamic analysis reveals that these alternative cycles provide an avenue to approach the theoretical limit with low saline feed water; however, they are not capable of approximating ideal operations at elevated feed-water concentrations.
A mobile app to promote alcohol and drug SBIRT skill translation among multi-disciplinary health care trainees: Results of a randomized controlled trial

AbstractBackground: Adherence to clinical practice guidelines for alcohol and drug screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is often inadequate. Mobile apps developed as cli...
Explaining the light curves of Gamma-ray Bursts with precessing jets

A phenomenological model is presented to explain the light curves of gamma-ray bursts. Gamma-rays are produced in a narrow beam which sweeps through space due to the precession of a slaved accretion disc. The light curve expected from such a precessing luminosity cone can explain the complex temporal behavior of bright gamma-ray bursts.
MPO Patch Cord

At both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, controlled movement of fluids is necessary. In addition, at laparoscopy, suctioning of accumulated smoke from lasers or electrosurgery is an essential venting technique to enhance visibility. This chapter will describe and discuss a unique, simple, cost-effective system that can be used for both hysteroscopy and laparoscopy to accomplish movement of fluids and management of smoke. Aquadissection or hydrodissection has been used for many years as an adjuvant to operative laparoscopy.' It has been found useful for operative laparoscopic treatment of conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and tubal obstructron. Most current systems are cumbersome, wastefully use large volumes of fluid, and often require a mechanical pump for pressurizing the fluid suction and irrigation systems. Usually, during combined laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, a separate system is used for accomplishing uterine distention when fluids are used for the hysteroscopic portion of surgery. The Pump Vac Plus can be used for both hysteroscopic distention and laparoscopic suction and irrigation. This article will describe our techniques for using the Pump Vac for both of these endoscopic approaches.
Zoom Family Meeting

Zoom Family Meeting As difficult as 2020 was, it also brought some exhilarating moments when care was redesigned on the fly and delivered in better ways. How can we preserve the benefits of these b...
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Houston Parks After Hurricane Harvey.

Unprecedented inland precipitation and catastrophic flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey potentially redistributed contaminants from industrial sites and transportation infrastructure to recre...
Maitzen’s Objection from God’s Goodness

Stephen Maitzen argues that divine command metaethics must be mistaken because it is committed to the implausible assumption that the sentence ‘God is (morally) good’ is a tautology. In this article, I show that a charitable interpretation of R. M. Adams’ version of divine command metaethics is not committed to accept this assumption. I conclude that Maitzen’s objection merely manages to refute a strawman version of divine command metaethics.
School Culture on the Internet

AbstractThis article explores the many facets that combine to create a school’s culture. Although each school has its own unique culture, a set of predictable categories, when taken together under certain circumstances, create a particular school environment. It is possible, then, to evaluate a school’s Web site in light of these cultural components. This information could be useful to preservice teachers who are preparing for field experiences and to certified teachers who are researching schools and school districts for employment. Using technology to better understand a school’s culture before entering the building not only grounds teachers in the ways of that school, but also allows them to begin the process of becoming members of that culture in a time-efficient manner.