cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unified Tracking and Regulation Visual Servo Control for Wheeled Mobile Robots

A visual servo controller is developed for a monocular camera system mounted on a wheeled mobile robot (WMR), which simultaneously solves the tracking and regulation control problems. A prerecorded image sequence (e.g., a video) or single image of four target points is used to define a desired trajectory or desired fixed position and orientation for the WMR. By comparing the target points from a stationary reference image with the corresponding target points in the live image and the prerecorded sequence of images, projective geometric relationships are exploited to construct Euclidean homographies. The information obtained by decomposing the Euclidean homographies is then used to derive a standard WMR form. The proposed result is the first visual servo control result that solves the unified tracking and regulation problem.
Physician Characteristics Strongly Predict Patient Enrollment In Hospice

Individual physicians are widely believed to play a large role in patients’ decisions about end-of-life care, but little empirical evidence supports this view. We developed a novel method for measuring the relationship between physician characteristics and hospice enrollment, in a nationally representative sample of Medicare patients. We focused on patients who died with a diagnosis of poor-prognosis cancer in the period 2006–11, for whom palliative treatment and hospice would be considered the standard of care. We found that the proportion of a physician’s patients who were enrolled in hospice was a strong predictor of whether or not that physician’s other patients would enroll in hospice. The magnitude of this association was larger than that of other known predictors of hospice enrollment that we examined, including patients’ medical comorbidity, age, race, and sex. Patients cared for by medical oncologists and those cared for in not-for-profit hospitals were significantly more likely than other patien...
Responding to problems: The roles of severity and barriers

In even the most satisfying relationships, couples face specific problems, varying in severity. Partners may strategically devote more time and effort to actively working on their most severe problems. However, actively addressing problems comes with risks, especially for partners who perceive barriers to leaving the relationship. Two studies of partners in seriously dating, cohabiting, and marital relationships examined responses to problems of varying degrees of severity and the role of barriers. In each, a positive association was found between the severity of problems and use of various strategies to address the problems. However, barriers to leaving the relationship moderated these associations, such that partners with more barriers to leaving were less likely to actively address their more severe problems.
Reliability field experience in electronic switching systems

Electronic switching systems have progressed through the experimental trial stages and a number of systems are now in regular commercial use. The reliability experienced in these field installations wiII be discussed by authors representing four different companies - one English, one German, and two American. Reliability and maintenance data from several operating systems will be used to demonstrate the system dependability currently achieved, and these achievements will be compared with the desired objectives.
Oral Physostigmine and Inherited Ataxias

The study of ataxias with physostigmine was originally based entirely on theoretical considerations. A great deal of evidence relates abnormalities of pyruvate metabolism to ataxia (for reviews see Blass et al., 1976a; Blass et al., 1975; Kark etal., (in press). Certain inherited ataxias are associated with defects of the pyruvate dehydrogenase multi-enzyme complex and especially its pyruvate decarboxylase and lipoamide dehydrogenase components (Blass et al.1970; Blass et al., 1971; Blass et al., 1976b; Rodriguez-Budelli et al., in press; Blass et al., in press; and Kark et al., in press). Experiments on brain slices and whole animals have shown that the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh) is decreased by each of a number of conditions that impair the oxidation of pyruvate or glucose. ACh synthesis is reduced before there is any change in energy-charge or levels of ATP or creatine phosphate (Gibson and Blass, 1976a, 1976b). The conditions that decrease ACh synthesis include mild hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and various poisons that inhibit the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (Gibson and Blass, 1976a, 1976b;Gibson et al., 1975). It was tempting to speculate that there might be insufficient ACh in some central nervous pathway in inherited ataxias associated with defects of pyruvate oxidation, and perhaps in other ataxias as well. If so, physostigmine might lessen the severity of one or more aspects of the ataxia.
Effect of outer membrane permeability on chemotaxis in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The relationship between outer membrane permeability and chemotaxis in Escherichia coli was studied on mutants in the major porin genes ompF and ompC. Both porins allowed passage of amino acids across the outer membrane sufficiently to be sensed by the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, although OmpF was more effective than OmpC. A mutant deleted for both ompF and ompC, AW740, was almost completely nonchemotactic to amino acids in spatial assays. AW740 required greater stimulation with L-aspartate than did the wild type to achieve full methylation of methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II. Induction of LamB protein allowed taxis to maltose but not to L-aspartate, which indicates that the maltoporin cannot rapidly pass aspartate. Salt taxis was less severely inhibited by the loss of porins than was amino acid taxis, which implies an additional mechanism of outer membrane permeability. These results show that chemotaxis can be used as a sensitive in vivo assay for outer membrane permeability to a range of compounds and imply that E. coli can regulate chemotactic sensitivity by altering the porin composition of the outer membrane.
Signs and values

I consider the value (usefulness) as the most important characteristic of a sign. Values exist only in self-reproducing systems which satisfy the criterion of semantic closure. They can be estimated in a linear model of a system as left eigenvector. The value of any relationship among system components is equal to the contribution of this relationship to the overall value of the system. Autocatalytic systems are most primitive signs that are in a permanent process of self-interpretation. Signs are produced only if organisms expect to get a return from this production (increased self-reproduction rate). In the same way, organisms interpret signs only if they expect to increase their value from interpretation. Organisms are investors that distribute their resources into various communication channels and their profit is self-reproduction. Human values depend more on the propagation of life styles (memes) rather than biological reproduction, and selection goes mostly at a sub-organism (mental) levels. In evolution, signs develop a hierarchical structure via metasystem transitions. Two mechanisms of metasystem transitions are possible: multiplication with subsequent cooperation, and symbiosis. Living cells apparently originated from a symbiosis of self-reproducing linear polymers with self-reproducing membrane spheres. Hierarchical systems are integrated via communication of their components. Cooperation is evolutionary stable only in encapsulated systems in which communication is restricted. Value conflicts are resolved in evolution by limitations of neutral variation of components.
The Principal's Power Tactics Survey: The Measurement of Administrative Power Strategies of Elementary School Principals:

Measurement instruments for the use of administrative power strategies in schools are not available. The purpose of the present study was to develop an instrument to measure the power strategies of elementary school principals. The researchers developed an instrument to measure the overall strategies of Personal Power and Position Power as well as the subsidiary strategies of Assertiveness, Sanctions, Upward Appeal, Ingratiation, Rationality, Exchange, and Coalition. A sample of 297 teachers provided data about 50 principals. After psychometric analysis, the instrument was determined reliable and valid enough for research purposes although further psychometric analyses were recommended.
Regulation of Potassium Homeostasis

Potassium is the most abundant cation in the intracellular fluid, and maintaining the proper distribution of potassium across the cell membrane is critical for normal cell function. Long-term maintenance of potassium homeostasis is achieved by alterations in renal excretion of potassium in response to variations in intake. Understanding the mechanism and regulatory influences governing the internal distribution and renal clearance of potassium under normal circumstances can provide a framework for approaching disorders of potassium commonly encountered in clinical practice. This paper reviews key aspects of the normal regulation of potassium metabolism and is designed to serve as a readily accessible review for the well informed clinician as well as a resource for teaching trainees and medical students.
Low rehospitalization rate for vascular surgery patients

Objectives Reducing rehospitalization rates has been proposed to improve care, reduce costs, and as a pay-for-performance criterion. Recent review of Medicare claims data indicates that vascular surgery patients have among the highest rates of 30-day rehospitalization at 23.9%. Methods We retrospectively examined all live patient discharges (n = 799) from the vascular surgery service at a single university hospital over 12 months. Planned and unplanned 30-day rehospitalizations were distinguished, and predictors of unplanned 30-day rehospitalization were determined. To identify whether patients were readmitted to other hospitals, a prospective study of patient discharges (n = 66) over 1 month was also performed. Results Ninety-five (11.9%) of the 799 patient discharges from the vascular surgery service were rehospitalized within 30 days. Of these, 71 were unplanned; therefore, the unplanned rehospitalization rate was 8.9%. The most common causes of unplanned 30-day rehospitalization were related to wound complications. Diabetes (P = .039) predicted unplanned 30-day rehospitalization by multivariate analysis. Patients with the diagnosis of critical limb ischemia (14.9%) and patients undergoing open lower extremity revascularization (14.6%) had the highest rates of unplanned 30-day rehospitalization. In the prospective portion of this study, no patient was readmitted to any other hospital. Conclusions Relatively low 30-day rehospitalization was accomplished in vascular surgery patients at a single university hospital. Moreover, planned rehospitalizations accounted for approximately 25% of readmissions in vascular surgery patients. Strategies designed to reduce rehospitalization in diabetics may be warranted.
Use of an extracorporeal bypass for renal preservation to treat a rare case of a true mycotic aneurysm in a renal transplant patient.

True mycotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta are extremely rare after organ transplantation. We report a renal transplant recipient who presented with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia and a new saccular infrarenal aortic aneurysm. A temporary extracorporeal axillofemoral bypass was placed to maintain perfusion to the transplant kidney. A contained rupture was found, and excision and in-line reconstruction were performed using a cryopreserved human aortic allograft. At 3 years, the patient remained well, with normal renal function while on oral antibiotic suppressive therapy. Use of an extracorporeal bypass was a viable technique with minimal morbidity for renal transplant preservation during open aortic replacement.
Short-term modified alternate-day fasting: a novel dietary strategy for weight loss and cardioprotection in obese adults

Background: The ability of modified alternate-day fasting (ADF; ie, consuming 25% of energy needs on the fast day and ad libitum food intake on the following day) to facilitate weight loss and lower vascular disease risk in obese individuals remains unknown. Objective: This study examined the effects of ADF that is administered under controlled compared with self-implemented conditions on body weight and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk indicators in obese adults. Design: Sixteen obese subjects (12 women, 4 men) completed a 10-wk trial, which consisted of 3 phases: 1) a 2-wk control phase, 2) a 4-wk weight loss/ADF controlled food intake phase, and 3 )a 4-wk weight loss/ADF self-selected food intake phase. Results: Dietary adherence remained high throughout the controlled food intake phase (days adherent: 86%) and the self-selected food intake phase (days adherent: 89%). The rate of weight loss remained constant during controlled food intake (0.67 6 0.1 kg/wk) and selfselected food intake phases (0.68 6 0.1 kg/wk). Body weight decreased (P , 0.001) by 5.6 6 1.0 kg (5.8 6 1.1%) after 8 wk of diet. Percentage body fat decreased (P , 0.01) from 45 6 2% to 42 6 2%. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations were lowered (P , 0.01) by 21 6 4%, 25 6 10%, and 32 6 6%, respectively, after 8 wk of ADF, whereas HDL cholesterol remained unchanged. Systolic blood pressure decreased (P , 0.05) from 124 6 5 to 116 6 3 mm Hg. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ADF is a viable diet option to help obese individuals lose weight and decrease CAD risk. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as UIC-004-2009. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28380.
Autosomal Dominant Charcot-Marie-Tooth Axonal Neuropathy Mapped on Chromosome 7p (CMT2D)

Clinical, electrophysiological and genetic linkage studies were performed on a large autosomal dominant family with Charcot-Marie-Tooth axonal neuropathy type 2 (CMT2) with 38 members of which 14 were affected. Onset of the disease was between 16 and 30 years of age with weakness and atrophy of the hands more severe than of the feet with slow progressive course in 12 patients. Deep tendon reflexes were absent in the upper extremities and decreased in the lower extremities. There was distal hypesthesia for touch, proprioception and vibration sense for the hands more than for the feet. Motor nerve conduction velocities showed normal values (48‐53 M/s) with normal latencies (2‐3 msec) and electromyography revealed signs of denervation. Genetic linkage analysis used 167 short tandem repeat markers (STRPs) spaced throughout the 22 autosomes. Linkage to the short arm of chromosome 7 at 7p14 was found using the marker D7S435 (Z = 4.83 at θ = 0). Flanking markers were D7S1808 and D7S1806 and the genetic distance between them was 6.8 cM. The multipoint linkage analysis gave a peak multipoint lod score of 6.89 between the markers D7S1808 and D7S435. Linkage analysis showed significantly negative lod scores (with values less than ‐2) with markers of chromosomes 1 and 3 where CMT axonal forms have been previously mapped. PFGE analysis indicated the absence of the CMT1A duplication. Our findings are consistent with a new genetic type of axonal CMT neuropathy designated by us as CMT2D. Potential candidate genes are multiple T-cell gamma receptor genes which map to the same cytogenetic interval as CMT2D neuropathy.
Ringing the Chord Sentimentality and Nostalgia among Male Singers

Singing in barbershop choruses and quartets evokes sentimentality and nostalgia as a means of interpreting the present and establishing an identity as a barbershop singer. In choruses devoted to the preservation of a highly stylized form of singing, a gendered social context shapes the acquisition of identities in the development of relationships. An analysis of the barbershop experience reveals that men, particularly those with common backgrounds, are routinely involved in expressing deep emotions through ritualized means, allowing them to maintain a version of traditional masculine identity.
The impact of single-wafer processing on semiconductor manufacturing

In this paper, we have described the importance of single-wafer processing (SWP) in semiconductor manufacturing. As compared to batch processing, reduced cycle time, better control of surface and interface properties, and reduced defect densities are some of the attractive features of SWP. We have provided the example of new SWP tools that have the answers to address virtually all process integration issues in dealing with new materials as well as conventional materials in ultra small dimensions. Driven by reduced I/O pitches, and emergence of system-on-chip, system-in-package or system-on-package as the driver of semiconductor growth, SWP tools have started to play an important role in the surface cleaning in IC assembly and packaging. Global acceptance of SWP in manufacturing can address the supply chain problem of the semiconductor industry.
Women of Belize: Gender and Change in Central America

Women of Belize: Gender and Change in Central America. Irma McClaurin. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1996.218 pp.
Acoustic Noise from Volcanoes: Theory and Experiment

The paper discusses some theoretical aspects of acoustic investigation of volcanoes and describes a field experiment involving the recording, analysis, and interpretation of acoustic radiation from energetic fumaroles at Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala, during mid-January 1973. Particular attention is given to deriving information about the flow velocity of the erupting medium from acoustics as a means to study eruption dynamics. Theoretical considerations suggest that acoustic power radiated during gaseous volcanic eruptions may be related to gas exit velocity according to appropriate power laws. Eruption acoustics proves useful as a means of quantitative monitoring of volcanic activity.
The temporal logic of token causes

While type causality helps us to understand general relationships such as the etiology of a disease (smoking causing lung cancer), token causality aims to explain causal connections in specific instantiated events, such as the diagnosis of a patient (Ravi's developing lung cancer after a 20-year smoking habit). Understanding why something happened, as in these examples, is central to reasoning in such diverse cases as the diagnosis of patients, understanding why the US financial market collapsed in 2007 and finding a causal explanation for Obama's victory over Clinton in the US primary. However, despite centuries of work in philosophy and decades of research in computer science, the problem of how to rigorously formalize token causality and how to automate such reasoning has remained unsolved. In this paper, we show how to use type-level causal relationships, represented as temporal logic formulas, together with philosophical principles, to reason about these token-level cases.
The Structure and Evolution of Gap Outflow over the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico

Abstract Mesoscale-model simulations are used to examine the structure and dynamics of a gap-outflow event over the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico, that was associated with a surge of cold air along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Madre. The simulated gap-outflow winds emerged from Chivela Pass, reached a maximum speed of 25 m s−1, and turned anticyclonically as they fanned out over the gulf. Northerly winds were also able to ascend the mountains east, and to a lesser extent west, of Chivela Pass, indicating that the movement of cold air across the Sierra Madre was not confined to the pass. A mesoscale pressure ridge was aligned along the axis of the gap-outflow jet, which was flanked to the west by an anticyclonic eddy, and to the east by a weaker cyclonic eddy. A model-derived trajectory along the axis of the outflow jet traced an inertial path, with anticyclonic curvature produced primarily by the Coriolis acceleration. The cross-flow pressure-gradient acceleration along this trajectory was negligible be...
Crystallization and strength of natural rubber and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene

Abstract Crosslinked samples of natural rubber (NR, SMR-5L) and a synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR, Natsyn 2200, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company) were crystallized at −25 °C at various strains...
The Open Economy IS/LM Simulation Model: A User Guide

This is a user guide for the computer simulation of the short-run open economy IS/LM model (UVA-S-BP-0522.xls). The model is also known as the Mundell-Fleming model. We assume the user is a student who is studying the short-run open economy model in an intermediate level macroeconomics course. The simulation requires Microsoft Excel® version 2000 or newer to run.
How gravitational lensing helps gamma-ray photons avoid $\gamma - \gamma$ absorption

We investigate potential $\gamma-\gamma$ absorption of gamma-ray emission from blazars arising from inhomogeneities along the line of sight, beyond the diffuse Extragalactic Background Light (EBL). As plausible sources of excess $\gamma-\gamma$ opacity, we consider (1) foreground galaxies, including cases in which this configuration leads to strong gravitational lensing, (2) individual stars within these foreground galaxies, and (3) individual stars within our own galaxy, which may act as lenses for microlensing events. We found that intervening galaxies close to the line-of-sight are unlikely to lead to significant excess $\gamma-\gamma$ absorption. This opens up the prospect of detecting lensed gamma-ray blazars at energies above 10 GeV with their gamma-ray spectra effectively only affected by the EBL. The most luminous stars located either in intervening galaxy or in our galaxy provides an environment in which these gamma-rays could, in principle, be significantly absorbed. However, despite a large microlensing probability due to stars located in intervening galaxies, gamma-rays avoid absorption by being deflected by the gravitational potentials of such intervening stars to projected distances ("impact parameters"') where the resulting $\gamma-\gamma$ opacities are negligible. Thus, neither of the intervening excess photon fields considered here, provide a substantial source of excess $\gamma-\gamma$ opacity beyond the EBL, even in the case of very close alignments between the background blazar and a foreground star or galaxy.
Host associations of Gigantolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) in the Cerrado Province of Central Brazil.

Distribution and abundance of seven species of ectoparasitic mites of the genus Gigantolaelaps Fonseca were examined during a 14-mo intensive study of the small-mammal fauna in two adjacent ecological reserves near Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. Prevalence (extensity) and intensity of infestation were combined with measures of reproductive capacity of mite infrapopulations to estimate specificity of observed host/mite associations. Gigantolaelaps spp. occurred almost exclusively on the oryzomyine (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae: Oryzomyini) component of the small-mammal fauna. Within this host group, mite associations were species specific. Each of seven oryzomyine species was infested consistently with a different species of Gigantolaelaps, and evidence of mite reproduction was observed only in these association pairs. The host/mite pairs are Gigantolaelaps amazonae Furman on Oryzomys bicolor (Tomes), Gigantolaelaps oudemansi Fonseca on Oryzomys capito (Olfers), Gigantolaelaps guimaraesi Lizaso on Oryzomys concolor (Wagner), Gigantolaelaps peruviana (Ewing) on Oryzomys fornesi Massoia, Gigantolaelaps wolffsohni (Oudemans) on Oryzomys nigripes (Olfers), Gigantolaelaps vitzthumi Fonseca on Oryzomys subflavus (Wagner), and Gigantolaelaps goyanensis Fonseca on Nectomys squamipes (Brants). Oryzomyine rodents showed strong preferences for certain macrohabitats; five species occurred exclusively in gallery forest and two in brejos, upland campos, and cerrados. Secondary infestations of Gigantolaelaps spp. on atypical hosts were rarely observed and only in the gallery forest macrohabitat ( G. oudemansi and G. goyanensis on Didelphis albiventris Lund, and G. oudemansi on O. concolor). Reproductive mites were not observed on secondary hosts.
Effect of K+ channel blockade on fatigue in rat diaphragm muscle

K+ channel blockers increase skeletal muscle force during twitch contractions; the present study determined whether K+ channel blockade also modulates force during longer term and higher frequency stimulation. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP; 0.3 mM) increased rat diaphragm force during twitch, 5-Hz and 20-Hz but not 100-Hz stimulation, and prolonged isometric contraction but not half-relaxation time. In response to continuous 5-Hz stimulation, the rate of force decline was accelerated by 4-AP so that over time force dropped below that of control muscle strips. In response to intermittent 20-Hz stimulation, 4-AP produced an early force potentiation; the 4-AP-induced force increase was maintained throughout repetitive stimulation despite an accelerated rate of force decline. In response to continuous 100-Hz stimulation, 4-AP did not affect rate of force decline. During 5- and 20-Hz stimulation, there was an interaction between 4-AP and duration of stimulation in prolonging contraction and especially half-relaxation time. Tetraethylammonium (10 mM) augmented diaphragm force less than did 4-AP, did not affect rate of force decline during 5-Hz stimulation, and did not interact with fatigue to prolong isometric twitch kinetics. These data indicate that K+ channel blockade with 4-AP increases diaphragm force at low to intermediate stimulation frequencies, may increase early force potentiation during repetitive contraction, and depending on stimulation pattern either accelerates or has no effect on rate of fatigue.
Skin, Genetic Defects, and Aging

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and comprises a total surface area of approximately 2 m2. The skin has multiple functions such as protection against external environmental factors, sensation, heat regulation, control of water evaporation, synthesis of vitamin D, and many more. At the cellular level, it comprises three layers, from top to bottom: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis [1]. The epidermis is mainly composed of three kinds of cells: keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells [2]. The epidermis is the uppermost layer of skin and further contains several sublayers (Fig. 2.1) [3]. The epidermis functions as a barrier of the skin, which protects humans from invasion of pathogenic potentially infectious foreign particles into the body. It can have different degrees of thickness at various sites of the body. The epidermis is connected to the dermis via a basal membrane. The kerotinocytes residing on the basal layer undergo cell division. As it progresses, the keratinocytes move upward through different layers named spinous, granular, and cornified layer (stratum corneum, SC), and eventually are lost from the skin surface by desquamation [4]. The epidermis does not have any primary blood supply, hence it receives all nutrients from the dermis.
A dilemma for the soul theory of personal identity

The problem of diachronic personal identity is this: what explains why a person P1 at time T1 is numerically identical with a person P2 at a later time T2, even if they are not at those times qualitatively identical? One traditional explanation is the soul theory, according to which persons persist in virtue of their nonphysical souls. I argue here that this view faces a new and arguably insuperable dilemma: either (a) souls, like physical bodies, change over time, in which case the soul theory faces an analogue problem of diachronic soul identity, or (b) souls, unlike physical bodies, do not change over time, in which case the soul theory cannot explain why souls relate to particular bodies over time and so at best only partially explains personal identity. I conclude that the soul theory fares no better than physicalist-friendly accounts of personal identity such as bodily- or psychological-continuity-based views.
Successful Re-Engraftment after Second Allogeneic Transplantation for Graft Failure in Patients with Refractory Hematologic Malignancies.

Graft failure (GF), either primary or after transient engraftment, following matched, related allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without T-cell depletion is usually less than 3% for hematological diseases. Graft failure using non-T-cell depleted unrelated donors in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) as reported by the national marrow registry is approximately 9.7%. For aplastic anemia, the incidence of graft failure is estimated to be 10%. In this report, we present 3 patients (Pts) with GF following unrelated ablative allogeneic HSCT (two with peripheral blood stem cells and one with bone marrow). Pt. 1 had transient engraftment and Pts 2 & 3 had primary GF. Their relevant demographics are as follows: TABLE 1 All patients were initially conditioned with alemtuzumab (A) 30mg/day on days −8 to −6, fludarabine (F) 30mg/m2/day on days −7 to −3, and busulfan .8mg/kg x 16 doses (two patients) or x 8 doses (one patient) on days −5 to −2. Conditioning for HSCT #2 included cyclophosphamide 50mg/kg/day, Mesna 50mg/kg/day, and thymoglobulin 2.5mg/kg/day on days −5 to −2. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis included tacrolimus for both HSCT transplants, and low dose methotrexate (3 doses) combined with prednisone (2mg/kg) on days 0–18 followed by a two week taper for HSCT #2. The stem cell product and engraftment kinetics are shown below. Significant toxicities after HSCT#2 have included successful resolution of PTLD in patient #1 (who also experienced infection with pulmonary respiratory syncitial virus, BK viruria, and fatty infiltration of the liver). BK viruria was noted in patient #2, as well as hypertension and a modest pericardial effusion with global hypokinesis (but with a normal ejection fraction). Hepatomegaly was documented, but no vaso-occlusive disease was established. Patient #3 developed a cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, and BK viruria and remains Plt transfusion dependent. Patient #1 had grade II GVHD of the skin and gut, but patients 2 and 3 had none. GVHD has been
Increased survivability of ischemic skin flap tissue in Flk-1+/- mice by Pellino-1 intervention.

Objective Reduced skin flap survival due to ischemia is a serious concern during reconstructive cosmetic surgery. The absence of VEGF and its receptors during ischemia may lead to flap failure. We identified Peli1, a 46-kDa protein, as a proangiogenic molecule and is directly regulated by VEGF. Therefore, we hypothesized that Peli1 acts downstream of Flk-1/VEGFR2 and aids in skin flap survival during ischemia. Methods Scratch and matrigel assays were performed to observe cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. Western blot analysis was carried out to detect the phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) and MAPKAPK2 (p-MK2) in HUVECs. The translational potential of Peli1 pretreatment in the rescue of skin flap tissue was studied in vivo using Flk-1+/− mice. Animals underwent dorsal ischemic skin flap surgery, and the tissue was collected on day 12 for analysis. Results Western blot analysis revealed a direct relationship between Peli1 and VEGF, as demonstrated by loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies. In addition, pretreatment with Ad.Peli1 restored the phosphorylation of Akt and MK2 and improved the migration potential of Flk-1-knockdown cells. Ad.Peli1 pretreatment salvaged the ischemic skin flap of Flk-1+/− mice by increasing blood perfusion and reducing the inflammatory response and the extent of necrosis. Conclusion Our findings reveal that Peli1 is a proangiogenic molecule that acts downstream of VEGF-Flk-1 and restores angiogenesis and enhances skin flap survivability.
Medial Prefrontal Cortex Reduces Memory Interference by Modifying Hippocampal Encoding

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial for accurate memory performance when prior knowledge interferes with new learning, but the mechanisms that minimize proactive interference are unknown. To investigate these, we assessed the influence of medial PFC (mPFC) activity on spatial learning and hippocampal coding in a plus maze task that requires both structures. mPFC inactivation did not impair spatial learning or retrieval per se, but impaired the ability to follow changing spatial rules. mPFC and CA1 ensembles recorded simultaneously predicted goal choices and tracked changing rules; inactivating mPFC attenuated CA1 prospective coding. mPFC activity modified CA1 codes during learning, which in turn predicted how quickly rats adapted to subsequent rule changes. The results suggest that task rules signaled by the mPFC become incorporated into hippocampal representations and support prospective coding. By this mechanism, mPFC activity prevents interference by “teaching” the hippocampus to retrieve distinct representations of similar circumstances.
Cardiac transplant vasculopathy

Transplant vasculopathy is a form of slowly progressive rejection. The interventional cardiologist plays an important role in maintaining survival of this precious commodity by performing PCI. Everolimus drug eluting stents are highly effective and have relatively low occurrence of in-stent restenosis, but transplant vasculopathy continues to progress in a diffuse pattern.
What do advocates know about policymaking? Revealing process in the Advocacy Coalition Framework

The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) theorizes the causal mechanisms behind policy change, with a fundamental acknowledgement that such change cannot occur without advocates’ skillful strategic a...
Talking about density: An empirical investigation of framing

Abstract Scholars of cities have presented evidence that increasing the density of urban areas in western countries is key to accomplishing greater sustainability in the built environment. Technical knowledge of sprawl’s negative impacts may well convince local planners of the benefits of denser development, but planners likely face challenges in communicating the benefits of densification to their constituents. When planners cite certain benefits over others, they effectively frame densification in ways that may or may not resonate with the values of their constituents. This paper evaluates the efficacy of seven commonly elicited frames for densification. We evaluate factors impacting constituent reception of densification as presented through each frame including: (1) constituent familiarity with each frame, (2) a variety of demographic and political factors, and (3) neighborhood land use and density in the area where increased density is proposed. We find that planners prompt each of the frames with different associated rates of success or failure across communities of different demographics, and that residential neighborhoods of eight (8) or fewer dwelling units per acre (3.24 or fewer units per hectare) are especially less likely to support densification regardless of the elicited frame. We also find that constituent familiarity with a given frame is always associated with increased support for densification, but occasionally with widespread doubt in planners’ arguments as well.
Muscle Extracellular Matrix

Muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed primarily of collagen, with lesser amounts of other constituents including proteoglycans. This review summarizes the role of the major muscle collagens, types I and III, and the small, leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin in development of a mature, skeletal muscle matrix and subsequent meat characteristics. A stabilized ECM is essential for functional muscle; the stabilizing force is provided predominantly by the covalent, lysine-derived crosslinks of collagen. Information regarding the chemical structure and specific location of crosslinks is available; however, steps which control and regulate crosslink formation are less well understood. Recent studies suggest a potential role for deco-rin in regulating fibrillogenesis of collagen, ordering the spatial arrangement of collagen molecules and fibrils and influencing crosslinking patterns. Finally, the extent to which altered muscle collagen development may affect muscle growth and postmortem muscle characteristics will be discussed
Delayed Hypersensitivity and the Mechanism of Cellular Resistance to Infection

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the delayed hypersensitivity and the mechanism of cellular resistance to injection. A demonstration of the essential involvement of mononuclear phagocytes in delayed-type hypersensitivity has been reported. The profound depression of dermal reactivity that results from X irradiation was shown to be substantially overcome by injecting the skin test site with nonsensitive macrophages obtained from oil-induced exudates raised in the peritoneal cavity of normal donors. Lymphocytes could not substitute for macrophages in restoring to irradiated subjects the ability to react to antigen after adoptive sensitization. Because sensitive cells from the peritoneal cavity of irradiated donors were nonetheless capable of sensitizing normal recipients, it was obvious that the desensitizing effect of irradiation was exerted through an action on cells other than specifically committed lymphocytes. This made an active role for the monocyte a virtual certainty in the expression of hypersensitivity. It seemed that the monocyte functioned in delayed-type hypersensitivity as the polymorphonuclear leucocyte did in Arthus sensitivity.
SkyPackage: From Finding Items to Finding A Skyline of Packages on the Semantic Web.

Enabling complex querying paradigms over the wealth of available Semantic Web data will significantly impact the relevance and adoption of Semantic Web technologies in a broad range of domains. While the current predominant paradigm is to retrieve a list of items, in many cases the actual intent is satisfied by reviewing the lists and assembling compatible items into lists or packages of resources such that each package collectively satisfies the need, such as assembling different collections of places to visit during a vacation. Users may place constraints on individual items, and the compatibility of items within a package is based on global constraints placed on packages, like total distance or time to travel between locations in a package. Finding such packages using the traditional item-querying model requires users to review lists of possible multiple queries and assemble and compare packages manually.
Seasonal, Interannual, and Longitudinal Patterns in Estuarine Metabolism Derived from Diel Oxygen Data Using Multiple Computational Approaches

Twenty-three station-years of diel oxygen data for the James River Estuary were analyzed to characterize longitudinal, seasonal, and interannual patterns of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER). We compared two commonly used methods for deriving metabolism (bookkeeping and Bayesian) to determine whether the observed patterns were robust with respect to computational methodology. The two methods revealed similar longitudinal patterns of increasing GPP and ER, and decreasing net ecosystem metabolism (NEM), with increasing salinity. Seasonal patterns in GPP and ER tracked water temperature and solar radiation, except during high discharge events when metabolism declined by 40%. The bookkeeping method yielded higher estimates of GPP and ER in the higher end of the range, and smaller estimates in the low end of the range, thereby accentuating seasonal and longitudinal differences. Inferences regarding net autotrophy and heterotrophy were robust, as both methods yielded positive estimates of NEM at the chlorophyll maximum (tidal fresh segment) and negative values for the saline portion of the estuary. Inferences regarding the relative importance of allochthonous inputs (based on inferred ER at GPP = 0) differed between the two methods. Values derived by the bookkeeping method indicated that respiration was largely supported by autochthonous production, whereas the Bayesian results indicated that autochthonous and allochthonous inputs were equally important. Overall, our findings show that methodological differences were small in the context of longitudinal, seasonal, and interannual variation but that the bookkeeping method yielded a wider range of values for GPP and ER relative to the Bayesian estimates.
Throughput Enhancement via Multi-Armed Bandit in Heterogeneous 5G Networks

In heterogeneous networks, a user equipment (UE) can directly communicate with the macro base station (BS) or a small, low-power pico or femto BS. Alternatively, it can indirectly communicate with the macro BS through one or more intermediate device (UE) or a relay-station that uses the over-the-air backhaul to the macro BS. Due to the highly dynamic and uncertain nature of wireless communication, it is essential for a UE to choose an optimal communication mode and a neighbor to which it connects, e.g., a macro/small BS in the direct communication mode or a nearby relay/device in the indirect communication mode. In this paper, we apply an effective reinforcement learning method, called multi-armed bandit (MAB), to shed light on this problem. Especially, we apply MAB supported by the Thompson sampling theorem to pick an optimal arm—a neighbor that determines the communication mode and resulting performance, while effectively dealing with the exploration-exploitation dilemma in MAB. In a simulation study undertaken in Matlab, we compare the performance of the proposed approach to several baselines representing the current state of the art. Our approach enhances the throughput normalized to the optimal throughput by approximately 8-97% compared to several baselines representing the state of the art. Further, it improves the throughput by up to 15% compared to the best performing baseline [1], [2].
Host Star Driven Exoplanet Mass Loss and Possible Surface Water

Whether an exoplanet retains its atmosphere and surface water depends on many factors. I will first describe the two main mass-loss mechanisms for exoplanet atmospheres. The main thermal process is hydrodynamical outflow driven by extreme ultraviolet and x-radiation from the host star that heat and inflate an exoplanet’s exosphere leading to mass loss. Non-thermal mass loss occurs when ions and electrons in the host star’s wind remove neutrals and ions in the exoplanet’s upper atmosphere through charge exchange, ion pick-up, and other processes. Although there are simulations of thermal and non-thermal processes occurring in isolation, these processes can work together to enhance the mass-loss rate. There are, however, many unknowns or poorly known parameters including the exoplanet’s initial water inventory, its orbital migration, the strength of its magnetic field, its outgassing rate, the history of the host star’s UV, EUV and x-radiation, and the present and past flaring and coronal mass ejection (CME) rates. Thus for an exoplanet to be habitable today, it must survive a gauntlet of inadequately known challenges. Latter in the chapter, I describe what the term “habitable zone” is intended to be and include case studies of several exoplanets for which there are estimates of mass loss, surface liquid water, and habitability. Finally, I consider which types of host stars are most likely to support exoplanets that satisfy the wide variety of conditions that appear to be required for habitability.
Resource recovery from sanitation to enhance ecosystem services

Sanitation is often viewed as an unmentionable social obligation. Efficiently delivering this public good may involve use of ecosystem services, such as pollutant assimilation in wetlands, yet sanitation need not only consume: recovered resources (nutrients, organic matter and water) may enhance multiple ecosystem services, thereby expanding the value of sanitation. However, potential linkages between sanitation and ecosystem services have received limited attention. Bridging these fields will reveal opportunities to support sustainability goals, particularly in settings with extensive ecological assets but limited economic means. Here we develop a conceptual framework defining pathways through which recoverable resources can enhance ecosystem services and shed light on the viability of exploring synergistic interactions between engineered and natural systems. We find underexplored potential, particularly relating to the contribution resource recovery could make to regional ecosystems in countries across the globe. Such integrative work is needed to advance knowledge of sanitation–ecosystem linkages and stimulate policy efforts to enhance sustainable development and resource cycles. Sanitation is usually considered just an engineering and public health issue. This Perspective suggests avenues by which recoverable resources can enhance ecosystem services, such as provisioning nutrients for food production, and suggests synergies that can promote sustainable development.
Trajectories of belonging and enduring technology: 2G phones and Syrian refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq:

Digital migration studies has confronted its own Eurocentric tendencies and cautioned against the ‘technological fetishization’ of migrants. Like Gillespie et al.’s Mapping Refugee Media Journeys: ...
Coherent multidimensional photoelectron spectroscopy of ultrafast quasiparticle dressing by light

Depending on the applied strength, electromagnetic fields in electronic materials can induce dipole transitions between eigenstates or distort the Coulomb potentials that define them. Between the two regimes, they can also modify the electronic properties in more subtle ways when electron motion becomes governed by time and space-periodic potentials. The optical field introduces new virtual bands through Floquet engineering that under resonant conditions interacts strongly with the preexisting bands. Under such conditions the virtual bands can become real, and real ones become virtual as the optical fields and electronic band dispersions entangle the electronic response. We reveal optical dressing of electronic bands in a metal by exciting four-photon photoemission from the Cu(111) surface involving a three-photon resonant transition from the Shockley surface band to the first image potential band. Attosecond resolved interferometric scanning between identical pump-probe pulses and its Fourier analysis reveal how the optical field modifies the electronic properties of a solid through combined action of dipole excitation and field dressing.
Organizational Adoption of Data Mining

Unlike other IT innovations, data mining is not only an IT innovation but also a research methodology. Adoption and use of data mining in an organization could potentially raise unique privacy and ethical issues. Drawing on prior literature in the area of organizational adoption of IT innovation, specifically, the “diffusion of innovation” perspective, and research in the area of privacy and ethics, we propose a new model for understanding adoption of data mining in organizations. Plans for our data collection (both qualitative and quantitative) efforts are also discussed. We believe that our model makes significant contribution to the current literature by identifying the unique role of some of the ethical and privacy issues on data mining adoption in organizations.