cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute contralateral submandibular sialadenitis as a complication of skull base surgery

A 51-year-old woman presented with a 2.5 year history of numbness, tingling and progressive pain involving the right lateral tongue and anterior neck just inferior to the mandible. An unrevealing extensive imaging workup and a positive response to an anesthetic injection targeting the right glossopharyngeal nerve led to the diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia. After an unsuccessful attempt at medical therapy a suboccipital microvascular decompression was performed via a right suboccipital craniectomy. Immaculate hemostasis was reportedly achieved during surgery lasting approximately 2 h and 40 min. Acutely in the postoperative setting the patient was noted to have progressively worsening left cervical swelling and significant weakness with abduction of the left shoulder. Because of concern for an enlarging hematoma, potential airway compromise and the patient’s contrast allergy, a non-contrast neck computed tomography (CT) was carried out. The non-contrast soft tissue neck CT demonstrated an enlarged, moderately hypoattenuating left submandibular gland with multiple dilated intraparenchymal ducts (Fig. 1). Both superficial and deep inflammatory changes were present (Figs. 1, 2). superficially, the overlying platysma muscle and skin were thickened with soft tissue stranding in the overlying fat. An associated extensive amount of infiltrative low-attenuation fluid and inflammatory changes extended to the deep neck spaces (Figs. 1,2) involving left submandibular, sublingual, masticator, parapharyngeal, carotid, retClin neuroradiol (2012) 22:161–163 doI 10.1007/s00062-011-0078-1
Case Study on South Africa and Namibia: A Model for Electronic Evidence for the SADC Region

The need for standardized laws for electronic evidence is well established. As more countries realize the need for such laws in their day to day affairs, they create ones that work for their country. In today's global economy and interlaced businesses, both civil and criminal cases cross international lines. This case study uses South Africa and Namibia as a model for the SADC region of sub-Saharan Africa in the establishment of digital law and handling of digital evidence.
Current management of Wilms’ tumor in children

Abstract Purpose Wilms’ tumor is the most common renal tumor in children. Outcomes have improved dramatically over the past few decades, but important treatment questions remain. These include the role of molecular biologic markers in stratifying patients for therapy or targeting tumors for treatment. We present a summary of these advances and outline the current treatment of Wilm's tumor. Materials and methods The medical literature and results of all cooperative group studies reporting treatment of children with Wilms’ tumor were reviewed. Results Overall survival exceeds 90% for most patients with nephroblastoma. However, outcomes for patients with rhabdoid tumors and diffuse anaplasia remain poor. The role of renal sparing surgery in patients with bilateral tumors is clear, but for children with unilateral tumors it continues to be defined. Conclusions Current protocols conducted by pediatric oncology groups are beginning to incorporate biologic features to stratify patients for therapy. Treatment strategies continue to focus on limiting late effects of treatment while maintaining an excellent survival. New therapies are needed to treat the high-risk patients who continue to have high relapse and mortality rates.
Refined typechecking with Stardust

We present Stardust, an implementation of a type system for a subset of ML with type refinements, intersection types, and union types, enabling programmers to legibly specify certain classes of program invariants that are verified at compile time. This is the first implementation of unrestricted intersection and union types in a mainstream functional programming setting, as well as the first implementation of a system with both datasort and index refinements. The system-with the assistance of external constraint solvers-supports integer, Boolean and dimensional index refinements; we apply both value refinements (to check red-black tree invariants) and invaluable refinements (to check dimensional consistency). While typechecking with intersection and union types is intrinsically complex, our experience so far suggests that it can be practical in many instances.
Manga comic influences snack selection in Black and Hispanic New York City youth.

Abstract Objective To determine whether a single exposure to a Manga comic (Japanese comic art) with multiple messages promoting fruit intake influenced snack selection in minority urban youth. Methods Fifty-seven youth (mean age 10.8 y; 54% female; 74% black/African American) attending after-school programs in Brooklyn, NY participated in a pilot study in which they were randomly assigned to receive the comic or a non-health–related newsletter. After reading their media, participants were offered a snack and could choose from among healthy/unhealthy options. Secondary outcomes included knowledge, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations related to fruit intake and media transportation. Data were analyzed using regression and paired t test. Results Comic group participants were significantly more likely to choose a healthy snack, compared to the Attention-control group (odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–12.1, P = .04). The Comic group reported increases in self-efficacy ( P = .04) and greater transportation (immersion into media) ( P = .006). Conclusions and Implications Results suggest Manga comics may be a useful format to promote healthy snack selection in urban minority youth.
MAC-Oscillations of the Hidden Ocean of the Core

The dynamics of the stably stratified layer at the top of the core, which we call the H-layer or the hidden ocean of the core (HOC), is considered. It is shown that global axisymmetric eigenoscillations of the H-layer are possible that are similar to MAC-waves. These oscillations have periods of the order of a few decades (∼65 yr) if N ∼ 2Ω where N is the Brunt-Vaisala frequency of the H-layer and Ω is the frequency of the Earth's rotation. H-layer oscillations can be excited by an instability mechanism that resembles baroclinic (sloping) instability, and they in turn can excite torsional oscillations (TO) in the bulk of the core. The joint action of these two oscillations provide a mechanism for the generation of the decade geomagnetic secular variations, and the associated variations in the length of day
Influences of substrate composition on biogas yields of methanogenic digesters

Abstract Plant substrates ranging from marine macroalgae to terrestrial vegetables were tested in batch-mode fermentation trials to evaluate biogas output. These substrates were also analyzed for TCA-soluble carbohydrate, extractable protein, acid fiber, and neutral fiber content. A series of ordinary least squares regression models relating biogas yields to various substrate constituents was generated and evaluated using a computer statistical analysis system (SAS). The results indicate that models using soluble carbohydrate content, or combined carbohydrate and protein content, are most suitable for predicting the biogas production of a substrate. Analyses of biochemical changes of substrate constituents during digestion also indicate that carbohydrate and protein are the primary components utilized during digestion.
E-Government Capabilities for 21st Century Security and Defense

In this article we provide an overview of e-government as it pertains to national security and defense within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We discuss the adoption of Web services and service-oriented architectures to aid in information sharing and reduction of IT costs. We also discuss the networks on which services and resources are being deployed and explain the efforts being made to manage the infrastructure of available services. This article provides an overview of e-government for national security and defense and provides insight to current initiatives and future directions.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Lithium and Potassium Triazenide Complexes.

Reaction of the 1,2,3-triazene Tol−NN−NH−Tol with bases Li(N(SiMe3)2, n-BuLi, KH, K(N(SiMe3)2, and KO-t-Bu results in deprotonation of the triazene to give the lithium and potassium triazenide complexes. Both have been characterized structurally and have a dimeric core. However, the bonding of the triazenide to the metals is very different.
PACATOM: Nuclear cooperation in Asia

(1997). PACATOM: Nuclear cooperation in Asia. The Washington Quarterly: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 214-232.
Ca2+ and Mg2+ Induced Conformational Changes in Downstream Regulatory Antagonist Modulator (DREAM) Measured by Extrinsic Hydrophobic Probes

DREAM (downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator) is a multifunctional calcium sensor protein involved in regulation of gene expression and K-channel activity in neuronal cells. Here we present spectroscopic studies of the Ca2+ triggered conformational transition in DREAM using the ANS extrinsic hydrophobic probes 1,8-anilinonapthalene and 2,6-anilinonapthalene. Fluorescence emission spectra of the ANS-DREAM complexes show an increase in ANS emission intensity for Ca2+ and Ca2+Mg2+ bound DREAM consistent with an overall decrease in surface polarity due to the Ca2+ binding. From the titration studies the ANS dissociation constants were determined to be: Kd1,8-ANS = 145±15 μM for the apoform and Kd1,8-ANS = 45±2 μM for Ca2+DREAM. Two binding sites for both ANS isomers were identified in apo/Mg2+ and Ca2+/Mg2+Ca2+ protein using fluorescence lifetime measurements. We propose that one binding site is partially solvent exposed and exhibits a shorter lifetime, τ1,8-ANS = 5.8 ns and τ2,6-ANS = 6.8 ns, whereas the second site is buried within the protein matrix with τ1,8-ANS = 16.1 ns and τ2,6-ANS = 10.9 ns. Computational simulation of ligand binding support the two site binding model with one site located between EF-3/4 and the second site near Trp169 and the entering helix of EF-3. Using fluorescence anisotropy decay two correlation times were resolved for apoprotein and Ca2+ bound DREAM. We assign the longer correlation time to a global motion of the protein (Φapo/Mg2+ = 55 ns and ΦCa2+/Mg2+Ca2+ = 26 ns) and the second time to a local motion of the C-terminal domain (Φapo/Mg2+ = 13 ns and ΦCa2+/Mg2+Ca2+ = 6 ns). The 55 ns correlation time is consistent with apo and Mg2+DREAM being in the tetrameric form whereas Ca2+ binding to apo or Mg2+ DREAM promotes formation of DREAM dimer.
Physical experiments of vertical transpression with localized nonvertical extrusion

Abstract Previously proposed models of vertical-walled transpression implicitly assume that material extrudes upwards during deformation. This assumption is not necessarily valid at all scales given that: (a) in areas of diverse lithologies, local zones of relatively rigid materials may cause extruding material to deflect around those zones, and (b) ductile strain often forms anastomosing geometries of shear zones. Therefore, it is possible that a local extension direction in otherwise classic transpression may be nonvertical for rocks deforming at depth. Using an analogue experiment, we have modeled a transpression zone with localized nonvertical extrusion. This extrusion is accomplished by the addition of a side ‘leak’ that allows sideways extrusion in addition to vertical extrusion. The net extension direction depends on the material's position within the deforming zone, resulting in a significant range of lineation orientations with deformation. The strain patterns produced by transpression with localized nonvertical extrusion may explain the wide array of lineation orientations found in some natural ductile transpression zones.
Ethnicity and Development in Africa: A Reappraisal

131 enroll. While membership is an entitlement that can be activated, the entitlement is restricted by family membership. As in other developing regions, formal institutions are weak in modern Africa, and persons therefore tend to organize economic relationships through social institutions. One way of augmenting the stock of capital is through education; another is through migration to the city. To a great degree, it is families who organize the flow of resources that promote both urban migration and the acquisition of skills. Recognizing the central role of families in the formation of capital, one can achieve a better grasp of the relationship between modernization and ethnicity. To a significant degree, modernization is achieved through the process of human-capital formation. This process is privately organized; that is to say, it is organized by families. Families organize the flow of resources between generations and sectors, thus promoting the acquisition of skills and urban migration, and thus the modernization of societies. It is by stabilizing the contract between generations within family units that ethnic groups facilitate the process of investment. To illustrate, I use data collected from a village in Luapula Province, Zambia, which supplies labor to the mining centers of Zambia and Congo. When conducting my field work, I focused on links between town and country and found that the income rural dwellers derived from town varied systematically with the structure (size, age composition, and education) of their families. The coefficients in the “remittance” function suggested that an additional child yields, on average, 3.23 kwacha in the form of financial Those who study modern Africa commonly highlight three features: its poverty, its instability, and its ethnic diversity. Whether in lurid popularizations (e.g., Robert Kaplan, 1994) or in social scientific research (e.g., William Easterly and Ross Levine, 1997; but see also Paul Collier and A. Hoeffler [1998]) scholars reason that Africa is poor because it is unstable and that its instability derives from its ethnic complexity. Ethnicity thus lies, it is held, at the root of Africa’s development crisis. This essay critiques the conventional wisdom by mounting an alternative interpretation. Using both qualitative and quantitative data from Africa, this article argues that:
Fluorescent, through-bond energy transfer cassettes for labeling multiple biological molecules in one experiment

Through-bond energy transfer cassettes based on a fluorescein donor component electronically conjugated to rhodamine-like acceptors have been designed and synthesized. They absorb strongly at 488 nm (Ar-laser emission) and efficiently transfer the energy to the acceptor component that emits strongly. Further, the cassettes are more stable to photobleaching than fluorescein, making them potentially more suitable for single-molecule detection methods than fluorescein itself. These studies form the basis for improved detection of chain-terminated DNA in high-throughput sequencing and other applications in biotechnology.
Remarriage as an Incomplete Institution

The higher divorce rate for remarriages after divorce than for first marriages, it is argued, is due to the incomplete institutionalization of remarriage after divorce in the United States. Persons who are remarried after a divorce and have children from previous marriages face problems unlike those encountered in first marriages. The institution of the family provides no standard solutions to many of these problems, with the result that the unity of families of remarriages after divorce often becomes precarious. The incomplete institutionalization of ramarriage shows us, by way of contrast, that family unity in first marriages is still supported by effective institutional controls, despite claims that the institutional nature of family life has eroded in the 20th century. Some suggestions for future research on remarriage and on the institutionalization of married life are presented.
SELF-STABILIZING ALGORITHMS FOR UNFRIENDLY PARTITIONS INTO TWO DISJOINT DOMINATING SETS

An unfriendly partition is a partition of the vertices of a graph G = (V,E) into two sets, say Red R(V) and Blue B(V), such that every Red vertex has at least as many Blue neighbors as Red neighbors, and every Blue vertex has at least as many Red neighbors as Blue neighbors. We present three polynomial time, self-stabilizing algorithms for finding unfriendly partitions in arbitrary graphs G, or equivalently into two disjoint dominating sets.
Differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells is induced by high-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields.

Craniofacial defect repair is often limited by a finite sup- ply of available autologous tissue (ie, bone) and less than ideal al- ternatives. Therefore, other methods to produce bony healing must be explored. Several studies have demonstrated that low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation (ie, 5Y30 Hz) of osteoblasts enhances bone formation. The current study was designed to investigate whether a Food and Drug AdministrationYapproved, high-frequency PEMFYemitting device is capable of inducing osteo- genic differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. Osteoprogenitor cells (commercially available C3H10T1/2 and mouse calvarial) in com- plete Dulbecco modified Eagle medium were continuously exposed to PEMF stimulation delivered by the ActiPatch at a frequency of 27.1 MHz. Markers of cellular proliferation and early, intermediate, and terminal osteogenic differentiation were measured and com- pared with unstimulated controls. All experiments were performed in triplicate. High-frequency PEMF stimulation increases alkaline phosphatase activity in both cell lines. In addition, high-frequency PEMF stimulation augments osteopontin and osteocalcin expres- sion as well as mineral nodule formation in C3H10T1/2 cells, indi- cating late and terminal osteogenic differentiation, respectively. Cellular proliferation, however, was unaffected by high-frequency PEMF stimulation. Mechanistically, high-frequency PEMF-stimulated osteogenic differentiation is associated with elevated mRNA expres- sion levels of osteogenic bone morphogenetic proteins in C3H10T1/ 2 cells. Our findings suggest that high-frequency PEMF stimulation of osteoprogenitor cells may be explored as an effective tissue en- gineering strategy to treat critical-size osseous defects of the cra- niofacial and axial skeleton.
Echocardiographic Demonstration of Electrical Alternans

A 49-year-old male with a history of small-cell lung cancer and distant metastasis presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion lasting 2 weeks. Physical examination demonstrated a pulse of 118 beats per minute, blood pressure of 104/62 mm Hg, jugular venous pressure of 15 cm water, pulsus paradoxus of …
A new high-speed monolithic operational amplifier

The limitations in the design of such amplifiers are reviewed. The stage-by-stage design of a four-stage operational amplifier with primary emphasis on speed without sacrifice of d.c. performance is presented. The layout and connection of the internal capacitor used for improvement of the frequency response are discussed. The a.c. performance and time-domain response are presented.
A plasma membrane protein from Zea mays binds with the herbivore elicitor volicitin

Volicitin (17-hydroxylinolenoyl-L-Gln) present in the regurgitant of Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm caterpillars) activates the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when in contact with damaged Zea mays cv Delprim (maize) leaves. VOC emissions in turn serve as a signaling defense for the plant by attracting female parasitic wasps that prey on herbivore larvae. A tritiated form of volicitin was synthesized and shown to induce volatiles in the same fashion as the biological form. [3H]-L-volicitin rapidly, reversibly, and saturably bound to enriched plasma membrane fractions isolated from Z. mays leaves with an apparent Kd of 1.3 nM and a Hill coefficient of 1.07. Analog studies showed that the L-Gln and hydroxy moieties of volicitin play an important role in binding. Treatment of plants with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) increased the total binding of [ 3 H]-L-volicitin to the enriched plasma membrane more than threefold, suggesting that MeJA activates transcription of the gene encoding the binding protein. S. exigua feeding also increased total binding fourfold. Cycloheximide pretreatment of plants significantly decreased binding of radiolabeled volicitin to the enriched plasma membrane. These data provide the first experimental evidence that initiation of plant defenses in response to herbivore damage can be mediated by a binding protein–ligand interaction.
Effects of high-molecular-weight dissolved organic matter on nitrogen dynamics in the Mississippi River plume

The dynamics of N and its interactions with labile dissolved organic C (DOC), bacteria, and phytoplankton were studied to determine potential effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and light on N dynamics in surface waters of the Mississippi River (USA) plume in the Gulf of Mexico. Bac­ terial uptake of added labeled N compounds e 5 NH4 +or 15 N-labeled dissolved free amino acids, DFAA) was stimulated more by high-molecular-weight (HMW, > 1 kDa) DOM than by low-molecular-weight (LMW, < 1 kDa) DOM. An index that inversely indicated the presence of labile DOC was defined as the
Monte Carlo simulation of coagulation in discrete particle-size distributions. Part 1. Brownian motion and fluid shearing

A method for the Monte Carlo simulation, by digital computer, of the evolution of a colliding and coagulating population of suspended particles is described. Collision mechanisms studied both separately and in combination are: Brownian motion of the particles, and laminar and isotropic turbulent shearing motions of the suspending fluid. Steady-state distributions are obtained by adding unit-size particles at a constant rate and removing all particles once they reach a preset maximum volume. The resulting size distributions are found to agree with those obtained by dimensional analysis (Hunt 1982).
Distributed decision-making by a team of neural networks

An increasing number of application areas in engineering and computing systems is requiring collaborative interaction between physically distributed decision-makers and controllers. Such distributed applications frequently give rise to nonlinear distributed decision and control problems in the presence of uncertainties such as the effects of the local decisions on the overall objective and disparate system state information. Artificial neural networks in the past have proved effective in adaptive realization of nonlinear decision-making and control rules. In order to apply them to distributed applications, new interconnection models as well as adaptation and learning methods are needed to cope with distributed sources of uncertainty such as those mentioned above. Motivated by studies in large-scale systems theory, we present a team theoretic interconnection of neural networks. The problem that arises due to the disparate nature of the state information available to the decision-makers is highlighted. This problem is overcome by constructing local approximations to the overall performance function using only the locally available information. These local performance functions (termed local critics), in turn, yield adaptive methods for realization of distributed decision rules using neural networks. Simulation studies have demonstrated the applicability of the above approach to many distributed decision-making problems.
Pacing Maneuver in the Diagnosis of the Mechanism of Supraventricular Tachycardia

Pacing and entrainment maneuvers are essential for establishing the mechanism of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but may fail to do so if the SVT terminates or if pacing results in atrioventricular (AV) dissociation as opposed to entrainment of the arrhythmia. We present an unusual case of typical AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with high degree AV block in which the diagnosis was confirmed using a novel maneuver consisting of simultaneous atrial and ventricular (A + V) pacing. The reproducible response to A + V pacing at varying cycle lengths established the diagnosis of AVNRT in this case.
A departure regulator for closely spaced parallel runways

Increased efficiency at airports is necessary to reduce delays and in so doing reduce emissions. Many of the busiest airports in the nation have at least one pair of closely spaced parallel runways with one runway dedicated to arrivals and the other to departures. Closely spaced parallel runways experience a large decrease in capacity under instrument conditions, because they can no longer operate independently. In order to mitigate this decrease and increase efficiency, we propose a departure regulator for runways with this configuration. The proposed departure regulator makes use of data from precision tracking systems such as ADS-B to issue automated or semi-automated departure clearances. Assuming sequential departure separations are sufficient for clearance, the regulator will automatically issue or advise the controller to issue the departure clearance as soon as the arrival on the adjacent runway has descended below its decision height. By issuing the departure clearance earlier, the departure regulator reduces the gap between each pair of arrivals that is required to insert a departure. By decreasing the gap, the regulator increases the probability that a departure clearance can be issued. A simulation was created to model the effects of the regulator and quantify the resulting increases in capacity. Results indicate that all forms of the regulator would provide significant gains of between 13% and 31% in capacity over the current operating paradigm. The results also indicate that the capacity gains are greatest at high arrival rates. Therefore, implementation of the departure regulator could significantly decrease the congestion at many major airports when they are in instrument meteorological conditions.
Cinacalcet does not affect the activity of cytochrome P450 3A enzymes, a metabolic pathway for common immunosuppressive agents : a randomized, open-label, crossover, single-centre study in healthy volunteers.

Background and objective: Cinacalcet HCl (cinacalcet) is approved for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in subjects receiving dialysis and for the reduction of hypercalcaemia in patients with parathyroid carcinoma. The drug may also be co-administered with medications used in the renal transplantation setting, such as immunosuppressants. Cinacalcet, as well as some immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin, tacrolimus and sirolimus, is partially metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A enzymes (CYP3A). This study aimed to evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of cinacalcet on CYP3A activity using midazolam as a probe substrate in healthy volunteers. Methods: In this randomized, open-label, crossover, two-treatment, two-period, single-centre study, 12 healthy volunteers received either oral cinacalcet 90 mg once daily for 5 days plus a single oral dose of midazolam 2 mg on day 5, or a single oral dose of midazolam 2 mg on day 1. Following a 10-day washout period, subjects received the alternate treatment. Blood samples were collected predose and at selected time points up to 24 hours after dosing with midazolam for measurement of midazolam pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Eleven subjects completed the study. Mean (standard deviation) midazolam maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC∞) were 9.31 (3.09) ng/mL and 24.1 (7.7) ng • h/mL, respectively, when administered in combination with cinacalcet, compared with 9.76 (2.81) ng/mL and 22.8 (6.1) ng • h/mL when administered alone. The mean geometric ratios (90% confidence interval) were 0.95 (0.84, 1.06) and 1.05 (0.95, 1.16) for Cmax and AUC∞, respectively. All adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, and consistent with the safety profile of cinacalcet. Conclusion: Once-daily administration of cinacalcet did not alter the pharmacokinetics of midazolam relative to administration of midazolam alone. These data suggest that cinacalcet administration does not affect CYP3A activity, and thus would not have an effect on any drug eliminated via CYP3A, including some commonly used immunosuppressant therapies.
Helium Nanodroplet Isolation Spectroscopy and ab Initio Calculations of HO3(O2)n Clusters

HO3-(O2)n clusters are formed by the sequential addition of the hydroxyl radical and O2 molecules to superfluid helium nanodroplets. IR laser spectroscopy in the fundamental OH stretching region reveals the presence of several bands assigned to species as large as n=4. Detailed ab initio calculations are carried out for multiple isomers of cis- and trans-HO3-O2, corresponding to either hydrogen- or oxygen-bonded van der Waals complexes. Comparisons to theory suggest that the structure of the HO3-O2 complex formed in helium droplets is a hydrogen-bonded (4)A' species consisting of a trans-HO3 core. The computed binding energy of the complex is approximately 240 cm(-1). Despite the weak interaction between trans-HO3 and O2, nonadditive redshifts of the OH stretching frequency are observed upon successive solvation by O2 to form larger clusters with n>1.
Discordant phenotype and sterol biochemistry in Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a multiple malformation syndrome resulting from mutations of the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase gene (DHCR7). During de novo cholesterol biosynthesis, DHCR7 catalyzes the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) to cholesterol. A clinical diagnosis of SLOS is confirmed biochemically by the presence of elevated levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol. Phenotypic severity of SLOS has previously been shown to correlate with the 7DHC/cholesterol ratio. In this case report, we describe a patient with a severe SLOS phenotype, but a very low serum 7DHC/cholesterol ratio. We further demonstrate that this discordance is due to alternative splicing of a previously unreported IVS5+3 A>T mutation. This mutation results in the transcription of both normal and mutant mRNA transcripts. We postulate that alternative splicing of the IVS5+3 A>T results in insufficient DHCR7 activity during embryogenesis, but sufficient DHCR7 activity once cholesterol synthetic rates decrease postnatally. This case is a unique observation that underscores the adjunctive use of fibroblast and molecular testing in ambiguous cases of SLOS and may provide insight into the potential efficacy of therapeutic interventions altering postnatal cholesterol biosynthesis.
Model integration for assessing future hydroclimate impacts on water resources, agricultural production and environmental quality in the San Joaquin Basin, California

Abstract The US National Assessment of the Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change provides compelling arguments for action and adaptive measures to help mitigate water resource, agricultural production and environmental quality impacts of future climate change. National resource planning at this scale can benefit by the development of integrated impact analysis toolboxes that allow linkage and integration of hydroclimate models, surface and groundwater hydrologic models, economic and environmental impact models and techniques for social impact assessment. Simulation models used in an assessment of climate change impacts on water resources, agriculture and environmental quality in the San Joaquin Basin of California are described in this paper as well as the challenges faced in linking the component models within an impacts assessment toolbox. Results from simulations performed with several of the tools in the impacts assessment toolbox are presented and discussed. After initially attempting model integration with the public domain, GIS-based modeling framework Modular Modeling System/Object User Interface (MMS/OUI), frustration with the framework’s lack of flexibility to handle monthly timestep models prompted development of a common geodatabase to allow linkage of model input and output for the linked simulation models. A GIS-based data browser was also developed that works with both network flow models and makes calls to a model post-processor that shows model output for each selected node in each model network. This data and output browser system is flexible and can readily accommodate future changes in the model network configuration and in the model database.
Personal And Work-Related Correlates Of Mental Health In Slovak Women In Higher Education

Two samples of Slovak women in higher education were surveyed in order to determine the extent to which the personal attributes of locus of control and life satisfaction and work-related attributes of role conflict and ambiguity are related to mental health symptomatology. The personal attribute of external locus of control correlated positively with symptoms of psychological distress. Life satisfaction correlated negatively with mental health. Role conflict and ambiguity each correlated positively with all symptoms of psychological distress. Moderating effects of locus of control and life satisfaction were not found. Results are discussed in relation to findings from similar surveys of U.S. women in higher education and with respect to changes in higher education in post-communist Central and Eastern European countries.
The influence of climate modes on streamflow in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Abstract Study region The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Study focus An understanding of past streamflow variability is necessary for developing future management practices that will help mitigate the impacts of extreme events such as drought or floods on agriculture and other human activities. To better understand mechanisms driving streamflow variability at all timescales, annual to multi-decadal streamflow variability of three major rivers in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States (the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Hudson Rivers) was studied in the context of climate modes using correlation and wavelet analyses. New hydrological insights for the region Results from the correlation analysis detected statistically significant relationships between climate indices and streamflow that were similar for the three rivers. The results from the wavelet analysis showed that 18- and 26-year periodicities were embedded in the streamflow time series. Decadal variability of streamflow was coherent with the El-Nino Southern Oscillation (SO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The time series for the PDO and SO indices and precipitation were found to be synchronized to the decadal variability of a global circulation pattern consisting of a Rossby wave train emanating from the North Pacific. The SO explained 37–54% of the 1960s drought, 33–49% of the 1970s pluvial, and 19–50% of the 2000s pluvial in the three river basins.
Application of low-coherence interferometry for in situ nondestructive evaluation of thin and thick multilayered transparent composites

Multilayered transparent composites having laminates with polymer interlayers and backing sheets are commonly used in a wide range of applications where visibility, transparency, impact resistance, and safety are essential. Manufacturing flaws or damage during operation can seriously compromise both safety and per- formance. Most fabrication defects are not discernible until after the entire multilayered transparent composite assembly has been completed, and in-the-field inspection for damage is a problem not yet solved. A robust and reliable nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique is needed to evaluate structural integrity and identify defects that result from manufacturing issues as well as in-service damage arising from extreme environmental con- ditions in addition to normal mechanical and thermal loads. Current optical techniques have limited applicability for NDE of such structures. This work presents a technique that employs a modified interferometer utilizing a laser diode or femtosecond fiber laser source to acquire in situ defect depth location inside a thin or thick multilayered transparent composite, respectively. The technique successfully located various defects inside examined composites. The results show great potential of the technique for defect detection, location, and iden- tification in multilayered transparent composites. © 2015 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) (DOI: 10.1117/1. OE.54.12.125103)
Coupling between Energy and Carrier-Envelope Phase in Hollow-Core Fiber Based f-to-2f Interferometers

The coupling coefficient between carrier-envelope phase and laser pulse energy is measured for white-light generation from a hollow-core fiber. It is determined that 1% fluctuation in laser energy gives a phase shift of 128 mrad.
Abstract IA13: Targeting PI3K isoforms in cancer: From mouse genetics to human therapy

The signaling axis of the class-I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is perhaps most commonly activated in cancer; activation of this pathway occurs via distinct mechanisms that include somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA (the gene encoding the p110α isoform of PI3K), genetic or epigenetic loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor and mutation/overexpression of RTKs. Thus PI3K represents an attractive target for cancer therapy and tremendous efforts are being devoted to developing effective PI3K inhibitors for cancer treatment. There are several PI3K isoforms in mammals, only the p110α and p110β isoforms are ubiquitously expressed. While the majority of the signal downstream of nearly all the RTKs and oncogenes so far tested is carried through p110α, p110β appears to play a prominent role in G protein mediated signaling in cells and for RTK signaling in certain circumstances. Surprisingly, we found that p110β is also the major player in a number of tumors driven by PTEN loss. In the mouse, each enzyme has been found to be necessary for certain processes and dispensable for others. Taking both genetic and pharmacological approaches, we have found that the two isoforms can actually play opposing roles in the normal development and pathology of mammary tissue. More recently, we found that p110α and p110β isoforms play spatially distinct roles in the epidermal skin that are required for the development and maintenance of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. In this talk, I will discuss our most recent results on our studies of the distinct roles of the two isoforms in cancer. Citation Format: Jean J. Zhao. Targeting PI3K isoforms in cancer: From mouse genetics to human therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Targeting the PI3K-mTOR Network in Cancer; Sep 14-17, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(7 Suppl):Abstract nr IA13.
Ignition and Flameholding of Premixed and Non-Premixed Ethylene-Air Flows by a Repetitively Pulsed Nanosecond Discharge 1

Repetitive nanosecond pulse plasma ignition and flameholding of premixed and non-premixed ethylene-air flows are demonstrated in a cavity flow at a moderate discharge pressure, P=0.2 atm, and flow velocities of up to at least u=100 m/sec. The results show that two critical issues adversely affecting cavity flameholding are (i) slow rate of mixing between the main flow and the cavity flow, and (ii) combustion instability caused by feedback between pressure and flow rate fluctuations. These problems have been circumvented by increasing the length of the cavity and choking the fuel and the air flows, which resulted in flameholding at u=35-100 m/sec and nearly complete combustion in premixed flows, and flameholding at u=35-90 m/sec in non-premixed flows. ICCD camera images of the plasma show that it remains diffuse and stable after ignition has been achieved, as long as the flame is present in the cavity. ICCD images of the flame demonstrate that it fills the entire cavity and couples out to the main flow. Air plasma temperatures before ignition range from 120 0 C to 200 0 C, while stable flame temperature after ignition increases up to 800-1000 0 C. The flow of combustion products is approaching transonic regime and thermally chokes when a long extension channel is used downstream of the test section. Thermal choking of combustion product flow in the extension channel adversely affects flame stability in the test section. Burning nearly all fuel in a relatively high-speed flow downstream of the cavity occurs over a fairly long distance, up to a few tens of cm.
The Effects of Adversity on Depression among University Students

Based on secondary analysis of data from a sample of 649 individuals attending one of three New England colleges in the United States, this study examines the links between childhood adversity and young adult depression. Assessment of the relative impact on depression of adversity experienced directly and adversity experienced indirectly through family problems was made in an attempt to identify mechanisms by which each affects psychological distress. It was hypothesized that childhood adversity exhibits effects on psychological distress in young adulthood, at least in part, through its damaging impact on the development of social and personal resources—specifically, by affecting a reduction in family support, peer support, self-esteem, and mastery. Further, it was hypothesized that the importance of these mediators in explaining the link to depression of adversity differs between personal problems and family problems. Findings indicate that family adversity has a more severe impact on young adult depression than personal adversity. Further, the two most important mediators of the relationship to depression of family adversity are self-esteem and mastery, but the two most important mediators of the relationship to depression of personal adversity are self-esteem and family support. Also, the combined mediating effect of the resource variables is greater for family adversity than it is for personal adversity. These findings suggest that the mechanisms involved in the translation of stress to depression do vary somewhat between adversity that is experienced directly and adversity that is experienced indirectly through the family. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n2p53
Simulative analysis based on microscopic model for reactive power of wind farm

The microscopic model is built with PSASP for typical 110 kV and 220 kV grid-connected coastal wind farms respectively.Simulations are carried out based on the actual power grid data of 2009's summer to study the relationship between the reactive power and the active power for different DFIG power factors.Results show that,when the wind farm operates in the mode of fixed power factor and along with the increase of active power,the reactive power at the connection point increases to its maximum first,then decreases.Sometimes it even absorbs the reactive power from external grid.Comparison between the simulative results and the statistics of online monitoring system proves the rationality of the built models.
Preparation and Research progress of Absorbing Materials in Aerospace

The research significance of absorbing materials was briefly introduced,research status and application progress of coating type absorbing materials were reviewed.Main features and latest research status of absorbing materials were discussed,such as single-layer electromagnetic loss,multi-layer medium matching absorption,interference(resonance),circuit analogue,plasma absorption,chiral,conducting polymers,foam sandwich and surface-wave absorbing materials.Finally,development trend of the coating type absorbing materials was prospected.
Semi-Automated Construction of Decision-Theoretic Models of Human Behavior

Multiagent social simulation provides a powerful mechanism for policy makers to understand the potential outcomes of their decisions before implementing them. However, the value of such simulations depends on the accuracy of their underlying agent models. In this work, we present a method for automatically exploring a space of decision-theoretic models to arrive at a multiagent social simulation that is consistent with human behavior data. We start with a factored Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) whose states, actions, and reward capture the questions asked in a survey from a disaster response scenario. Using input from domain experts, we construct a set of hypothesized dependencies that may or may not exist in the transition probability function. We present an algorithm to search through each of these hypotheses, evaluate their accuracy with respect to the data, and choose the models that best reflect the observed behavior, including individual differences. The result is a mechanism for constructing agent models that are grounded in human behavior data, while still being able to support hypothetical reasoning that is the main advantage of multiagent social simulation.
Gene Therapy for Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis Due to RPE65 Mutations

It has been more than a dozen years since demonstration of the initial proofs of concept of gene augmentation therapy in a large animal model of Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA) due to RPE65 mutations. In the past 7 years, eight different clinical trials have been carried out evaluating safety and efficacy of recombinant virus-mediated delivery of the normal copy of RPE65. The studies have differed in a number of variables, including dose and volume of the recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV), promoter, AAV capsid serotype, composition of the excipient, and whether the intervention is unilateral or bilateral and have also enrolled individuals differing in age, type of mutation, and extent of disease progression. The safety and efficacy data that have been reported to date are excellent. This prompted our team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to move forward to pivotal studies that could lead to the first approved gene therapy in the USA. Approval of the first gene therapy reagent as a prescribed medicine will not only give promise to many individuals born blind due to inherited mutations but will also pave the way for the development of additional retinal gene therapy paradigms and products.
3D Microengineering via Laser Direct-Write Processing Approaches

This chapter reviews the feasibility of using laser direct-write approaches for the fabrication of true 3D microstructures and presents pertinent optical and thermophysical equations that are used as a guide for developing a particular laser microfabrication process. These equations are applicable for material processing via mass-subtraction or mass-addition. The chapter illustrates volumetric patterning technique for the processing of glass or ceramic materials. This particular processing approach merges aspects of laser direct-write (LDW) and batch-processing. Lasers have a significant role in direct-write material processing that permits the cofabrication of micromechanical, microfluidic, electronic, and photonic components. The resulting device can be a direct-write processed microsystem. LDW approaches have an additional feature in situ modification of the material during exposure to the processing environment. LDW methods are non-intrusive offering line-of-sight view of the processing zone. The most important aspect of the LDW method is the ability to deposit energy with site specificity and induce material processing under non-equilibrium conditions.
Financial Counseling and Financial Health

This chapter provides an overview of financial counseling practices including required skills, content, and processes. It briefly describes the type of counseling and its developmental stages. Although financial counseling has remained relatively stable over the years, new changes are coming to the housing counseling industry, including new certifications and requirements. To this end, the chapter presents a succinct history of housing counseling and specific changes from the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. In addition to new standards and competencies for housing counselors, the chapter explains the new General Ability to Pay Rules (ATP), the Qualified Mortgage Standards (QM), amendments to High-Cost Mortgages, Truth in Lending Act, and to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. The chapter concludes with the idea that financial counseling and housing counseling are components of financial health.