cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving simulation-based learning of a practical skill in nursing education

ABSTRACT Background: Many newly qualified nurses lack competence in practical nursing skills. Peripheral vein cannulation is particularly challenging to learn and perform. Skill learning is often developed from a reproduction and memorizing of knowledge and guidelines. Learning peripheral vein cannulation associated with successful placement require a more thorough and deeper approach to learning. Framework: Marton and Saljo’s ways of knowing, a surface and a deep approach to learning can be used during peripheral vein cannulation learning to guide development and competence in this practical nursing skill. Aim: The aim of this theoretical article was to provide knowledge and understanding about two approaches to skill learning, a surface and a deep, and how they can contribute to learning of peripheral vein cannulation. Conclusion: Nursing students learning of peripheral vein cannulation influence pedagogy choice by supervisors. Contextual factors, such as supervisors, influences learning opportunities and development of PVC competence. Key words: vein cannulation, nursing education, learning, surface approach to learning, deep approach to learning.
Imputation of Missing Data in Electronic Health Records Based on Patients’ Similarities

Using electronic health records (EHR) as the source of data for mining and analysis of different health conditions has become an increasingly common approach. However, due to irregular observation times and other uncertainties inherent in medical settings, the EHR data sets suffer from a large number of missing values. Most of the traditional data mining and machine learning approaches are designed to operate on complete data. In this paper, we propose a novel imputation method for missing data to facilitate using these approaches for the analysis of EHR data. The imputation is based on a set of interpatient, multivariate similarities among patients. For a missing data point in a patient’s lab results during his/her intensive care unit stay, the method ranks other patients based on their similarities with the ego patient in terms of lab values, then the missing value is estimated as a weighted average of the known values of the same laboratory test from other patients, considering their similarities as weights. A comparison of the estimated values by the proposed method with values estimated by several common and state-of-the-are methods, such as MICE and 3D-MICE, shows that the proposed method outperforms them and produces promising results.
Abstract 2405: Inhibitor of apoptosis protein antagonists as novel targeted chemotherapeutic agents for acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a diverse collection of hematological cancers characterized by the bone marrow9s excessive production of certain immature myeloid blood cells. The American Cancer Society estimated that there was ~11,000 deaths and ~21,500 new incidences of AML in the U.S. in 2019. While the various AML subtypes have differing prognoses, more than 30% of AML patients fail to enter complete remission upon standard chemotherapy regimens. Furthermore, most patients that do initially respond will relapse within 5 years in the absence of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). As such, the need for novel targets and drugs to treat this disease is a significant unmet medical need. This is especially true in patient populations unable to tolerate aggressive chemotherapy or where BMT is impossible or not recommended. The current standard of care (SOC) for AML has been the same for decades - various combinations of anthracyclines and nucleoside analogues are used as front line agents with debilitating toxicities. Recent evidence showing efficacy of Bcl2 family inhibitors in some leukemias prompted us to investigate whether antagonism of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins may be effective against AML. IAP proteins are involved in many processes including cell death, immunity, inflammation, cell cycle and migration, and are therefore promising targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. As the name suggests, IAP proteins play an important role in the control of apoptotic pathways and have been implicated in AML development and progression. It has been shown that IAPs are over-expressed in AML patient cells and high expression levels are linked to poor prognosis. Although Bcl2 family members only regulate mitochondrial apoptosis, IAPs modulate apoptotic signaling at multiple, and more distal, points suggesting a potential improvement in activity for drugs targeting them. We recently described the characterization and preliminary optimization of monovalent small molecule IAP antagonists. Here we show the design and synthesis of novel second generation bivalent IAP antagonists that kill AML cells much more potently than drugs currently undergoing clinical evaluation, while sparing healthy cells. Our data in leukemia cell lines and patient-derived AML samples using these novel, highly potent, IAP antagonists suggest that these small molecules may be effective as therapeutic agents. Citation Format: Darren Finlay, Nicole Bata, Allison Limpert, Dominik Heimann, Peter Teriete, Carol Burian, James Mason, Nicholas D. Cosford, Kristiina Vuori. Inhibitor of apoptosis protein antagonists as novel targeted chemotherapeutic agents for acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2405.
Sediment redistribution beneath the terminus of an advancing glacier, Taku Glacier (T'aakú Kwáan Sít'i), Alaska

The recently-advancing Taku Glacier is excavating subglacial sediments at high rates over multi-decadal timescales. However, sediment redistribution over shorter timescales remains unquantified. We use a variety of methods to study subglacial and proglacial sediment redistribution on decadal, seasonal, and daily timescales to gain insight into sub- and proglacial landscape formation. Both excavation and deposition were observed from 2003 to 2015 (2.8 ± 0.9 m a−1 to +2.9 ± 0.9 m a−1). The observed patterns imply that a subglacial conduit has occupied the same site over the past decade. Outwash fans on the subaerial end moraine experience fluvial sediment reworking almost year-round, with net sediment gain in winter and net sediment loss in summer, and an overall mass gain between 2005 and 2015. We estimate that tens of meters of sediment still underlie the glacier terminus, sediments which can be remobilized during future activity. However, imminent retreat from the proglacial moraine will limit its sediment supply, leaving the moraine vulnerable to erosion by bordering rivers. Retreat into an over-deepened basin will leave the glacier vulnerable to increased frontal ablation and accelerating retreat.
Acquiring Ethical AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how government operates. Federal agencies use the technology for law enforcement, adjudication, rulemaking, inhouse management, and the delivery of public services. Algorithmic governance brims with promise and peril. Under the right conditions, AI systems can solve complex problems, reduce administrative burdens, and optimize resource allocations. Under the wrong conditions, AI systems can lead to widespread discrimination, invasions of privacy, and the erosion of democratic norms. The United States has pledged its commitment to principles of “ethical AI,” including transparency, accountability, fairness, and human rights. But proselytizing is not actualizing. A burgeoning literature has emerged to square algorithmic governance with the precepts of constitutional and administrative law. Federal procurement law, however, remains a dangerous blind spot in the reformist agenda. The government’s pent up demand for AI systems far exceeds its inhouse capacity to develop, field, and monitor this powerful technology. Accordingly, many if not most of the tools of algorithmic governance will be procured by contract from the technology industry. This Article intervenes with a principled and pragmatic agenda for acquiring ethical AI. First, it provides an original account that aligns the ambition of algorithmic governance, the imperative of ethical AI, and the complexities of procurement law. Second, the Article argues that procurement law is not only uniquely situated, but also well suited, to serve as a checkpoint and catalyst for ethical algorithmic governance. Third, the Article prescribes a set of concrete regulatory reforms to center ethical AI throughout the procurement process: from acquisition planning through market solicitation, negotiation, and contractual award. The outsourcing of algorithmic governance raises a host of challenges that constitutional law and administrative law are ill equipped to handle. Procurement law will not solve all the challenges of algorithmic governance. Just as surely, the challenges of algorithmic governance cannot be solved without procurement law.
Contemporary outcomes of a "snuffbox first" hemodialysis access approach in the United States

Abstract Objective The Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines for permanent hemodialysis (HD) access creation recommend prioritizing the most distal possible autogenous access to minimize complications and preserve more proximal options. The "snuffbox" arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most distal radial artery–cephalic vein AVF. Despite the theoretical benefits of the snuffbox approach, recent trends have been toward upper arm access. Our study sought to investigate the feasibility of a snuffbox-first strategy for HD access in all anatomically appropriate candidates. Methods From January 2016 to August 2019, all patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or pre-ESRD under consideration for HD access were evaluated for a snuffbox-first approach by a team of vascular surgeons and nephrologists at a single, urban academic medical center in the United States. Data were collected prospectively and supplemented by medical record review. A survival analysis was performed to evaluate primary unassisted and secondary patency and clinical and functional maturation. Patients were censored if they had received a kidney transplant or had died. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the risk factors for prolonged clinical maturation and functional maturation. Results A total of 55 snuffbox AVFs were created. The median patient age was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR], 52-70 years), and 52.7% of the patients were men. The median follow-up was 369 days (IQR, 166-509 days). The median survival for primary unassisted patency was 90 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 79-111). Secondary patency at 1 year was 92.3% (95% CI, 85.3%-99.9%). The clinical maturation rate at 1 year was 83.7% (n = 55; 95% CI, 66.8%-91.9%), and the functional maturation rate at 1 year was 85.6% (n = 40; 95% CI, 63.3%-94.4%). Of the patients who were pre-ESRD at AVF creation and had initiated HD during the study period, 87.5% had successfully received incident HD with their snuffbox AVF. Twenty-four patients were receiving HD via a catheter at snuffbox creation. Of those patients, the functional maturation rate at 1 year was 82.5% (95% CI, 44.8%-94.4%). The patients had undergone a median of two interventions (IQR, zero to seven interventions) in the first year. Of these, 46.9% were percutaneous angioplasty and 31.2% were side-branch ligation. Diabetes was associated with slower AVF clinical maturation (multivariate hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.82; P = .016). A larger artery diameter was associated with earlier AVF clinical maturation (multivariate hazard ratio, 6.64; 95% CI, 2.11-20.9). Conclusions A snuffbox-first approach to HD access is a viable option for distal access creation in a cohort of patients requiring HD in the United States. Subsequent ancillary interventions to facilitate access maturation were required for most patients.
The Neurological Study Unit: "A Combined Attack on a Single Problem from Many Angles".

In the 1920s, neurology was a fledgling discipline. Various attempts were made to establish programs relating to neurological care and research. One such initiative was the Neurological Study Unit ...
An analytical method for finding the maximum crosstalk in lossless-coupled transmission lines

The crosstalk in a system containing n(n>or=2) lossless microstrip transmission lines is formulated as a linear function in time. The maximum crosstalk is computed by evaluating the crosstalk at certain breakpoints in time. The technique also provides the pattern (rising or falling) of input voltages and their relative delays for which the maximum crosstalk occurs. This pattern is usually determined by the system parameters. Since the maximum crosstalk determines the faulty vs fault-free operation, the pattern found could be used for testing integrated logic circuits during the design stage. >
When to Buy and When to Sell Bitcoin

We employ several technical analyses models and account for investor’s sentiment to establish a benchmark on the optimal time to entry or to exit from the Bitcoin market. Unlike companies that they have quarterly earnings, Bitcoin is not a company with earning. Yet, we argue the Bitcoin “halving” is the closest to company’s earnings. Indeed, we show that one of the key determinant of Bitcoin price fluctuation is the Bitcoin “halving,” in terms of quantity and timing. We also examine how market distraction and liquidity influence Bitcoin price. Thus, we suggest entry when stock market distraction and/or liquidity is high and we approaching the halving; exit otherwise. Collectively, we introduce two key determinants, investors’ distraction and Bitcoin halving, to understand Bitcoin price movement.
The Role of the External Auditor in Managing Environmental, Social, and Governance Reputation Risk

Companies are under increasing pressure to manage their reputation on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Auditors are a potential source of ESG risk management expertise and assurance due to a deep understanding of their client’s ESG-related reputation risk (“ESG risk”) and their assurance reporting expertise. However, provision of nonaudit services (NAS) by the external auditor is controversial and public accountants are still defining their role in ESG risk control and reporting. We explore whether auditors effectively help companies manage heightened ESG risk in times of reputation crisis, using abnormal negative ESG-related media coverage as a measure of “tainted reputation”. Findings show a positive association between tainted reputation and NAS, and a positive association between the interaction of tainted reputation and NAS with future firm value. The positive interaction persists when we consider a proxy for other ESG risk management activities in our analyses, and for other measures of ESG risk management effectiveness (future stock returns and future tainted reputation). Subsample analyses indicate results are driven by companies audited by ESG industry specialist auditors, and that the association between NAS and tainted reputation is driven by companies owned by institutional shareholders. Using restatements as a proxy, we find no evidence to suggest that the interaction of NAS and tainted reputation is associated with impaired audit quality. Findings demonstrate an empirical linkage between tainted reputation and NAS, support the importance of managing ESG risk, and suggest auditors effectively help their clients respond to heightened ESG risk.
Repttack: Exploiting Cloud Schedulers to Guide Co-Location Attacks.

Cloud computing paradigms have emerged as a major facility to store and process the massive data produced by various business units, public organizations, Internet-of-Things, and cyber-physical systems. To meet users' performance requirements while maximizing resource utilization to achieve cost-efficiency, cloud administrators leverage schedulers to orchestrate tasks to different physical nodes and allow applications from different users to share the same physical node. On the other hand, micro-architectural attacks can exploit the shared resources to compromise the confidentiality/integrity of a co-located victim application. Since co-location is an essential requirement for micro-architectural attacks, in this work, we investigate whether attackers can exploit the cloud schedulers to satisfy the co-location requirement. Our analysis shows that for cloud schedulers that allow users to submit application requirements, an attacker can carefully select the attacker's application requirements to influence the scheduler to co-locate it with a targeted victim application. We call such attack Replication Attack (Repttack). Our experimental results, in both a simulated cluster environment and a real cluster, show similar trends; a single attack instance can reach up to 50% co-location rate and with only 5 instances the co-location rate can reach up to 80%. Furthermore, we propose and evaluate a mitigation strategy that can help defend against Repttack. We believe that our results highlight the fact that schedulers in multi-user clusters need to be more carefully designed with security in mind, and the process of making scheduling decisions should involve as little user-defined information as possible.
Ubiquitous Operations Research in Production Systems

Fifty years ago, young operations research (OR) professionals, like Dr. Salah Elmaghraby, were exploring the opportunities for using OR to better understand how to make critical decisions about the design and operation of complex production systems. Elmaghaby’s seminal text, The Design of Production Systems, is an inimitable example of that exploration, combining deep knowledge of both the mathematical tools of OR and the application domain. Today, deployment of OR in production systems, by and large, continues to follow a pattern established by those early pioneers of the discipline—an OR expert (or team) studies the problem of interest and crafts a model to answer a specific question. The tools used, of course, have matured tremendously in the past 50 years, and contemporary computational capabilities allow the analysis of very large and complex systems. Yet the essential application process remains that of an artisan (“one who produces something (such as cheese or wine) in limited quantities often using traditional methods” (anonymous 2011a)). This chapter argues that it is time for the OR community to augment the artisanal approach by using technologies emerging in computer science to “industrialize” those OR applications in production systems that are well understood, creating a reusable platform for innovation that enables broader and deeper penetration of OR methods and tools in the support of production systems decision making.
Use of actin isoform-specific antibodies to probe the domain structure in three smooth muscles

We investigated the location of actin isoforms in relation to each other and to filament attachment sites by studying the edge-to-edge distribution of both immunofluorescence and immunogold probes in smooth muscle cells from three sources. Antibodies to α- or α,γ-actin labeled uniformly across smooth muscle cells from each source. Antibodies to β-cytoplasmic actin were concentrated on and near dense bodies, especially in gizzard smooth muscle, but were also located throughout the filament compartment. Double immunofluorescent labeling with antibodies to α- or α/γ- and to β-actin shows overlap of label at dense bodies and attachment plaques. Double immunofluorescent labeling with antibodies to α-actinin and to β-actin identified dense bodies and attachment plaques as sites of colocalization. Immunogold labeling with anti-desmin was most prominent near dense bodies in the gizzard and was widely dispersed in vas deferens and arterial smooth muscle cells. Our results indicate that there is extensive overlap between the locations of contractile and cytoskeletal elements and, thus, do not support the two-domain model of smooth muscle structure. Tissue-specific organizational motif differences were seen when gizzard, vas deferens, and artery were compared and suggest that one model may not apply to these three smooth muscles.
Saline Tolerance Physiology In Grasses

Salinization of agricultural lands is accelerating, with over 1 Mha of irrigated lands deteriorating to non-productivity each year (Hamdy, 1996; Choukr-Allah, 1996). Currently from 100 Mha to 1000 Mha of irrigated land is salt-affected due to human activity (Szabolcs, 1989; Oldeman et al., 1991). Though much of this land is currently too saline for conventional agriculture, it has the potential for growing salt tolerant forages, grasses (Poaceae) playing a dominant role (Ghassemi & Jakeman, 1995). With over 7,500 species, the Poaceae inhabit the earth in greater numbers, and have a greater range of Chlorideimatic adaptation than any other plant family (Hitchcock, 1971; Gould & Shaw, 1983). Therefore, it is not surprising that grasses show an extreme range in salinity tolerance, from salt-sensitive (ex. meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis L.), to salt-tolerant halophytic (ex. saltgrass Distichlis spicata L.) (Richards, 1954; Maas, 1986; Aronson, 1989). In this paper growth responses and physiological adaptations to salinity of eight C4 grass species studied in my lab will be discussed, representing an extreme range of tolerance. Physiological mechanisms of salt tolerance will be discussed, and crossreferenced to salinity studies involving other grass species. The grasses, listed in (Table 1), will be indicated in this paper by genus, except for Sporobolus, where genus abbreviation is followed by species names.
Consanguinity and the etiology of congenital malformations.

Data with reference to the occurrence of major congenital defects among 4,845 children born to related parents residing in Hiroshima, Kure, or Nagasaki, Japan, in the years 1948 to 1954 are presented. It is shown that the frequency of malformed infants varies in relation to the degree of inbreeding in a manner such as to suggest genetic factors in the etiology of some of the reported abnormalities. Elimination of those infants with disorders generally accepted to be hereditary does not obliterate this effect of parental relationship on the frequency of major defect. When one attempts to relate specific malformations to parental consanguinity, one finds that the observed increase in number of malformed infants is not assignable to any one or several uncomplicated malformations but rather appears to be due to an increase in the frequency of children with multiple major defects.
A new approach to Saturn's periodicities

Saturn's magnetospheric periodicities are commonly thought to have a dual nature, one period originating from the southern hemisphere and a slightly different period from the northern. Both periods vary a few percent over time intervals of years and apparently merged a few months after Saturn equinox. These periodicities have not been explained. The dual-period waveform is generally represented as the superposition of two sinusoids with nearly equal periods. However, dual-period waves can also result from an amplitude modulation of a carrier periodicity, from frequency modulation of the carrier, from random phase jumps in the carrier, and from small, random changes in the period itself. While such simple phenomena are well known in the radio community, they can serve as possible explanations for how a single planetary period can appear as the dual (or multiple) periods observed in Saturn's magnetosphere. Candidates for modulation and randomization include the solar wind pressure and speed, the orbital periods of moons of Saturn, or even the trajectory of the Cassini orbiter itself.
A Comparison of Supervised Keyphrase Extraction Models

Keyphrases for a document provide a high-level topic description of the document. Given the number of documents growing exponentially on the Web in the past years, accurate methods for extracting keyphrases from such documents are greatly needed. In this study, we provide a comparison of existing supervised approaches to this task to determine the current best performing model. We use research articles on the Web as the case study.
Salt Domes: Is There More Energy Available from Their Salt than from Their Oil?

Calculations indicate that a typical oil-bearing salt dome along the Gulf Coast of the United States contains more energy in its salt than is present in its oil. The magnitude of the potential salinity gradient energy is even greater when all of the salt domes are considered.
Influence of Buffering Early Lactation Rations with Sodium Bicarbonate and Magnesium Oxide and Subsequent Withdrawal or Addition Effects

Abstract Eighty animals (16 first lactation) were assigned alternately at calving to one of four treatments: A) corn silage, B) corn silage + 1.5% sodium bicarbonte and .5% magnesium oxide in the grain mix, C) 50% hay crop silage and corn silage, and D) 50% hay crop silage and corn silage plus 1.5% sodium bicarbonate an .5% magnesium oxide. All rations contained 50% forage and 50% concentrate (dry) fed as a total mixed ration. During the first 8 wk of lactation no differences were detected in mean performance or in weekly patterns for forage programs alone on average daily intake of dry matter, body weight loss, milk yield, or composition. Addition of buffers to hay crop silage and corn silage rations resulted in a milk yield profile with a smaller increase beyond wk 3 postpartum. Cows fed all corn silage rations yielded more mild on the average than cows on hay crop silage and corn silage, regardless of buffer treatments. From wk 9 through 12 of lactation, buffers either were added or withdrawn. Addition or withdrawal of buffers did not alter significantly patterns of mild yield or composition.
The Math fall fashion preview

Opening a copy of The Mathematical Intelligencer you may ask yourself uneasily, “What is this anyway—a mathematical journal, or what?” Or you may ask, “Where am I?” Or even “Who am I?” This sense of disorientation is at its most acute when you open to Colin Adams’s column. Relax. Breathe regularly. It’s mathematical, it’s a humor column, and it may even be harmless.
Reproductives in Mature Colonies of Reticulitermes flavipes: Abundance, Sex-Ratio, and Association with Soldiers

Soldier and reproductive proportions of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) were determined in sampling baits from 89 colonies and 5 logs. Soldiers averaged 2% of the colony and neotenics, when present accounted for up to 1.28%. The sex-ratio of R. flavipes neotenics was ca. 2 females for every male. Soldier proportions were always high in the vicinity of the neotenics.
Dose-response tests on red flour beetle and confused flour beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) collected from flour mills in the United States

Adults of 14 field strains of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and 10 strains of confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacqueline DuVal, collected from flour mills were tested for resistance to malathion and dichlovos by topical application. Lethal dose estimates showed that all strains of T. castaneum were resistant to malathion and dichlorvos. Some strains showed the highest malathion resistance ever reported for this insect. Approximately half the strains of T. confusum tested were resistant to malathion and dichlorvos. T. castaneum was more resistant than T. confusum to both malathion and dichlorvos. There was a positive correlation of the lethal dose values for insecticide resistant strains of both species when compared with the survival of insects exposed to diagnostic doses. Therefore, survival of insects at a diagnostic dose may be used to predict field efficacy of malathion and dichlorvos in these 2 pest species if resistance levels are low.
Access strategy and dynamic downlink resource allocation for femtocell networks

Femtocells are small, low power cellular base stations (BS) with high potential for coverage extension and offloading voice and wireless data. In this paper, we study the problem of joint access control and spectrum resource allocation in a two-tier femtocell network with one macro base station (MBS) and multiple Femto Access Points (FAP). The objective is to maximize the overall network capacity, while guaranteeing the quality of service (QoS) requirement of all User Equipments (UE). We develop an access scheme for Macro User Equipments (MUE) and a spectrum allocation mechanism for the FAPs. Spectrum allocation is employed as an incentive mechanism to encourage FAPs to serve more MUEs. We also derive an upper bound of the network-wide capacity through a reformulation of the problem. The proposed algorithms are validated and the upper bound is shown to be quite accurate in the simulation study.
A simple procedure for the destaining of stripping-film autoradiographs.

Trypsin digestion of stripping-film radioautographs after photographic processing and staining removes the excess gelatin without affecting the intensity of the radioautograph, and results in a thin colorless emulsion that makes microscopic observation and photography easier. Methanol-fixed smears or Carnoy-fixed tissue sections, labeled with tritiated thymidine and unstained, were radioautographed, and the radioautographs were developed, fixed, stained with hematoxylin, and counterstained with eosin. The slides were air-dried, rehydrated for 10 min in distilled water, and incubated in a 0.01% solution of trypsin at 37 °C for 6-8 min. In stripping-film radioautographs digested as described, the 10 mu supporting layer of gelatin is completely removed, but the sensitized layer containing the developed silver grains is not affected.
Hypothesis for a Pressure-Sensitive Mechanism in Muscle Spindles

The suggestion is made that the mammalian muscle spindle may serve in part as a pressure sensor. Pressure acting nonuniformly on the spindle would express the intracapsular fluid distad, thus elongating the capsule. "Intracapsular fibers," those intrafusal muscle fibers inserting into the capsule, would be lengthened, whereas "percapsular fibers" passing beyond the capsule would be relatively unaffected. Since "flower-spray" terminals are preferentially associated with the smaller intrafusal fibers, they would chiefly be concerned with the pressure sensing mechanism. Observations in support of this hypothesis are given.
Two-wavelength phase shift interferometry to characterize ballistic features

We apply two-wavelength phase shifting interferometry to generate 3D surface profile maps of spent bullet cartridge cases. From the captured interferograms, an optimized algorithm was used to calculate a phase profile from which a precise digital surface map of the cartridge casing may be produced. This 3D surface profile is used to enhance a firearms examiner's ability to uniquely identify distinct features or toolmarks imprinted on the casing when the weapon is fired. These features play a key role in the matching process of ballistic forensic examination.
Does IL-17 promote tumor growth?

Chronic inflammatory conditions may augment tumor growth, but in this issue of Blood , Kryczek and colleagues[1][1] find that endogenous IL-17 may not be one of the contributing factors. The association between chronic inflammatory conditions and the development of cancer was postulated by Rudolph
Psychosocial Assessments for HIV+ African Adolescents: Establishing Construct Validity and Exploring Under-Appreciated Correlates of Adherence

Study Objectives Psychosocial factors such as outcome expectancy, perceived stigma, socio-emotional support, consideration of future consequences, and psychological reactance likely influence adolescent adherence to antiretroviral treatments. Culturally-adapted and validated tools for measuring these factors in African adolescents are lacking. We aimed to identify culturally-specific factors of importance to establishing local construct validity in Botswana. Methods Using in-depth interviews of 34 HIV+ adolescents, we explored how the psychosocial factors listed above are perceived in this cultural context. We evaluated six scales that have been validated in other contexts. We also probed for additional factors that the adolescents considered important to their HIV medication adherence. Analyses were conducted with an analytic framework approach using NVivo9 software. Results While the construct validity of some Western-derived assessment tools was confirmed, other tools were poorly representative of their constructs in this cultural context. Tools chosen to evaluate HIV-related outcome expectancy and perceived stigma were well-understood and relevant to the adolescents. Feedback from the adolescents suggested that tools to measure all other constructs need major modifications to obtain construct validity in Botswana. The scale regarding future consequences was poorly understood and contained several items that lacked relevance for the Batswana adolescents. They thought psychological reactance played an important role in adherence, but did not relate well to many components of the reactance scale. Measurement of socio-emotional support needs to focus on the adolescent-parent relationship, rather than peer-support in this cultural context. Denial of being HIV-infected was an unexpectedly common theme. Ambivalence about taking medicines was also expressed. Discussion In-depth interviews of Batswana adolescents confirmed the construct validity of some Western-developed psychosocial assessment tools, but demonstrated limitations in others. Previously underappreciated factors related to HIV medication adherence, such as denial and ambivalence, should be further explored.
Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in oligodendrocytes.

The proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitors are stringently controlled by an interacting network of growth and differentiation factors. Not much is known, however, about the intracellular signaling pathways activated in oligodendrocytes. In this study, we have examined the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase [also called extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs)] in primary cultures of developing oligodendrocytes and in a primary oligodendrocyte cell line, CG4, in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor. MAP kinase activation was determined by an ingel protein kinase renaturation assay using myelin basic protein (MBP) as the substrate. The specificity of MAP kinase activation was further confirmed by an immune complex kinase assay using anti-MAP kinase antibodies. Stimulation of oligodendrocyte progenitors with the growth factors PDGF and basic fibroblast growth factor and a protein kinase C-activating tumor promoter, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, resulted in a rapid activation of p42 mapk (ERK2) and, to a lesser extent, p44 mapk (ERK1). Immunoblot analysis with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies revealed an increased Tyr phosphorylation of a 42-kDa phosphoprotein band cross-reacting with anti-MAP kinase antibodies. The phosphorylation of p42 mapk in PDGF-treated oligodendrocyte progenitors was preceded by a robust autophosphorylation of the growth factor receptor. Immunoblot analysis with anti-pan-ERK antibodies indicated the presence of ERK-immunoreactive species other than p42 mapk and p44 mapk in oligodendrocytes. The presence of some of the same pan-ERK-immunoreactive species and certain renaturable MBP kinase activities was also demonstrable in myelin preparations from rat brain, suggesting that MAP kinases (and other MBP kinases) may function not only during oligodendrogenesis but also in myelinogenesis.
G. Paul Moore Lecture Voice research: The next ten years*

Summary A partial list of voice problems has already been identified in previous publications, conferences, and symposia. Many remain unsolved and form our research challenge. A specially designed matrix can be used as a research catalyst. When constructed from appropriate lists of academic disciplines and research tools, each matrix should stimulate us to propose solutions to our unsolved problems.
Laparoscopy in the diagnosis and management of a complicated paraovarian cyst

Paraovarian cysts account for 10% of adnexal masses and are most common in the 3rd and 4th decades of life. They vary from small asymptomatic lesions to larger cysts, which may undergo hemorrhage or torsion. Children are rarely affected, and the diagnosis--particularly if pain presents in the right lower quadrant--may be difficult because the differentials diagnosis is wide. We report the case of a child who presented with a complicated paraovarian cyst. Laparoscopy enabled immediate diagnosis and appropriate management. We discuss the role of laparoscopy and the value of the Harmonic Scalpel in the management of these rare cysts.
Chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

Chronic invasive fungai rhinosinusitis is an increasingly recognized, but inadequately characterized, disease entity which is separate and distinct from acute fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis. Chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is divided into granulomatous and nongranulomatous subtypes based on histopathology, but the clinical distinction between the two subtypes is not clear. Current management includes varying degrees of surgical debridement and a prolonged course of antifungal agents. A protracted clinical course with recurrence after treatment is common.
Multivariate Support for Three Distinct Approaches to the Assessment of Respiratory Sensation in Patients with Obstructive Lung Disease

Dyspnea is a common complaint of patients with obstructive airway disease (OAD). It is the major reason that both occupational and recreational activities are limited in such patients. Accordingly, issues surrounding measurement of shortness of breath in patients with obstructive lung disease have received increasing attention (e.g., Altose, 1985; Killian, 1985). Reliable assessment of symptoms is important for many reasons including the evaluation of symptom severity, the management of breathlessness, and the elucidation of physiologic mechanisms subserving respiratory sensation.
Acyclovir prophylaxis for oral herpes simplex virus infection in patients with bone marrow transplants

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) appears to play a significant role in oral mucositis resulting from bone marrow transplantation. The acyclic guanosine derivative acyclovir has been shown to be effective in treating and protecting against HSV infection in this group. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of HSV reactivation in oral mucositis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation who were seronegative for HSV or who received acyclovir prophylaxis. The results suggest that HSV plays an insignificant role in oral mucositis in these patients.
The ends of a large RNA molecule are necessarily close

We show on general theoretical grounds that the two ends of single-stranded (ss) RNA molecules (consisting of roughly equal proportions of A, C, G and U) are necessarily close together, largely independent of their length and sequence. This is demonstrated to be a direct consequence of two generic properties of the equilibrium secondary structures, namely that the average proportion of bases in pairs is � 60% and that the average duplex length is � 4. Based on mfold and Vienna computations on large numbers of ssRNAs of various lengths (1000–10000nt) and sequences (both random and biological), we find that the 5 0 –3 0 distance—defined as the sum of H-bond and covalent (ss) links separating the ends of the RNA chain—is small, averaging 15–20 for each set of viral sequences tested. For random sequences this distance is � 12, consistent with the theory. We discuss the relevance of these results to evolved sequence complementarity and specific protein binding effects that are known to be important for keeping the two ends of viral and messenger RNAs in close proximity. Finally we speculate on how our conclusions imply indistinguishability in size and shape of equilibrated forms of linear and covalently circularized ssRNA molecules.
Declining CD4 T-Cell Counts in a Person Infected with nef-Deleted HIV-1

To the Editor: We have recently seen declining CD4 T-lymphocyte counts in a man with long-term, nonprogressive infection with only nef-deleted forms of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). ...
Kinetic modeling of Pt-catalyzed glycolaldehyde decomposition to syngas.

Fundamental knowledge of the elementary reaction mechanisms involved in oxygenate decomposition on transition metal catalysts can facilitate the optimization of future catalyst and reactor systems for biomass upgrade to fuels and chemicals. Pt-catalyzed decomposition of glycolaldehyde, as the smallest oxygenate with alcohol and aldehyde functionality, was studied via a DFT-based microkinetic model. It was found that two decomposition pathways exist. Under conditions of low hydrogen surface coverage, the initial C–H bond breaking reaction to HOCH2CO* is prevalent, while under conditions of high hydrogen coverage, the rather unexpected O–H bond forming reaction to HOCH2CHOH* is more active (subsequent decomposition is energetically favorable from HOCH2CHOH*). Our results indicate the possibility that (de)hydrogenation chemistry is rate-controlling in many small polyoxygenate biomass derivatives, and suitable catalysts are needed. Finally, DFT was used to understand the increased decomposition activity obser...
Notes on women in the global city: Chicago

As the organizers of an event on women in the global city, we wanted to create a forum exploring the intersections of class, gender and other forms of inequality that fracture ‘global Chicago’. In the panelists' discussion of the intersections of struggles relating to housing, education and environmental justice in Chicago's particular version of the global city, we found evidence of lives disrupted by neoliberal trends, as well as possible sites to contest these disruptions. These struggles reverberate to shape a new urban vision, as the academics and activists assembled for our panel aim not just to work on the local issues of specific women, but to create a city in which work is well compensated, housing is affordable for everyone, schools educate all children well, all neighborhoods are safe both from crime and environmental pollutants, and everyone has the time to fully engage as active citizens of the city.
A brief review of the development and status of geographical and cartographical activities of the United States Government: 1776–1818 1

(1965). A brief review of the development and status of geographical and cartographical activities of the United States Government: 1776–1818. Imago Mundi: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 68-80.
Gravity evidence of very thin crust at the Gakkel Ridge (Arctic Ocean)

Abstract Gakkel Ridge, the active spreading center in the Arctic Ocean, is the slowest spreading portion of the global mid-ocean ridge system. Total spreading rates range from 0.6 cm/yr in the east where the ridge disappears beneath the Laptev shelf to 1.3 cm/yr in the west near Greenland. Bathymetry and gravity surveys of four sections of the Gakkel Ridge were carried out in 1996 by the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine USS POGY as part of SCICEX 96 in order to sample variations in seafloor morphology and gravity anomalies as a function of spreading rate. The ridge axis throughout the survey area is characterized by a continuous axial rift valley similar to that observed at other slow spreading ridges. The continuous rift axis suggests that well-organized seafloor spreading is occurring at total spreading rates of less than 1 cm/yr. In three faster spreading (1.13–1.24 cm/yr) western survey areas located between 7°E and 54°E, the Gakkel Ridge is deep compared with other ridge axes. Axial depths range between 4600 and 5100 m and ridge flanks at about 3200 m. The ridge flank morphology is very blocky and is characterized by large scarps and deep fault-bounded troughs. Very large amplitude free-water anomalies with peak-to-trough amplitudes of 85–150 mGal are observed centered on the axis of the Gakkel Ridge. Modeling of the free-water anomalies by varying the crustal thickness and average crustal density, including the gravity effect of the cooling of the mantle away from the axis, implies that if the average crustal density is less than 2900 kg/m3, the crustal thickness must be less than 4 km. The axial rift valley at the fourth survey area, near 98°E where the total spreading rate is 0.99 cm/yr, is buried by sediments. The axis in this region is associated with a continuous 70 mGal gravity minimum implying the presence of a large buried rift valley. The rift flanks at 95°E are at a depth of greater than 3800 m, 600 m deeper than the average depth at the Gakkel Ridge axis west of 60°E. Simple isostatic calculations suggest that the crust in this region may be vanishingly thin beneath the sediment cover. These observations indicate a relationship between melt production and seafloor spreading rate at very slow spreading rates, suggesting that ultra-slow spreading may suppress melt production or delivery at the Gakkel Ridge.
Role of ERK1/2 signaling during EGF-induced inhibition of palatal fusion

During mammalian palatal fusion, the medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells must stop DNA synthesis prior to the initial contact of opposing palatal shelves and thereafter selectively disappear from the midline. Exogenous EGF has been shown to inhibit the cessation of DNA synthesis and induce cleft palate; however, the precise intracellular mechanism has not been determined. We hypothesized that EGF signaling acting via ERK1/2 would maintain MEE DNA synthesis and cell proliferation and consequently inhibit the process of palatal fusion. Palatal shelves from E13 mouse embryos were maintained in organ cultures and stimulated with EGF. EGF-treated palates failed to fuse with intact MEE and had significant ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Both EGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and BrdU-incorporation were localized in the nucleus of MEE cells. Subsequent inhibition assays using U0126, a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, were conducted. U0126 inhibited EGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner and consequently MEE cells stopped proliferation. The threshold of ERK1/2 inactivation to stop MEE DNA synthesis coincides with the level required to rescue the EGF-induced cleft palate phenotype. These results indicate that EGF-induced inhibition of palatal fusion is dependent on nuclear ERK1/2 activation and that this mechanism must be tightly regulated during normal palatal fusion.
A Stokes-Parameter Technique for the Treatment of Polarization in Quantum Mechanics

A technique is presented which adapts the Stokes method to quantum mechanics and serves to calculate polarization effects by means of Pauli matrices. Illustrative examples indicate that this technique may be not only convenient mathematically but also physically more transparent than previous methods.
Motion of particles with inertia in a compressible free shear layer

The effects of the inertia of a particle on its flow-tracking accuracy and particle dispersion are studied using direct numerical simulations of 2D compressible free shear layers in convective Mach number (Mc) range of 0.2 to 0.6. The results show that particle response is well characterized by tau, the ratio of particle response time to the flow time scales (Stokes' number). The slip between particle and fluid imposes a fundamental limit on the accuracy of optical measurements such as LDV and PIV. The error is found to grow like tau up to tau = 1 and taper off at higher tau. For tau = 0.2 the error is about 2 percent. In the flow visualizations based on Mie scattering, particles with tau more than 0.05 are found to grossly misrepresent the flow features. These errors are quantified by calculating the dispersion of particles relative to the fluid. Overall, the effect of compressibility does not seem to be significant on the motion of particles in the range of Mc considered here.