cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A quality improvement project to improve inferior vena cava filter retrieval.

Abstract Objective Poor retrieval rates for retrievable inferior vena cava filters (R-IVCFs) have been reported throughout the literature, with poor follow-up a common cause. In 2009, we reported a retrieval rate of 18% despite an initial follow-up rate of 85%. Use of a registry has been shown to improve retrieval rates. As a quality improvement project, in May 2012, the vascular surgery fellowship implemented a reiterative registry to track R-IVCFs placed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to improve retrieval rates. We report the results in 125 patients after 38 months. Methods Patients receiving an R-IVCF were entered into a registry. All patients were reviewed monthly using an electronic health record. When there was no longer an indication for the R-IVCF, the patient was scheduled for an outpatient appointment with a vascular surgeon followed by retrieval. Rates of retrieval, technical success, dwell time, indication, complications, and demographics were collected. Results There were 125 R-IVCFs placed between May 2012 and June 2015; 52 filters were placed for therapeutic and 73 for prophylactic indications. Our follow-up rate improved to 94%. A total of 79 filters were retrieved (63% absolute retrieval rate). Excluding patients who died before retrieval and patients with a permanent indication, 77% of filters were retrieved. The average dwell time was 101.5 days (7-460 days), and 63% of successful R-IVCF retrievals were within 3 months of placement. Technical success for retrieval was 92%. There were two major complications from retrievals (1.5% of retrievals). Conclusions The creation of an R-IVCF registry promoted ongoing follow-up with patients. In our earlier experience, retrieval rates were poor despite a high follow-up rate. The use of a reiterative registry improved our retrieval rate by 45% and increased our follow-up rate to 94%. These results emphasize the importance of repetitive follow-up for R-IVCFs. Despite a follow-up rate >90%, around a third of R-IVCFs were not retrieved.
Article 50: An Endgame without an End?

In the EU referendum of 23 June 2016, the majority of the British electorate voted in favour of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.1 The vote is expected to trigger a process towards the...
Processing-structure-property relationships of continuous carbon fiber polymer-matrix composites

Abstract This paper reviews the processing-structure-property relationships of continuous carbon fiber polymer-matrix composites, which are important for lightweight structures. Such relationships constitute the guiding principles in materials design, development and tailoring. Although much research has been performed for decades on the mechanical behavior of continuous fiber composites, the functional behavior (electrical, electromagnetic, dielectric, thermal, thermoelectric, vibration damping, etc.) of these materials are quite new, with research activities that are rapidly growing in recent years due to the importance of multifunctional structural materials and smart structures. In addition, the combined use of continuous fibers and nanofillers such as nanofibers and nanotubes is a relatively new direction that has provided hierarchical or multi-scale composites with attractive properties. The properties addressed in this review relate to the mechanical (static, dynamic, fatigue, wear), viscoelastic, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, electrical, piezoresistive, dielectric, electromagnetic, thermoelectric and environmental durability behavior, as well as the effects of temperature, humidity, strain and damage. The structure/processing parameters relate to the fiber arrangement, interlaminar interface, curing pressure, fiber type, fiber treatments, fiber volume fraction, fillers, interlayers, coatings, through-thickness rods, polymer matrix and the fastening-relevant interface between contacting unbonded composites. In addition, this paper reviews the rapidly broadening applications of this class of materials.
Abstract 914: Age-associated neoplastic transformation of mammary stem cells

Incidence rate of breast cancer increases significantly with age. However, the mechanism of age-associated mammary tumorigenesis is unknown. Although mammary stem/progenitor cells have been proposed as the cells of origin for breast cancer, the mechanism remains largely elusive. Previously we discovered that in the old (28 to 30 month-old) mouse mammary gland, the luminal cells in the hyperplastic lesions elevated expression of CD49f, which is a basal cell marker. This led to an increased percentage of mammary stem cells (MaSCs) marked by CD49fhi in the old in comparison to the young (3 to 6 month-old). Similarly, old (>60 yr) human mammary ducts in the adjacent normal tissues from patients with breast cancer showed more hyperplastic lesions and CD49fhi luminal cells than young ( Citation Format: Xiang Gu, Hakim Bouamar, Kyle Pressley, LuZhe Sun. Age-associated neoplastic transformation of mammary stem cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 914. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-914
Science, the Qur’an and the Moral Community

Contemporary biological and social science are confirming that there is a set of moral emotions and intuitions that constitute the inner core or hypostasis of human nature. These moral emotions become the physical setting for the definition of values, virtues and standards for human conduct. These standards of human conduct become ideals that are used to create the great thought systems of social practice, economic exchange, political philosophy and theology. The Qur’an makes clear that God gave to mankind the emotions that build the moral sense and intuition that lead to the values and virtues that constitute the foundation for good governance for both personal and community life. Human beings are social and political creatures (Fitrah) possessing a moral sense; they are God’s trustees (Amanah) on earth and so have moral responsibilities to each other, and to God; they are to exhibit in thought and deed the principle of justice (Adalah) in their social and individual lives; and, they do share with all humanity the phenomenon of a moral mind, with all of its personal and social obligations. What the Qur’an makes clear theologically contemporary biological and social science are confirming; namely, that human beings are equipped with the necessary tools to govern societies with justice and equity. When things go wrong it isn’t human nature that is to blame, it is the selfishness of a few human beings who have violated their God given biological heritage.
Long-Term Survival Outcomes of Cancer-Directed Surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Purpose Small observational studies have shown a survival advantage to undergoing cancer-directed surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM); however, it is unclear if these results are generalizable. Our purpose was to evaluate survival after treatment of MPM with cancer-directed surgery and to explore the effect surgery interaction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy on survival by using the National Cancer Database. Patients and Methods Patients with microscopically proven MPM were identified within the National Cancer Database (2004 to 2014). Propensity score matching was performed 1:2 and among this cohort, a Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictors of survival. Median survival was calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Of 20,561 patients with MPM, 6,645 were identified in the matched cohort, among whom 2,166 underwent no therapy, 2,015 underwent chemotherapy alone, 850 underwent cancer-directed surgery alone, 988 underwent surgery with chemotherapy, and 274 underwent trimodality therapy. The remaining 352 patients underwent another combination of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Thirty-day and 90-day mortality rates were 6.3% and 15.5%. Cancer-directed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were independently associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.77, 0.74, and 0.88, respectively). Stratified analysis revealed that surgery-based multimodality therapy demonstrated an improved survival compared with surgery alone, with no significant difference between surgery-based multimodality therapies; however, the largest estimated effect was when cancer-directed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were combined (hazard ratio, 0.52). For patients with the epithelial subtype who underwent trimodality therapy, median survival was extended from 14.5 months to 23.4 months. Conclusion MPM is an aggressive and rapidly fatal disease. Surgery-based multimodality therapy was associated with improved survival and may offer therapeutic benefit among carefully selected patients.
Dependence of hardening and saturation stress in persistent slip bands on strain amplitude during cyclic fatigue loading

Cyclic loading of FCC single crystals leads to the formation of persistent slip bands (PSBs) over a wide range of applied strain amplitudes. The hardening and saturation stress associated with cyclic loading of Cu single crystals are reproduced with 3-D discrete dislocation dynamics simulations. Evolution of the dislocation microstructure in PSB channels and walls during cyclic loading is shown to explain key features of plastic deformation. Screw dislocation segments are found to deposit edge components near PSB channel walls resulting in the nucleation of half-loops that expand into neighbouring channels. The saturation stress is found to be 34 MPa at an applied strain amplitude, , within the range of experimental observations. It is shown that once PSBs are formed, subsequent cycling at lower strain amplitudes does not lead to their elimination, but the cyclic stress–strain behaviour is modified. At lower values of of previously formed PSBs, the saturation stress is found to decrease to 24 MPa ...
Low-enriched cermet-based fuel options for a nuclear thermal propulsion engine

Abstract Nuclear thermal propulsion is the high thrust, high specific impulse rocket engine technology of choice for future missions to Mars and beyond. Previous engines designed and built under NASA’s Rover program made use of highly enriched uranium, a significant barrier to development today due to the political climate. This paper focuses on developing a nuclear thermal rocket engine based on a low enriched uranium (LEU) tungsten cermet fuel. Generally, this design is based on the Pewee reactor built by NASA under the Rover program. However, multiple modifications are introduced to optimize the proposed LEU engine to produce the maximum efficiency while meeting NASA’s ground rules as defined in the latest Mars reference missions. This paper presents numerous neutronic and thermal-hydraulic tradeoff studies to approach a near-optimum design. The result is an engine design capable of meeting, and in many cases surpassing, NASA’s requirements of a 25 klbf thrust engine with a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than 3.5 and a specific impulse greater than 900 s.
Graft-versus-host disease: new directions for a persistent problem

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continues to be a major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, especially with the increasing use of unrelated and mismatched donors. Recently there has been renewed scientific interest in GVHD because of the increasing appreciation of the complexity of the immune responses seen in GVHD. Two basic aspects of the immune response in GVHD, the immunologic target and the effector mechanisms, are now more completely understood. First, the target of the immune response in GVHD has long been felt to be histocompatibility antigens possessed by the host, but not the donor. Recently, recognition of self antigens in GVHD has been documented, showing that GVHD is more complex than simple alloreactivity. Second, the effector mechanism in GVHD was initially felt to be direct cytotoxicity by alloreactive T cells. It is now recognized that cytokines play a central role in mediating many of the clinical and experimental manifestations of GVHD. The development in these two areas will be reviewed and the implications for clinical transplantation discussed.
Point Defects in CdTe Bulk Single Crystals Grown in Cd-Rich Conditions

CdTe materials tend to grow in a Te-rich stoichiometry due to the higher vapor pressure of Cd over Te, making the material p-type. Growing the crystal in an extra Cd environment helps to restore the stoichiometry and changes the material from p-type to semi-insulating or n-type conductivity. The amount of Cd and Te vacancies is expected to change with variations of the stoichiometry. To better understand the effect of stoichiometry on intrinsic defects, we grew a CdTe crystal boule in a Cd-rich conditions using the Vertical Bridgman technique. The electrical properties and defect structures of the resulting sample were compared to a Te-rich sample grown under similar conditions. The point defects were characterized by thermoelectric effect spectroscopy. Analysis suggests that five types of defects were common to both growths whereas two types of defects are associated with the growth stoichiometry.
Online Clustering by Penalized Weighted GMM.

With the dawn of the Big Data era, data sets are growing rapidly. Data is streaming from everywhere - from cameras, mobile phones, cars, and other electronic devices. Clustering streaming data is a very challenging problem. Unlike the traditional clustering algorithms where the dataset can be stored and scanned multiple times, clustering streaming data has to satisfy constraints such as limit memory size, real-time response, unknown data statistics and an unknown number of clusters. In this paper, we present a novel online clustering algorithm which can be used to cluster streaming data without knowing the number of clusters a priori. Results on both synthetic and real datasets show that the proposed algorithm produces partitions which are close to what you could get if you clustered the whole data at one time.
Structuring Large SETL Programs

In the present chapter we round out our account of the control structures of SETL by describing certain useful facilities not covered in earlier chapters.
What network motifs tell us about resilience and reliability of complex networks

Network motifs are often called the building blocks of networks. Analysis of motifs has been found to be an indispensable tool for understanding local network structure, in contrast to measures based on node degree distribution and its functions that primarily address a global network topology. As a result, networks that are similar in terms of global topological properties may differ noticeably at a local level. This phenomenon of the impact of local structure has been recently documented in network fragility analysis and classification. At the same time, many studies of networks still tend to focus on global topological measures, often failing to unveil hidden mechanisms behind vulnerability of real networks and their dynamic response to malfunctions. In this paper, a study of motif-based analysis of network resilience and reliability under various types of intentional attacks is presented, with the goal of shedding light on local dynamics and vulnerability of networks. These methods are demonstrated on electricity transmission networks of 4 European countries, and the results are compared with commonly used resilience and reliability measures.
Longitudinal investigation of Candida vaginitis in pregnancy: Role of superimposed antibiotic use

Objective: To evaluate the purported association of antibiotic use and subsequent symptomatic Candida vaginitis among pregnant women. Methods: Two hundred fifty obstetric patients were followed in a prospective, culture-based, longitudinal, and observational study from the first antepartum appointment through the postpartum visit at 6 weeks. All patients were cultured for yeast (Nickerson agar) initially. Patients with symptoms and microscopic evidence of vaginitis at the initial visit were followed through pregnancy but were not analyzed with asymptomatic individuals who had vaginal cultures for Candida at the first visit and at subsequent visits if they developed vulvovaginal symptoms. Patients were categorized as colonized or uncolonized on the basis of initial cultures and were evaluated at least monthly for antibiotic use and vaginal complaints. In addition, hospital records were reviewed after the final visit to document antibiotic use or vaginal infection. Results: Asymptomatically colonized patients were at a threefold greater risk of developing symptoms than were uncolonized patients (P <.001). Among women receiving antibiotics during pregnancy. 6.1% developed symptoms of Candida vaginitis compared with 15.6% of women who did not receive antibiotics. For the entire study population, 46% of the patients received at least one course of antibiotic therapy and 21% had multiple courses. Only three of the seven who became symptomatic with yeast vaginitis did so within 4 weeks of treatment. Many of the antibiotic regimens were prescribed by providers other than the obstetrician. Conclusion: Antibiotic treatment during pregnancy was frequent in the study population, but was not associated with a significant risk of developing Candida vaginitis.
The Right to Benefit from Progress in Science and Technology in World Constitutions

This is an early version of an entry to be published in 2020 in the Max Plank Encyclopedia of Comparative Constitutional Law. The “right to benefit from progress in science and technology” (more commonly referred to as “the right to science”) is one of the earliest internationally recognized human rights. It can be found both in the American Declaration of Rights and Duties of Man and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). This article discusses the incorporation of the so-called “right to science” (or, less succinctly, the right to benefit from progress in science and technology) in national constitutions. It does not address the so-called “rights of science” (i.e. the rights of scientists and those essential for the scientific enterprise, like academic freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of movement etc.). First, the article briefly reviews origin, definition, legal value and limitations of the right to science. Then, it traces the four main components of the right to science (i.e. i) the enjoyment of the benefits of scientific progress, ii) the freedom of science; iii) the protection from adverse effects of science, and iv) the duty to foster scientific and technological progress) in constitutions throughout the world. Comparative analysis shows that provisions that protect freedom of science and guarantee access to the benefits of scientific and technological progress appear in a vast number of national constitutions, and that many echo the wording of Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
First-principles studies of MoF6 absorption on hydroxylated and non-hydroxylated metal oxide surfaces and implications for atomic layer deposition of MoS2

Abstract Significant interest in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides has led to numerous experimental studies of their synthesis using scalable vapor phase methods, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). ALD typically allows lower deposition temperatures, and nucleation of chemical precursors requires reactions with surface functional groups. A common first-principles method used to study ALD modeling is the calculation of activation energy for a proposed reaction pathway. In this work we calculated the partial charge densities, local density of states (LDoS), Bader charge analysis, adsorption energies, and charge density difference using density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the nucleation of MoF6 on three oxide surfaces, including Al2O3, HfO2, and MgO. Our findings indicate that hydroxyl groups (OH) help lower the reaction barrier during the first half-cycle of MoF6 and promote the chemisorption of a precursor on the oxide substrates. This discovery is supported by the formation of highly ionic MFx (M = metal, x = 1, 2, 3) bonds at the oxide surfaces. By comparing surfaces with and without hydroxyl groups, we highlight the importance of surface chemistry.
ISO and ABC: Complements or Competitors?

ISO 9000 and Activity‐Based Costing (ABC) are two useful tools for logisticians. Both of these tools can support efforts to improve customer service and/or reduce total costs. Using survey and case study methods, we investigate whether these two techniques are implemented together as complements, are kept separate, or are considered competitors for scarce resources (money, time and talent). The survey revealed that relatively few firms are using both ISO and ABC. Moreover, respondents from firms in which either ISO or ABC were implemented reported higher performance levels than those firms where both were used. Results of the case study suggest that practicing logisticians view ISO 9000 and ABC as separate initiatives. While the quality systems group led the charge to ISO registration, finance and accounting implemented the ABC model. The case firm did little to exploit potentially complementary aspects of the two tools. Indeed, there is evidence that ABC and ISO 9000 actually competed for managerial attention.
Surviving Life: How Youth Adapt to Life Sentences in Adult Prisons

There are nearly 12,000 adults in the United States serving life without the possibility of parole or indeterminant life sentences (e.g. 25-to-life, 50-to-life) due to crimes they committed while under the legal age of majority (18 years of age). Much has been written on the range of US policies that allow youth to be sentenced harshly in adult criminal court, yet we know little about this population or their experiences growing up in prison. Our key questions are: how do young people adapt to serving a life sentence in an adult prison? How are they socialized into adult prison life? What strategies do they use to cope, find community, and forge a meaningful life in prison? We used phenomenological methodology that included repeated in-depth interviews with eight men who were given juvenile life sentences and then had that sentence reversed or commuted due to changes in California state law (average time spent in prison was 26 years). The core process of transition to adult prison was one of moving from surviving to living. In this chapter we explain this process and provide implications for policies regarding life without parole and extreme sentencing for youth.
Analyzing Effects of Varied Silica Fume Sources within Baseline UHPC

Silica fume has been used for many years as a fine-grained supplementary cementitious material in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) to aid in improving strength and durability. Since silica fume is a waste product, much variability is present among different silica fume sources. This study compared the functionality of eight silica fume products in an otherwise identical cementitious matrix using a standard reference UHPC known as Cor-Tuf Baseline (CTB). The studied silica fumes were obtained from multiple suppliers and geographical locations. Both densified and undensified silica fumes were evaluated. Silica fumes were substituted one for another on a 1:1 basis (by mass) for initial batching. Fresh properties of interest in this study included mixing time and flow percentage. Hardened properties of interest included compressive strength and density. The effects of different mixing actions were studied as well as different high temperature curing conditions. Results of this study indicated that some silica fumes, while similar in composition to others tested, presented many difficulties in producing a UHPC. The state of silica fume densification did not exclusively determine its usefulness in the production of a UHPC. Increased shearing action during mixing was seen as advantageous for increased fluidity and ease of production. The use of a steam generator for high temperature curing was more beneficial in strength development than placing the samples in a high temperature water bath at the same temperature. Two of the eight silica fumes tested were found to be acceptable for CTB production.
Highly Effective Therapy: Developing Essential Clinical Competencies in Counseling and Psychotherapy

Foreword. Introduction: Developing Essential Clinical Competencies. Apply a Conceptual Map to Understand and Direct the Therapeutic Process. Establish an Effective Therapeutic Alliance. Assess Readiness and Foster Treatment-promoting Factors. Recognize and Resolve Resistance and Ambivalence. Recognize and Repair Alliance Ruptures. Recognize and Resolve Transference-Countertransference. Perform an Integrative Diagnostic Assessment. Develop an Accurate DSM Diagnosis. Develop an Effective Clinical Case Conceptualization. Develop an Effective Cultural Formulation. Plan Interventions and Predict Obstacles to its Implementation. Draft an Integrative Clinical Case Report. Establish a Treatment Focus. Maintain the Treatment Focus. Modify Maladaptive Cognitions, Behaviors, Affects, and Interpersonal Relations. Plan and Implement Culturally-sensitive Treatment. Recognize and Resolve Treatment-interfering Factors. Monitor Progress and Modify Treatment Accordingly. Evaluate Progress and Prepare Clients for Termination. Utilize Supervision Effectively to Develop and Evaluate Competencies.
Effects of Egg oiling on larid productivity and population dynamics

On applique l'hydrocarbure sur des œufs incubes naturellement de Larus marinus et de Larus argentatus. La survie des embryons est indirectement proportionnelle a la dose d'hydrocarbure appliquee a la surface de l'œuf mais l'action varie aussi en fonction de l'âge de l'embryon au moment du traitement. Il faut des doses tres forte pour que la productivite soit abaissee
Disaster Recovery in Workplace Organizations

Not only do large-scale disasters disrupt the personal lives of individuals, they also disrupt work lives and workplaces. Much has been written about organizational changes associated with common occurrences, like leadership transitions, competitive adaptations, and mergers and acquisitions. Less is known about how people and workplaces cope with and recover from extraordinary circumstances, like the Hurricane Katrina disaster. This chapter discusses features of catastrophic disaster recovery that distinguish it from traditional approaches to organizational change and describes the recovery processes of organizational workplaces and individual employees in response to Hurricane Katrina. Scientific and practical implications for workplace recovery and rebuilding in the wake of disaster are discussed.
Quantifying the Potential Impacts of Flexibility Reserve on Power System Operations

Power system operators schedule additional capacity above or below the amount required to meet the expected demand at any time interval to ensure reliable operation. This excess capacity is known as operating reserve. This reserve helps protect against the inherent variability and uncertainty found in the system. As more variable generation resources are connected to the system, the amount of variability and uncertainty is expected to increase. To hedge against this, new operating strategies are being explored. These strategies include developing additional ancillary services and modifying scheduling strategies. This paper presents the results of simulating an additional operating reserve product, referred to as "flexibility reserve," on the IEEE 118-bus test system, and it presents the operational implications on costs, reliability, and pricing that this additional operating reserve may produce.
Mary E. Wilkins Freeman's two New England Nuns

Lecture feministe du choix du celibat dans « A New England Nun » et « Louisa » (in « A New England Nuns and Other Stories »-1891)
Structural basis for the decreased procoagulant activity of human factor VIII compared to the porcine homolog.

The stability of activated human and porcine factor VIII (fVIII) differ, but a direct comparison of their structural and functional properties has not been made. Highly purified, heterodimeric human recombinant and porcine plasma-derived fVIII were exchanged into a common buffer and some minor contaminants were removed by anion-exchange chromatography. The activations of human and porcine fVIII by thrombin were studied by a two-stage coagulation assay using human citrated plasma as the standard. The peak activation of porcine fVIII was 10-fold greater than human fVIII (1.1 x 10(6) unit/mg versus 1.1 x 10(5) unit/mg). The proteolytic fragmentation of fVIII by thrombin was evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and was not different between human and porcine fVIII, yielding previously identified bands corresponding to fragments A1, A2, A3-C1-C2, and the B domain. Following activation by thrombin, human fVIII was subjected to cation-exchange (Mono S) high performance liquid chromatography at pH 6.0 under conditions that yields stable, heterotrimeric (A1/A2/A3-C1-C2) porcine fVIIIaIIa (Lollar, P., and Parker, C.G. (1990) Biochemistry 28, 666-674). Coagulant activity was recovered in a single peak that was less than 0.5% that of porcine fVIIIaIIa (1.2 x 10(4) unit/mg versus 2.6 x 10(6) unit/mg). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the peak fraction revealed bands corresponding to the A3-C1-C2 and A1 fragments but only trace levels of the A2 fragment. In contrast, activation of human fVIII by thrombin followed by Mono S HPLC at pH 5.0 produced a peak with 10-fold greater activity (1.2 x 10(5) unit/mg) than at pH 6.0 and which contained significant amounts of the A2 fragment. We conclude that human fVIIIIIa, like porcine fVIIIIIa, is a heterotrimer and propose that its apparent decreased coagulant activity is due to weaker association of the A2 subunit.
Orchestration of Oxidative Stress Responses in Drosophila melanogaster: A Promoter Analysis Study of Circadian Regulatory Motifs

Circadian clocks are endogenous molecular regulators that coordinate daily changes in gene expression and cellular and physiological functions with external day/ night cycles. The core circadian clock in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, consists of interacting molecular feedback loops. In the main loop, transcriptional activators (called positive clock elements), encoded by genes Clock (Clk) and cycle (cyc), stimulate the expression of two other clock genes, period (per) and timeless (tim), in the early night [1]. This leads to periodic increases in the levels of per/tim mRNA and PER/TIM proteins. These proteins (called negative elements of the clock) accumulate in cell nuclei late at night and act as inhibitors of the CLK-CYC complexes, resulting in the suppression of per and tim transcription (Fig. 23.1) [2]. In the second feedback loop, daily oscillations of Clk mRNA are achieved via a rhythmically active transcriptional repressor, encoded by vrille (vri), and transcriptional activator, encoded by Pdp1e [3–6]. Rhythmic expression of vri and Pdp1e is also activated by CLK-CYC complexes, via a similar mechanism as per and tim (Fig. 23.1). CLK is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that has a PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) protein interaction domain. An approximately 69-base (b) enhancer sequence is situated B500 b upstream of the per transcription start site (TSS). Within this enhancer, a consensus “E-box” bHLH transcription factor binding site having the sequence CACGTG is required for transcriptional activation [7]. Likewise, a consensus CACGTG E-box, approximately 2.5 kilobases (kb) upstream of tim, has been known to be essential for its transcriptional activation [8, 9]. Recent studies have shown strong rhythmic binding of CLK to the E-box upstream of per [10, 11]. Also. there was weak rhythmic binding of CLK to the intronic E-box of tim [11]. The circadian rhythms generated by these clocks are responsible for 24-h oscillations in diverse biological processes. While the central genes governing circadian pacemaker rhythmicity havemostly been identified, clockcontrolled output molecules responsible for regulating rhythmic behaviors remain largely unknown. Hence, identification of genes controlled by the central clock would be important in providing an avenue for understanding circadian oscillations in diverse biological processes including locomotor activity, feeding behavior, hormone secretion, digestion, and the onset of sleep. Genomewide studies of circadian gene expression revealed rhythms in the expression of multiple genes involved in various metabolic pathways and stress response in D. melanogaster [12–14]. A number of genes involved
Dormant and resistant stages of procaryotic cells.

Bacteria that form resting stages are the most probable survivors of probes to other planets, because of their ability to survive long periods of nutrient deprivation, and their resistance to temperature fluctuations, desiccation, irradiations, and mechanical stress. Resting stages, other than endospores, are formed by a variety of procaryotic organisms, including photosynthetic bacteria, methane oxidizing bacteria, and heterotrophic procaryotes. The various dormant cell types are compared. Dormancy is not as intense, and resistance to stresses is generally not as great as in exospores, myxospores, and cysts as it is in endospores. Resistance and dormancy of resting cells are dependent on growth conditions and these properties have not been well studied in recently discovered resting cells. An understanding of the variety and properties of resistant dormant stages of procaryotes is important in considering the possibility of inoculating extraterrestrial environments by bacteria on probes as well as in designing experiments to detect primitive organisms that may have evolved in extraterrestrial environments.
A Historical Journey Through the Development of Handwriting Instruction (Part 2): The Occupational Therapists' Role

Handwriting remediation and instruction have become common focuses for occupational therapists working with school-aged children. This article explores the progression of handwriting instruction practices from 1970 to the 2009 educationally, and specifically focuses on the involvement of occupational therapists clinically and through research. Current evidence is discussed and future research ideas are presented to continue improving independence and success of children in school specifically related to handwriting skills.
Effect of Glucose on the Oxidation of β-Nitropropionic Acid by Aspergillus flavus

The rate of oxidation of β-nitropropionic acid (BNP) to nitrate by replacement cultures of Aspergillus flavus was linear. For each micromole of BNP assimilated, 1 μmole of nitrate was detected. BNP was readily oxidized at pH 3.8, but not at pH 6.8. In the presence of glucose, nitrate was not detected until after all of the glucose had been utilized. The effect of glucose is attributed to its inhibition of BNP uptake and also to its role as an electron donor for a nitrate reductase.
Monochromatic neutrino signals from dark matter annihilation

Abstract Dark matter (DM) annihilations in the Sun to neutrino–antineutrino pairs are known to have potentially observable signatures in neutrino telescopes such as IceCube and KM3. We propose a model independent analysis in which the monochomatic neutrino signal from dark matter (DM) annihilations in the Sun is related to the direct detection spin-independent and spin-dependent cross sections rather than assuming cross sections from a particular model. We propagate the neutrinos from the center of the Sun to the Earth taking into account matter effects on neutrino oscillations. For DM capture in the Sun via a large spin-dependent DM capture cross section the discovery prospects of the IceCube experiment are found to be promising.
Association of Pancreatic Polypeptide with Mild Cognitive Impairment Varies by APOE ε4 Allele.

We conducted a preliminary case-control investigation of the association of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in 202 MCI cases (mean age, 81.6 years) and 202 age- and sex-matched cognitively normal controls in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Plasma PP was measured and examined as the natural logarithm or dichotomized at the median. The OR (95% CI) of MCI increased with increasing PP (1.46 [1.04-2.05]). There was a negative interaction of PP with APOE e4 allele; compared to the reference group (no APOE e4 allele and low PP), the OR (95% CI) for combinations of e4 and PP were: 2.64 (1.39-5.04) for APOE e4 plus low PP; 2.09 (1.27-3.45) for no APOE e4 plus high PP; and 1.91 (1.04-3.53) for no APOE e4 plus high PP (P for interaction = .017). There was also a trend toward a negative interaction with type 2 diabetes (P for interaction=.058). Compared to no diabetes and low PP, the OR (95% CI) was 3.02 (1.22-7.46) for low PP plus diabetes but 1.80 (1.01-3.22) for high PP plus diabetes. Participants with high PP had a greater mean weight loss (kilograms per decade) than persons with low PP (-2.26 [4.08] vs. -1.72 (5.28); P=.034). MCI cases had a non-significantly greater weight loss per decade compared to controls. These findings suggest that high PP alone or jointly with APOE e4 allele or type 2 diabetes is associated with MCI, and that high PP may mitigate some effects of APOE e4 allele and type 2 diabetes on cognition. Potential mechanisms may involve PP-related weight loss and centrally mediated effects of PP on cognition. These findings remain to be validated in other studies.
A proactive low-overhead file replication scheme for structured P2P content delivery networks

File replication is a widely used technique for high performance in peer-to-peer content delivery networks. A file replication technique should be efficient and at the same time facilitates efficient file consistency maintenance. However, most traditional methods do not consider nodes' available capacity and physical location in file replication, leading to high overhead for both file replication and consistency maintenance. This paper presents a proactive low-overhead file replication scheme, namely Plover. By making file replicas among physically close nodes based on nodes' available capacities, Plover not only achieves high efficiency in file replication but also supports low-cost and timely consistency maintenance. It also includes an efficient file query redirection algorithm for load balancing between replica nodes. Theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of Plover in comparison with other file replication schemes. It dramatically reduces the overhead of both file replication and consistency maintenance compared to other schemes. In addition, it yields significant improvements in reduction of overloaded nodes.
MO‐E‐330A‐07: Knowledge‐Based Auto‐Contouring in 4D Radiation Therapy

Purpose: In this work we develop a strategy of automatic contouring to relieve the effort of organ segmentation in 4D radiation therapy. The method adopts a novel technique of control volumes to achieve robust contour mapping among a series of 4D CTimages. Methods and Materials: For a given patient, segmentation of tumor and sensitive structures was manually performed for one of the breathing phases by a physician. Along the segmented contours a number of small control volumes (∼ 1cm) were selected. To obtain contours on another CT phase we mapped the control volumes collectively to this phase using rigid transformation, which served as a good starting contour for further adjustment. The final positions of mapped control volumes were determined by minimizing the energy function consisting of two terms: intensity similarity between the mapped volumes and the original volumes in the selected phase; elastic potential energy preventing control volumes from movement. The approach was tested with the 4D CTimages of 5 lungcancer patients. Results: For the patients the knowledge‐based approach of automatic contouring worked well even for CTimages with significant deformations. In the lung case the contours have the average error of less than 2mm and a maximum error of 5mm for noisy anatomical structures. A significant reduction of time compared with manual contouring was achieved. Conclusions: The auto‐mapping of contours in 4D radiation therapy was implemented with control volumes. The method provides an efficient way for 4D segmentation with high accuracy.
Time course of active Na transport and oxidative metabolism following transepithelial potential perturbation in toad urinary bladder

The use of an Ussing chamber with well-defined mixing characteristics coupled to a mass spectrometer permits the concurrent evaluation of transepithelial current and oxidative metabolism with improved temporal resolution. The time-course of the amiloride-sensitive current Ia and the rate of suprabasal CO2 production JsbCO2 were observed in 10 toad urinary bladders at short-circuit and after clamping delta psi at 100 mV, serosa positive. Following perturbation of delta psi (0 leads to 100 mV), Ia declined sharply within 1/2 min, remaining near constant approximately 15 min, and then increased slightly. JsbCO2 declined more gradually, remained near constant at approximately 4-7 min, and then declined further. Detailed analysis revealed an early quasi-steady state with near constancy of JsbCO2 starting at 2.9 +/- 1.1 (SD) min and lasting 4.7 +/- 1.8 (SD) min, followed by relaxation to a later steady state at about 15 min. During the early quasi-steady state, Ia was also nearly constant. Considering that in steady states Ia/F approximately or equal to JaNa, the rate of transepithelial active Na transport, during the early quasi-steady state mean values +/- SE of JaNa, JsbCO2 and (JaNa/JsbCO2) were, respectively, 29.9 +/- 1.7%, 59.4 +/- 3.2%, and 56.4 +/- 5.7% of values at short-circuit. Corresponding values during the late steady state were 41.4 +/- 6.0%, 38.2 +/- 6.1%, and 111.3 +/- 8.6%. Thus the flow ratio JaNa/JsbCO2 was depressed significantly during the early quasi-steady state, but returned later to the original value. The results of measurements of Ia and JsbO2 in three hemibladders were qualitatively similar. In terms of a phenomenological "black-box" treatment the findings are consistent with earlier studies indicating incomplete coupling between transport and metabolism. Further studies will be required to clarify the molecular basis for these observations.
Identification of regulatory elements necessary for the expression of the COL1A1 promoter in murine odontoblasts.

Recent studies have indicated that odontoblasts and osteoblasts have unique regulatory mechanisms that control COL1A1 gene expression. We are currently examining the regulation of COL1A1 gene expression in odontoblasts and have produced transgenic mice containing various collagen promoter constructs fused to the indicator gene, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT). Mandibular first molars were removed from jaws of transgenic mice. Some teeth were assayed for CAT activity (CAT diffusion assays), others were fixed and prepared for immunohistochemistry (CAT antibodies).Our results indicate the CAT activity was present in tooth germs containing promoter constructs longer than 1.719 kb. Immunoreactivity to CAT was confined to the odontoblast cell layer. No CAT activity was present in tooth germs containing a 1.670 kb construct.These data suggest that there are important regulatory elements located between -1.719 kb and -1.670 kb on the collagen promoter in odontoblasts. Examination of sequences in this reg...
Identification and characterization of over 100 mitochondrial ribosomal protein pseudogenes in the human genome.

The human (nuclear) genome encodes at least 79 mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs), which are imported into the mitochondria. Using a comprehensive approach, we find 41 of these give rise to 120 pseudogenes in the genome. The majority of the MRP pseudogenes are of processed origin and can be aligned to match the entire coding region of the functional MRP mRNAs. One processed pseudogene was found to have originated from an alternatively spliced mRNA transcript. We also found two duplicated pseudogenes that are transcribed in the cell as confirmed by screening the human EST database. We observed a significant correlation between the number of processed pseudogenes and the gene CDS length (R = -0.40; p < 0.001), i.e., the relatively shorter genes tend to have more processed pseudogenes. There is also a weaker correlation between the number of processed pseudogenes and the gene CDS GC content. Our study provides a catalogue of human MRP pseudogenes, which will be useful in the study of functional MRP genes. It also provides a molecular record of the evolution of these genes. More details are available at http://pseudogene.org/.
Issues in Portability of Evidence-based Treatment for Adolescent Depression

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders among school-aged youth, with high prevalence and far-reaching consequences. However, even though there are two evidence-based practices for treating adolescent depression (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy), most adolescents referred for treatment are unlikely to receive either. In part, this is due to the difficulty of transporting an evidence-based practice from laboratory to real-world setting, and determining how to transport an empirically validated treatment has thus become a focus of concern for social work researchers and practitioners. A host of client, clinician, setting, and treatment delivery variables can influence portability. Taking all these factors into consideration is a daunting task—but less daunting if done at the onset, during the initial process of efficacy research, rather than afterward as a separate stage. The thesis of this paper is that the only solution to the problem of portability is a combined, rather than sequential, approach to treatment development in which effectiveness and application concerns are included in the original research design. A review of suggested approaches, as well as discussion of factors that contribute to variance in outcome, is followed by recommendations for future research.
Initial Management Decisions After a New Consultation for Low Back Pain: Implications of the Usage of Physical Therapy for Subsequent Health Care Costs and Utilization

Abstract Objectives To describe the utilization of physical therapy following a new primary care consultation for low back pain (LBP) and to examine the relations between physical therapy utilization and other variables with health care utilization and costs in the year after consultation. Design Retrospective cohort obtained from electronic medical records and insurance claims data. Setting Single health care delivery system. Participants Individuals (N=2184) older than 18 years with a new consultation for LBP from 2004 to 2008. Interventions Patients were categorized as receiving initial physical therapy management if care occurred within 14 days after consultation. Main Outcome Measures Total health care costs for all LBP-related care received in the year after consultation were calculated from claims data. Predictors of utilization of emergency care, advanced imaging, epidural injections, specialist visits, and surgery were identified using multivariate logistic regression. The generalized linear model was used to compare LBP-related costs based on physical therapy utilization and identify other cost determinants. Results Initial physical therapy was received by 286 of the 2184 patients (13.1%), and was not a determinant of LBP-related health care costs or utilization of specific services in the year after consultation. Older age, mental health, or neck pain comorbidity and initial management with opioids were determinants of cost and several utilization outcomes. Conclusions Initial physical therapy management was not associated with increased health care costs or utilization of specific services following a new primary care LBP consultation. Additional research is needed to examine the cost consequences of initial management decisions made following a new consultation for LBP.