cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Neuronal Differentiation of Injury-Induced Muscle-Derived Stem Cell-Like Cells with Therapeutic Implications

Mammalian skeletal muscles contain a number of heterogeneous cell populations. Our previous study characterized a unique population of myogenic lineage stem cells that can be isolated from adult mammalian skeletal muscles upon injury. These injury-induced muscle-derived stem cell-like cells (iMuSCs) displayed a multipotent state with sensitiveness and strong migration abilities. Here, we report that these iMuSCs have the capability to form neurospheres that represent multiple neural phenotypes. The induced neuronal cells expressed various neuron-specific proteins, their mRNA expression during neuronal differentiation recapitulated embryonic neurogenesis, they generated action potentials, and they formed functional synapses in vitro. Furthermore, the transplantation of iMuSCs or their cell extracts into the muscles of mdx mice (i.e., a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy [DMD]) could restore the morphology of their previously damaged neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), suggesting that the beneficial effects of iMuSCs may not be restricted to cell restoration alone, but also due to their transient paracrine actions. The current study reveals the essential role of iMuSCs in the restoration of NMJs related to injuries and diseases.
Mapping Posttranslational Regulation of Filaggrin Using Phosphoproteomics

Recent advances in phosphoproteomics and other proteomic technologies have demonstrated that many proteins contain multiple posttranslational modifications (PTMs), any of which could potentially influence protein function. Obviously, not all sites on a protein are modified to the same extent under different physiological and pathophysiological conditions, so the key is to determine if there are specific PTMs or patterns of PTMs that can be used to predict protein function in response to a stimulus or within a particular disease environment. In the case of filaggrin with at least 96 phosphorylation sites identified to date through multiple global phosphoproteomic analyses (and curated data at www.phosphosite.org), the number of potential filaggrin variants with altered functions is staggering. Even this high number likely represents an underrepresentation of all potential filaggrin phosphorylation sites due to challenges in performing phosphoproteomic measurements in general and unique challenges of analyzing filaggrin due to its large size, repetitive nature, and expression in complex differentiated tissue such as skin. In addition, identifying differences in the phosphorylation status of specific sites, as well as their roles in filaggrin regulation, remains a significant challenge.
The Power of Percipience: Consequences of Self-Awareness in Teams on Team-Level Functioning and Performance:

We integrate research on team functioning with that of self-awareness to advance the notion of self-awareness in teams as an important concept to consider when diagnosing team effectiveness. We arg...
Automatic wrapper generation using tree matching and partial tree alignment

This paper is concerned with the problem of structured data extraction from Web pages. The objective of the research is to automatically segment data records in a page, extract data items/fields from these records and store the extracted data in a database. In this paper, we first introduce the extraction problem, and then discuss the main existing approaches and their limitations. After that, we introduce a novel technique (called DEPTA) to automatically perform Web data extraction. The method consists of three steps: (1) identifying data records with similar patterns in a page, (2) aligning and extracting data items from the identified data records and (3) generating tree-based regular expressions to facilitate later extraction from other similar pages. The key innovation is the proposal of a new multiple tree alignment algorithm called partial tree alignment, which was found to be particularly suitable for Web data extraction. This paper is based on our work published in KDD-03 and WWW-05.
Deleterious effect of the presence of hydrosalpinx on implantation and pregnancy rates with in vitro fertilization.

Objective To determine the effect of the presence of a unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx on the outcome with IVF-ET. Design Retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data. Setting Hospital-based private IVF center. Patients Eight hundred forty-six patients with tubal disease younger than age 40 years undergoing 1,766 stimulation cycles. In 118 cycles, a hydrosalpinx was noted sonographically (group I) whereas, in 1,648 cycles, no such image was documented. Main Outcome Measures Pregnancy and implantation rates. Results Group I displayed a significantly lower pregnancy rate per transfer than group II (16.84% versus 36.83%) and a lower implantation rate (3.92% versus 11.53%). Conclusion The presence of hydrosalpinx adversely affects the outcome of IVF.
NM23/nucleoside diphosphate kinase and signal transduction.

NM23s (or NDP kinases) regulate a fascinating variety of cellular activities, includingproliferation, development, and differentiation. All these processes are modulated by external stimuli,leading to the idea that this family of proteins modulates transmembrane signaling pathways.This review summarizes the evidence indicating that NM23/NDP kinases participate intransmembrane signaling in eukaryotic cells and discusses the molecular mechanisms proposed toaccount for these actions.
Lipid Bilayer Structure

Natural biological membranes consist of a lipid bilayer in which membrane proteins are embedded. As such, the bilayer is the underlying structural unit of the membrane. Understanding bilayer structure and properties is critical to an understanding of membrane function.
RNA Catalytic Activity as a Probe of Chaperone-Mediated RNA Folding

For structured RNAs that possess catalytic activity, this activity provides a powerful probe for measuring the progress of folding and the effects of RNA chaperone proteins on the folding rate. The crux of this approach is that only the natively folded RNA is able to perform the catalytic reaction. This method can provide a quantitative measure of the fraction of native RNA over time, and it can readily distinguish the native state from all misfolded conformations. Here we describe an activity-based method measuring native folding of ribozymes derived from self-splicing group I introns, and we show how the assay can be used to monitor acceleration of native folding by DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins that function as general RNA chaperones. By measuring the amount of substrate that is converted to product in a rapid first turnover, we describe how to determine the fraction of the ribozyme population that is present in the native state. Further, we describe how to perform a two-stage or discontinuous assay in which folding proceeds in stage one and then solution conditions are changed in stage two to permit catalytic activity and block further folding. This protocol allows folding to be followed under a broad range of solution conditions, including those that do not support catalytic activity, and facilitates studies of chaperone proteins.
Does supraphysiologic estradiol level during IVF have any effect on oocyte/embryo quality? A sibling embryo cohort analysis of fresh and subsequent frozen embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND The aim of this paper was to determine the effect of supraphysiologic serum estradiol (E2) level on oocyte and embryo development during IVF cycles. METHODS This is a retrospective data analysis of all autologous IVF cycles where fresh embryo transfer was performed followed by subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET) using cryopreserved sibling embryos. Primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Secondary outcomes were oocyte and embryo characteristics. RESULTS Patients with high E2 (defined as serum peak E2>50th percentile [3727 pg/mL]) recorded prior to HCG trigger had significantly higher number of matured oocytes, zygotes exhibiting two pronuclei, cleavage stage embryos, blastocysts, and vitrified embryos. Following FET, LBR was higher among patients with high than normal E2 (55% vs. 37%, odds ratio [OR] 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-3.88, P=0.03). Paired analysis revealed that the likelihood of achieving live birth was higher with FET compared to fresh transfer both among high E2 (54.7% vs. 26.7%; OR 3.3; 95% CI: 1.67-6.58, P<0.001) and normal E2 (37.3% vs. 18.7%; OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.23-5.47, P=0.01) patients. CONCLUSIONS Supraphysiologic serum E2 level prior to HCG trigger does not appear to have negative impact on oocyte and embryo quality.
Onsite generation system sizing for manufacturing plant considering renewable sources towards sustainability

Abstract Onsite generation system with renewable sources for manufacturing plant is considered a critical alternative energy source that can improve the sustainability and resilience for manufacturers. The optimal sizing for all the components of the onsite generation system under the variations of the uncertain energy demand from manufacturing plant plays a critical role in achieving a cost-effective operational mode. In this paper, a Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programming optimization model is proposed for sizing the capacity of onsite generation system with renewable sources and battery energy storage system for the manufacturers considering the energy loads from both manufacturing system and HVAC system in a typical manufacturing plant. An integrated simulation model is used to capture the variations of the plant-level electricity demand including both manufacturing and HVAC systems so that it can be used as the input to the proposed optimization model. Both linearization and meta-heuristic solution strategies are discussed and compared when solving the proposed optimization model considering both solution quality and computational time. A case study employing the relevant data of a real auto component manufacturing plant as well as the data of the renewable sources in the Chicago area is implemented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Accounting and Cybersecurity Risk Management

SUMMARY As the number of cybersecurity incidents continue to rise and stakeholders are becoming increasingly concerned, companies are devoting considerable resources to their cybersecurity risk man...
Abstract #3617: Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy as salvage therapy for recurrent low grade glioma

Purpose: Previous studies have reported encouraging survival results and favorable toxicity data with stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for patients with persistent or progressive high grade glioma following standard therapy. We sought to determine the efficacy and tolerability of hypofractionated SRT (H-SRT) in patients presenting with recurrent low grade gliomas. To our knowledge this is the largest cohort of low grade patients treated with H-SRT for recurrent disease. Materials and Methods: Between 1994 and 2008, 22 patients with clinical and/or radiographic imaging evidence of glioma progression following initial treatment were treated with hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (H-SRT). All patients were initially diagnosed with WHO grade II tumors and received standard irradiation at initial diagnosis. Nine of the 22 patients received chemotherapy with H-SRT of which Temador was the most common regimen. The most commonly prescribed radiation regimen was 35 Gy in 3.5 Gy fractions. The primary endpoints of the study were median survival time (MST), neurological, clinical, and radiographic response and CNS toxicity. Results: MST from the date of diagnosis was 74 months (10-192 mo). MST from reirradiation was 9 months. Eleven patients (50%) experienced a response following H-SRT at six week follow up as indicated by either decrease in steroid dose or neurologic improvement. No patients demonstrated clinically significant acute morbidity, and all patients were able to complete the prescribed radiation dose. No patient required hospitalization or surgery for early acute or delayed toxicity. MST of patients receiving chemotherapy with H-SRT was 127 months compared to 30.5 months in patients receiving reirradiation only. Median survival from H-SRT was 17 months for patients receiving chemotherapy with H-SRT and 4 months for patients receiving H-SRT only. Conclusions: The current study represents the largest series to examine the efficacy and tolerability of H-SRT re-irradiation for recurrent low grade gliomas. The low toxicity profile and evidence of symptom improvement associated with this regimen justify further evaluation. Chemotherapy given with re-irradiation demonstrated superior survival and should be investigated in future trials. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 3617.
Synthesis of multiwall α-Fe2O3 hollow fibers via a centrifugal spinning technique.

Abstract Hollow hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) fine fibers with multiwall structure were synthesized by utilizing a centrifugal spinning technique. Aqueous solutions of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate were prepared and spun into fibers. The precursor fibers were heat treated at 650 °C to form iron oxide fibers. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the formation of iron oxide hollow fibers with multiwall structure with average wall thickness of 55 ± 15 nm and outer fiber diameter of 852 ± 86 nm. The formation of α-Fe 2 O 3 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and the phase identification was verified by XRD pattern and transmission electron microscopy analysis. These hollow structure α-Fe 2 O 3 fibers have promising uses in important biological processes and biomedical applications.
The Poetics of City and Nature: Toward a New Aesthetic for Urban Design

Anne Whiston Spirn The city has been compared to a poem, a sculpture, a machine. But the city is more than a text, and more dian an artistic or technological artifact. It is a place where nat­ ural forces pulse and millions of people live—thinking, feeling, dreaming, doing. An aesthetic of urban design must therefore be rooted in the normal processes of nature and of living. I want to describe the dimensions of such an aes­ thetic. This aesthetic encompasses both nature and cul­ ture; it embodies function, sensory perception, and symbolic meaning; and it embraces both the making of things and places and the sensing, using, and contemplat­ ing of them. This aesthetic is concerned equally with everyday tilings and with art: with small things, such as fountains, gardens, and buildings, and widi large systems, such as those that transport people or cany wastes. This aesthetic celebrates motion and change, encompasses dynamic processes rather than static objects and scenes, and embraces multiple rather than singular visions. This is not a timeless aesthetic, but one that recognizes both the flow of passing time and the singularity of the moment in time, and one that demands both continuity and revolution. Urban form evolves in time, in predictable and unpredictable ways, die result of complex, overlapping, and interweaving dialogues. These dialogues are all pre­ sent and ongoing; some are sensed intuitively; others are clearly legible. Together, they comprise die context of a place and all those who dwell within it. This idea of dia­ logue, with its embodiment of time, purpose, communi­ cation, and response, is central to this aesthetic.
Peace data: Concept, measurement, patterns, and research agenda:

This data article reviews the revised “peace data,” describing the motivations behind them and offering a general description of the different peace scale levels—severe rivalry, lesser rivalry, neg...
How Many Tree Species of Birch Are in Alaska? Implications for Wetland Designations

Wetland areas are critical habitats, especially in northern regions of North America. Wetland classifications are based on several factors, including the presence of certain plant species and assemblages of species, of which trees play a significant role. Here we examined wetland species of birch (Betula) in North America, with a focus on Alaska, and the use of birche tree species in wetland delineation. We sampled over 200 trees from sites, including Alaska, Alberta, Minnesota, and New Hampshire. We used genetic data from over 3000 loci detected by restriction site associated DNA analysis. We used an indirect estimate of ploidy based on allelic ratios and we also examined population genetic structure. We find that inferred ploidy is strongly associated with genetic groupings. We find two main distinct groups; one found throughout most of Alaska, extending into Alberta. This group is probably attributable to Betula kenaica, Betula neoalaskana, or both. This group has a diploid genetic pattern although this could easily be a function of allopolyploidy. The second major genetic group appears to extend from Eastern North America into parts of southeastern Alaska. This group represents Betula papyrifera, and is not diploid based on allelic ratios. Published chromosome counts indicate pentaploidy. Because B. papyrifera is the only one of the above species that is distinctly associated with wetland habitats, our findings indicate that tree species of birch found in most parts of Alaska are not reliable indicators of wetland habitats. These results help to support stronger wetland ratings assigned to the tree species of birch for delineation purposes.
Nicotine Pretreatment Increases Sensitivity to Reward Devaluation in Extinction

We examined the effects of nicotine preexposure on operant learning and habit formation. Rats were pretreated with 10 doses of 0.4 mg/kg nicotine (n = 9) or saline as a control (n = 9) for 10 consecutive days. Operant training was initiated in which rats learned to nose-poke for a sucrose reward. To examine whether nicotine pretreatment accelerated habitual responding, ad-lib feeding was used to devalue the sucrose reward prior to sessions 1 and 3 of extinction testing. Rats subsequently underwent reacquisition in order to further examine the influence of nicotine pretreatment on operant learning. Preexposure to nicotine did not affect the initial acquisition of the operant response for sucrose or the reacquisition of this response following extinction training. However, nicotine pretreatment expedited extinction learning, but only under conditions of reward devaluation by prefeeding. Because nicotine dosing was terminated 9 days prior to extinction testing, and nicotine was never paired directly with sucrose reinforcement, these results suggest that nicotine exposure has a durable influence on extinction learning.
Assessing the yield and safety of endoscopy in acute graft-vs-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Assessing the yield and safety of endoscopy in acute graft-vs-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Deciphering the Identity of Renin Cells in Health and Disease

Hypotension and changes in fluid–electrolyte balance pose immediate threats to survival. Juxtaglomerular cells respond to such threats by increasing the synthesis and secretion of renin. In addition, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) along the renal arterioles transform into renin cells until homeostasis has been regained. However, chronic unrelenting stimulation of renin cells leads to severe kidney damage. Here, we discuss the origin, distribution, function, and plasticity of renin cells within the kidney and immune compartments and the consequences of distorting the renin program. Understanding how chronic stimulation of these cells in the context of hypertension may lead to vascular pathology will serve as a foundation for targeted molecular therapies.
The Relationship Between Fall Risk and Hospital-Based Therapy Utilization Is Moderated by Demographic Characteristics and Insurance Type.

Abstract Objective To investigate whether indicators of patient need (comorbidity burden, fall risk) predict acute care rehabilitation utilization, and whether this relation varies across patient characteristics (ie, demographic characteristics, insurance type). Design Secondary analysis of electronic health records data. Setting Five acute care hospitals. Participants Adults (N=110,209) admitted to 5 regional hospitals between 2014 and 2018. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) utilization. Logistic regression models determined whether indicators of patient need predicted OT and PT utilization. Interactions between indicators of need and both demographic factors (eg, minority status, presence of significant other) and insurance type were included to investigate whether the relation between patient need and therapy access varied across patient characteristics. Results Greater comorbidity burden was associated with a higher likelihood of receiving OT and PT. Relative to those with low fall risk, those with moderate and high fall risk were more likely to receive OT and PT. The relation between fall risk and therapy utilization differed across patient characteristics. Among patients with higher levels of fall risk, those with a significant other were less likely to receive OT and PT; significant other status did not explain therapy utilization among patients with low fall risk. Among those with high fall risk, patients with VA insurance and minority patients were more likely to receive PT than those with private insurance and nonminority patients, respectively. Insurance type and minority status did not appear to explain PT utilization among those with lower fall risk. Conclusions Patients with greater comorbidity burden and fall risk were more likely to receive acute care rehabilitation. However, the relation between fall risk and utilization was moderated by insurance type, having a significant other, and race/ethnicity. Understanding the implications of these utilization patterns requires further research.
Clinical trials of temporomandibular joint involvement of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Abstract Objective: The objective of this report is to review the current available clinical trials of JIA regarding the diagnosis, management, or outcomes of TMJ involvement. We hypothesized that such clinical trials are rare. Study Design: The Clinical Trials Database was queried through ClinicalTrials.gov for keywords relevant to juvenile idiopathic arthritis and temporomandibular joint. The outcome variables were: clinical trial number, principal investigator information, trial information, and reported results. Results: There were 224 clinical trials involving JIA. Six studies involved the TMJs. The sample sizes ranged from 12 to 452 subjects. No studies were NIH funded. Five of the studies are closed to enrollment with only one posting results. The open study has been actively recruiting patients for over 12 years. Conclusion: Of the 224 registered clinical trials involving JIA, six studies involved the TMJs. An increase in focused funding opportunities and multicenter trials may help increase the number of clinial trials for this patient population.
A Peer-Teaching Model to Reinforce Pharmacy Students' Clinical Knowledge of Commonly Prescribed Medications.

Objective. To implement and assess the effectiveness of a peer teaching series to increase third year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students’ knowledge of and confidence regarding commonly prescribed medications. Methods. All third-year pharmacy students (n=98) at a college of pharmacy were encouraged to participate in the RxReady peer teaching series prior to beginning their advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Each student in the class was assigned a drug to learn in-depth. Twenty-four of the students were randomly selected to provide peer teaching regarding a single medication. These students were required to meet with a faculty member to prepare for their presentation. Assessment methods included completion of pre- and post-intervention quizzes and anonymous surveys regarding the peer-teaching modality. Students also provided qualitative feedback on the series as part of a course survey. Results. Among the 96 students who completed the pre- and post-intervention quizzes, there was a mean increase of 15% (SD=11%) on the post-intervention quiz score compared to the pre-intervention quiz score. Ninety-two (96%) students achieved a higher score on the post-intervention quiz. There was no difference in mean percent change in scores between the pre-and post-intervention quiz for students who presented in class compared with students who did not present (17% [SD=10%] vs 15% [SD=11%], respectively). Student-reported confidence significantly improved across all drug knowledge categories. In each category, the median confidence score increased from 2 (somewhat confident) to 3 (moderately confident). The students’ qualitative feedback was generally positive, and they provided suggestions to improve the content and design of the RxReady peer teaching series. Conclusion. A peer teaching approach to reviewing drug information can assist in targeting gaps in PharmD students’ drug knowledge and help to build their confidence in their readiness to begin APPEs.
Refining the coarse filter approach: Using habitat-based species models to identify rarity and vulnerabilities in the protection of U.S. biodiversity

Abstract Preserving biodiversity and its many components is a priority of conservation science and how to efficiently allocate resources to preserve healthy populations of as many species, habitats, and ecosystems as possible. We used the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP) species models released in 2018, which identify predicted habitats for terrestrial vertebrates in the conterminous United States, to illustrate hotspots of biodiversity for the major taxonomic groups. This collection represents the first complete compilation of terrestrial vertebrate species models for the conterminous United States (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2018a). We used the species models but not the available subspecies models; this resulted in the inclusion of 282 amphibian models, 621 bird models, 365 mammal models, and 322 reptiles in our analysis. We also used population trend information and made spatial queries to characterize species in three dimensions: geographic range (small or large), habitat breadth (narrow or wide), and population trend (decreasing vs stable or increasing). This characterization allowed us to divide the species into eight groups (A-H) with similar characteristics. Group A species (large geographic range, wide habitat breadth, and stable or increasing population trend) are species that are common now with no indication of becoming rare. Species B-H have theoretical or known characteristics that could lead them to become rare with the H species exhibiting small geographic range, narrow habitat breadth, and decreasing population trend. Finally, we evaluated the prevalence of mapped habitat on protected lands for each species, exploring the patterns of representation in the rare species groups by ecoregion. The species we identified with population and habitat use characteristics that potentially predispose them to being or becoming rare represented a large percentage of each taxon. Potentially rare species were widely distributed among ecoregions. Of the 20 ecoregions in the country, 14 have a greater number of rare species than the national average for at least one taxon. Protection of the habitat for the majority of these rare species is below that recommended (17% of available habitat) by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Everglades ecoregion was the only ecoregion that protected more than half of its rare or potentially rare species.
A Rare Case Of Fulminant Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis In A Transplanted Patient. (1014)

Objective: To describe a rare case of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis. Background: Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections are unusual. Curvularia is a filamentous, dematiaceous fungus ubiquitously found in soil around the world, which rarely affects humans. Design/Methods: Here we present a case of a patient with fulminant phaeohyphomycosis in the setting of immunosuppression. Results: A 42-year-old woman, immunosuppressed after cardiac transplant 1-month prior, was initially hospitalized to the Surgical ICU with decompensated heart failure. On day 63 of admission, neurology team was consulted due to an acute decline in mentation. Examination at that time revealed left-gaze deviation and right-sided hemiparesis. CT scan of the brain and subsequent imaging visualized a rapidly expanding left frontoparietal mass lesion. Empiric steroids, antibiotics and antifungal agents were started empirically, however patient continue to deteriorate and died on day 80 of her admission due to a herniation syndrome. Biopsy of the lesion was diagnostic for fulminant cerebral phaeohyphomycosis due to Curvularia species, a ubiquitous dematiaceous fungus, with less than 10 cases of brain involvement reported. To our knowledge, this is the first transplanted patient to have such opportunistic infection. Conclusions: We reported an unusual central nervous system fungal infection following cardiac transplant. Clinical recognition and initiation of aggressive antibiotic therapy are critical. Disclosure: Dr. Garbin Di Luca has nothing to disclose. Dr. De Leon Benedetti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gultekin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Margolesky has nothing to disclose.
The Travel Ban – What You Need to Know

This short paper, written before the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Hawaii, summarized the background of that case and the legal claims before the Court. The paper predicted that the Court would not likely accept plaintiffs’ religious-discrimination claim or their claim that the President exceeded his authority under 8 U.S.C. § 1182(f), but it held out hope for their argument that the entry ban violated 8 U.S.C. § 1152(a)(1)(a). In the end, a majority of the Justices rejected all three.
Community reintegration needs following paediatric brain injury: perspectives of caregivers and service providers.

Purpose To explore the processes of community reintegration of children and families at least one year following a paediatric brain injury from the perspective of caregivers and outpatient/community service providers. Materials and methods A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews from outpatient or community service providers (N = 14; occupational, physical, and speech and language therapists, neuropsychologists, school counsellors, recreational providers) and caregivers of six children (N = 8) at least one year after their injury. Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using deductive (employing Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory) and inductive approaches. Results Themes from both providers and caregivers indicated additional supports needed at all levels of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (i.e., individual, microsystem, mesosystem/exosystem, macrosystem, chronosystem). Participants felt that several characteristics would be needed in an ideal service system following paediatric brain injury including: community solutions ("it takes a village"), long-term approaches to care, and new financial approaches. Conclusions The results suggest that children and families have substantial community reintegration needs following paediatric brain injury. Multi-system interventions are needed to support long-term community reintegration, especially those that increase communication and support transitions. There is also a strong need for alternative funding to support these efforts.Implications for RehabilitationFamilies with a child with a moderate to severe brain injury face challenges with community reintegration a year or more after their child's injury.Effort should be put into helping families navigate the complex medical, insurance, and school systems with a navigator service and step-down care to ensure a continuum of care and to support community reintegration.Special support should be provided during transitions, such as transitions from hospital care to outpatient care, and across school transitions.
Density Functional Calculation of the Si-H Dissociation Energies on the Si(100) Surface

Density functional theory is used to investigate the surface dimer of the 2×1 reconstructed Si(100) surface and its hydrides. This is accomplished by adoption of a Si9H12 cluster to model the bare surface dimer and Si9H13 and Si9H14 clusters to model surface hydrides. DFT calculations with nonlocal corrections give energies of 84.2, 81.4, and 54.0 kcal/mol for the Si9H14 → Si9H13 + H, Si9H13 → Si9H12 + H, and Si9H14 → Si9H12 + H2 reactions, respectively. These are in good agreement with earlier estimates of the reaction energies calculated by means of the quadratic CI procedure.Density functional theory is used to investigate the surface dimer of the 2×1 reconstructed Si(100) surface and its hydrides. This is accomplished by adoption of a Si9H12 cluster to model the bare surface dimer and Si9H13 and Si9H14 clusters to model surface hydrides. DFT calculations with nonlocal corrections give energies of 84.2, 81.4, and 54.0 kcal/mol for the Si9H14 → Si9H13 + H, Si9H13 → Si9H12 + H, and Si9H14 → Si9H12 + H2 reactions, respectively. These are in good agreement with earlier estimates of the reaction energies calculated by means of the quadratic CI procedure.
Doppler Global Velocimetry Measurements for Supersonic Flow Fields

The application of Doppler Global Velocimetry (DGV) to high-speed flows has its origins in the original development of the technology by Komine et al (1991). Komine used a small shop-air driven nozzle to generate a 200 m/s flow. This flow velocity was chosen since it produced a fairly large Doppler shift in the scattered light, resulting in a significant transmission loss as the light passed through the Iodine vapor. This proof-of-concept investigation showed that the technology was capable of measuring flow velocity within a measurement plane defined by a single-frequency laser light sheet. The effort also proved that velocity measurements could be made without resolving individual seed particles as required by other techniques such as Fringe- Type Laser Velocimetry and Particle Image Velocimetry. The promise of making planar velocity measurements with the possibility of using 0.1-micron condensation particles for seeding, Dibble et al (1989), resulted in the investigation of supersonic jet flow fields, Elliott et al (1993) and Smith and Northam (1995) - Mach 2.0 and 1.9 respectively. Meyers (1993) conducted a wind tunnel investigation above an inclined flat plate at Mach 2.5 and above a delta wing at Mach 2.8 and 4.6. Although these measurements were crude from an accuracy viewpoint, they did prove that the technology could be used to study supersonic flows using condensation as the scattering medium. Since then several research groups have studied the technology and developed solutions and methodologies to overcome most of the measurement accuracy limitations:
Arsenic trioxide modulates p53 and bcl-2 expression in breast and lung carcinoma cells

4372 Arsenic is a potent toxicant that may exist in several valence states and in a number of inorganic and organic forms. Most cases of arsenic-induced toxicity in humans are due to exposure to inorganic arsenic, and there is an extensive database on the human health effects of the common arsenic oxides such as arsenic trioxide. The primary source of human exposure is through drinking water and food. The p53 gene plays a key role in mediating cell response to various stresses, mainly by inducing or repressing a number of genes involved in cell cycle arrest, senescence, apoptosis, DNA repair, and angiogenesis. The p53 gene exerts its anti-proliferative action by inducing reversible or irreversible (senescence) cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. It may also enhance DNA repair and inhibit angiogenesis. The bcl-2 gene can act as a pro or anti-apoptotic regulator that is involved in wide variety of cellular activities. The bcl-2 gene has been implicated in several cancers such as melanoma, breast, prostate and lung. Arsenic has also shown to be cytotoxic and able to induce stress-related genes and proteins in a number of cell lines, mainly of the skin and liver. Although arsenic has been reported to cause DNA damage to liver and hematopoetic cells, its effects on breast and lung cells are not well elucidated. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of arsenic trioxide on p53 and bcl-2 expression in breast and lung carcinoma cells. To achieve this goal, breast cancer (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A549) cells were cultured following standard protocols, and exposed to various doses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 µg/ml) of arsenic trioxide for 48 h. Protein and western blot analyses were performed using standard protocols. The Western blot analysis revealed an up-regulation of p53 with the exposure of arsenic trioxide, showing a peak expression at 4µg/ml. Experiments on bcl-2 expression are underway, and it is anticipated that arsenic exposure would induce its down-regulation in arsenic-treated cells.
Computational Study of Pressure-Driven Gas Transport in Nanostructured Carbons: An Alternative Approach

We demonstrated a computationally efficient method in nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations to study pressure-driven gas transport in porous media. The reflecting particle method (RPM)14 was used to establish a steady-state gas flow along the transport channel, and the gas density in the feed chamber was properly adjusted to allow a constant pressure drop under various conditions by using a perturbation–relaxation loop developed here. This method was validated for methane flow through carbon nanotubes over a wide range of temperatures, giving results comparable to those of the commonly used dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics (DCV-GCMD) method but at least 20 times more efficient, even though the transport condition tested is favorable for the latter. This made it possible to perform systematic studies on the effects of temperature, pressure, and channel size on the transport behaviors. Our study shows that adsorption density varies significantly with temperature, which d...
Foreign Aid and Export Performance: A Panel Data Analysis of Developing Countries

The effect of foreign aid on economic activity of a country can be dampened due to potentially adverse effects on exports through a real exchange rate appreciation. In this study we examine the long-term relationship between export performance and foreign aid in developing countries while accounting for other factors. The estimates of direct effect of foreign aid on exports are imprecise. However, the effect of the quadratic term of foreign aid on exports is negative and precise. This implies large amount of foreign aid does adversely affect export performance. The results are robust to the use of two different export performance measures and different sub-samples.
Magnetic resonance imaging of peripartum rupture of the symphysis pubis.

Background : Peripartum public symphyseal rupture is diagnosed on clinical grounds. Although the diagnosis may be supported by radiography, which shows diastasis of the pubic rami, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize the nature of the soft tissue injury. Case : Two puerperas thought clinically to have pubic symphyseal rupture were imaged with MRI. In addition to diastasis of the pubic rami, clefts were seen within the symphyseal cartilage, extending the entire breadth of the joint. The clefts were filled with fluid or hemorrhage, seen in T 1 - and T 2 -weighted images. The fluid was encapsulated within the joint by the surrounding ligaments. Four control normal puerperas, who had vaginal deliveries but were asymptomatic, showed none of the aforementioned findings. Conclusion : MRI can visualize the soft tissue injury seen in pubic symphyseal rupture and may be used to confirm the clinical diagnosis.
Functional Claiming and Software Patents

On Feb 12, 2013, the PTO held a roundtable about software patents at Stanford. Software patents have received a lot of attention and we don't believe it is undue: software patents are behind a disproportionate share of patent litigations -- more specifically, over half (55%) of all patent defendants and 82% of PAE ("patent troll") defendants are there because of a software patent, applying the Graham-Vishnubhakat definition to data provided by RPX Corporation. In this presentation, we more rigorously apply 35 USC 112(f) in accordance with the proposal Mark Lemley outlines in his WIRED oped "Let's Go Back to Claiming the Problem Not the Solution" to 30 patents - 10 PAE and 20 control patents, provided by Patent Freedom. We find that 1) PAE patents are overwhelmingly functionally claimed (100%), but non-PAE patents are also functionally claimed (50%), 2) 40%-50% of the PAE patents were only supported by the highest levels of abstraction, but that 3) not all code is created equal - low-level code over generic elements does not necessarily promote technical progress. We provide 5 examples to support these findings, and discuss their implications.
Effective Modulation Transfer Function of Light Transmission through Rough Ocean Surfaces

Abstract : LONG-TERM GOALS. My work involves experimentally investigating the interrelationships and variability of optical properties in the ocean and atmosphere. My goal is to define the variability of the optical properties, particularly those dealing with light scattering, and to improve the prediction capabilities of image and radiative transfer models used in the ocean. My near term ocean optics objectives have been: 1) to improve the measurement capability of measuring the in-water and above-water spectral radiance distribution and extending this capability to polarization, 2) to investigate the variability of the Point Spread Function (PSF) as it relates to the imaging properties of the ocean, and 3) to improve the characterization of the Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of benthic surfaces in the ocean, and 4) to understand the capabilities and limitations of using radiative transfer to model the BRDF of particulate surfaces. OBJECTIVES. The original PI on this grant, Tony Elfouhaily, passed away. I have now taken over this grant, but the objectives have changed as the work is now combined with my work looking at the downwelling spectral polarized radiance distribution, in the near surface of the ocean. The final change occurred in mid September, so there is little to report in terms of progress here. APPROACH. Please see associated report Use of the polarized radiance distribution camera system in the RADO program . This report explains our progress to date.
Per-user profile replication in mobile environments: algorithms, analysis, and simulation results

We consider per-user profile replication as a mechanism for faster location lookup of mobile users in a personal communications service system. We present a minimum-cost maximum-flow based algorithm to compute the set of sites at which a user profile should be replicated given known calling and user mobility patterns. We show the costs and benefits of our replication algorithm against previous location lookup approaches through analysis. We also simulate our algorithm against other location lookup algorithms on a realistic model of a geographical area to evaluate critical system performance measures. A notable aspect of our simulations is that we use well-validated models of user calling and mobility patterns.
The evolution of user interface tools for database applications

The recent advances in hardware and enabling software technologies are having profound effect on the development of UI tools for building database applications.
To Tell the Truth

AbstractNumerous food scares have become news in recent years, a situation that could lead to questions concerning the due diligence of those supplying food to consumers. This study looks at how various actors tied to the food supply, including producers, processors, retailers and government agencies, have tried to transition news coverage of food scares into something that matches their interests or which places the blame for problems elsewhere. Using Goffman's notion of keys, we investigate the ways in which the public was portrayed during three food scares—Alar, mad cow disease and genetic engineering—to understand how claimsmakers were reshaping press coverage of these crises. Findings show that while some coverage has changed over the years and across issues—from the public needing protection in the 1980s to being concerned in the late 1990s—keys have been used by actors in these stories to highlight roles that were necessary to protect a public that is unable to fend for itself when food becomes risky.
Effects of competing news media frames of weight on antifat stigma, beliefs about weight and support for obesity-related public policies.

Effects of competing news media frames of weight on antifat stigma, beliefs about weight and support for obesity-related public policies
Radial Head Arthroplasty with a Modular Metal Spacer to Treat Acute Traumatic Elbow Instability

BACKGROUND: The use of a metal radial head prosthesis to help stabilize an elbow with traumatic instability is appealing because internal fixation of multifragment, displaced fractures of the radial head is susceptible to either early or late failure. The newer modular prostheses are easier to size and implant, but their effectiveness has not been investigated, to our knowledge. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients in whom a radial head replacement with a modular metal spacer prosthesis had been performed to treat traumatic elbow instability were evaluated with use of the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Evaluation Instrument (ASES), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Radiographs were evaluated for arthrosis, periprosthetic radiolucency, and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: Seven patients underwent one or more subsequent operations to treat residual instability, heterotopic ossification and elbow contracture, ulnar neuropathy, or a misplaced screw. In two of these patients, the prosthesis was removed as part of an elbow contracture release or to treat infection. At an average of forty months postoperatively, elbow motion in the entire group of twenty-seven patients averaged 131° of flexion with a 20° flexion contracture, 73° of pronation, and 57° of supination. Stability was restored to all twenty-seven elbows, and twenty-two patients had a good or excellent result according to the MEPI. Seventeen patients had radiographic evidence of lucency around the neck of the prosthesis that was not associated with increased pain, thirteen patients had clinically inconsequential heterotopic ossification anterior to the radial neck, and nine patients had radiographic changes in the capitellum. CONCLUSIONS: An intentionally loosely placed modular metal radial head prosthesis can help to restore stability in conjunction with repair of other fractures and reattachment of the lateral collateral ligament to the epicondyle in the setting of traumatic elbow instability with a comminuted fracture of the radial head. While a prosthesis that is too large can cause problems, lucencies around the stem of the intentionally loose prosthesis and most changes in the capitellum do not appear to cause problems, at least in the short term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION: “Radial Head Arthroplasty with a Modular Metal Spacer to Treat Acute Traumatic Elbow Instability” (2007;89:1075-80).
Nonzero θ13 for neutrino mixing in the context of A4 symmetry.

In the original 2004 paper which first derived tribimaximal mixing in the context of ${A}_{4}$, i.e., the non-Abelian finite symmetry group of the tetrahedron, as its simplest application, it was also pointed out how ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{13}\ensuremath{\ne}0$ may be accommodated. On the strength of the new T2K result that $0.03(0.04)\ensuremath{\le}{sin﻿}^{2}2{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{13}\ensuremath{\le}0.28(0.34)$ for ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{CP}=0$ and normal (inverted) neutrino mass hierarchy, we perform a more detailed analysis of how this original idea may be realized in the context of ${A}_{4}$.