cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epitope spreading to citrullinated antigens in mouse models of autoimmune arthritis and demyelination

Introduction Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies have a diagnostic role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, little is known about their origins and contribution to pathogenesis. Citrullination is the post-translational conversion of arginine to citrulline by peptidyl arginine deiminase, and increased citrullination of proteins is observed in the joint tissue in RA and in brain tissue in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We applied synovial and myelin protein arrays to examine epitope spreading of B cell responses to citrullinated epitopes in both the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model for RA and the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model for MS. Synovial and myelin protein arrays contain a spectrum of proteins and peptides, including native and citrullinated forms, representing candidate autoantigens in RA and MS, respectively. We applied these arrays to characterise the specificity of autoantibodies in serial serum samples derived from mice with acute and chronic stages of CIA and EAE. Results In samples from pre-disease CIA and acute-disease EAE, we observed autoantibody targeting of the immunising antigen and responses to a limited set of citrullinated epitopes. Over the course of diseases, the autoantibody responses expanded to target multiple citrullinated epitopes in both CIA and EAE. Using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified citrullination of multiple polypeptides in CIA joint and EAE brain tissue that have not previously been described as citrullinated. Conclusions Our results suggest that anti-citrulline antibody responses develop in the early stages of CIA and EAE, and that autoimmune inflammation results in citrullination of joint proteins in CIA and brain proteins in EAE, thereby creating neoantigens that become additional targets in epitope spreading of autoimmune responses.
Characteristics of observed atmospheric circulation patterns associated with temperature extremes over North America

Motivated by a desire to understand the physical mechanisms involved in future anthropogenic changes in extreme temperature events, the key atmospheric circulation patterns associated with extreme daily temperatures over North America in the current climate are identified. The findings show that warm extremes at most locations are associated with positive 500-hPa geopotential height and sea level pressure anomalies just downstream with negative anomalies farther upstream. The orientation, physical characteristics, and spatial scale of these circulation patterns vary based on latitude, season, and proximity to important geographic features (i.e., mountains, coastlines). The anomaly patterns associated with extreme cold events tend to be similar to, but opposite in sign of, those associatedwith extreme warmevents, especially within the westerlies, and tend to scale with temperature in the same locations. Circulation patterns aloft are more coherent across the continent than those at the surface where local surface features influence the occurrence of and patterns associated with extreme temperature days. Temperature extremes may be more sensitive to small shifts in circulation at locations where temperature is strongly influenced by mountains or large water bodies, or at the margins of important large-scale circulation patterns making such locations more susceptible to nonlinear responsestofutureclimatechange.Theidentificationofthesepatternsandprocesseswillallowforathorough evaluation of the ability of climate models to realistically simulate extreme temperatures and their future trends.
Sfold web server for statistical folding and rational design of nucleic acids

The Sfold web server provides user-friendly access to Sfold, a recently developed nucleic acid folding software package, via the World Wide Web (WWW). The software is based on a new statistical sampling paradigm for the prediction of RNA secondary structure. One of the main objectives of this software is to offer computational tools for the rational design of RNA-targeting nucleic acids, which include small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), antisense oligonucleotides and trans-cleaving ribozymes for gene knock-down studies. The methodology for siRNA design is based on a combination of RNA target accessibility prediction, siRNA duplex thermodynamic properties and empirical design rules. Our approach to target accessibility evaluation is an original extension of the underlying RNA folding algorithm to account for the likely existence of a population of structures for the target mRNA. In addition to the application modules Sirna, Soligo and Sribo for siRNAs, antisense oligos and ribozymes, respectively, the module Srna offers comprehensive features for statistical representation of sampled structures. Detailed output in both graphical and text formats is available for all modules. The Sfold server is available at http://sfold.wadsworth.org and http://www.bioinfo.rpi.edu/applications/sfold.
Antideuteron yield and coalescence implications at the AGS

Abstract We present the preliminary results of Experiment 864's search for antideuterons in 11.5 GeV/c per nucleon Au + Pt collisions at the AGS. The data represents 14 billion 10% central interactions selectively triggered for events with high mass candidates. Antideuteron invariant yields are found to be 3.5 ± 1.5( stat. ) +0.9 −0.5 ( sys. ) × 10 −8 GeV −2 c 2 in the rapidity range between y = 1.8 and 2.2 ( y cm = 1.6) for 〈 p t 〉= 0.35 GeV/c and 3.7±2.7( stat. ) +1.4 −1.5 ( sys. ) × 10 −8 GeV −2 c 2 between rapidities y = 1.4 and 1.8 at 〈 p t 〉= 0.26 GeV/c. These yields, along with E864 antiproton measurements, lead to a most probable value for the coalescence factor B 2 of 4.1 ± 2.9( stat. ) +2.3 −2.4 ( sys. ) × 10 −3 GeV −2 c 3 after correcting antiproton yields for antihyperon feeddown contributions. Implications for the coalescence model and antimatter annihilation from an antideuteron measurement are also discussed.
Sap1 Promotes the Association of the Replication Fork Protection Complex With Chromatin and Is Involved in the Replication Checkpoint in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Sap1 is involved in replication fork pausing at rDNA repeats and functions during mating-type switching in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. These two roles are dependent on the ability of Sap1 to bind specific DNA sequences at the rDNA and mating-type loci, respectively. In S. pombe, Swi1 and Swi3 form the replication fork protection complex (FPC) and play important roles in the activation of the replication checkpoint and the stabilization of stalled replication forks. Here we describe the roles of Sap1 in the replication checkpoint. We show that Sap1 is involved in the activation of the replication checkpoint kinase Cds1 and that sap1 mutant cells accumulate spontaneous DNA damage during the S- and G2-phases, which is indicative of fork damage. We also show that sap1 mutants have a defect in the resumption of DNA replication after fork arrest. Sap1 is localized at the replication origin ori2004 and this localization is required for the association of the FPC with chromatin. We propose that Sap1 is required to recruit the FPC to chromatin, thereby contributing to the activation of the replication checkpoint and the stabilization of replication forks.
Hydrogeologic modeling of submarine groundwater discharge: comparison to other quantitative methods

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is approached differently by terrestrial hydrogeologists and marine scientists, including whether to incorporate recirculated seawater with freshwater in the definition. This paper focuses on the major hydrogeologic modeling/calculational methods, what component of SGD they quantify and on what scale. It then compares the modeling methods to direct measurement and geochemical techniques used by marine scientists. Hydrogeologic modeling methods focus primarily on freshwater, but recirculated seawater can be examined with density-dependent, solute transport numerical modeling. Direct physical measurements and geochemical tracers performed in the marine environment can quantify fresh, brackish, or seawater fluxes, so that they are not always comparable to the results of modeling. Because of differences in the geochemistry (nutrients and other dissolved species) of fresh and saline waters, for many applications it may be necessary to distinguish between the fresh and recirculated seawater components of SGD.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibitorNG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester decreases ischemic damage in reversible focal cerebral ischemia in hyperglycemic rats

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that the exacerbation of post-ischemic brain tissue injury associated with hyperglycemia in rats is due to toxic metabolism of nitric oxide. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to measure neuronal and cerebrovascular injury in a 2-h transient focal cerebral ischemia model in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats at 3 and 24 h post-ischemia onset. We determined the effect of low dose (3 mg/kg i.p.) treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N G -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME). Compared to normoglycemia, preexisting hyperglycemia increased the volume of brain tissue exhibiting hyperintensity in diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) by factors of 5.6 and 6.2 at 3 h and 24 h post-ischemia, respectively. A similar increase in tissue volumes exhibiting hyperintense signal in T2-weighted MRI (T2WI) (3.3-fold and 5.6-fold) was observed. Cerebral blood volume MRI indicated a large focal no-reflow zone in hyperglycemic rats. Treatment with l -NAME eliminated the no-reflow zone in the hyperglycemic rats, and reduced tissue volumes of DWI hyperintensity by 86% and 93% at 3 h and 24 h, respectively. Similarly, tissue volumes of T2WI hyperintensity were reduced by 80% and 94% at 3 h and 24 h, respectively. Thus, nitric oxide is an important mediator in the exacerbation of post-ischemic brain injury in hyperglycemic rats. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase limits edema formation, improves perfusion and reduces infarct volume.
Challenges of illness in metastatic breast cancer: a low-income African American perspective.

Objective:Disparities in breast cancer survival and treatment for African American and low income women are well documented, yet poorly understood. As care for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) evolves to a chronic care model, any inequities in optimal treatment and management of symptoms must also be identified and eliminated. The purpose of this study was to explore how race and income status influence women's experiences with MBC, particularly the management of symptoms, by describing the perceived challenges and barriers to achieving optimal symptom management among women with MBC and exploring whether the perceived challenges and barriers differed according to race or income.Method:Quantitative techniques were used to assess demographics, clinical characteristics, symptom distress, and quality of life and to classify women into groups according to race and income. Qualitative techniques were used to explore the perceived challenges, barriers, and potential influences of race and income on management of symptoms in a prospective sample of 48 women with MBC.Results:Commonalities of themes across all groups were faith, hope, and progressive loss. Low-income African American women uniquely experienced greater physical and social distress and more uncertainty about treatment and treatment goals than the other delineated racial and economic groups.Significance of results:There are many commonalities to the challenges of illness presented to women with MBC. There are also interesting, emerging thematic racial and economic differences, most compelling among the low income African American women with resultant practice and research implications.
Repetitive concussive traumatic brain injury interacts with post-injury foot shock stress to worsen social and depression-like behavior in mice

The debilitating effects of repetitive concussive traumatic brain injury (rcTBI) have been increasingly recognized in both military and civilian populations. rcTBI may result in significant neurological, cognitive, and affective sequelae, and is often followed by physical and/or psychological post-injury stressors that may exacerbate the effects of the injury and prolong the recovery period for injured patients. However, the consequences of post-injury stressors and their subsequent effects on social and emotional behavior in the context of rcTBI have been relatively little studied in animal models. Here, we use a mouse model of rcTBI with two closed-skull blunt impacts 24 hours apart and social and emotional behavior testing to examine the consequences of a stressor (foot shock fear conditioning) following brain injury (rcTBI). rcTBI alone did not affect cued or contextual fear conditioning or extinction compared to uninjured sham animals. In the sucrose preference test, rcTBI animals had decreased preference for sucrose, an anhedonia-like behavior, regardless of whether they experienced foot shock stress or were non-shocked controls. However, rcTBI and post-injury foot shock stress had synergistic effects in tests of social recognition and depression-like behavior. In the social recognition test, animals with both injury and shock were more impaired than either non-shocked injured mice or shocked but uninjured mice. In the tail suspension test, injured mice had increased depression-like behavior compared with uninjured mice, and shock stress worsened the depression-like behavior only in the injured mice with no effect in the uninjured mice. These results provide a model of subtle emotional behavioral deficits after combined concussive brain injury and stress, and may provide a platform for testing treatment and prevention strategies for social behavior deficits and mood disorders that are tailored to patients with traumatic brain injury.
Renal Function and Heart Failure Treatment When Is a Loss Really a Gain

A number of studies have demonstrated a linkage between renal dysfunction and adverse clinical outcomes in both acute and chronic heart failure.1–3 Heart failure treatments can affect renal function in a variety of ways, with decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during treatment often denoting a poorer prognosis.4–6 Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce GFR through intrarenal mechanisms yet convey reduced rates of morbidity and mortality, presenting the hypothesis that the association between change in GFR and clinical outcomes depends on the factors that drive that change more than on GFR itself. In this issue of Circulation: Heart Failure , Testani et al7 present evidence that supports this hypothesis, showing that within the SOLVD (Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction) study, early reduction in GFR was associated with increased mortality within the placebo group but not in the enalapril group. It is reasonable to conclude that inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) reduces GFR through a mechanism that does not convey an adverse prognosis. In evaluating new therapies, focus should be placed on clarifying the pathways through which agents influence renal function. Article see p 685 Within the SOLVD study, despite exclusion of patients with serum creatinine of >2.0 mg/dL, baseline renal impairment was associated with reduced survival.2,3 Patients randomized to enalapril showed slight, but statistically significant mean increases in serum creatinine during treatment relative to those receiving placebo.8,9 There exist a number of putative mechanisms whereby heart failure therapies may influence renal function. Diuretics may predispose to prerenal azotemia through intravascular volume depletion, excessive cardiac preload reduction, and a resulting reduction in cardiac output. Loop diuretics also induce intrarenal mechanisms for reducing GFR, principally through adenosine release and diminished glomerular blood flow …
A Cyclooxygenase-2 Homologue Encoded by Rhesus Cytomegalovirus Is a Determinant for Endothelial Cell Tropism

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a cellular enzyme in the eicosanoid synthetic pathway that mediates the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. The eicosanoids function as critical regulators of a number of cellular processes, including the acute and chronic inflammatory response, hemostasis, and the innate immune response. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which does not encode a viral COX-2 isoform, has been shown to induce cellular COX-2 expression. Importantly, although the precise role of COX-2 in CMV replication is unknown, COX-2 induction was shown to be critical for normal HCMV replication. In an earlier study, we identified an open reading frame (Rh10) within the rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) genome that encoded a putative protein (designated vCOX-2) with high homology to cellular COX-2. In the current study, we show that vCOX-2 is expressed with early-gene kinetics during RhCMV infection, resulting in production of a 70-kDa protein. Consistent with the expression of a viral COX-2 isoform, cellular COX-2 expression was not induced during RhCMV infection. Finally, analysis of growth of recombinant RhCMV with vCOX-2 deleted identified vCOX-2 as a critical determinant for replication in endothelial cells.
Display space usage and window management operation comparisons between single monitor and multiple monitor users

The continuing trend toward greater processing power, larger storage, and in particular increased display surface by using multiple monitor supports increased multi-tasking by the computer user. The concomitant increase in desktop complexity has the potential to push the overhead of window management to frustrating and counterproductive new levels. It is difficult to adequately design for multiple monitor systems without understanding how multiple monitor users differ from, or are similar to, single monitor users. Therefore, we deployed a tool to a group of single monitor and multiple monitor users to log window management activity. Analysis of the data collected from this tool revealed that usage of interaction components may change with an increase in number of monitors, and window visibility can be a useful measure of user display space management activity, especially for multiple monitor users. The results from this analysis begin to fill a gap in research about real-world window management practices.
Reliability and validity of a nutrition and physical activity environmental self-assessment for child care.

Background: Few assessment instruments have examined the nutrition and physical activity environments in child care, and none are self-administered. Given the emerging focus on child care settings as a target for intervention, a valid and reliable measure of the nutrition and physical activity environment is needed. Methods: To measure inter-rater reliability, 59 child care center directors and 109 staff completed the self-assessment concurrently, but independently. Three weeks later, a repeat self-assessment was completed by a sub-sample of 38 directors to assess test-retest reliability. To assess criterion validity, a researcher-administered environmental assessment was conducted at 69 centers and was compared to a self-assessment completed by the director. A weighted kappa test statistic and percent agreement were calculated to assess agreement for each question on the self-assessment. Results: For inter-rater reliability, kappa statistics ranged from 0.20 to 1.00 across all questions. Testretest reliability of the self-assessment yielded kappa statistics that ranged from 0.07 to 1.00. The interquartile kappa statistic ranges for inter-rater and test-retest reliability were 0.45 to 0.63 and 0.27 to 0.45, respectively. When percent agreement was calculated, questions ranged from 52.6% to 100% for interrater reliability and 34.3% to 100% for test-retest reliability. Kappa statistics for validity ranged from -0.01 to 0.79, with an inter-quartile range of 0.08 to 0.34. Percent agreement for validity ranged from 12.9% to 93.7%. Conclusion: This study provides estimates of criterion validity, inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability for an environmental nutrition and physical activity self-assessment instrument for child care. Results indicate that the self-assessment is a stable and reasonably accurate instrument for use with child care interventions. We therefore recommend the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) instrument to researchers and practitioners interested in conducting healthy weight intervention in child care. However, a more robust, less subjective measure would be more appropriate for researchers seeking an outcome measure to assess intervention impact.
Recovery of Peripheral Nerve Signals Through Blind Separation

Patients with neurological disorders can regain lost motor function through functional electrical stimulation (FES). In closed-loop prosthetic devices, neural signals can be obtained using cuff electrodes which have been shown to be stable for long-term recordings. Fibers in peripheral nerves are organized into fascicles, and usually contain both afferent and efferent signals. Therefore, peripheral nerves contain several independent signals that could be used as control signals. Several methods, such as microneurography and nerve cuff electrodes, have been used to selectively record from peripheral nerves. Selective recording can also be achieved by using nerve cuff electrodes placed around the nerve. The design of the FINE increases the proximity of a contact to a fascicle in a nerve by reshaping the latter and rearranging the fascicles within in it. Cuff electrodes have also been used to achieve fascicular selectivity based on, among other techniques on selectivity index (Yoo and Durand, 2005) In this presentation, I will demonstrate the selectivity of the FINE design on the hypoglossal nerve and investigate the feasibility of using independent component analysis (ICA) as a blind source separation (BSS) algorithm method to recover fascicular signals from simulated peripheral neural recordings.
Differentiation and quantification of inflammation, demyelination and axon injury or loss in multiple sclerosis

Axon injury/loss, demyelination and inflammation are the primary pathologies in multiple sclerosis lesions. Despite the prevailing notion that axon/neuron loss is the substrate of clinical progression of multiple sclerosis, the roles that these individual pathological processes play in multiple sclerosis progression remain to be defined. An imaging modality capable to effectively detect, differentiate and individually quantify axon injury/loss, demyelination and inflammation, would not only facilitate the understanding of the pathophysiology underlying multiple sclerosis progression, but also the assessment of treatments at the clinical trial and individual patient levels. In this report, the newly developed diffusion basis spectrum imaging was used to discriminate and quantify the underlying pathological components in multiple sclerosis white matter. Through the multiple-tensor modelling of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging signals, diffusion basis spectrum imaging resolves inflammation-associated cellularity and vasogenic oedema in addition to accounting for partial volume effects resulting from cerebrospinal fluid contamination, and crossing fibres. Quantitative histological analysis of autopsied multiple sclerosis spinal cord specimens supported that diffusion basis spectrum imaging-determined cellularity, axon and myelin injury metrics closely correlated with those pathologies identified and quantified by conventional histological staining. We demonstrated in healthy control subjects that diffusion basis spectrum imaging rectified inaccurate assessments of diffusion properties of white matter tracts by diffusion tensor imaging in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid contamination and/or crossing fibres. In multiple sclerosis patients, we report that diffusion basis spectrum imaging quantitatively characterized the distinct pathologies underlying gadolinium-enhanced lesions, persistent black holes, non-enhanced lesions and non-black hole lesions, a task yet to be demonstrated by other neuroimaging approaches. Diffusion basis spectrum imaging-derived radial diffusivity (myelin integrity marker) and non-restricted isotropic diffusion fraction (oedema marker) correlated with magnetization transfer ratio, supporting previous reports that magnetization transfer ratio is sensitive not only to myelin integrity, but also to inflammation-associated oedema. Our results suggested that diffusion basis spectrum imaging-derived quantitative biomarkers are highly consistent with histology findings and hold promise to accurately characterize the heterogeneous white matter pathology in multiple sclerosis patients. Thus, diffusion basis spectrum imaging can potentially serve as a non-invasive outcome measure to assess treatment effects on the specific components of underlying pathology targeted by new multiple sclerosis therapies.
Transformation invariance of the longitudinal velocity correlation in grid-generated turbulence at high Reynolds numbers

For grid Reynolds numbers from 12800 to 81000, the Frenkiel-Klebanoff-Huang data for approximately isotropic homogeneous grid-generated turbulence shows that the longitudinal correlation function is given by the simple empirical expression f = [1 + (r/2L)]−3, where r(≥ 0.01M) is the separation distance between two points in the fluid flow and L = L(t) is the integral scale. It follows that the longitudinal velocity correlation 〈u1(x + re,t)u1(x,t)〉 = u2f with e = (1,0,0) is invariant under the separation-distance time-contraction transformations for all positive parameter values λ ≤ 1. Conversely, if the longitudinal correlation function is prescribed to have the form f = J (r/L(t)), then the indicated transformation invariance holds if and only if [Fscr ](ξ) = (1 + ½ξ)−3. It is also shown that a Gaussian normal probability distribution at t = 0 and the Karman-Howarth equation for all t > 0 are compatible with the transformation invariance and associated expression for f.
Representations of Kac-Moody and Virasoro Algebras

In these lectures we shall discuss aspects of the representation theory of certain infinite dimensional Lie algebras, the Virasoro algebra, \(\hat v\), and the untwisted affine Kac-Moody algebras, ĝ. (Much of what we shall say extends easily to the case of twisted affine Kac-Moody algebras but we shall stick to the untwisted case for simplicity.)
U.S. Marketers Play Catch-Up With Text-Message Marketing Usage

While the use of text-message (or SMS) marketing is widely used in marketing campaigns in countries like Singapore, China, England, and Norway, U.S. marketers have been slow to adopt this new technology. As text message use increases in the United States marketers are beginning to explore its use as part of the marketing communications mix. Marketers are finding text-message marketing a valuable direct marketing tool that can be used to send one-way or two-way communications that aid in direct response marketing and database development. From providing in-the-moment data such as driving directions, located-based promotions, movie times and such to building excitement, viral communications, and brand recognition through two-way communication, text-message marketing has value. This paper examines the use of text-message marketing, reasons for slow adoption in the U.S., and the future of text-message marketing in the United States.
Modified Transverse Thoracosternotomy and Cost-Effective Reinforced Sternal Closure

The bilateral transverse thoracosternotomy clamshell incision provides excellent exposure to the mediastinal structures in double lung transplantation. The use of a modified transverse sternotomy and a figure of 8 configuration with one monofilament metal wire, along with two longitudinal wires across the sternal division, results in greater stability and equally distributed oblique tension. Our described technique was more cost effective and resulted in no incidence of dehiscence. We present our experience using a modified transverse sternotomy and reinforced sternal closure method.
Utilizing Mixed Research and Evaluation Methodology in Peace Psychology and Beyond

Following an initial analysis of research orientations of scholars who often identify themselves as members of qualitative and quantitative communities, this chapter examines the feasibility, desirability, and effectiveness of mixed methodology for asking and answering complex questions in peace research. Rooted in a mixed methodological orientation, a critical integrated research and evaluation (CIRE) model is presented as an alternative to more restrictive approaches to enquiry.
Benefits of oral contraception: thirty years experience.

In the development of oral contraceptives (OC) it was found that estrogen was responsible for many adverse reactions Consequently a variety of changes were made including lowering the estrogen component and substituting synthetic mestranol or ethinyl estradiol. The most popular and widely used preparations are ethinyl estradiol (EE) in 50-20 mg doses in monophasic preparations or 35-30 mg triphasic formulations. In evaluating the benefits or risks of OC use it is important to consider confounding factors such as age family disease history weight medical illnesses smoking diet activity and parity. A summary of the benefits of OC use is provided which examines cardiovascular oncologic metabolic gynecologic and socioeconomic benefits. The benefits are attributed to reductions in steroid use use of different and new progestins a change from mestranol to ethinyl estradiol and development of the phasic type of OC. The effects of mestranol on the liver may never be known. Other factors contributing to benefits are the change in user profile and the effects on organs of a pseudopregnant state from OC use. Users are now younger at the onset of use and use OCs to delay pregnancy and then to space births. The number and risks of pregnancies are being reduced through OC use. Further benefits may be derived from screening patients for personal and family history and performing a complete physical examination prior to prescribing OCs. Contraindications must be strictly adhered to. Regular interval physical examinations are also required. Smoking is a significant factor in many diseases and precludes OC use in women older than 35.
Rapid Motion Estimation of a Target Moving with Time-Varying Velocity

This paper describes the development of a vision-based motion estimation and target tracking system for a small unmanned air vehicle (SUAV) equipped with an inertially stabilized gimballed camera. The work concentrates on the design of a new rapid motion estimation algorithm for a ground target moving with time-varying velocity. The capability to estimate target motion for tracking significantly improves operational utility of an inexpensive tactical SUAV. This work extends previous results in which a SUAV simultaneously tracked a ground target moving at constant speed and estimated its motion (position and velocity). In this paper, we allow for time-varying unknown target velocity. The target velocity estimation problem is formulated such that the recently developed L1 rapid estimator can be applied. The estimator uses two real-time measurements: the target position in the camera frame, provided by image processing software, and the relative altitude above the target, provided by an external geo-referenced database. Simulations show that the proposed algorithm is effective at tracking a non-cooperating target moving with unknown velocity, despite repeated out-of-frame events. The paper also describes the development of a Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation, reflecting a realistic tactical scenario, that is intended to provide further validation in advance of flight tests.
Eosinophilic esophagitis: diagnostic tests and criteria.

Purpose of review To present the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), review the current diagnostic guidelines for EoE, and present an approach for diagnosis of EoE. It will also highlight selected techniques that are under development that may be useful in the future for diagnosis of EoE. Recent findings Recently updated guidelines emphasize that EoE is a clinicopathologic condition. Specifically, three criteria must be met to diagnose EoE: clinical symptoms of esophageal dysfunction; an esophageal biopsy with a maximum eosinophil count of at least 15 eosinophils per high-power microscopy field, with few exceptions; and exclusion of other possible causes of esophageal eosinophilia, including proton-pump inhibitor responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE). A PPI trial is typically required both to assess for PPI-REE and to evaluate for the presence of concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease. Summary EoE is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder. Because no single symptom, endoscopic finding, or histopathologic feature is pathognomonic, diagnosis can be challenging. In the future, symptom scores, tissue or serum biomarkers, and genetic testing may play a role in diagnosis, but these methods have yet to be validated and are not yet recommended for routine clinical use.
Erythrocyte Age-fractionation Using a Percollκ-Renografin® Density Gradient: Application to Autologous Red Cell Antigen Determinations in Recently Transfused Patients

A rapid technic for the age-fractionation of human erythrocytes into reticulocyte-enriched (young) red blood cells and reticulocyte-poor (old) red blood cells using an isopycnic density gradient centrifugation through Percoll-Renografin was evaluated for use in autologous red blood cell antigen determinations in multiply-transfused patients. The fractionation was demonstrated by statistically significant density-related changes in pyruvate kinase and acetylcholinesterase activities (P = 0.002 and 0.042, respectively) and by the distribution of reticulocytes on the gradient (P less than 0.005). With initial reticulocyte counts of less than or equal to 1.5%, reticulocyte counts up to 78% were achieved (means = 25%; n = 31). When starting with reticulocyte counts greater than 5%, samples containing up to 98% reticulocytes were obtained (means = 64%; n = 7). The technic requires less than two hours, uses isotonic media, and is nontoxic to red blood cells. Volumes of red blood cells up to 10 mL can be fractionated at one time and the gradient medium is stable when refrigerated at 4 degrees C. Red blood cell typing was performed in six patients who had received from 4-29 units of blood within a 12-hour period. Within 72 hours posttransfusion, typing of the reticulocyte enriched fraction correctly identified the patient's red blood cell antigens with all 16 antisera tested. This technic for typing reticulocyte-enriched samples is of importance for confirmation of antibody specificity in determining whether an antibody is an alloantibody or autoantibody, and in the selection of donor blood for transfusion to patients having autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
RESPIRATION IN EARLY TETRAPODS-THE FROG IS A RED HERRING.

The key feature of the fish-tetrapod transition is the invasion of the land. Utilization of the resources there available requires solution of four special problems: locomotion, control of the milieu interieur, internal fertilization, and the use of gaseous rather than liquid sources and sinks for the respiratory gases. The last problem will be dealt with here. It may most simply be stated as "How did the earliest tetrapods breathe?" The recent literature contains two views regarding the breathing methods of the earliest amphibians, namely (1) that cutaneous respiration must have been important during the transition period (Szarski, 1962; Hughes, 1966; Rahn, 1966) and (2) that these animals had lungs that were filled by a quick pulsatile contraction of the buccal cavity, often described as air swallowing or pulse pumping, rather than by an aspiration mechanism (Cox, 1967; McMahon, 1969). There are certain obvious objections to these views. Cutaneous respiration seems inherently implausible as a breathing method for the earliest amphibians such as Ichthyostega (Romer, 1966). These fossils appear (1) to have been of very large size, i.e., 3 to 4 feet long, and (2) to have lived in coal swamps which presumably indicated a fairly warm climate; (3) many such forms, furthermore, show ossification on the flanks and belly and the epidermis of larger specimens was probably thicker and more keratinized. Pulse pumping as a method for replenishing the contents of the lungs is also unlikely because of the stiff flanks, containing solid, well-articulated ribs and often a sheathing of bony scales; Willem (1931) has already argued from similar evidence that stegocephalians used aspiration plus pulse pumping. The statements in the literature apparently represent an extrapolation from frog physiology rather than a response to observations of the fossil record. Do Recent frogs represent a red herring? Under the circumstances, it seems most appropriate to review the mechanisms of gas exchange, the options available to the transitional forms, and the probability and sequence for the changes that actually occurred. Such a review, within the framework of recent electromyographical analyses of air-pumping mechanics in the breathing of fishes, frogs, turtles, and crocodilians, is here offered. It suggests that the classical observations on frogs do not by themselves furnish a suitable base for speculations about the behavior and physiology of the earliest amphibians.
On the Basic Limits of RF-Fingerprint-Based Authentication

RF fingerprinting exploits the variations in the RF chain of radios to uniquely identify transmitters, and distinguish adversarial transmissions from the transmissions of legitimate nodes. We provide a systematic approach rooted from the information theory to evaluate the basic performance limits of RF fingerprinting. We develop a novel channel model for RF fingerprinting, where the imperfections in the RF chain are modeled as a fingerprint channel, cascaded to the actual physical channel. We address the authentication problem in the presence of an adversary, where both the legitimate transmitter and the adversary are equipped with unique fingerprint channels, in addition to a possible secret key available at the legitimate nodes. We provide bounds for the error exponents for reliable communication of the legitimate nodes, and the success exponent for impersonation and substitution attacks of the adversary, as a function of certain parameters based on their RF-fingerprints, and the shared key rate. We illustrate that keyless authentication is possible via RF fingerprints when the legitimate channel is not simulatable. We also show that the probability of these attacks can be reduced significantly by employing additional dedicated authenticated nodes.
Japan’s New Citizen Judges: How Secrecy Imperils Judicial Reform (裁判員の守秘義務：裁判員制度にかくされた陥穽)

The Act Concerning Participation of Lay Assessors in Criminal Trials was enacted by the Japanese parliament in 2004. Beginning in May 2009, mixed panels of professional judges and lay assessors have been deciding both guilt and sentence for major crimes in Japan’s new saiban-in or lay assessor system. This system, laudable for pursuing public understanding and reform in a judiciary long criticized for being distant and overly bureaucratized, contains a secrecy provision that could do as much harm as good. While there are several areas of concern within the new regime that have garnered international attention, this paper focuses on the potential problems the secrecy provision poses for citizens obligated to participate as lay judges. This provision, which threatens to imprison or fine citizens who speak too freely about their service, makes reporting misconduct difficult and may chill the public discourse that the system ostensibly aims to foster. Such secrecy may also inflict significant psychological harm upon those affected by the disturbing details of a criminal trial. These potential ramifications should be taken into consideration as Japan makes its way through this new world of lay participation. This paper offers an attractive model for Japan that addresses the issues with which Japan’s secrecy provision is seemingly concerned, that would protect the citizens called to serve as well as aid the success of the new saiban-in system in achieving better public understanding and confidence in Japan’s judiciary. This article was co-authored with Virginia Tice, William S. Richardson School of Law class of 2009. The SSRN posting includes the article in English as well as Japanese translation (translation by Prof. Masaki Enomoto, Meijo University Law School, Nagoya, Japan). The Japanese translation was published in Japan in Quarterly Keiji-Bengo, No. 60, pp. 91-99, Winter 2009.
Insulin binding is a specific marker of fetal erythrocytes in ruminants.

The ability of erythrocytes (RBC) from sheep and cattle of various gestational and postnatal ages to bind insulin specifically was studied. Insulin binding to RBC decreased as gestational and postnatal age advanced and was absent in blood obtained from adult animals. Maximal percentage 125I-insulin bound to RBC (3.6 X 10(9)/ml) was highest in the fetuses of sheep and cattle (7.3 +/- .6 and 7.8 +/- .9, respectively) compared to postnatal animals (2.3 +/- .2 and 2.2 +/- .3, respectively), or adults (no binding) of the same species. The decrease in binding began antenatally, and binding was projected to be insignificant by the end of the second postnatal month. Most of the observed decrease was due to a progressive decrease in the number of receptors on the cell surface. The time course of this phenomenon, as well as the total absence of insulin receptors on the RBC of adult ruminants, provides independent evidence that two distinct populations of RBC in ruminants exist. The gradual appearance of the adult RBC with no insulin binding results in a decrease in observed binding to RBC in a given blood specimen as fetuses and postnatal animals age.
Challenges Facing Program Directors in the Urology Match

Abstract Introduction We investigate urology residency program directors’ perspectives on the current residency matching system. Methods A survey was emailed to Society of Urology Chairpersons and Program Directors members. The survey queried respondents’ perspectives on the current residency matching system, with special attention to the recent surge in application volume and the usefulness of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation. Participants were also asked about their perspective on a possible application limit for students applying to urology residencies. Results A total of 70 members of the Society of Urology Chairpersons and Program Directors responded to the survey. The majority of respondents received more than 200 applications for their program’s residency positions (77.1%) and used a Step 1 cutoff score to screen applications (81.4%). Approximately half of the respondents (51.4%) were in favor of imposing a limit to the number of applications that applicants are permitted to submit. The Medical Student Performance Evaluation was considered important or very important by 20% and 94.3% favored including an applicant’s class rank in the evaluation. An applicant’s projected likelihood of attending a respondent’s program was considered by 76%, and 60% had previously not offered superior candidates interviews because they estimated the applicants were not truly interested in the program. Conclusions Urology program directors exclude a large number of applications based on board scores and applicants’ perceived levels of interest in the programs. A significant number of program directors favored an application limit as well as including class rank in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation.
Teacher evaluation and principal perception: How arts integration may be key to elevating dance

ABSTRACTTeacher evaluation policy is a poignant and high-stakes issue. Driven by research, stakeholders are forging ahead with the premise that quality teachers are a critical, if not the most important, resource. As a result, many states are reforming procedures in response to educational reforms. The change to evaluate teachers in a systematic way has understandably led to widespread implementation concerns, equity issues, policy and procedure questions, and teacher anxiety. Teacher anxiety may be especially magnified for the dance educator who often faces perceptions that dance is an extracurricular nicety. Current trends in teacher evaluation reform may further marginalize dance by evaluating student test scores and implementing evaluations by administrators with little dance content knowledge. Principal feedback is a crucial component of teacher evaluation, yet inadequate knowledge of dance may lead to insufficient teacher evaluations and instructional progress. By strategically exposing principals t...
Can clinical factors predict the need for intervention after a positive intraoperative cholangiogram

Background/Aims Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) is commonly used to detect retained bile duct stones. This often leads to another invasive procedure such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, due to the variation in methods and results of IOC, it is unclear if clinical factors will aid in identifying true choledocholithiasis. Methods All cholecystectomies in a 3 year period were examined retrospectively for positive IOC. Sonographic bile duct dilation and transaminase levels at admission including trends during the course of hospitalization and prior to ERCP were evaluated. Results In 369 patients with IOC studies, 80 (22%) were positive. Prior to surgery, sonogram showed biliary dilation in 50 (63%) and ERCP demonstrated actual stones in 27 (61%). In 24 patients with persistent elevation in transaminases and no biliary dilation, ERCP revealed stones in 12 (50%). Sonographic biliary dilation had a PPV of 61% and NPV of 60%. Persistent elevation in transaminases had a PPV of 59%. Decline in transaminases by 50% had a NPV of 41%. Overall, only 39 (49%) of all patients with a positive IOC study required therapeutic ERCP. Conclusions Approximately half of patients with abnormal IOC had normal ERCP. Elevated transaminases and sonographic biliary dilation have poor predictive value for choledocholithiasis. Thus, patients with a positive IOC may benefit from additional studies such as EUS or MRCP prior to ERCP.
Putting POP-Q to the test: does C - D = cervical length?

We investigated the correlation between calculated cervical length (CCL) and gross specimen cervical length (GCL) after total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) at the time of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This was a retrospective chart review of patients who had undergone TVH with reconstructive surgery for POP between 2013 and 2015. Patients without an intact specimen or documented cervical length in the pathology report were excluded. CCL was defined as the absolute difference between Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) points C and D. GCL was obtained from the pathology report as the distance from the external to the internal os. The Bland-Altman method was used to assess the accuracy of POP-Q measurements with a priori ranges. Symptom severity was evaluated using the PFDI-20 questionnaire. Analysis of variance was used to model both GCL and CCL as a function of prolapse stage and the leading compartment. The final analysis included 202 subjects. Of the CCL measurements, 56.93% were within ±2 cm of GCL, while 36.14% were within ±1 cm. POP stage was significantly associated with GCL (P < 0.0024). CCL was significantly longer in patients with stage 4 POP (3.57 cm, 95% CI 3.13–4.00) than in those with stage 2 POP (P < 0.0017; mean 2.68 cm, 95% CI 2.45–2.92) and stage 3 POP (P < 0.0300; mean 2.94 cm, 95% CI 2.73–3.15). There were no significant correlations between PFDI scores and CCL or GCL. The agreement between POP-Q CCL (|C − D|) and GCL decreases with increasing POP-Q stage. There was no correlation between POP symptom severity and GCL or CCL. GCL significantly increased with increasing POP stage.