cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep learning in rare disease. Detection of tubers in tuberous sclerosis complex.

Objective To develop and test a deep learning algorithm to automatically detect cortical tubers in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to explore the utility of deep learning in rare disorders with limited data, and to generate an open-access deep learning standalone application. Methods T2 and FLAIR axial images with and without tubers were extracted from MRIs of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and controls, respectively. We trained three different convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures on a training dataset and selected the one with the lowest binary cross-entropy loss in the validation dataset, which was evaluated on the testing dataset. We visualized image regions most relevant for classification with gradient-weighted class activation maps (Grad-CAM) and saliency maps. Results 114 patients with TSC and 114 controls were divided into a training set, a validation set, and a testing set. The InceptionV3 CNN architecture performed best in the validation set and was evaluated in the testing set with the following results: sensitivity: 0.95, specificity: 0.95, positive predictive value: 0.94, negative predictive value: 0.95, F1-score: 0.95, accuracy: 0.95, and area under the curve: 0.99. Grad-CAM and saliency maps showed that tubers resided in regions most relevant for image classification within each image. A stand-alone trained deep learning App was able to classify images using local computers with various operating systems. Conclusion This study shows that deep learning algorithms are able to detect tubers in selected MRI images, and deep learning can be prudently applied clinically to manually selected data in a rare neurological disorder.
Predicting the low velocity impact damage of a quasi-isotropic laminate using EST

Abstract In this paper, the low velocity impact (LVI) on a quasi-isotropic laminate [45/0/–45/90]3s (QIL) is studied to predict the deformation response and damage state of the laminate. This stacking of a QIL is a benchmark case that results in a “rotating-fan” pattern of delamination damage due to the impact. Drop-tower tests were performed with an impact energy of 25 J and an impactor mass of 7.5 kg. 3D digital image correlation (3D DIC) was carried out to measure the in situ deformation of the laminate. Non-destructive inspection (NDI) including ultrasound C-scanning and X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT) were done to characterize the overall damage footprint and the internal detailed damage morphology. The computational model is an extension and refinement of the model developed in Refs. [74] , [76] . Enhanced Schapery Theory (EST) is used as the constitutive model and implemented with a user material subroutine in the commercial code Abaqus. The EST uses Schapery theory for pre-peak damage and the crack band model for post peak failure. The major contributions reported in this paper are as follows; in the experimental study, the damage mechanisms have been illustrated with high-resolution micro-CT scanning, while in the numerical study, the “rotating-fan” pattern, damage-free cone and damage modes interaction have been accurately and efficiently captured with a uniform, non-fiber-aligned mesh.
Design Concepts for Pressurized LNG Storage Tanks

Abstract The containment philosophy has been well defined by European and North American regulations e.g. EN 1473 , NFPA 59A for the flat bottom LNG storage tanks. However, such established definition is missing for the pressurized storage tanks. An outlook will be given to the latest development of the prEN 1473 regarding the containment philosophy and the related safety design of the pressurized LNG storage tanks. The definition of the possible tank leakage will be discussed based on fracture mechanics and event probabilities for both atmospheric and pressurized storage tanks.
Order Matters: A Case Study on Reducing Floating Point Error in Sums Via Ordering and Grouping

Due to accumulated round-off error, mathematically equivalent floating-point summations can yield different computational results. Errors propagated across timesteps can be substantial and can lead to significant inaccuracy in the final results. We focus on sums in an adaptive mesh refinement hydrocode. We reduce error in a moderate length equation by generating proper ordering and grouping of the terms and verify this on a typical numerical simulation. Our techniques show equivalent accuracy to classic methodology like Kahan without the extra overhead. The heuristics presented here could improve accuracy in single and double precision for many codes. With some knowledge and minimal effort, researchers can apply these techniques and see improvement in the accuracy of code at no cost in performance. The same approach may facilitate reduced precision computation.
A new positive SARS-CoV-2 test months after severe COVID-19 illness: reinfection or intermittent viral shedding?

We present a case of a patient who had a history of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) 4 months prior to this current presentation and, after a long asymptomatic period, subsequently tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) by a RNA PCR assay, after several interval negative SARS-CoV-2 RNA tests. We present this potential case of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in order to incite discussion around differentiating persistent infection with intermittent viral shedding and reinfection, as well as to discuss evolving knowledge and approaches to the clinical management, follow-up molecular testing and treatment of COVID-19 reinfection.
Angel investors: the impact of regret from missed opportunities

As suppliers of critical risk capital, angels are routinely faced with a multitude of investment opportunities and typically invest in less than 20% of these prospects. Angels need to access these opportunities, decide which investments to pursue, and try to predict future winners and losers all within an environment typified by a high degree of information asymmetry. This research examines the real-time actions and decisions of angel investors and the effect of the investment regret or inaction on future investment decision-making. Angels who missed a past opportunity that subsequently realized a positive return are significantly less likely to invest in subsequent similar opportunities. Also, the dynamism of the market and the experience of the investor play important roles in influencing subsequent investment decisions once an investor has missed an opportunity. This research adds a level of granularity by identifying a new and potentially influential dimension—missed opportunities are an influential force in angel investment decision-making. Ever think about those investments that you passed on, especially the ones that were big hits? The research adds a level of granularity to investing in start-ups—missed opportunities are an influential force in angel investment decision-making. This research examines the real-time actions and decisions of angel investors and the effect of the investment regret or inaction on future investment decision-making. Missed investment opportunities may include implicit costs, such as missing future lucrative opportunities, and an awareness of these implicit costs can lead to better decision-making in angel investing. Angels who missed a past investment opportunity that subsequently realized a positive return are significantly less likely to invest in similar opportunities and thus the angel’s investment history does matter in that past decisions influence future investment decisions. Angels should calibrate their future decision-making by realizing the impact of missed opportunities.
Fully Biomass-Based Hybrid Hydrogel for Efficient Solar Desalination with Salt Self-Cleaning Property

Solar-driven interfacial steam generation provides an opportunity for solar harvesting and freshwater yield as a promising and eco-friendly technology. Here, we demonstrate a sustainable, nontoxic, and highly efficient fully biomass-based GG/CI hydrogel evaporator consisting of gellan gum (GG) hydrogel as the matrix and cuttlefish ink (CI) as the photothermal material. Induced by the ice-template method and freeze-drying method, vertically aligned microchannels are generated along the ice crystal growth direction. Efficient photothermal conversion is enabled by the natural black cuttlefish ink powder and enhanced by the light trapping effect within vertical microchannels. The hydrophilic property of the gellan gum hydrogel and water capillary force in those microchannels boost water pumping to the top interfacial evaporation region. Effective rapid salt self-cleaning behavior is achieved due to the rapid ion diffusion within vertical microchannels. An evaporation rate of 3.1 kg m-2 h-1 under one sun irradiance is demonstrated by this fully biomass-based GG/CI hydrogel evaporator. This work offers a promising alternative for eco-friendly and sustainable freshwater generation with abundant natural biomasses.
Introducing R as a smart version of calculators enables beginners to explore it on their own

Rapid technological advances in the past decades have enabled molecular biologists to generate large-scale and complex data with affordable resource investments, or obtain such data from public repositories. Yet, many graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and senior researchers in the biosciences find themselves ill-equipped to analyze large-scale data. Global surveys have revealed that active researchers prefer short training workshops to fill their skill gaps. In this article, we focus on the challenge of delivering a short data analysis workshop to absolute beginners in computer programming. We propose that introducing R or other programming languages for data analysis as smart versions of calculators can help lower the communication barrier with absolute beginners. We describe this comparison with a few analogies and hope that other instructors will find them useful. We utilized these in our four-hour long training workshops involving participatory live coding, which we delivered in person and via videoconferencing. Anecdotal evidence suggests that our exposition made R programming seem easy and enabled beginners to explore it on their own.
Local Leaders’ Views on Michigan’s Initial COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Spring 2021 (preprint)

This report presents the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders during the spring of 2021 regarding COVID-19 vaccines, including information on local government actions to support the rollout of vaccines in local communities, and adoption of employee-related policies or practices regarding COVID-19 vaccination, along with their confidence in the vaccines’ safety and the fairness of how they were being distributed. These findings are based on statewide surveys of local government officials in the Spring 2021 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS), conducted between April 5 and June 7, 2021, and includes comparisons to public opinion data from the State of the State Survey (SOSS) conducted by Michigan State University.
Around the BISC Roundtable

The first time I meet Prof. Lotfi Zadeh was back on 2001 at the FUZZ-IEEE International Conference held at Melbourne University. I got introduced to him by my mentor and Ph.D supervisor Prof. Enric Trillas. Prof. Trillas and Prof. Zadeh have kept a close relation since the 70’s, since they first meet at Barcelona at the first conference on Fuzzy Logic organized in Spain. Prof. Trillas has been one of the Fuzzy Pioneers and one of the persons who has done more to spread it, specially in Spain.
Electrically tunable band-pass filter on engineered substrate enabled with patterned Permalloy thin film

An electrically tunable band-pass filter based on engineered substrate with patterned Permalloy (Py) thin film has been designed and characterized. The band-pass filter is designed with metamaterial resonators to achive a compact size; the designed filter is fabricated on a multi-layered engineered substrate which composes a layer of liquid crystal polymer, a layer of patterned Py thin film, and silicon substrate. The equivalent permeability of Py thin film embedded in the engineering substrate is tunable with DC current which provides tunable inductance for the metamaterial resonators; the center frequency of the implemented band-pass filter is thus electrically tunable. The results show that the center frequency of the designed bandpass filter shifts from 2.4GHz to 2.38GHz when the applied tuning DC current is increased from 0mA to 500mA. The introduced unique concept of engineered substrate provides design feasibility of filters with continuous frequency tunability, and the implementation of substrate enabled with patterned Py thin film is suitable for the cost effective fabrication of tunable arbitrary RF devices.
InAs-based interband cascade lasers with emission wavelength at 10.4 μm

An InAs-based plasmon waveguide interband cascade laser has been demonstrated near 10.4 μm. The device operated at temperatures up to 166 and 190K in CW and pulsed modes, respectively. This device showed a threshold current density as low as 10 A/cm 2 at 80K. Also, simultaneous lasing at dual wavelengths near 9.1 and 10.2 μm was observed from this device.
Brief of Amicus Curiae, Danny Joe McClure and Kimberly Deskins McClure, Plaintiffs, v. Bank of America, Creditors Financial Group, LLC, and Peter Rebelo, Defendants, Bankr. N.D. Tex. 2010, Adv. No. 08-04000-DML

This amicus brief, requested by the Bankruptcy Court in the context of a motion for reconsideration, analyzes whether creditors who (1) forward discharged debts for collection or (2) attempt to collect on discharged debts, are liable for actual damages, attorneys' fees, and sanctions for violation of the discharge order entered in the case. The brief discusses what constitutes a knowing violation of the discharge injunction, what constituted actual damages, what the test for reasonableness of attorneys' fees should be, whether the court had the jurisdiction and the power to award sanctions, and whether the original creditor and the debt collector should be jointly and severally liable for the violation of the discharge injunction.
INHIBITION OF THE GROWTH OF AGENTS OF THE PSITTACOSIS GROUP BY d-CYCLOSERINE AND ITS SPECIFIC REVERSAL BY d-ALANINE

Moulder, James W. (University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill.), Dorothy L. Novosel, and Julius E. Officer. Inhibition of the growth of agents of the psittacosis group by d-cycloserine and its specific reversal by d-alanine. J. Bacteriol. 85:707-711. 1963.-d-Cycloserine inhibited multiplication of four members of the psittacosis group in chick embryo yolk sac. d-Alanine reversed each inhibition. In infections with the agent of mouse pneumonitis, the most sensitive member of the psittacosis group tested, d-alanine competitively antagonized the growth inhibition produced by d-cycloserine. Of a number of other potential reversing agents, only dl-alanyl-dl-alanine reversed the effect of d-cycloserine on mouse pneumonitis agent. The significance of the susceptibility of the psittacosis group to d-cycloserine is discussed in light of the known mode of action of this antibiotic on bacteria.
NetworkView: 3D display and analysis of protein·RNA interaction networks.

Summary: NetworkView is an application for the display and analysis of protein·RNA interaction networks derived from structure and/or dynamics. These networks typically model individual protein residues and nucleic acid monomers as nodes and their pairwise contacts as edges with associated weights. NetworkView projects the network onto the underlying 3D molecular structure so that visualization and analysis of the network can be coupled to physical and biological properties. NetworkView is implemented as a plugin to the molecular visualization software VMD. Availability and implementation: NetworkView is included with VMD, which is available at http://www.ks.uiuc.edu/Research/vmd/. Documentation, tutorials and supporting programs are available at http://www.scs.illinois.edu/schulten/software/. Contact: ude.sionilli.scs@weivkrowten
Photolysis of nitrosamines and nitrosamides at neutral pH: A spin-trap study

Abstract A model system has been used to study the types of radicals formed on denitrosation of N-nitroso compounds. Free radicals were formed at room temperature (22°–23°C) and neutral pH by photolytic cleavage of N-nitroso bonds and were partially characterized following their addition to the spin traps 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) and N-tert-butyl-α-phenyl-nitrone (PBN). Carbon-centered radical adducts were obtained during nitrosamine photolysis and nitrogen-centered radical adducts during nitrosamide photolysis. Since both the nitrosamines and nitrosamides initially form nitrogen-centered radicals on photolysis, a secondary reaction or rearrangement must occur after initial N-nitroso bond cleavage in the nitrosamines. Mechanisms are proposed to account for these results.
Experiential education in the undergraduate curriculum

One of the most significant trends in higher education is the movement to an “expanded classroom.”; Usually referred to as “experiential education,”; programs such as cooperative education, internships, study abroad, and service‐learning are intended to bring the concrete experience into the learning model, providing students with a way to apply classroom concepts and complete the learning process. This essay reviews the movement toward an expanded classroom through experientially‐based curricular innovations and provides an assessment of its faithfulness at this point in its development to those upon whose ideas it is based.
Adsorption of organic matter at mineral/water interfaces: 3. Implications of surface dissolution for adsorption of oxalate.

The adsorption of oxalate on a model aluminum oxide, corundum (α-Al2O3), has been examined over a broad range of oxalate concentrations (0.125−25.0 mM) and pH conditions (2−10). In situ attenuated ...
Corpus Linguistics: Investigating Language Structure and Use

Preface 1. Introduction: goals and methods of the corpus-based approach Part I. Investigating the Use of Language Features: 2. Lexicography 3. Grammar 4. Lexico-grammar 5. The study of discourse characteristics Part II. Investigating the Characteristics of Varieties: 6. Register variation and English for specific purposes 7. Language acquisition and development 8. Historical and stylistic investigations Part III. Summing Up and Looking Ahead: 9. Conclusion Part IV. Methodology Boxes: 10. Issues in corpus design 11. Issues in diachronic corpus design 12. Concordancing packages versus programming for corpus analysis 13. Characteristics of tagged corpora 14. The process of tagging 15. Norming frequency counts 16. Statistical measures of lexical associations 17. The unit of analysis in corpus-based studies 18. Significance tests and the reporting of statistics 19. Factor loadings and dimension scores Appendix: commercially available corpora and analytical tools References Index.
USLNG FUTURES INSTRUMENT PRICES TO TARGET NOMINAL INCOME

Nominal GNP targeting offers the advantage of allowing monetary policymakers to offset velocity shocks and cushion the impact of autonomous price shocks. Instability associated with the recognition lag can be minimized by fixing a futures instrument price linked to nominal GNP. In fact, if financial markets arc efficient, then a policy of fixing futures instrument prices would seem preferable to a policy feedback mechanism for any economic aggregate target which involves a recognition lag. This conclusion is robust with respect to a wide range of macroeconomic models.
Epileptic Sudden Death: Animal Models

The pathologic hallmark of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in humans is pulmonary edema. In an animal model of seizures, pulmonary vascular pressure, but not systemic pressure, increases in proportion to seizure duration. The induced pulmonary vascular hypertension drives fluid out of the vascular compartment into the lung parenchyma. Blocking intra-ictal pulmonary vascular pressure elevations prevents changes in the observed doubling of the pulmonary transcapillary fluid flux. In this animal model, the main difference between surviving animals and those that die during the seizure is apnea, with a precipitous fall in the partial pressure of oxygen (pO 2 ) and a parallel elevation in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO 2 ) recorded in nonsurvivors. Pulmonary artery and left atrial pressures in animals that die are double those of surviving animals, with a resultant increase in extravascular lung water at postmortem examination. The pulmonary edema is due to the combined effects of seizure- and hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular hypertension. This animal model reproduces both death during epilepsy and pulmonary edema at postmortem examination. The etiology of the pulmonary edema appears to be that of pulmonary vascular hypertension, and the etiology of sudden death appears to be that of centrally induced apnea.
1205 LACTATE TURNOVER IS INCREASED IN THE NEONATE RELATIVE THE ADULT

Gluconeogenesis is a major component of glucose production. The contribution of specific gluconeogenic precursors has not been studied in the newborn relative to the adult. Glucose production and lactate production have been evaluated by prime constant infusion of 45 ug·kg−1 min−1 D-[6, 6- 2D]glucose and 20 ug·kg−1 min−1 [3- 13C]lactate in 3 AGA premature(PT) [BW 2088±174 gm (M±SEM) & GA 34.3±0.9 wks] & 4 AGA term infants(T) [BW 3316±175 gms & GA 41±0.4 wks] at 31±7 hrs after birth & compared to studies in 4 adults(A). Ra(production) was measured during infusion of 0.9% NaCL at 0.06 ml · kg−1 min−1 and analyzed by Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectometry(GCMS). Turnover period results are shown: Ra(Glucose) & Ra(Lactate) were ↑ in both PT & T relative to A, but not between PT & T. There was an ↑ ratio of Ra(Lactate) to Ra (Glucose) in both PT & T relative to A but not between PT & T. This is consistent with the relationship of Ra(Glucose) measured by the non-recycling tracer D-[6,6- 2D]glucose in these studies compared to Ra(Glucose) measured with the recycling tracer D-[U- 13C]glucose in prior studies. Availability of lactate due to recycling may be a mechanism for sparing of gluconeogenic amino acid precursors in the anabolic newborn.
Race: Predictor versus proxy variable? Outcomes after spinal cord injury

Abstract Putzke JD, Hicken BL, Richards JS. Race: predictor versus proxy variable? Outcomes after spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:1603-11. Objective: To examine the impact of race on acute, rehabilitation, and long-term outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Two case control studies (study 1: acute and rehabilitation outcomes, study 2: long-term outcomes) in which white and nonwhite individuals were matched case for case on multiple demographic, medical, and geographic characteristics with the rationale being that a case-control methodology would increase the internal validity of the design, thereby increasing confidence in the assertion that any between-group differences observed may be specifically attributed to race. Setting: Data drawn from the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems. Institutional practice and general community. Participants: Study 1: 187 pairs of individuals, study 2: 158 pairs of matched individuals. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures assessed included economic (eg, cost of care), treatment-related (eg, length of hospital stay), functional (eg, FIM™ instrument), and medical (eg, number of medical complications) variables, as well as self-reported life satisfaction, level of handicap, and mental and physical health. Results: In study 1, none of the outcome measures differed significantly across racial groups. Similarly, study 2 failed to indicate significant differences in any of the outcome variables across racial groups, with the exception that nonwhites were at increased risk of greater self-reported handicap in the area of mobility. Power analyses indicated these finding were not merely the result of inadequate power. Conclusion: For the outcomes assessed in studies 1 and 2, race appeared to act primarily as a proxy for other variables (eg, injury severity, age, educational achievement), which in turn may be associated with poor outcome after SCI. Theoretical implications and recommendations are discussed. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
The Mechanism of the Formation of Nonadhesive Fibrinogen Matrices Examined by Atomic Force Microscopy

The plasma protein fibrinogen prevents adhesion of blood cells such as platelets and leukocytes to various surfaces, including fibrin gels. We have previously reported that the decrease in cell adhesion results from fibrinogen aggregation and the formation of an extensible multilayered matrix incapable of transducing strong mechanical forces through cellular integrins1,2. Here, using the various capabilities of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), we have examined the physical properties of matrices produced from human plasma fibrinogen (hFg) and two recombinant fibrinogens: recombinant normal fibrinogen (rFg) and fibrinogen with truncated αC domains (FgAα251). We have determined the thickness of matrices using AFM lithography, and also performed the high-resolution topographical visualization of single molecules within the matrices. With force spectroscopy, we have measured the extensibility, adhesion forces and the energy of AFM tip-fibrinogen matrix interactions. Our results indicate that hFg and rFg adsorbed at high concentrations form an extensible matrix containing 8-9 molecular layers. In contrast, FgAα251 forms only 2-3 molecular layers. These data indicate that the αC domains are critically involved in the formation of a fibrinogen multilayer. Furthermore, the inability of FgAα251 to form a thick multilayered matrix results in sustained cell adhesion, unlike hFg which completely prevents cell adhesion. To evaluate the contribution of the αC domains to the formation of multilayered matrices, we developed a model based on intermolecular domain interactions to simulate the adsorption process for hFg and FgAα251. These findings have implications for processes where deposition of fibrinogen occurs, such as thrombus formation and adsorption of fibrinogen on implanted biomaterials.1. Podolnikova, N. P. et al., Biochemistry, 49, 68-77 (2010).2. Yermolenko, I. S. et al., Langmuir, 26, 17269-17277 (2010).
Extension of dynamic programming to nonseparable dynamic optimization problems

Abstract The use of dynamic programming is extended to a general nonseparable class where multiobjective optimization is used as a separation strategy. The original nonseparable dynamic optimization problem is first embedded into a separable, albeit multiobjective, optimization problem where multiobjective dynamic programming using the envelope approach is used as a solution scheme. Under certain conditions, the optimal solution of the original nonseparable problem is proven to be attained by a noninferior solution.
Phospho-aspirin (MDC-22) inhibits breast cancer in preclinical animal models: an effect mediated by EGFR inhibition, p53 acetylation and oxidative stress

Background The anticancer properties of aspirin are restricted by its gastrointestinal toxicity and its limited efficacy. Therefore, we synthesized phospho-aspirin (PA-2; MDC-22), a novel derivative of aspirin, and evaluated its chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive efficacy in preclinical models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Factor dependent binding of methionyl-tRNAs to reticulocyte ribosomes.

Reticulocyte initiation factors bind a formylatable methionine tRNA but not a non-formylatable tRNA. Elongation factors bind only the non-formylatable species. These findings suggest that haemoglobin chains may be initiated in a way similar to bacterial proteins.
Stable pulse solutions for the nonlinear schrödinger equation with higher order dispersion management

The evolution of optical pulses in fiber optic communication systems with strong, higher order dispersion management is modeled by a cubic nonlinear Schrodinger equation with periodically varying linear dispersion at second and third order. Through an averaging procedure, we derive an approximate model for the slow evolution of such pulses and show that this system possesses a stable ground state solution. Furthermore, we characterize the ground state numerically. The results explain the experimental observation of higher order dispersion managed solitons, providing theoretical justification for modern communication systems design.
Construction of a Blue Copper Analogue through Iterative Rational Protein Design Cycles Demonstrates Principles of Molecular Recognition in Metal Center Formation

The construction and characterization of a series of proteins in which the Blue Copper CysHis2Met primary coordination sphere was placed in various orientations within the hydrophobic core of thioredoxin has allowed exploration of the principles of molecular recognition between proteins and metals. An automated rational protein design algorithm predicted structurally suitable locations for these centers without use of either a potential preexisting binding site or any structural or sequence homology between the thioredoxin host and known Blue Copper proteins. A series of four primary designs and 32 variants were constructed. It was necessary to surround the designed primary coordination sphere with a hydrophobic shell to ensure the absence of potential alternative coordinating residues. Formation of a stable Cu(II)-thiolate bond required destabilization of a normally favored redox reaction in which the thiol is oxidized to a disulfide. This was achieved by more deeply burying the coordinating cysteine, pr...
Validating policy indicators

Although validity of an indicator, that is, whether it means what it purports to, is critical to its legitimate use in policy, there are few systematic approaches to validation. The reason lies largely in the traditions of positivist social science which require the separation of fact and theory and allow no place for meaning and valuation. The paper proposes approaches to test the validity of both indicators and the conceptual frameworks on which they are based. The most powerful forms of validation require the application of a priori concepts and models. Validation is partly judgmental and never simply mechanical. The validity of a measure is dependent on the context of its use. Social and political processes are an important part of validation, particularly in determining the appropriateness of the assumptions. If an indicator is to be valid, it should be chosen or designed iteratively with the policies it will help to shape.
Ultrastructure of a sertoli‐cell adenoma of the testis

The morphology of a Sertoli-cell adenoma by light and electron microscopy is described and compared with that of normal Sertoli cells. Electronmicroscopically, the normal and neoplastic cells are similar. They both contain characteristically abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria with horizontal cristae. The authors again emphasize that the precise diagnosis of Sertoli-cell adenomas is imperative because prognosis is good in comparison with that for most other testicular tumors.
Body mass index (BMI) and risk of noncardiac postoperative medical complications in elderly hip fracture patients: A population‐based study

Background Obese patients are thought to be at higher risk of post-operative medical complications. We sought to determine whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with post-operative in-hospital non-cardiac complications following urgent hip fracture repair.
Delta sleep-inducing peptide crosses the blood-brain-barrier in dogs: some correlations with protein binding.

Abstract to determine if the nonapeptide delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) and some of its analogs can enter the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the peripheral circulation, dogs anestetized with sodium pentobarbital were injected with a 100 μg/kg bolus of DSIP, desTrp1-DSIP, or D-Ala3-DSIP. Using an antibody that is highly specific for these nonapeptides, we found significant increases in CSF after IV injection of each. Column chromatography of CSF withdrawn after an IV bolus of DSIP showed the increase in immunoreactivity to be due to DSIP and desTrp1-DSIP. Chromatography of radioactivity appearing in the CSF after an IV bolus of 125I-N-Tyr-DSIP showed co-elution with the intact labeled peptide. The CSF/plasma ratios for DSIP and 125I-N-Tyr-DSIP were higher than that for triated insulin injected IV. It was also shown that DSIP is reversibly bound to a large molecule in dog plasma and CSF, and that the binding is greater in blood than in CSF. The binding protein demonstrates some specificity for DSIP, binding a smaller percentage of D-Ala3-DSIP, and it appears that it is probably free DSIP that crosses the blood-brain-barrier. Although non-specific crossing cannot be ruled out, the results presented here are also consistent with a specific saturable process for DSIP.
Locating the voices of the sterilized.

Scholars have been studying eugenics and sterilization for years, but only recently have some begun to examine these issues from the point of view of those sterilized. This is in large part because so few records containing the voices of the sterilized exist or are accessible to scholars. This essay examines my own effort to recover the voices of women sterilized in the post–baby boom United States from the “bottom up” and includes my own experience researching and writing Fit to Be Tied?: Sterilization and Reproductive Rights in America, 1960–1984 . It represents the beginning of a discussion about locating and using sources containing the voices of the sterilized and working with the limitations inherent to them.
Is “chart junk” useful? An extended examination of visual embellishment

Although many well-cited theories or guidelines for visualization design advocate ‘minimalism’, designers tend to include a wide variety of visual embellishments in their charts. Researchers have e...
Multivariate data analysis for Raman imaging of a model pharmaceutical tablet

Abstract Spectroscopic imaging techniques provide spatial and spectral information about a sample simultaneously and are finding ever-increasing application in the pharmaceutical industry. Effective extraction of chemical information from imaging data sets is a crucial step during the application of imaging techniques. Multivariate imaging data analysis methods have been reported but few applications of these methods for pharmaceutical samples have been demonstrated. In this study, a bilayer model tablet consisting of avicel, lactose, sodium benzoate, magnesium stearate and red dye was prepared using custom press tooling, and Raman mapping data were collected from a 400 μm × 400 μm area of the tablet surface. Several representative multivariate methods were selected and used in the analysis of the data. Multivariate data analysis methods investigated include principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, direct classical least squares (DCLS) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR). The relative merits and drawbacks of each technique for this application were evaluated. In addition, some practical issues associated with the use of these methods were addressed including data preprocessing, determination of the optimal number of clusters in cluster analysis and the optimization of window size in second derivative calculation.
Satisfying ranged sets of design requirements using design capability indices as metrics

Abstract In this paper the notion of design capability indices is introduced for use in robust design. Design capability indices are based on process capability indices from statistical process control and provide an alternate approach to the use of Taguchi's signal-to-noise ratio in robust design. Successful implementation of design capability indices ensures that a range of design solutions, representing a family of designs, conforms to a given ranged set of design requirements. The design of a solar powered irrigation system is presented to demonstrate the usefulness or design capability indices.
Peripheral Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Bulimia Nervosa: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Currently, there is limited understanding of the etiology of BN. While multifaceted etiology is likely, several neurobiological factors may play a role. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a potential biomarker linked to eating and weight disorders, is one factor of recent investigation. This paper examined studies comparing BDNF blood levels in BN to healthy control (HC) subjects.Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted utilizing five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Medline). Key terms included eating disorders, BDNF, and bulimia nervosa.Conclusions: BDNF blood levels appear lower in BN than in HC subjects; however, studies are needed to examine the influence of possible correlates including symptom severity, mood, medications, exercise, and substance use.
EFFECTS OF OXYGEN TENSION ON CERTAIN PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF RICE, BARLEY, AND TOMATO.

The relation of oxygen pressure to some metabolic processes of plants has been examined in recent experimental work with particular reference to the energy requirements of active cells. The reactions studied under the most carefully controlled conditions are accumulation of salt and respiration by excised roots and storage organs. This is particularly true of the work by Hoagland and his associates at the University of California, and Steward at the University of London. Other investigations have been concerned with the response of entire plants to oxygen deficiency in the roots. Earlier studies compared plants grown in submerged soils with those grown in well-drained soils. It is evident that the control over such experiments is complicated by the influence of several variables such as carbon dioxide pressure, accumulation of anaerobic products, and the intervention of microbiological activity. Greater control has been possible when water cultures have been employed, exposing the root systems to continuous streams of air or relatively pure nitrogen. The influence of oxygen supply on tomato, buckwheat, barley, lupine, and other plants has been studied in this way. The oxygen relations of the rice plant present a particularly interesting and important problem since as a crop it is grown under conditions (apparently anaerobic) which inhibit the growth of many field plants. This ability of rice to thrive in submerged soil has been observed and confirmed by some research workers and denied by others. A rather large number of diverse experiments on a qualitative scale has left suspended a final estimation of the capacity of rice, real or apparent, to grow in an anaerobic root environment.
Clinical Course and Management of a Consecutive Series of Patients with “Healed Temporal Arteritis”

Objective To describe the clinical course and management of patients with a pathologic diagnosis of “healed” giant cell arteritis (GCA), and to determine whether previously published histological descriptions of healed arteritis can identify patients with a greater likelihood of clinically significant arteritis. Methods All temporal artery biopsy reports between 1994 and 2003 were examined for a diagnosis of “healed arteritis.” Two rheumatologists abstracted the medical record for presenting features, physical findings, comorbid conditions, and data on treatment and outcomes. One pathologist, blinded to the clinical data, reviewed all specimens and reinterpreted the biopsies according to published histological descriptions of healed arteritis. Results Forty-seven patients with an initial pathologic diagnosis of healed arteritis were identified. In 54% of these patients, corticosteroid therapy did not change after the diagnosis of healed arteritis was documented in the pathology report. Seventy percent were ultimately treated with no corticosteroids or low-moderate corticosteroid regimens. Only 32% of the initial cases were confirmed upon review of the biopsies using standardized histological criteria. Patients with confirmed healed arteritis were more likely to have a documented history of polymyalgia rheumatica/GCA and a longer duration of corticosteroid treatment before biopsy. These patients were not more likely to have adverse outcomes. Conclusion In this case series, the diagnosis of healed arteritis had little effect on treatment decisions. In most cases, the initial pathologic diagnosis of healed arteritis was not confirmed when biopsies were reviewed by a single pathologist using uniform histological criteria.
Online visual merchandising (VMD) cues and consumer pleasure and arousal: Purchasing versus browsing situation

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of various online visual merchandising (VMD) cues—high and low task relevant cues— on consumer pleasure and arousal under different situational involvement (browsing vs. purchasing). A random sample of 1634 female college students participated in an experiment in the context of online apparel shopping. The results of the study revealed a significant effect for high task relevant cues on pleasure and arousal under high situational involvement (purchasing situation). In addition, a significant effect for low task relevant cues on pleasure and arousal under low situational involvement (browsing situation) was found. Pleasure and arousal induced by various online VMD cues were positively related to consumer satisfaction, purchase intention, and approach behavior. The findings of the study emphasize a significant role of VMD cues on apparel Web sites, influencing pleasure and arousal, which in turn increase consumer satisfaction, purchase intention, and approach behavior. The study also provides an important implication for online apparel retailers developing Web sites that may attract both online browsers and purchasers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of self-aligned formation of C54 Ti(Si 1−y Ge y ) 2 to p + and n + Si 0.7 Ge 0.3 alloys using rapid ther mal annealing

In this paper, solid state reactions of titanium with boron and phosphorus doped Si0.7Ge0.3 alloys have been investigated for application in a self-aligned germanosilicide process. Wet chemical etching of the germanosilicide with respect to unreacted Ti in a solution of 1:1:5 NH4OH:H2O2:H2O has been investigated. Characterization was performed using four-point probe sheet resistance measurements, x-ray diffraction, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, Nomarski optical imaging, and scanning electron microscopy. The C54 Ti(Si1−yGey)2 phase was observed to form for reactions on both boron and phosphorus doped Si0.7Ge0.3 alloys. Grain structures of the C54 phases were found to be similar to grain structures of intrinsic alloy reactions with lateral grain dimensions on the order of 0.3 Μm. Resistivities of 22 ΜΩ-cm have been determined for the boron and phosphorus reactions. Although the germanosilicide phases were observed to etch slowly in 1:1:5 NH4OH:H2O2:H2O, which is conventionally used in the self-aligned titanium silicide process, the much higher etch rate of titanium nitride compounds and unreacted Ti provided for a self-aligned germanosilicide process. A first anneal in a nitrogen ambient was found to be necessary to eliminate lateral silicidation over surrounding oxide during self-aligned germanosilicide formation.
Phosphorus uptake during four years by different vegetative cover types in a riparian buffer

Vegetative buffers have been shown to reduce nutrient loss associated with the transport of detached soil particles and may through plant uptake offer a means to capture dissolved nutrients moving to surface waters through the soil solution. The objective of this 4-year study was to evaluate changes in the biomass and P content of the roots and shoots of plants growing in a multi-species versus a single species riparian buffer as an index of P capture potential. Periodic harvests of above ground vegetation were combined with root cores to estimate the total standing biomass and the pool of P in plant tissue in three vegetative cover types dominated by either switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), an alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)-smooth bromegrass (Bromis inermis Leyss) mix, or a fast growing superior cottonwood (Populus deltoids Bartr., clone 42-7). An existing stand of smooth brome served as the single species control. Standing biomass increased in all three cover types during the 4 years of study, with the greatest increases observed in the cottonwood (2345 g m−2) and switchgrass (1818 g m−2). Biomass production in the smooth brome control did not change during the study period. Based on the 4th-year samples, standing pools of P closely paralleled total plant biomass and root surface area with cottonwood accumulating the greatest amount of P at 19.4 g m−2 compared to 4.3 g m−2 for the smooth brome control. Estimates of potential P export via biomass harvest from a mixed buffer over a 4-year interval were 101 kg ha−1 compared to 62 kg ha−1 for the smooth brome control; a 63% increase in export capacity due largely to the inclusion of cottonwood. Addition of a fast growing woody species combined with periodic biomass harvests has the potential to reduce P movement to surface waters.
Tritiated D‐ala1‐peptide T binding: A pharmacologic basis for the design of drugs which inhibit HIV receptor binding

The HIV virus initiates its infectious cycle through a high-affinity binding interaction between the envelope protein gp 120 and its receptor, the T4 (or CD4) molecule. An octapeptide sequence, termed peptide T, present in the second variable region of gp 120 from the ARV isolate, has been implicated as the attachement site. The core peptide required for activity has been further refined to a pentapeptide, and homologous pentapeptides are similarly positioned in 21 other sequenced HIV isolates. Utilizing a novel direct binding assay of 3H-D-ala1-peptide T, we now report that synthetic peptides derived from these other isolates are potent competitors of peptide T binding to T4-positive lymphocytes and brain membranes. Direct peptide T binding is also competable by purified virion gp 120, indicating that these ligands are interactive at the same receptor. Peptide T has sequence relatedness to the peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and VIP and its relevant homologous pentapeptide, VIP[7–11], are also potent inhibitors of peptide T binding. To determine the essential structural features responsible for receptor activity we have studied a series of synthetic peptides substituted with single D-amino acid residues. These data reveal that the tyrosine of position 7 in peptide T, present in all natural viral isolates, is obligate for receptor activity. Structure/function analysis for a large number of analogs is presented. Significantly, this binding assay is highly correlated with peptide bioactivity in several independent systems, indicating that this methodology can be used for rapid screening of novel, potential anti-AIDS therapeutics whose target is inhibition of virus gpl20 binding.