cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Objective Analysis of Fronto-Orbital Dysmorphology in Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis.

ABSTRACT Correction (and over-correction) of asymmetries of the orbital shape and brow position in unilateral coronal craniosynostosis (UCS) is critical to successful fronto-orbital advancement. Here we quantify and three-dimensionally assess fronto-orbital irregularities in UCS patients compared to controls.Twenty-three patients with UCS evaluated at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh between 2006 and 2016 were age and gender-matched to controls. Computed tomography scans were reconstructed and evaluated for orbital metrics. A three-dimensional heat map of orbital regions was generated and evaluated for shape differences.Brow protrusion of the orbit ipsilateral to the synostotic suture did not differ significantly from healthy controls. Orbital height was significantly increased while orbital width was decreased on the UCS ipsilateral side compared to the contralateral side and controls. The ipsilateral cornea was overprojected relative to the brow and the infraorbital rim, but similar to controls relative to the lateral rim. The contralateral orbit had increased brow protrusion with decreased orbital height. The cornea was underprojected relative to the brow, but overprojected relative to the lateral orbital rim and similar to controls at the infraorbital rim. Three-dimensional comparison demonstrated significant overprojection of the contralateral brow, with some more mild and inconsistent underprojection of the lateral aspect of the ipsilateral brow.Key orbital and brow differences exist between the affected and unaffected sides in UCS. This study provides quantitative data that further characterize the orbital dysmorphology observed in UCS and identifies unique aspects of the diagnosis that should be taken into consideration during surgical planning.
Food-Seeking Behaviors and Food Insecurity Risk During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Abstract Objective Food insecurity risk increases among disaster-struck individuals. The authors employed the social determinants of health framework to (1) describe the characteristics and food-seeking behaviors of individuals coping with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and (2) evaluate the relationship between these factors and food insecurity risk. Design A cross-sectional Qualtrics survey was administered May 14–June 8, 2020. Participants Adults living in New York were recruited online (n = 410). Main Outcome Measure Food insecurity risk. Analysis Logistic regression analyses were conducted using a model-building approach. Results A total of 38.5% of the sample was considered food insecure after the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. The final model revealed that not knowing where to find help to acquire food, reporting that more food assistance program benefits would be helpful, being an essential worker, having general anxiety, and being a college student were risk factors for food insecurity regardless of demographic characteristics. Conclusions and Implications With more individuals experiencing food insecurity for the first time, there is a need for enhanced outreach and support. The findings complement emerging research on food insecurity risk during and after the pandemic and can help to inform food assistance programs and policies.
Extracellular vesicles in lung cancer: Prospects for diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized lipid-bound particles containing proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites released by cells. They have been identified in body fluids including blood, saliva, sputum and pleural effusions. In tumors, EVs derived from cancer and immune cells mediate intercellular communication and exchange, and can affect immunomodulatory functions. In the context of lung cancer, emerging evidence implicates EV involvement during various stages of tumor development and progression, including angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transformation, immune system suppression, metastasis and drug resistance. Additionally, tumor-derived EVs (TDEs) have potential as a liquid biopsy source and as a means of therapeutic targeting, and there is considerable interest in developing clinical applications for EVs in these contexts. In this review, we consider the biogenesis, components, biological functions and isolation methods of EVs, and the implications for their clinical utility for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in lung cancer.
Mitochondrial Respiration Defects in Single-Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) with single-ventricle (SV) physiology is now survivable with a three-stage surgical course ending with Fontan palliation. However, 10-year transplant-free survival remains at 39–50%, with ventricular dysfunction progressing to heart failure (HF) being a common sequela. For SV-CHD patients who develop HF, undergoing the surgical course would not be helpful and could even be detrimental. As HF risk cannot be predicted and metabolic defects have been observed in Ohia SV-CHD mice, we hypothesized that respiratory defects in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) may allow HF risk stratification in SV-CHD. Methods: SV-CHD (n = 20), biventricular CHD (BV-CHD; n = 16), or healthy control subjects (n = 22) were recruited, and PBMC oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured using the Seahorse Analyzer. Respiration was similarly measured in Ohia mouse heart tissue. Results: Post-Fontan SV-CHD patients with HF showed higher maximal respiratory capacity (p = 0.004) and respiratory reserve (p < 0.0001), parameters important for cell stress adaptation, while the opposite was found for those without HF (reserve p = 0.037; maximal p = 0.05). This was observed in comparison to BV-CHD or healthy controls. However, respiration did not differ between SV patients pre- and post-Fontan or between pre- or post-Fontan SV-CHD patients and BV-CHD. Reminiscent of these findings, heart tissue from Ohia mice with SV-CHD also showed higher OCR, while those without CHD showed lower OCR. Conclusion: Elevated mitochondrial respiration in PBMCs is correlated with HF in post-Fontan SV-CHD, suggesting that PBMC respiration may have utility for prognosticating HF risk in SV-CHD. Whether elevated respiration may reflect maladaptation to altered hemodynamics in SV-CHD warrants further investigation.
Minibatch vs Local SGD with Shuffling: Tight Convergence Bounds and Beyond.

In distributed learning, local SGD (also known as federated averaging) and its simple baseline minibatch SGD are widely studied optimization methods. Most existing analyses of these methods assume independent and unbiased gradient estimates obtained via with-replacement sampling. In contrast, we study shuffling-based variants: minibatch and local Random Reshuffling, which draw stochastic gradients without replacement and are thus closer to practice. For smooth functions satisfying the Polyak-{\L}ojasiewicz condition, we obtain convergence bounds (in the large epoch regime) which show that these shuffling-based variants converge faster than their with-replacement counterparts. Moreover, we prove matching lower bounds showing that our convergence analysis is tight. Finally, we propose an algorithmic modification called synchronized shuffling that leads to convergence rates faster than our lower bounds in near-homogeneous settings.
Role of genes 46 and 47 in bacteriophage T4 reproduction: III. Formation of joint molecules in biparental recombination☆☆☆

Abstract The role of bacteriophage T4 gene 46 in recombination between non-replicating chromosomes was examined. DNA was extracted from Escherichia coli B infected with a mixture of [ 3 H]thymidine-labeled and ( 13 C, 15 N)-labeled T4 multiple mutants under non-permissive conditions. The densities of extracted, purified DNAs were determined by neutral cesium sulfate density-gradient centrifugation. When the phage was a double mutant defective in both DNA ligase and DNA polymerase genes, a considerable portion of the 3 H label was found at a hybrid density. By contrast, when phage had a third mutation in gene 46, the amount of 3 H label found at the hybrid position was greatly reduced. These findings indicate that hybrid molecule formation requires the function of gene 46.
Ionospheric Response for the Sept. 24–25, 1998 Magnetic Cloud Event

Heavy ionospheric ions play a crucial part in the overall space weather environment, particularly in the generation of high energy particle populations during disturbed periods. Multi-fluid global simulations are used to quantify the ionospheric outflows during the Sept 24-25, 1998 magnetic cloud event. The model results show that jumps in dynamic pressure associated with structures within the magnetic cloud lead to a temporary broadening of the cusp/cleft region and enhancements in the ionospheric outflows both in latitude and local time in association with dayside brightenings seen in Polar UVI observations. However, the inferred power in UVI is several times greater than that in the model outflows. After about 15 mins the cusp/cleft region in the model decreases to the nominal size of about 1-2 hrs in local time and a few degrees in latitude in conjunction with an overall decline in UVI intensity, and the energy fluxes are comparable. During the period of By dominated IMF, the cleft ion fountain is seen in the model to reach 50-70 R E into the tail. For southward IMF period, the cleft ion fountain is restricted to less than about 20 R E into the tail, but convection around the flanks still leads to significant ionospheric mass loading in the deep tail.
Short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging systems using small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

Unmanned Aerial Systems are currently in use for a wide variety of applications with digital cameras and thermal cameras, but recent advances in Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging systems or imagers have led to their commercial availability. The SWIR spectrum is a reflected light region and similar to near-infrared (NIR) is invisible to human eyes. The unique properties of this spectrum such as penetration of haze and smoke and its high sensitivity to moisture make it a potentially significant addition to small UAS (sUAS) applications. The use of sUASs to provide higher temporal and spatial resolutions has the potential for new applications otherwise impossible. In this paper, a tutorial introduction to the SWIR spectrum and its enabled potential applications for small UASs is presented. Furthermore this paper outlines how sUAS remote sensing applications stand to benefit from the use of SWIR imaging systems, as the effectiveness of SWIR bands in satellite imagery for metrics related to water content have already been demonstrated. Results from real world sUAS flight missions are included.
Cholesteryl ester hydrolase in human monocyte/macrophage: cloning, sequencing, and expression of full-length cDNA.

Ghosh, Shobha. Cholesteryl ester hydrolase in human monocyte/macrophage: cloning, sequencing, and expression of full-length cDNA. Physiol. Genomics 2: 1–8, 2000.—The sensitive technique of RT-PCR w...
Tenderness of Beef.

SUMMARY Shear-force values were markedly and significantly higher at meat temperatures of 80°C (well-done) than at 61 °C (rare) in longissimus dorsi (LD) steaks, but only slightly higher in biceps femoris (BF) steaks from 180 animals. Neither muscle showed significant differences between shear-force values at 80 and 100°C. The two muscles had similar shear-force values at 61 °C, although the connective tissue scored much tougher in BF than in LD steaks. Correlations were low between shear-force values and panel scores for tenderness of connective tissue. The highest coefficients between shear-force values and panel scores were in LD cooked to 80 and 100°C—for softness to. tooth pressure, ease of fragmentation, and adhesion. These indicate that low scores (tough meat) were associated with high shear-force values. Correlations for all possible combinations of shear-force values for the two muscles and the three conditions of cooking were made. Within LD all coefficients were significant and high, which indicated that ranking of the animals for shear-force value was similar at all temperatures within this muscle. Within BF the only high coefficient was for 80 vs. 100°C. Those involving the two muscles together were not high and not always significant. Thus, shear-force values of one muscle would not be satisfactory for indicating the tenderness of another muscle in the same carcass. Variation was found among the various core positions within a steak. Extensibility of muscle fibers was greater at 100 than at 61 °C. This was significant in LD but frequently not significant among the lots in BF. Extensibility was rather closely related to shear-force values at both temperatures in LD, but only at 100°C in BF. Availability of muscle fibers long enough for these determinations (5 mm) varied widely in BF. This availability in the BF steaks cooked to 100°C appeared to be related to scores for mealiness.
Impact of PHEV on reserve scheduling: A MILP-SCUC method

The electric power system is under rapid development under the context of smart grid. As electric demand evolves, the power system must evolve too. New loads in the system are changing the ways system operators ensure system security. One such load recently attracting attention are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Seen as the stepping stone to an all electric transportation sector, PHEVs are expected to significantly penetrate the distribution system in the foreseeable future. PHEVs offer unique challenges to system operators. Not only are they additional loads on the system, but PHEVs with vehicle to grid functionality can also behave as distributed generators. PHEVs can potentially offer ancillary services such as contingency reserves for the system operator. This paper will investigate the potential of PHEVs in providing contingency reserves. Analysis will be completed using mixed integer programming solved via the commercially available software AIMMS.
Human carboxylesterase 1: from drug metabolism to drug discovery.

Human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1) is a serine esterase involved in both drug metabolism and activation, as well as other biological processes. hCE1 catalyses the hydrolysis of heroin and cocaine, and the transesterification of cocaine in the presence of ethanol to the toxic metabolite cocaethylene. We have determined the crystal structures of hCE1 in complex with either the cocaine analogue homatropine or the heroin analogue naloxone. These are the first structures of a human carboxylesterase, and they provide details about narcotic metabolism in humans. hCE19s active site contains rigid and flexible pockets, explaining the enzyme9s ability to act both specifically and promiscuously. hCE1 has also been reported to contain cholesteryl ester hydrolase, fatty acyl-CoA hydrolase and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activities, and thus appears to be involved in cholesterol metabolism. Since the enzyme may be useful as a treatment for cocaine overdose, and may afford protection against chemical weapons like Sarin, Soman and VX gas, hCE1 could serve as both a drug and a drug target. Selective hCE1 inhibitors targeted to several sites on the enzyme may also pave the way for novel clinical tools to manage cholesterol homoeostasis in humans.
Moving Closer to a Public Health Model of Language and Learning Disabilities: The Role of Genetics and the Search for Etiologies

Continued progress in language and learning disabilities (LDs) research requires a renewed focused on issues of etiology. Genetics research forms a central tenet of such an agenda and is critical in clarifying relationships among oral language development, acquisition of literacy and mathematics, executive function skills, and comorbid conditions. For progress to be made, diversified efforts must continue to emphasize molecular and behavioral genetics (including quantitative genetics) approaches, in concert with multi-disciplinary and multi-modal projects, to provide an integrated understanding of the behavioral and biological manifestations of language and learning disabilities. Critically, increased efforts to include ethnic, socio-economic, and linguistically diverse participant samples across a range of developmental stages is required to meet the public health needs of learners in the US and across the world. Taken together, this body of work will continue to enhance our understanding of LDs and help us move toward a truly prevention based approach to language and learning disabilities.
What is both necessary and sufficient to maintain avoidance responding in the shuttle box

To learn what maintains the frequency of shuttle box avoidance responses, male rats from the Berkeley S1 strain, after 200 trials of standard discriminative avoidance training, were given 100 additional trials under one of four different conditions. Responding at the maximum rate was maintained when animals performed under the training conditions or when responses continued to terminate the warning signal immediately, even though shock was never given for failing to respond. In contrast, avoidance responding was reduced markedly if, and only if, trials were given in which the signal ceased to terminate immediately (i.e. it shut off either well before or well after a response). This decrement occurred even though avoidance responses continued to avert shock. Thus, under the conditions of this experiment prompt signal offset was both necessary and sufficient to maintain the occurrence of well-established shuttle box avoidance responses.
Approaching the Future.

(1999). The Future of the Social Turn: Social Minds and the New Capitalism. Research on Language and Social Interaction: Vol. 32, No. 1-2, pp. 61-68.
Neutron scattering study of the spin waves and magnetic structures in pure and metal‐deficient V2O3

We have carried out inelastic neutron scattering measurements of the spin waves propagating along the (00l) trigonal axis and along the (hh0) axis in the antiferromagnetic phase of pure V2O3. We find an energy gap in the spin wave spectrum at the zone center at 4.75 meV. We obtain exchange parameters and the anisotropy energy from this data using a nearest neighbor and next nearest neighbor Heisenberg Hamiltonian Model. Elastic neutron scattering on V2O3.0198 has shown two distinct transitions. Magnetic ordering occurs at ∼100 K and the magnetic moment reaches ∼0.5μB at 50 K where the metal‐insulator (M–I) transition occurs and the moment saturates at 0.9μB. This contrasts sharply with pure V2O3 in which the magnetic and M‐I transitions coincide and with higher oxygen concentrations for which the M‐I transition is completely suppressed. In addition, magnetic intensity observed at the 3/2,3/2,3 position in both pure and metal‐deficient specimens suggests a magnetic contribution from the oxygen sites.
Minimizing the effects of galvanic corrosion during chemical mechanical planarization of aluminum in moderately acidic slurry solutions

Abstract In the fabrication of integrated circuits, certain steps of materials processing involve chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of Al deposited on thin layers of diffusion barrier materials like Ta/TaN, Co, or Ti/TiN. A specific example of this situation is found in the processing of replacement metal gates used for high-k/metal-gate transistors. Since the commonly used barrier materials are nobler than Al, the Al interface in contact with the barrier can become prone to galvanic corrosion in the wet CMP environment. Using model systems of coupon electrodes and two specific barrier metals, Ta and Co, the present work investigates the electrochemical factors responsible for these corrosion effects in a moderately acidic (pH = 4.0) abrasive-free solution. The techniques of cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy are combined with strategic measurements of galvanic currents and open circuit potentials. l -ascorbic acid (AA) is employed as a surface modifying agent for controlling galvanic corrosions of Al in the Ta–Al and Co–Al bimetallic combinations. The results elaborate the chemical and electrochemical mechanisms responsible for activating and suppressing the corrosion processes in these systems.
Intelligent Maximum Power Extraction Control for Wind Energy Conversion Systems Based on Online Q-learning with Function Approximation

This paper proposes an intelligent maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for variable-speed wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) based on an online Q-learning algorithm. Instead of using the conventional Q- learning that uses a lookup table to store the action values for the discretized states, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used as function approximators to output the action values by using the electrical power and rotor speed of the generator as inputs. This eliminates the need for a large storage memory. The proposed method learns the optimal speed control strategy of the WECS by updating the connecting weights of the ANNs, which has a lower computational cost than the conventional Q- learning method. Moreover, the knowledge of wind turbine characteristics or wind speed measurement is not required in the proposed method. The proposed method is validated by simulations for a WECS equipped with a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) and experimental results for an emulated WECS equipped with a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG).
Self-dual gauge field, its quantum fluctuations, and interacting fermions

The quantum fluctuations about a self-dual background field in SU(2) are computed. The background field consists of parallel and equal uniform chromomagnetic and chromoelectric fields. Determination of the gluon fluctuations about this field yields zero modes, which are naturally regularized by the introduction of massless fermions. This regularization makes the integrals over all fluctuations convergent, and allows a simple computation of the vacuum energy which is shown to be lower than the energy of the configuration of zero field strength. The regularization of the zero modes also facilitates the introduction of heavy test charges which can interact with the classical background field and also exchange virtual quanta. The formalism for introducing these heavy test charges could be a good starting point for investigating the relevant physics of the self-dual background field beyond the classical level.
A Self-Duty-Cycled and Synchronized UWB Pulse-Radio Receiver SoC With Automatic Threshold-Recovery Based Demodulation

A fully self-duty-cycled and synchronized UWB pulse-radio receiver SoC targeted at low-data-rate communication is presented. The receiver uses pulse-radio UWB in the 3.6-5 GHz band to achieve a high energy efficiency. The proposed architecture employs a a demodulator with an automatic analog threshold-recovery and an all-digital clock-and-data-recovery synchronizer. The SoC synchronizes with the incoming pulse stream from the transmitter and duty-cycles itself. The SoC prototype achieves a -79.5 dBm, 1 Mbps-normalized sensitivity for a mere 375 pJ/bit of power consumption in 65 nm LP CMOS, with aggressive duty-cycling ( ≈30 ns ON times) combined with bias circuit duty-cycling. The SoC is fully integrated to achieve RF-in to bit-out operation and can interface with off-chip, low speed digital components.
An Examination of Tillich's Method of Correlation

NE of the most interesting contemporary efforts to relate Christian doctrine to non-theological estimates of the human condition is Dr. Paul Tillich's "method of correlation." Through this method Tillich incorporates the principle of dialogue into a formal theological structure. He attempts to "correlate" the various analyses of the human predicament produced in modem culture with the "answers" provided by "the symbols used in the Christian message." The implementation of this method raises many issues of philosophical and theological interest. We propose to examine some of these issues with the intention of clarifying certain assumptions upon which the method actually rests. Tillich holds that an analysis of the human situation is a philosophical task (even when undertaken by the theologian), and that in this task the philosopher must draw upon interpretive material from all realms of culture. This material, though diverse, is given focus according to Tillich by its concern with one central question: what does it mean to exist? The analysis of man with which Tillich is concerned is necessarily "existential" analysis. This means that although the analysis of human existence cannot be confined to any one school of philosophy, nevertheless in the contemporary period the literature of existentialism (broadly interpreted by Tillich) must be considered central to man's recent efforts toward self-understanding.' Christian theology must seek to correlate itself with the analysis of man provided by existentialism. Tillich's understanding of existential analysis involves certain assumptions. According to his approach, human existence not only suggests certain problems which arise perennially in man's efforts toward self-understanding; existence is the fundamental problem which precedes all specific problems concerning man. Existence is the question which underlies all other questions. If this is the case, then existentialism consists in analysis of the problem, of the question itself. And one does not expect to derive an answer from an analysis of the question. Therefore Tillich holds that in principle existentialism develops the question implied in human existence; it cannot as such provide answers to the question. Answers have many sources, but they do not come from existentialist analysis.2
Carbonation Characteristics of Isolated Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles for Thermal Energy Storage

Carbonation of lime is an attractive system for thermal energy storage. The typical use of ˜10-μm particles creates well-known recycling problems. We propose the use of isolated nanoparticles dispersed over a high surface area to avoid sintering and model the conversion time characteristics of such particles. Our calculations show that reactions on the surface dominate in particles smaller than 70 nm, leading to fast conversion times. We compare our predictions against experimental data on micrometer- and nanometer-size particles to establish the validity of the model. This work shows that isolated nanoparticles arranged in scaffolds are an ideal system for realizing fast and repeatable conversion for thermal storage with high storage density.
Hydrophobicity in the design of P2/P2' tetrahydropyrimidinone HIV protease inhibitors.

Abstract As part of an ongoing effort in understanding the role of hydrophobicity in the design of nonpeptidic HIV protease inhibitors, the QSAR study on P2/P2′ tetrahydropyrimidinone is presented in this report. Our results suggest that the balance of hydrophobicity and a volume- dependent polarizability term plays a key role in the inhibition of the viral protease by these inhibitors. The size of the substituent of ligands at particular positions that induce steric fit is crucial. The role of hydrophobicity in the design of tetrahydropyrimidinone is discussed. It has been found that a sufficient spread in the data is required to observe the optimum value of C log P for these inhibitors.
Evaluation of Ad‐BMP‐2 for enhancing fracture healing in an infected defect fracture rabbit model

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of adenoviral transfer of the BMP-2 gene (Ad-BMP-2) for enhancing healing in an infected defect fracture model. A femoral defect stabilized with plates and screws was surgically created in sixty-four skeletally mature New Zealand white rabbits. Experimental groups were: (1) non-infected Ad-luciferase (Ad-LUC, NONLUC), (2) non-infected Ad-BMP-2 (NONBMP), (3) infected Ad-LUC (INFLUC), and (4) infected Ad-BMP-2 (INFBMP). A sclerosing agent was applied to the ends of the bone at surgery to facilitate the development of osteomyelitis. Fracture healing was evaluated radiographically and histologically. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA, with statistical significance set as p<0.05. Rabbits in the non-infected and infected groups that were treated with Ad-BMP-2 had earlier initial- and bridging-callus formation, and a higher overall external callus grade compared to rabbits in the Ad-LUC groups. Rabbits in the Ad-LUC groups had more defect ossification compared to rabbits in the Ad-BMP-2 groups. There was a trend for rabbits in the Ad-BMP-2 group that were euthanized at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery to have more bone and cartilage compared to rabbits in the Ad-LUC group. The results of this study suggest that Ad-BMP-2 enhances the early stages of healing in an infected defect fracture. The results of our study were not as favorable as those reported in previous studies because animals healed by a large bridging callus and not by defect ossification. This could have been a result of the sclerosing agent, which may have damaged the cells in the defect.
Activator-specific requirement of properdin in the initiation and amplification of the alternative pathway complement.

Properdin is a positive regulator of alternative pathway (AP) complement. The current understanding of properdin function is that it facilitates AP complement activation by stabilizing the C3 convertase C3bBb. Properdin-deficient patients are susceptible to lethal meningococcal infection, but the mechanism of this selective predisposition is not fully understood. By gene targeting in the mouse, we show here that properdin is essential for AP complement activation induced by bacterial lipopolysacharride (LPS) and lipooligosacharride (LOS) and other, but not all, AP complement activators. LPS- and LOS-induced AP complement activation was abolished in properdin−/− mouse serum, and properdin−/− mice were unable to clear Crry-deficient erythrocytes, which are known to be susceptible to AP complement–mediated extravascular hemolysis. In contrast, zymosan- and cobra venom factor–induced AP complement activation, and classical pathwaytriggered AP complement amplification were only partially or minimally affected in properdin−/− mice. We further show that the ability of human properdin to restore LPS-dependent AP complement activity in properdin−/− mouse serum correlated with the human properdin-binding affinity of the LPS. These results reveal a novel role of properdin in AP complement initiation and have implications for understanding the selective predisposition of properdin-deficient patients to meningococcal infection.
Comparison of hypothesis testing techniques for markov processes estimated from micro versus macro data

We estimate the parameters of a Markov chain model using two types of simulated data: micro, or actual interstate transition counts, and macro aggregate frequency. We compare, by means of Monte Carlo experiments, the validity and power for micro likelihood ratio tests with their macro counterparts, previously developed by the authors to complement standard least-squares point estimates. We consider five specific null hypotheses, including parameter stationarity, entity homogeneity, a zero-order process, a specified probability value, and equal diagonal probabilities. The results from these micro-macro comparisons should help to indicate whether micro panel data collection is justified over the use of simpler state frequency counts.
Probable rifaximin-induced neutropenia

Purpose The development of neutropenia in a patient treated with rifaximin is reported. Summary A 45-year-old Caucasian woman with severe ulcerative colitis arrived at the emergency department with complaints of worsening abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and was found to have extensive portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with additional thrombi in the distal aortic and left common iliac arteries on an abdominal computed tomography angiography scan. A heparin i.v. drip was started, and the following day the patient underwent thrombectomy and thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator of the superior mesenteric vein thrombus. Secondary to rectal bleeding and a decrease of approximately 2 g in the patient’s hemoglobin concentration while receiving heparin, the decision was made to forego additional use of tissue plasminogen activator for the portal vein thrombosis, and a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure was performed to improve portal blood flow. After consultation with the gastroenterology and hepatology departments, the decision was made to initiate rifaximin 400 mg orally every eight hours for the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy after the TIPS procedure. The patient’s white blood cell (WBC) count was 6800/μL on the day of rifaximin initiation. On day 4 of rifaximin treatment, the patient’s WBC count reached its nadir at 1200/μL. The primary internal medicine team then decided to discontinue rifaximin therapy. During this time, the patient showed no other signs of infection. The patient’s WBC count rebounded to 3300/μL three days after discontinuation of rifaximin therapy. Conclusion A 45-year-old Caucasian woman with severe ulcerative colitis developed neutropenia after the initiation of rifaximin.
A monoclonal antibody, EC-1, derived from a syngeneically multiparous mouse alters in vitro fertilization and development.

Abstract A monoclonal antibody designated ‘EC-1’ was derived from a fusion of myeloma cells with lymphoid tissue from a syngeneically multiparous, but otherwise unimmunized, mouse and was selected by screening for reactivity with teratocarcinoma cells. The IgM antibody binds to the cell surface of ova, zygotes, and 2-cell embryos. Binding is not detected on the 4- or 8-cell embryo but reappears on the morula and blastocyst. EC-1 binds to the trophoblast but not to the inner cell mass of in vitro attached blastocysts and the ectoplacental cone of the peri-implantation embryo. In adult tissues, EC-1 binds to the follicular cells of the ovary, the lining epithelium of the pregnant uterus, the interstitial region of the testes and to epidydimal but not testicular sperm. In nongonadal tissues EC-1 binds to an epitope located in some, but not all, regions of connectives tissues associated with basement membrane. The antigen detected by EC-1, as expressed on teratocarcinoma-derived cell line PYS-2, is a large glycoprotein which is sensitive to reduction. EC-1 inhibits in vitro fertilization and partially inhibits in vitro development of in vitro fertilized ova. The possible implications of EC-1 binding and activity are discussed.
DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications. Lawrence Kobilinsky, Thomas F. Liotti, and Jamel Oeser-Sweat. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005, 364 pp., hardcover, $89.95. ISBN 0-471-41478-6.

This book offers a comprehensive review of the steps and processes that surround DNA evidence making its way into court. It spans from the crime scene itself and the collection of evidence, through to the presentation of that evidence in court and its potential use in postconviction cases. The book begins with a historical look back on the use of identification as a forensic tool starting from eyewitness identification to fingerprints to DNA identification. What follows is an obligatory description of DNA and how the structure of DNA and DNA processes lend themselves as tools for …
Pubic hair removal -- pearls and pitfalls.

While trimming or shaving the bikini area is nothing new for women and adolescent girls more extensive pubic hair removal once relatively uncommon except for cultural and religious reasons is now routine. And while the practice has become mainstream in adults and adolescents of both sexes relatively little has been written in the medical literature about this trend and its associated health consequences. Catering to this trend is a host of personal products designed for pubic hair grooming including specialty razors electric shavers and trimmers as well as pubic shaving gels and after-shave lotions. Salons and medical practices are touting pubic hair removal by waxing and lasers. Web sites and popular magazines are offering pubic hair removal tips and products for the novice as well as the experienced. (excerpt)
Analysis of non-isothermal mold filling process in resin transfer molding (RTM) and structural reaction injection molding (SRIM)

In this paper, we present a modeling and numerical simulation of a mold filling process in resin transfer molding/structural reaction injection molding utilizing the homogenization method. Conventionally, most of the mold filling analyses have been based on a macroscopic flow model utilizing Darcy's law. While Darcy's law is successful in describing the averaged flow field within the mold cavity packed with a porous fiber preform, it requires experiments to obtain the permeability tensor and is limited to the case of porous fiber preform-it can not be used to model the resin flow through a double porous fiber preform. In the current approach, the actual flow field is considered, to which the homogenization method is applied to obtain the averaged flow model. The advantages of the current approach are: parameters such as the permeability and effective heat conductivity of the impregnanted fiber preform can be calculated; the actual flow field as well as averaged flow field can be obtained; and the resin flow through a double porous fiber preform can be modelled. In the presentation, we first derive the averaged flow model for the resin flow through a porous fiber preform and compare it with that of other methods. Next, we extend the result to the case of double porous fiber preform. An averaged flow model for the resin flow through a double porous fiber preform is derived, and a simulation program is developed which is capable of predicting the flow pattern and temperature distribution in the mold filling process. Finally, an example of a three dimensional part is provided.
Thickness and surface morphology of GaAs LPE layers grown by supercooling, step-cooling, equilibrium-cooling, and two-phase solution techniques

This paper deals with four different methods of LPE growth — the supercooling, step-cooling, equilibrium-cooling, and two-phase-solution techniques. The thickness of GaAs layers grown by each technique has been measured as a function of growth time. Except for layers grown by the two-phase-solution method, the data are in good agreement with simple theoretical equations derived here by assuming that the growth rate is determined by the rate of solute (As) diffusion toward the interface. The smoothest layers were obtained by the supercooling and step-cooling techniques, the roughest by the two-phase-solution method. The supercooling technique should be of considerable practical value because it yields very smooth layers of reproducible thickness over the range from tenths to tens of micrometers.
A study of the 58Ni, 90Zr and 208Pb(p, d) reactions at 121 MeV

Abstract The (p, d) reaction has been studied on 58Ni, 90Zr and 208Pb at 121 MeV in order to test the applicability of the usual DWBA methods to higher energy data. The calculations describe the angular distribution for the strongly excited low-lying states reasonably well when adiabatic-deuteron optical potentials are used. Some discrepancies in shape persist, however, and some values of the spectroscopic factors differ from lower energy data in spite of many variations in the calculations. By use of exact finite-range calculations a value of D02 = 1.23 × 104 MeV2 · fm3 was found for use at 121 MeV. Deuteron D-state contributions were negligible at forward angles and two-step contributions do not appear more significant than for data at lower energy.
Heavy drinking among college students is influenced by anxiety sensitivity, gender, and contexts for alcohol use.

Abstract In order to quantify relationships between anxiety sensitivity and situational antecedents to heavy alcohol consumption, 245 university student drinkers completed the anxiety sensitivity index-revised (ASI-R) and the inventory of drinking situations (IDS-42). The observed correlations indicated that anxiety sensitivity is related to negatively reinforced drinking, positively reinforced drinking, and temptation-motivated drinking. However, anxiety sensitivity is most clearly implicated as a factor in negatively reinforced drinking, i.e., drinking followed by “tension reduction.” Additionally, the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and negatively reinforced drinking is stronger among males than among females. The results point to anxiety sensitivity and gender as interacting individual difference variables that influence incidence of negatively reinforced heavy drinking among college students.
Analysis of bubble cavitation in ultrasound therapy by wavelet technique

Bubble cavitation is one of the major mechanisms for ultrasound treatment. To understand its characteristics, cavitation signals were picked up using passive cavitation detection and then analysed by wavelet transform. Although the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) has been used widely in signal analysis, the absence of temporal information is one of its limitations. The inertial cavitation strength detected by wavelet method was ∼60 folds higher than that using FFT. Furthermore, the relationship of waveform profile and acoustic pressure with the corresponding bubble cavitation were investigated. All together, wavelet approach could be new tool for studying bubble cavitation.
The RSS—a decade of collective security in the Caribbean

(1992). The RSS—a decade of collective security in the Caribbean. The Round Table: Vol. 81, No. 324, pp. 465-475.
A Novel Family of Candidate Pheromone Receptors in Mammals

Pheromonal activation of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) elicits genetically preprogrammed behaviors and physiological changes in mammals. We have identified a novel gene family encoding over one hundred VNO specific receptors, the V3Rs. V3R sequences are highly similar to each other and appear distantly related to the putative pheromone receptors, V1Rs, and the taste receptors, T2Rs. Within the VNO, V3R-positive neurons are distinct from neurons expressing the pheromone receptor families V1R and V2R. The V3Rs are likely to represent a new large family of pheromone receptors in mammals. Multiple V3R-related human sequences have been identified, including one clone retaining the capacity to create a complete and functional transcript. Our data uncover a striking complexity in the molecular and cellular organization of the VNO and provide an essential framework for the study of pheromone signaling in mammals.
Effects of Technical-Grade Active Ingredient vs. Commercial Formulation of Seven Pesticides in the Presence or Absence of UV Radiation on Survival of Green Frog Tadpoles

Commercial formulations of pesticides contain both active and other ingredients. In some instances, the other ingredients have detrimental effects on nontarget species. Other factors such as UV radiation and predator cues have been shown to modify the toxicity of pesticides. In a laboratory study we compared the effects of technical-grade active ingredients to commercial formulations of seven common pesticides in the presence or absence of UV radiation on the survival of Rana clamitans (green frog) tadpoles over 96 h. We found a significant difference in the survival of tadpoles in technical-grade active ingredients versus commercial formulations in all of the pesticides tested. We also found that either the presence or the absence of UV radiation affected the survival of tadpoles in five of the seven pesticides tested. These results suggest that there is a need to test the effects of both active ingredients and commercial formulations of pesticides and, also, to include relevant abiotic factors like UV radiation treatments in the testing of pesticides because they can have a dramatic impact on the toxicity of some chemicals.
LOGISMOS-B: Layered Optimal Graph Image Segmentation of Multiple Objects and Surfaces for the Brain

Automated reconstruction of the cortical surface is one of the most challenging problems in the analysis of human brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A desirable segmentation must be both spatially and topologically accurate, as well as robust and computationally efficient. We propose a novel algorithm, LOGISMOS-B, based on probabilistic tissue classification, generalized gradient vector flows and the LOGISMOS graph segmentation framework. Quantitative results on MRI datasets from both healthy subjects and multiple sclerosis patients using a total of 16 $\thinspace$ 800 manually placed landmarks illustrate the excellent performance of our algorithm with respect to spatial accuracy. Remarkably, the average signed error was only 0.084 mm for the white matter and 0.008 mm for the gray matter, even in the presence of multiple sclerosis lesions. Statistical comparison shows that LOGISMOS-B produces a significantly more accurate cortical reconstruction than FreeSurfer, the current state-of-the-art approach $(p \ll 0.001)$ . Furthermore, LOGISMOS-B enjoys a run time that is less than a third of that of FreeSurfer, which is both substantial, considering the latter takes 10 h/subject on average, and a statistically significant speedup.
Dynamic Modeling of Vapor Compression Cycles Using a Novel Lagrangian Approach

Vapor compression cycles-based systems (VCS) are being adapted for thermal management of modern aircraft. Predicting dynamic behavior is critical to the design and control of these systems, which are likely to experience large dynamic changes in heat load. To meet this demand, a novel Lagrangian method to model the dynamic behavior of vapor compression cycles has been developed. The approach described in this paper considers the basic VCS as 4 fluid sides: one high pressure and one low pressure refrigerant side and external fluids which interact with each respectively. Sides are further divided into some number of material volumes. The model simulates compressible, unsteady flow by allowing each volume to translate and displace other elements, expanding and contracting in response to changes in mass, enthalpy and pressure. At every timestep, heat transfer to each mass element is determined and corresponding changes in thermodynamic properties are evaluated. The model predicts transient system response during normal operation as well as startup mode. Results from a dynamic evaporator simulation are presented and discussed. These results show the low-pressure refrigerant and external fluid response to changes in valve position, external fluid inlet temperature, and refrigerant inlet enthalpy. The conclusion drawn from these results is that the modeling framework described in this paper can reproduce the basic dynamics of a two-phase heat exchanger at a rate less than real time.© 2012 ASME