cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes Utilizing Inspira Implants in Primary Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

The evolution of silicone implants has included advances in both gel and shell technology to improve the clinical outcomes of the implants. The newest generation of implants includes implants with thick, strong shells and highly cohesive gel fill. These advancements allow for better maintenance of implant form and shape over time and improved implant safety. The Natrelle Inspira product line offers 3 different levels of gel cohesivity in a range of profiles to provide a wide variety of options for use in both breast augmentation and postmastectomy breast reconstruction. This article will review the use of Inspira implants in primary aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.
Towards a Smart Home Usable Privacy Framework

Smart home devices have gained widespread adoption and are expected to grow rapidly in usage. However, they introduce new challenges to the privacy of the user and the security of the smart society. This paper provides an overview of ongoing dissertation research towards understanding the privacy concerns of smart home device (SHD) users and non-users, a comprehensive analysis of vulnerabilities of SHDs, and the development of smart home usable privacy (SHUP) framework.
Reduced Gravity Effects on the Strength of Granular Matter: DEM Simulations versus Experiments

AbstractQuantifying the effect of reduced gravity on the behavior of granular matter is essential to understanding the evolution of planetary morphology and will likely affect the design of future ...
FiFTy: Large-Scale File Fragment Type Identification Using Convolutional Neural Networks

We present FiFTy , a modern file-type identification tool for memory forensics and data carving. In contrast to previous approaches based on hand-crafted features, we design a compact neural network architecture, which uses a trainable embedding space. Our approach dispenses with the explicit feature extraction which has been a bottleneck in legacy systems. We evaluate the proposed method on a novel dataset with 75 file-types – the most diverse and balanced dataset reported to date. FiFTy consistently outperforms all baselines in terms of speed, accuracy and individual misclassification rates. We achieved an average accuracy of 77.5% with processing speed of $\approx 38$ sec/GB, which is better and more than an order of magnitude faster than the previous state-of-the-art tool - Sceadan (69% at 9 min/GB). Our tool and the corresponding dataset is open-source.
Receding Horizon Motion Planning for Automated Lane Change and Merge Using Monte Carlo Tree Search and Level-K Game Theory

Motion planning and predicting the future states of the surrounding environment are among the main challenges in automated driving. In lane change and merge maneuvers, it is important to know how neighboring vehicles will react in the imminent future. Such a problem becomes more demanding in the absence of inter-vehicular communication (such as V2V, V2X, etc.). Human driver models, probabilistic approaches, rule-based techniques, and machine learning methods have addressed this problem only partially as they do not focus on the behavioral features of the vehicles. In addition, the framework that undertakes the prediction is expected to be fast in providing the path planner with the estimate of future states of the vehicles. Constructing such a fast structure, con-sidering interactions between vehicles, is the main motivation of this study. In this paper we present a fast receding horizon algorithm based on Monte Carlo tree search for real-time path planning in highway scenarios. Inspired by recent results in [1] [2], we adopt a level-k game framework for predicting the strategy of the neighboring vehicles. Our simulations show promising results with fast computations.
Nested Large-Eddy Simulations of the Displacement of a Cold-Air Pool by Lee Vortices

Mesoscale simulations are typically performed at coarse resolutions that do not adequately represent underlying topography; nesting large-eddy simulations within a mesoscale model can better resolve terrain and hence capture topographically-induced stable flow phenomena. In the case of the Mountain Terrain Atmospheric Modelling and Observations (MATERHORN) program, large temperature fluctuations were observed on the slope of Granite Peak, Utah, which partially encloses a cold-air pool in the east basin. These flow features are able to be resolved using large-eddy simulation within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with $$\Delta x = 100$$ m, allowing accurate representation of lee vortices with horizontal length scale of $${\mathcal {O}}$$ (1 km). At this resolution, terrain slopes become quite steep, and some model warm biases remain in the east basin due to limits on terrain-following coordinates that prevent the model from fully resolving drainage flows with this steep terrain. A new timestep limit for the WRF model related to these steep slopes is proposed. In addition, the initialization of soil moisture is adjusted by drying the shallowest layer to assist the formation of a cold pool in the large-eddy simulation. These real case simulations compare well to observations and also to previously published simulations using idealized configurations to study similar phenomena. For instance, the values of non-dimensional mountain height, which characterize flow regimes in idealized studies, are similar in the real case.
An Authoritarian Undercurrent in the Postmaterialist Tide: The Rise of Authoritarianism Among the Younger Generation in China

Objective This study examines how the political context of socialization affects the political orientations of the younger generation in China. Methods Using four national surveys and multiple indicators of authoritarian orientation, this study compares Chinese generations with multilevel ordered logistic regression and linear regression. Results Our analysis shows that the younger generation, Xi generation, is more orientated toward authoritarianism than its preceding generations, while its previous generation, Hu generation, was not more authoritarian than its prior generations when the Hu generation was the youngest in the survey. Conclusion Against the influential modernization theory, which predicts young generations to be more critical of the status quo, we conclude that the younger generation in China is on the authoritarian side of the spectrum and this generational pattern is more likely to be caused by heightened authoritarianism in the political context of socialization than a life‐cycle effect.
Forecasting Residential electricity demand in the Philippines using an Error Correction Model

This study uses an Error Correction Model ( ECM ) to forecast residential electricity demand in the Philippines using household final consumption expenditure, residential electricity price, and temperature as explanatory variables. Results show that there is a long-run relationship between household final consumption expenditure and residential electricity demand. Estimates from the ECM are consistent with economic theory, and the model passed standard diagnostic and parameter stability tests. Forecast performance based on within-sample and out-of-sample forecasts of the ECM is also shown to be superior, relative to a benchmark Autoregressive Distributed Lag ( ARDL ) model. Simulations show that by 2040, residential electricity consumption will range from 42,500 gigawatthours (GWh) based on a weak income growth scenario and 62,000 GWh based on a combined changes scenario. JEL classification: C22, C53, Q47
Influence of magnetic angle on the E × B drift in a magnetic presheath

In this work, we provide experimental measurements of the E×B flow above a non-magnetic, absorbing boundary in a magnetized plasma. Measurements are taken as a function of the angle between the background magnetic field and the boundary normal. The measurements are compared to computational predictions for oblique magnetic fields based on Chodura's model. Ion flow measurements were obtained with laser induced fluorescence and the presheath potential structure was measured with an emissive probe. The ions were found to accelerate to nearly 30% of the sound speed parallel to the boundary at oblique angles of the magnetic field (∼80°) and the ion speed at the electrostatic sheath edge was found to decrease with angle. The edge of the magnetic presheath has been experimentally determined based on the appearance of the E×B drift and is found to be independent of the angle of the magnetic field. We also demonstrate that laser induced fluorescence is suitable as a non-perturbative diagnostic to measure the electric field in a magnetized sheath.
Preprocessing of training set for backpropagation algorithm: histogram equalization

This paper introduces a data preprocessing algorithm that can improve the efficiency of the standard backpropagation (BP) algorithm. The basic approach is transforming input data to a range that associates high-slopes of sigmoid where relatively large modification of weights occurs. This helps escaping of early trapping from prematured saturation. However, a simple and uniform transformation to such desired range can lead to a slow learning if the data have a heavily skewed distribution. In order to improve the performance of BP algorithm on such distribution, the authors propose a modified histogram equalization technique which enhances the spacing between data points in the heavily concentrated regions of skewed distribution. The authors' simulation study shows that this modified histogram equalization can significantly speed up the BP training as well as improving the generalization capability of the trained network. >
The Nature and Abundance of LYα Clouds in Voids

I devise a method to separate low-z Lyα absorbers into void, and non-void clouds. The strong difference between void and non-void EW distribution functions enables a phenomenological definition of voids. I find the filling fraction of voids in the universe is f v = 0.86-0.11 +0.05, greater than voids defined by galaxies (f v ≲ 0.5). I show that they cannot be explained as diffuse and expanding with the Hubble flow. Instead I model clouds as based on subgalactic halos whose baryons expand following reionization. Results of modeling show that only isothermal massive halos produce absorbers consistent with observations; NFW halos are not massive enough to restrain the evaporation of baryons, and produce no detectable absorption systems. A halo velocity distribution with slope parameter α = -1.95, and normalized to φ*V = 0.05φ* can explain the observed distribution of void clouds.
The Lactic Acid Content of the Blood and the Partition of Inorganic Sulphate in the Serum of Patients With Hepatic Disease

Excerpt The majority of tests for hepatic function in clinical use at the present time are concerned primarily with disturbances in the formation and excretion of bile.11Disturbances in the metabol...
A simplified technique for evaluation of the biophysical properties of cervical mucus.

Abstract A new microscopic technique for study of cervical mucus is presented. This technique consists of stretching the cervical mucus prior to slow drying (under cover slip) in order to demonstrate its biophysical characteristics. Cervical mucus obtained from the proliferative, midcycle, and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle was examined by this technique. In addition, this technique was also used to examine the cervical mucus obtained from one infertile patient who had an abnormal postcoital test. The correlation of the observed dendritic crystal patterns to previously described biophysical properties of cervical mucus is demonstrated. Marked differences were noted in the dendritic crystal patterns in each of the categories.
Probabilistic Approaches For Credit Screening And Bankruptcy Prediction

Three probabilistic neural network approaches are used for credit screening and bankruptcy prediction: a logistic regression neural network (LRNN), a probabilistic neural network (PNN) and a semi-supervised expectation maximization-based neural network. Using real-world bankruptcy prediction and credit screening datasets, we compare the three probabilistic approaches using various performance criteria of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, decile lift and area under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. The results of our experiments indicate that the PNN outperforms the other two techniques for decile lift and specificity performance metric. Using the area under ROC curve, we find that for bankruptcy prediction data the PNN outperforms the other two approaches when false positive rates (FPRs) are less than 40 %. LRNN outperforms the other two techniques for FPRs higher than 40 % for bankruptcy data. We observe that the LRNN results are very sensitive to the ratio of examples belonging to two classes in training data and there is a tendency to overfit training data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lea E. Williams. Servants of the People: The 1960's Legacy of African American Leadership

In this second edition of Servants of The People, a profile of five African-American male and one female civil rights leaders, Lea E. Williams addresses a primary criticism of the first edition fro...
Statistics or EM field inside a scale model fuselage using a reverberation chamber approach

In this paper a reverberation chamber (RC) approach is recommended in order to sufficiently characterize the electromagnetic environment inside an aircraft cavity. RCs are large over-moded cavities wherein the electromagnetic field is isotropic and randomly polarized. In order to ensure a sufficient degree of uniformity and isotropy the electromagnetic field inside them must be properly perturbed. This is usually accomplished electronically or mechanically. Our approach is based on mechanically stirred RCs. Mechanically stirred RCs consist of large complex stirrers and operate as multimode cavities. The stirrers are typically rotated through a large number of positions so that the RC is an ensemble of a large number of cavities with different shapes. In such a way, the chamber mode configuration alters, causing the maxima and minima of the electromagnetic field to change location inside the fuselage.
Electric Eels Concentrate Their Electric Field to Induce Involuntary Fatigue in Struggling Prey

Nature is replete with predator venoms that immobilize prey by targeting ion channels. Electric eels (Electrophorus electricus) take a different tactic to accomplish the same end. Striking eels emit electricity in volleys of 1 ms, high-voltage pulses. Each pulse is capable of activating prey motor neuron efferents, and hence muscles. In a typical attack, eel discharges cause brief, immobilizing tetanus, allowing eels to swallow small prey almost immediately. Here I show that when eels struggle with large prey or fish held precariously, they commonly curl to bring their own tail to the opposite side of prey, sandwiching it between the two poles of their powerful electric organ. They then deliver volleys of high-voltage pulses. Shortly thereafter, eels juggle prey into a favorable position for swallowing. Recordings from electrodes placed within prey items show that this curling behavior at least doubles the field strength within shocked prey, most likely ensuring reliable activation of the majority of prey motor neurons. Simulated pulse trains, or pulses from an eel-triggered stimulator, applied to a prey muscle preparations result in profound muscle fatigue and loss of contractile force. Consistent with this result, video recordings show that formerly struggling prey are temporarily immobile after this form of attack, allowing the manipulation of prey that might otherwise escape. These results reveal a unique use of electric organs to a unique end; eels superimpose electric fields from two poles, ensuring maximal remote activation of prey efferents that blocks subsequent prey movement by inducing involuntary muscle fatigue.
Self-efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads.

Purpose. The study examined the relationships between self-efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads. Design and Methods. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to explore the relationships among levels of parent physical activity, parent–adolescent self-efficacy, and adolescent physical activity. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted in a purposive sample of 94 adolescent/parent dyads. Results. Regression results indicated the overall model significantly predicted adolescent physical activity (R2= .20, R2adj= .14, F[5, 70]= 3.28, p= .01). Only one of the five predictor variables significantly contributed to the model. Higher levels of adolescent self-efficacy was positively related to greater levels of adolescent physical activity (β= .29, p= .01). Practice Implications. Practitioners are encouraged to examine the level of self-efficacy and physical activity in families in an effort to develop strategies that impact these areas and ultimately to mediate obesity-related challenges in families seeking care.
Xenon isotopes in the MORB source, not distinctive of early global degassing

Although fissiogenic Xe in mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) has long been used inferred to infer an early (>4 Ga) catastrophic mantle degassing, decomposition of the analyzed gas in terms of its constituents requires several assumptions. The canonical interpretation has not been tested using the full spectrum of possible initial components and radiogenic inputs. We use a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach that examines a broad range of Xe isotopic components present during Earth formation and evolution. Our best fit simulations are consistent with the preservation of much higher Pu/U in MORB source Xe than previously recognized but are equally supportive of both limited and early catastrophic loss. We show that an initially Xe depleted upper mantle that becomes progressively ingassed through both radiogenic ingrowth and subduction of evolving atmospheric Xe is equally consistent with all evidence, underscoring the need for improvements to our knowledge of fission Xe spectra, MORB Xe measurements, and Pu geochemistry.
Atmospheric re-entry into the Martian atmosphere with variable lift control

A gliding type re-entry of a space capsule into the Martian atmosphere for softlanding with the minimum heat generation is investigated. A nonlinear filter which can be installed on-board is developed to estimate the unknown atmospheric parameter values of Mars in real-time. A stochastic control problem with state variables estimation is investigated for the re-entry capsule which is subject to random movements of the Martian atmosphere due to wind and wind gusts.
Subretinal Neovascular Membranes in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome

Subretinal neovascular membranes cause late visual loss and are important determinants of final visual acuity in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of subretinal neovascular membranes in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. We reviewed the charts of 58 patients (116 eyes) with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. We separated patients into two groups, one with and one without subretinal membranes. Demographic characteristics, namely age, gender, and race, initial and final visual acuities, duration and method of treatment, anterior chamber and vitreous cell, presence of fundus pigmentary disturbances, and phase of inflammation, were evaluated for each group. Overall, ten eyes (9%) of seven patients developed the subretinal neovascular membranes. Demographic characteristics among the two groups of patients were not markedly different (P
Spectral characterization of water stress impact on some agricultural crops: II. Studies on alfalfa using handheld radiometer

Remotely sensed reflectance from stressed and non-stressed crop vegetative cover can be predicted from two combination of spectral bands as a ratio or as normalized vegetation indices. The most common spectral bands used lie in the red and infrared region (350 - 800 nm) and are dominated by the absorption of chlorophyll and other accessory pigments. In addition, reflectance in the middle infrared is dominated by absorption from liquid water contained in plant's tissues. The objectives of the present work are: (1) to evaluate the reflectance data from frequently irrigated and water stressed alfalfa using a handheld radiometer and assess the spectral correlation with the ground-truth and; (2) to evaluate the applications of a Hyperspectral Structure Component Index (HSCI) proposed by Shakir and Girmay-Gwahid (1998). The experiment was designed to collect reflectance data from alfalfa (pure alfalfa stand and a plot where alfalfa was mixed with sedge grass) planted at the Blythe Research Station, California. The size of the plots was 30 X 50 ft2. With a field spectrometer, the scan over each treatment was made at 1 hr intervals between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Pacific Day Time (PDT). Vegetative samples were taken from the two treatments during the initial sampling for purposes of conducting chemical analysis. Soil samples were collected to determine the amount of available soil moisture differences in the two treatments. The results of this experiment showed that in the 850 - 1150 nm wavelength range the stressed alfalfa plots showed lower reflectance than unstressed plots. However; the reflectance of stressed alfalfa was higher than the unstressed stands above the 1150 nm. This is probably due to the absorption from liquid water contained in the unstressed plant tissues. The analysis of data using the (HSCI) model showed that the stressed pure alfalfa plots have values less than 1 and under unstressed alfalfa plots have the value greater than 1. This means that the model is differentiating between the stressed and unstressed vegetation. Additional work will evaluate the reflectance peaks and their relationship to other parameters that were collected and are relevant to the applications of the model.
Teaching Sociology in Community College: Balancing Ideals with Institutional Constraints

Many professionals experience conflict between personal ideals about the meaning and importance of their work, and the structural limitations of the workplace. This conflict presents professionals with the challenge of how to hold true to their ideals within a non-supportive or even hostile environment. In this paper, I describe my experiences balancing my ideals about teaching, learning, and the purpose of a college education with the institutional constraints of a community college. There are three main sections in this paper. First is a discussion of the reasons I chose a career in community college teaching. The second section focuses on the institutional constraints I have encountered over the first 5 years of my career. In the third section, I explain how I have attempted to balance my ideals with the structural limitations of the college where I teach. Throughout the paper, I blend personal narrative with the relevant literature. In doing so, I intend to use my personal experience as a lens for discussing the challenges and possibilities that characterize community college teaching in general.
Transport of calcium by cells and flagella ofChlamydomonas

Uptake of calcium was studied in the phototactic green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii with a [45Ca]Cl2 filtration assay system. Uptake by whole cells is biphasic, with an initial rapid phase that probably represents binding to the cell surface, followed by a slow phase of diffusion into the cells. Experiments with inhibitors, ionophores, and drugs all support the conclusion thatChlamydomonas cells have an energy-dependent, outward-oriented calcium pump. In addition, isolated flagella appear to have a similar system that may transport calcium into the medium in the presence of ATP or GTP.
Processing Speed Deficits Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury: Processing Inefficiency or Cautiousness?

This study used speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) methodology to test competing explanations for processing speed deficits due to traumatic brain injury (TBI): fixed limited capacity and volition. Twenty TBI participants and 20 comparison participants performed a visual scanning task with processing times controlled by the experimenter using a response deadline procedure. Results of the study demonstrated marked differences in SAT functions between the two groups. Participants who had TBIs were significantly slower on information accrual across processing deadlines (supporting a fixed limit explanation), but when early responding was allowed they chose to hold off responding despite being no more accurate in their responses with the additional time (a finding supporting a volitional explanation). Results of the study are discussed in terms of a resource allocation model that incorporates the influences of both processing capacity and volitional processes for individuals who suffer from brain injuries.
Bit Hydraulics Analysis for Efficient Hole Cleaning

Hydraulic horsepower and jet impact force are two criteria used to optimize drilling hydraulics. An optimized drilling hydraulics program can lead to good bottom hole cleaning, resulting to increase in penetration rate. Experiments on bottom hole cleaning with a three nozzle bit and a two nozzle bit were performed using an in house flow loop drilling simulator for vertical or near vertical wellbores to investigate the pressure and flow parameters that contribute to efficient borehole cleaning. A comparative analysis of hydraulic horsepower (HHP) and jet impact force (JIF) was made to study the impact of each force on hole cleaning. Experimental results show that increase in drillstring rotational speed reduces apparent slip velocity but increases drag coefficient on the transported cuttings. Optimized values of the ratio of the pressure loss across the bit nozzles to the circulating pressure loss for both the hydraulic horsepower and jet impact force are presented in this work as new and important criteria for analyzing drilling hydraulics.
Distinguishing psychoanalysis from psychotherapy.

A proviso: I work with patients in psychotherapy; I’ve helped a lot of people via psychotherapy; I enjoy doing psychotherapy and believe, as with psychoanalysis, I keep learning about how to do it ...
On the Use of Grounded Theory as a Basis for Research on Strategic and Emerging Technologies in Accounting

ABSTRACT: Research on emerging technologies in accounting has often proven difficult to conduct while maintaining the meaningfulness of a new technology-driven phenomena and the rigor expected for accounting research. Grounded theory is proposed in this paper as a method that has not been oft used in the discipline, but may be highly applicable in such an emergent domain. Grounded theory was first put forth by Glaser and Strauss (1967); but in subsequent years, each of the authors has diverged from the other in their perspectives on how “good” grounded research should be conducted. We explore and compare the two approaches to grounded theory as an introduction for researchers who may find the research method desirable in their research. We also overview a program of research in the area of B2B e-commerce risk and assurance that applies grounded theory in an emerging technology area of accounting, providing both an overview and critique of its implementation. We conclude with some perspectives on the use ...
Contact modeling and analysis of InAs HEMT transistors

Novel device concepts and better channel materials than Si are required to improve the performance of conventional metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). The exploration of III–V semiconductors is mainly driven by the extremely high electron mobility of the materials. Recently, several researches have demonstrated that III–V high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) can achieve high-speed operation at low supply voltage for applications beyond Si-CMOS technology. While the intrinsic device performance looks promising, current prototypes are dramatically influenced by high contact resistances. From a modeling point of view the understanding of the intrinsic device performance is now quite advanced, while the understanding of the contacts remains quite limited. Hence, a precise theoretical approach is required to model the contact characteristics. This work investigates the contact resistance physics of InAs HEMT transistors. The Nano-Electronic Modeling Tool (NEMO5) is used to solve the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism which embeds Schrodinger and Poisson equations self-consistently. For this study a real-space effective mass approximation with a simple phonon scattering is utilized.
Flow Characterization of an Electrostatic Resonant Plate Micropump-Mixer by a Scaled Model

Flow characterization of an electrostatically activated resonant-plate micropump-mixer was investigated. Detailed visualization of the mixing process at the tip of the resonant plate, which is almost impossible due to the high actuation frequency (10–30 kHz) and small scale of the resonant plate (250 micron) under normal conditions, was realized with a macro scale flow visualization experiment within the range of common visualization equipment such as a SLR camera. Flow phenomena such as distinct circulative regions, observed at the micro scale by Linderman et. al [1,2], were observed in this study. In addition, the transition between two different flow regimes was observed, corresponding to vortex shearing and vortex shedding respectively. This transition took place in a gradual manner over a range of Reynolds numbers between 20 and 98. Below this regime the resonant plate will only generate limited deformation of the interface between the two fluids. However, for larger Reynolds numbers, equivalent to higher plate frequencies, organized vortex roll-up is observed. Vortex roll-up indicates significant fluid entrainment, and consequently mixing. The visualization of the flow, generated by the resonating fan shed new light on the detailed flow phenomena involved, and may help guide future design and optimization of micro scale fans/mixers based on this principle.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Local adaptation in cat LGN cells: evidence for a surround antagonism

Resume Westheimer a montreque le seuil psychophysique de detection d'un faibleeclair sur un grand fond est plus petit que pour detecter le meˆmeeclair sur un food moins grand. Ce phenomene (sensibilisation par le fond) n'est pas constatesur les experiences analogues dans les ganglionnaires de la retine. On decrit des experiences sur le corps genouilledu chat qui indiquent qu'ace niveau existe un effet paralleleacelui de Westheimer. Quand on augmente la dimension d'un disque d'adaptation de fond autour du champ recepteur, on accroit la capacitede la celluleadetecter un petiteclair produit au centre.
Psychiatric genetics – the new era: genetic research and some clinical implications

Impressive advances in the last decade have been made in the genetics and neuroscience of neuropsychiatric illness. Synergies between complex genetics, elaboration of intermediate phenotypes (Egan et al. (2004) Schizophrenia. London: Blackwell) and novel applications in neuroimaging (Bookheimer et al. (2000) N Engl J Med, 343, 450-456) are revealing the effects of positively associated disease alleles on aspects of neurological function. Genes such as NRG-1, DISC1, RGS4, COMT, PRODH, DTNBP1, G72, DAAO, GRM3 (Harrison and Weinberger (2005) Mol Psychiatry, 10, 40-68) and others have been implicated in schizophrenia along with 5-HTTPR (Ogilvie et al. (1996) Lancet, 347, 731-733; Caspi et al. (2003) Science, 301, 386-389) and BDNF (Geller et al. (2004) Am J Psychiatry, 161, 1698-1700) in affective disorders. As the genetics and complex neurocircuits of these and disorders are being untangled, parallel applications in pharmacogenomics and gene-based drug metabolism are shaping a drive for personalized medicine. Genetic research and pharmacogenomics suggest that the subcategorization of individuals based on various sets of susceptibility alleles will make the treatment of neuropsychiatric and other illnesses more predictable and effective.
Radiation therapy with once-weekly gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer: Current status of clinical trials

Clinical trials investigating a variety of gemcitabine-based chemoradiation therapy regimens were initiated several years ago and remain under active investigation for the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. These trials are based, in part, on the activity of gemcitabine as a single agent in pancreatic cancer, preclinical studies that demonstrated radiosensitization, and the need for approaches with greater efficacy than that provided by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemoradiation therapy. In this review, we describe and compare several Phase I clinical trials investigating dose escalation of once-weekly gemcitabine with concurrent radiation therapy. We also describe a relatively novel approach successfully investigating radiation dose escalation with a standard weekly dose of gemcitabine. Toxicity data from this trial, and the prior trials of gemcitabine dose escalation with more conventional radiation therapy, suggest that the volume of normal tissue radiated in gemcitabine-based chemotherapy regimens may be the most critical consideration for future trial designs. Finally, we highlight the need to fully consider the design of future trials in the context of both local and distant disease control, given the radiosensitizing potential and systemic activity of gemcitabine.
Evaluation of Thymic Output by Measurement of T-cell-receptor Gene Rearrangement Excisional Circles (TREC) in Patients who have Received Fludarabine

The role of the thymus in immune reconstitution in adults receiving chemotherapy is controversial. Detection of T-cell-receptor gene rearrangement excisional circles (TREC) in peripheral blood T cells has been shown to estimate thymic output. Therefore, we measured TREC levels to assess the contribution of the thymus to immune recovery following treatment with fludarabine. Patients who had received fludarabine alone or a fludarabine containing regimen were identified. Cryopreserved peripheral-blood mononuclear cells were obtained and analyzed by four-color flow cytometry utilizing fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies against CD4, CD8, CD45RO and CD27. Proportions of naive T cells in each CD4+ and CD8+ subset were measured by gating on CD45RO-negative, CD27+ cells. Quantification of TREC in sorted naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was performed by real-time PCR. Thirteen patients received a mean of 3.8 ± 0.4 courses of fludarabine and samples were obtained at a average of 18.8 (range 3.6-40.3) months after complet...
Atomtronics: Ultracold-atom analogs of electronic devices

Atomtronics focuses on atom analogs of electronic materials, devices, and circuits. A strongly interacting ultracold Bose gas in a lattice potential is analogous to electrons in solid-state crystalline media. As a consequence of the gapped many-body energy spectrum, cold atoms in a lattice exhibit insulatorlike or conductorlike properties. $P$-type and $N$-type material analogs are created by introducing impurity sites into the lattice. Current through an atomtronic wire is generated by connecting the wire to an atomtronic battery which maintains the two contacts at different chemical potentials. The design of an atomtronic diode with a strongly asymmetric current-voltage curve exploits the existence of superfluid and insulating regimes in the phase diagram. The atom analog of a bipolar junction transistor exhibits large negative gain. Our results provide the building blocks for more advanced atomtronic devices and circuits such as amplifiers, oscillators, and fundamental logic gates.
Sterol release in mammalian cells the role of a liposomal-free albumin-phospholipid complex

Abstract Human serum albumin, the purity of which was confirmed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and high-pressure liquid chromatography, is able to bind dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and the resulting albumin-phospholipid complex can cause marked sterol release from animal and human cells in tissue culture. The complex-induced sterol release was synergistic, exceeding by 4–5-fold the sum of sterol release in the presence of albumin and phospholipid individually. Isolation of the albumin-phospholipid complex by gel permeation chromatography yielded a liposomal-free fraction which caused full sterol release. No synergistic release of sterol occurred when cells were incubated with human serum albumin and dilinoleoyl phosphatidylcholine.
The 2012 United States election and the implications for East Asia

Abstract The 2012 election resulted in a major victory for President Obama and while his Democratic Party improved its Congressional strength, the House of Representatives remains under Republican control. The election revealed the depth of America's political and voter divisions with each party showing dramatically different areas of strength and weakness. Yet the election did not hinge on foreign policy leaving the Obama administration likely to continue most of its earlier policies toward East Asia as marked by the multilayered ‘pivot’ toward Asia. Relations with China and North Korea are likely to remain difficult to manage while US–ROK links should be far smoother. Of particular concern is the economic sluggishness and rising nationalism in Japan which could well cause bilateral problems with the US and regional problems with Japan's neighbors, including US ally, South Korea. And at home the bipolar divisions over how best to deal with America's economic revitalization could well impede US abilities ...
Properties of restructured beef steaks from forage- and grain-fed cattle as affected by antioxidant and flavoring agents

Abstract Beef trimmings from cattle finished on forage or grain were restructured into steaks to enhance palatability. Steaks were treated with propyl gallate with or without a beefy flavoring agent, stored at −29 °C, and analyzed after 0, 1, 3, and 6 months. The strong grassy flavor of forage-finished beef steaks, detected by a sensory panel, was masked by the beefy flavoring agent, rendering the beef more acceptable by consumers. Propyl gallate retarded lipid oxidation and rancidity development in steaks during extended frozen storage. Microbial populations decreased while color scores, cooking yield, and binding strength of steaks exhibited only minor changes during storage. Thus, the combination of antioxidant and flavoring agents with the muscle restructuring technology provides an effective means to enhance the palatability and storage stability of beef from forage-fed cattle.
Preconditioning ischemia time determines the degree of glycogen depletion and infarction size reduction in rat hearts

The cardioprotective effect of preconditioning is associated with glycogen depletion and attenuation of intracellular acidosis during subsequent prolonged ischemia. This study determined the effects of increasing preconditioning ischemia time on myocardial glycogen depletion and on infarct size reduction. In addition, this study determined whether infarct size reduction by preconditioning correlates with glycogen depletion before prolonged ischemia. Anesthetized rats underwent a single episode of preconditioning lasting 1.25, 2.5, 5, or 10 minutes or multiple episodes cumulating in 10 (2 x 5 min) or 20 minutes (4 x 5 or 2 x 10 min) of preconditioning ischemia time, each followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion. Then both preconditioned and control rats underwent 45 minutes of ischemia induced by left coronary artery (LCA) occlusion and 120 minutes of reperfusion. After prolonged ischemia, infarct size was determined by dual staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and phthalocyanine blue dye. Glycogen levels were determined by an enzymatic assay in selected rats from each group before prolonged ischemia. We found that increasing preconditioning ischemia time resulted in glycogen depletion and infarct size reduction that could both be described by exponential functions. Furthermore, infarct size reduction correlated with glycogen depletion before prolonged ischemia (r = 0.98; p < 0.01). These findings suggest a role for glycogen depletion in reducing ischemic injury in the preconditioned heart.
Applications of Frontal Affinity Chromatography to the Study of Interactions between Metal Ions and a Complex Biomaterial

The use of frontal affinity chromatography for the study of metal−biomaterial interactions is described. Both normal frontal affinity chromatography and a modification of this methodology were used to generate metal binding isotherms to a biomaterial. This modification enabled the acquisition of binding isotherms with extended concentration ranges at the expense of time-dependent binding information. Comparison between normal and modified mode was made by using a well-defined commercial resin. Similar performance of these two modes was obtained. The biomaterial investigated was composed of cell fragments from the plant Datura innoxia which were immobilized within a polysilicate matrix. The application of a regularized least-squares method indicated the existence of two classes of sites on this biosorbent involved in the binding of Ag+. A total metal−ion binding affinity order at solution pH 3−5 was determined to be Cu2+ > Cd2+ ≈ Ag+ > Ca2+.
Agent-based modeling of dynamic pricing scenarios to optimize multiple-generation product lines with cannibalization

Abstract In today's market, companies tend to develop long-term multiple-generation product strategies instead of releasing consecutive single products to maintain market competitiveness. Even though this strategy affords market vitality, it also can bring about inter-product-line cannibalization. Cannibalization within a multiple-generation product line is a complex problem, and it has seldom been explored. It indeed is a critical subject that companies need to take into account at the product line planning stage in order to ensure their long-term profitability. In this study, we view a multiple-generation product line as a complex adaptive system, and propose a new model that can simulate the potential cannibalization scenarios within a multiple-generation product line. The model concentrates on the price variations over time for every single generation of product in a multiple-generation product line and is built upon an agent-based-methodology. Every product generation in the product line is regarded as an independent agent, and is authorized to adjust its sales price according to the shifts in the market demand. The proposed model can assist companies in developing appropriate dynamic pricing strategies at the early product line planning stages.
Comment on "Exact ground state, mass gap, and string tension in lattice gauge theory"

It is shown that the lattice Hamiltonian recently proposed by Guo, Zheng,and Liu does not have the correct continuum limit.
A 47-year-old man with asymptomatic hepatitis C infection

Dr Delbanco: Mr E is a 47-year-old married man. In 1992, while in prison, he was found to have asymptomatic hepatitis C infection. Currently he works part-time through a temporary agency. He does not have health insurance, but receives care at an inner-city neighborhood health center. Mr E has been in good medical health except for a long history of substance abuse. At 19 years of age he began to experiment with marijuana, followed thereafter by the use of heroin intravenously, "uppers and downers," and cocaine. He denies using drugs in the past 3 months since leaving prison. He has used little alcohol over the years, drinking one or two beers about twice a month. He has smoked for many years and currently smokes 1½ packs per day. In 1991 he tested positive for syphilis and received a series of six injections of a penicillin preparation. In 1992 he took
The psychology of writing development—And its implications for assessment

Abstract This article reviews key developmental theories that have been adopted by writing development researchers over the last fifty years. It describes how researchers have translated these theories into definitions of writing development capable of influencing curricular design and interpretations of student writing and explores the implications for assessment extended by each theory. This piece examines both the variations in assessment practices/emphases suggested by different developmental theories as well as the shared assumptions about growth to which they lead, arguing that these commonalities should guide efforts to foreground development in the assessment of writing.
Long-term intracranial cannula stabilization in mice with light cured resin composites

A simple and rapid method is described for the introduction and stabilization of chronic indwelling cannulae in mice. Materials and adhesive bonding techniques commonly used in restorative dentistry were used to stabilize the cannulae. The effectiveness of this method was evaluated by shear strength testing across time and histological evaluation of coronal brain sections. Shear strength increased during the first week post surgery and remained stable for up to 60 days. The force required to dislodge the cannulae from skulls ranged from 0.70 to 2.45 kg. Histological evaluation revealed no significant infection or inflammatory response due to the materials used. Cannulae stabilization by this technique appears to be suitable for most experimental conditions.
Anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count as predictors for embryo/oocyte cryopreservation cycle outcomes in breast cancer patients stimulated with letrozole and follicle stimulating hormone

Purpose To predict embryo/oocyte cryopreservation cycle (ECC) outcomes in breast cancer patients stimulated with letrozole and follicle stimulating hormone for fertility preservation based on observed anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle counts (AFC).
PREVALENCE OF PRIMARY INFERTILITY IN CHINA: IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF INFERTILITY DIFFERENTIALS IN THREE MINORITY PROVINCE/AUTONOMOUS REGIONS

Following the 1994 UN International Conference on Population and Development, there was a shift in emphasis on women's reproductive health and there emerged a need for more knowledge about levels and differentials of infertility. Using the data from the 1988 National Two-Per-Thousand Sample Survey on Fertility and Contraception, this paper estimated the prevalence of primary infertility in China. To determine the predictors of primary infertility, multiple logistic regression analyses were done on three minority province/autonomous regions where primary infertility was the highest. A non-contracepting, sexually active woman was considered to have primary infertility if she had not reported a recognized pregnancy after at least seven years of marriage. The analysis shows that the national level of primary infertility was relatively low (1.3%). Primary infertility was higher in Qinghai (2.3%), Tibet (3.7%) and Xinjiang (3.7%) compared with other provinces. Tibetans in Qinghai and Uygurs in Xinjiang had a higher level of primary infertility than the Han Chinese. Ethnic differences remained after adjusting for other background characteristics. Divorced and remarried women had significantly higher odds of primary infertility compared with first-married women in Qinghai and Xinjiang. The elevated level of primary infertility in Qinghai, Tibet and Xinjiang and its disproportionate prevalence among Tibetans and Uygurs highlight the need for further work to understand the causes and social consequences of infertility for the minority population in China.
The Hirsch Conjecture Fails for Triangulated 27-Spheres

A triangulation Z of a 27-sphere is generated in which every sequence of adjacent 27-simplices joining a specified pair of disjoint 27-simplices revisits at least one vertex previously left behind. This shows thai the Hirsch conjecture, which asserts the existence of a nonredundant feasible pivot sequence between any pair of bases of a linear program, or equivalently a nonrevisiting sequence of facets of a simplicial polytope, is false when generalized in the obvious way to triangulated spheres. The complex Z is constructed from a complex with 400 4-simplices which has been shown to be shellable, and hence a 4-ball, by a computer computation.