cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Papillomavirus Infection and p16ink4a Protein Expression in Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is defined histopathologically by distinctive abnormalities of cellular maturation and differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional properties of VIN related to expression of p16(INK4a) protein as well as to detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. METHODS A total of 49 vulvar biopsy samples were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining from benign/reactive lesions, condyloma acuminatum, VIN, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). JC8 mouse monoclonal antibodies were used that recognize p16(INK4a) epitope at a dilution of 1:25. The reaction pattern for p16(INK4a) was graded in each sample between 0 and 3+. RT-PCR analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections determined positivity for HPV type 16. RESULTS p16(INK4a) immunoreactivity was different in VIN 1, VIN 2, VIN 3, and squamous cell carcinoma. Strong expression of p16(INK4a) protein was observed in 92% (22 of 24) of VIN 2 and VIN 3 lesions and 100% (4 of 4) of invasive SCCs. Two (67%) of 3 VIN 2 lesions, 17 (81%) of 21 VIN 3 lesions, and 4 (100%) of 4 SCCs were positive for HPV type 16 by PCR analysis. Two (20%) of 10 VIN 1 lesions were immunoreactive for p16(INK4a), with only 1 lesion positive for HPV type 16. No p16(INK4a) immunoreactivity was observed in any of the benign/reactive and condyloma acuminatum lesions. In addition, none of the benign/reactive or condyloma lesions were positive for HPV type 16 by RT-PCR analysis. CONCLUSIONS Upregulation of INK4a gene occurs in vulvar carcinogenesis. p16(INK4a) is not a sensitive marker for differentiation of benign vulvar squamous epithelium from condyloma acuminatum or VIN 1 lesions because most VIN 1 lesions are p16(INK4a) negative. Expression of p16(INK4a) may aid in the diagnosis of HPV-related lesions and as such may be of value as a surrogate marker in the diagnosis of vulvar premalignant and malignant lesions.
Using FORAY models to enable MPSoC memory optimizations

With the technology advances it becomes feasible to implement a large multiprocessor system on a single chip. In such Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), a significant portion of energy is spent in the memory subsystem. There are several approaches reducing this energy, including the ones at physical, architecture and algorithmic levels. Classical approaches, including algorithmic and some architectural approaches, use static analysis and transformation of the application source code. However, often it is not possible to perform static analysis and optimization of a program's memory access behavior unless the program is written in an easily analyzable form, e.g., free from pointer arithmetic. In this paper, we introduce the FORAY model of a program that allows aggressive analysis of the application's memory behavior and enables such optimizations on arbitrary code which are not possible to apply otherwise. We then present FORAY-GEN: an automated profile-based approach for extraction of the FORAY model from the original program. We also outline our approach in applying FORAY-GEN for multiprocessor SoCs. We demonstrate how FORAY-GEN enhances applicability of other memory subsystem optimization approaches, resulting in an average of two times increase in the number of memory references that can be analyzed by existing static approaches.
Development, Analysis, and Verification of a Parallel Hybrid Dataflow Computer Architectural Framework and Associated Load-Balancing Strategies and Algorithms via Parallel Simulation

This paper first presents the requirements for and the architectural framework of a type of real-time parallel dataflow computer architecture, specifically, a Hybrid Data/Command Driven Architecture (HDCA). Application of such an architecture is discussed. Goals, strategies, and algorithms for both static load-balancing and dynamic resource allocation on an HDCA system are presented. A parallel simulation of an HDCA system employing the presented static load-balancing and dynamic resource allocation algorithms is developed and presented. The parallel simulation was executed on a parallel computer system for increased fidelity. Analysis of simulation results for two example applications of the architecture allowed verification of design goals and correct performance of the HDCA architectural framework and associated static load-balancing and dynamic resource allocation strategies and algorithms.
A REGIOSPECIFIC SYNTHESIS OF 3,3,6-TRIMETHYLINDAN-1-ONE

A novel, regiospecific synthesis of 3,3,6-trimethylindan-1-one (5) was achieved. The route to 5 was 6 steps and proceeded in 27% overall yield.
Development and survivorship of the green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on soybean.

The influence of temperature, studied under eight constant-temperature regimes, was similar with regard to rate of development, adult body size, and nymphal survivorship for cohorts of Acrosternum hilare (Say) reared on soybean. Progressively higher temperatures resulted in an increase in each of these biological parameters to a maximum; additional increases in temperatures caused adverse effects. The fastest rates of egg development were observed at 30 and 33°C, whereas the rate of nymphal development was fastest at 27°C. Body size was optimal at 27°C. Nymphal survivorship was greatest at controlled temperatures of 21 and 24°C; approximately 48% of the beginning cohort survived from the first instar to the adult stage at those temperatures. However, nymphal survivorship under soybean field conditions was low; less than 10% of the beginning cohort survived from the first instar to the adult stage.
Quantifying Life Cycle Environmental Benefits from the Reuse of Industrial Materials in Pennsylvania

Local reuse of waste materials from industrial processes has many potential environmental benefits, but these have been difficult to aggregate and measure across industries on a broad geographic sc...
Good Intentions Are Not Enough: Practice Guidelines for Social Work:

Practice guidelines are the latest attempt to bring science to bear on social work practice. They are a worthy effort, but like earlier efforts, may achieve limited success. It is unlikely these do...
Recurrent cardiac calcific amorphous tumor: the CAT had a kitten

Abstract Background Cardiac calcified amorphous tumors (CATs) represent degenerating intracavitary mural thrombi that can mimic neoplasms and cause symptoms due to embolization or obstruction. Surgical excision is generally curative. Postoperative recurrences have not been previously reported. Methods Medical, surgical, and pathological records were reviewed in a patient who had undergone removal of a recurrent cardiac CAT. Results The patient, now a 23-year-old woman, had undergone excision of the initial right ventricular mass on November 4, 2003, because of recent pulmonary embolization. Extensive clinical evaluation showed no coagulation abnormality. Follow-up postoperative echocardiograms showed incomplete excision and subsequent enlargement. As a result, the recurrent mass was excised on March 14, 2006. Microscopic evaluation showed degenerating and focally calcifying thrombus, without neoplastic features. Conclusion Cardiac CAT may recur and enlarge following surgical excision. Periodic postoperative follow-up with cardiac imaging studies may be indicated, particularly if there is evidence of incomplete excision.
Opposite effects of naltrexone on ETOH intake by Syracuse high and low avoidance rats.

Rats which were selectively bred for good (Syracuse High Avoidance: SHA) and poor (Syracuse Low Avoidance: SLA) shuttle-box avoidance learning were used to assess the effects of naltrexone on ethanol ingestion. Male rats from both strains were offered a free choice of water and ethanol (10%, v/v) for two 8-day periods between which was inserted a 4-day period of forced ethanol consumption. The net ethanol consumption and ethanol preference ratio were significantly greater in control SHA rats than in control SLA rats in the first choice period, but they did not differ in the forced and the second choice periods. Chronic naltrexone administration from an implanted 30-mg pellet showed bidirectional effects, i.e., suppression of ethanol consumption in SLA animals and enhancement in SHA rats.
Interleukin-10 Facilitates Both Cholesterol Uptake and Efflux in Macrophages

Foam cell formation is a hallmark event during atherosclerosis. The current paradigm is that lipid uptake by scavenger receptor in macrophages initiates the chronic proinflammatory cascade and necrosis core formation that characterize atherosclerosis. We report here that a cytokine considered to be anti-atherogenic, interleukin-10 (IL10), promotes cholesterol uptake from modified lipoproteins in macrophages and its transformation into foam cells by increasing the expression of scavenger receptor CD36 and scavenger receptor A. Although uptake of modified lipoproteins is considered proatherogenic, we found that IL10 also increases cholesterol efflux from macrophages to protect against toxicity of free cholesterol accumulation in the cell. This process was PPARγ-dependent and was mediated through up-regulation of ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) protein expression. Importantly, expression of inflammatory molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and MMP9 as well as apoptosis were dramatically suppressed in lipid-laden foam cells treated with IL10. The notion that IL10 can mediate both the uptake of cholesterol from modified lipoproteins and the efflux of stored cholesterol suggests that the process of foam cell formation is not necessarily detrimental as long as mechanisms of cholesterol efflux and transfer to an exogenous acceptor are functioning robustly. Our results present a comprehensive antiatherogenic role of IL10 in macrophages, including enhanced disposal of harmful lipoproteins, inhibition of inflammatory molecules, and reduced apoptosis.
Chromatographic adsorption of azobenzenes and aromatic nitrogen heterocycles on alumina studies with alumina-impregnated glass paper

Summary A semi-quantitative method is described for chromatography of fluorescent polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic nitrogen heterocycles on alumina-impregnated glass paper. Combining data obtained from such papers with those from alumina columns it is noted that the isomeric azobenzenes and nitrogen heterocycles are more strongly adsorbed than their hydrocarbon analogs (where CH replaces N). It is proposed that adsorption of such nitrogen compounds occurs preferentially by means of the electron pairs on the nitrogen atoms to form n-complexes. If steric hindrance to n-complexation is too great the substrate may form a π-complex or a πn-hybrid complex instead.
Native like me: Confessions of an Asiatic black anthropologist

There has been a great deal of debate among anthropologists over the use of the term ‘native anthropologist’ and whether it continues the discipline’s history of ‘othering’ non-white people (both a...
A peer interviewer model in conducting surveys among mexican-american youth

Recent studies indicate an increase in substance abuse among Mexican-American youth. Due to the sensitivity of investigating substance abuse among young people and the difficulty in gaining access to minority communities, an alternative method of obtaining survey data, a peer interview approach, is proposed. Procedures involved when the research design employs the peer interviewer model are elaborated.
Relationship of insulin-like growth factor II gene expression in muscle to synaptogenesis

A striking correlation between insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) gene expression and turnover of neuromuscular synapses was observed. The IGF-II gene was expressed at a high level in fetal rat hind limb muscles prior to the developmental formation of synapses and increased while polyneuronal innervation accumulated. Thereafter, there was a selective down-regulation of IGF-II mRNAs that was exactly coincident with the postnatal time course for elimination of superfluous synapses. The hypothesis that innervation might provide a signal suppressing IGF-II gene expression was tested. Upon transection of the sciatic nerve, there was up-regulation of IGF-II mRNA content in muscle. This up-regulation was selective and correlated with the capacity of denervated muscle to accept reinnervation. These results suggest that the IGF-II gene may play a role in the development and turnover of synapses.
Activation of NPY receptors suppresses excitatory synaptic transmission in a taste-feeding network in the lower brain stem

Consummatory responses to taste stimuli are modulated by visceral signals processed in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNST) and ventrolateral medulla. On the basis of decerebrate preparations, this modulation can occur through local brain stem pathways. Among the large number of neuropeptides and neuromodulators implicated in these visceral pathways is neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is oftentimes colocalized in catecholaminergic neurons themselves implicated in glucoprivic-induced feeding and satiety. In addition to the cNST and ventrolateral medulla, noradrenergic and NPY receptors are found in circumscribed regions of the medullary reticular formation rich in preoromotor neurons. To test the hypothesis that NPY may act as a neuromodulator on preoromotor neurons, we recorded the effects of bath application of NPY and specific Y1 and Y2 agonists on currents elicited from electrical stimulation of the rostral (taste) NST in prehypoglossal neurons in a brain stem slice preparation. A high proportion of NST-driven responses were suppressed by NPY, as well as Y1 and Y2 agonists. On the basis of paired pulse ratios and changes in membrane resistance, we concluded that Y1 receptors influence these neurons both presynaptically and postsynaptically and that Y2 receptors have a presynaptic locus. To test the hypothesis that NPY may act in concert with norepinephrine (NE), we examined neurons showing suppressed responses in the presence of a Y2 agonist and demonstrated a greater degree of suppression to a Y2 agonist/NE cocktail. These suppressive effects on preoromotoneurons may reflect a satiety pathway originating from A2 neurons in the caudal brain stem.
A Hierarchical Model for Control of Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) are usually composed of general purpose machines with automatic tool changing capability and integrated material handling. The complexity of FMSs requires sophisticated control. In this paper we present a four-level control hierarchy and outline computationally feasible control algorithms for each level. The top level is concerned with the choice of part types and volumes to be assigned to the FMS over the next several months. The second level plans daily or shift production. Production levels are set and tools are allocated to machines so as to minimize holding and shortage costs. Various FMS environments are presented. The third level determines process routes for each part type in order to minimize material handling. Additional tools are loaded on machines when possible to maximize alternate routeing. Routes are then assigned to parts to minimize workload assignment, and these are used by level four for actual routeing, sequencing and material handling path control. The level three model is formulated as a linear program, and heuristics are used for level four. An example is provided to illustrate the completeness of the decision hierarchy and the relationships between levels.
Why we should care if teachers get A's: Teacher test scores and student achievement in Mexico

Abstract Understanding the relationship between teacher test scores and student achievement is important in an accountability environment that favors using quantitative measures of teaching quality, as is the case with Mexico's national Carrera Magisterial (CM) teacher incentive program. The results of this paper suggest that teacher test scores have a small positive relationship with average student achievement scores. This effect is larger in secondary schools than in primary schools. In the case of secondary schools, average teacher test scores on subject-matter and teaching methodology sections of the test are positively associated with student achievement. To estimate these relationships this paper uses panel data from Mexico's national teacher incentive program CM from 1996 to 2000.
Quantitative analysis of bending efficiency in photonic-crystal waveguide bends at lambda = 1.55 mum wavelengths.

Based on a photonic-crystal slab structure, a 60° photonic-crystal waveguide bend is successfully fabricated. Its bending efficiency within the photonic bandgap is measured, and near 100% efficiency is observed at certain frequencies near the valence band edge. The bending radius is ∼1 μm at a wavelength of λ∼1.55 μm. The measured η spectrum also agrees well with a finite-difference time-domain simulation.
Efficacy expectations and vocational interests as mediators between sex and choice of math/science college majors: A longitudinal study.

A longitudinal study was conducted to test the mediational role of efficacy expectations in relation to sex differences in the choice of a math/science college major. Data on 101 students were gathered prior to their entering college and then again after they had declared a major 3 years later. Path analytic results support the importance of both math self-efficacy beliefs and vocational interest in mathematics in predicting entry into math/science majors and mediating sex differences in these decisions. Also, students who described themselves as more extroverted were less likely to take additional math classes in high school. Students with stronger artistic vocational interests chose majors less related to math and science. School personnel are strongly encouraged to develop programs that challenge the crystallization of efficacy beliefs and vocational interest patterns before students enter college.
Comparative analyses of current three-dimensional numerical solar wind models

We present a comparative study of the most advanced three-dimensional time-dependent numerical simulation models of solar wind. These models can be classified into two categories: (I) theoretical, empirical and numerically based models and (II) self-consistent multi-dimensional numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models. The models of Category I are used to separately describe the solar wind solution in two plasma flows regions: transonic/trans-Alfvenic and supersonic/super-Alfvenic, respectively. Models of Category II construct a complete, single, numerical solar wind solution through subsonic/sub-Alfvenic region into supersonic/super-Alfvenic region. The Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA)/ENLIL in CISM is the most successful space weather model that belongs to Category I, and the Block-Adaptive-Tree-Solarwind-Roe-Upwind-Scheme (BATS-R-US) code in SWMF (Space Weather Modeling Framework) and the solar-interplanetary conservative element solution element MHD (SIP-CESE MHD) model in SWIM (Space Weather Integrated Model) are the most commonly-used models that belong to Category II. We review the structures of their frameworks, the main results for solar wind background studies that are essential for solar transient event studies, and discuss the common features and differences between these two categories of solar wind models. Finally, we conclude that the transition of these two categories of models to operational use depends on the availability of computational resources at reasonable cost and point out that the models’ prediction capabilities may be improved by employing finer computational grids, incorporating more observational data and by adding more physical constraints to the models.
Urinary symptoms after robotic prostatectomy in men with median lobes.

BACKGROUND We report on the natural history of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary continence in patients with median lobe enlargement (MLE) after robotic radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS Patients treated with RP from October 2008 to March 2012 completed American Urological Association symptom index (AUAI) and continence assessments at the preoperative visit and each postoperative visit. Two cohorts were established based on the presence or absence of a median lobe intraoperatively. RESULTS A total of 698 validated questionnaires were completed by 175 patients with a median of 4 AUAI scores per patient. The 36 patients (21%) with MLE required a longer time to achieve urinary continence (P = .05, log-rank test), although ultimately, no difference was seen in long-term continence probability between the two cohorts (P = .63). On multivariate analysis, the presence of a median lobe reduced the odds of early continence recovery (P = .02). By use of a generalized estimating equation, the cohort-average AUAI scores after RP are presented. Patients with MLE had faster improvement in LUTS after surgery, whereas those without MLE had temporary worsening in LUTS before improvement. CONCLUSION Patients with MLE have a different natural history of LUTS and continence after RP as compared with patients without this finding. Therefore, radiographic or cystoscopic evaluation for the presence of a median lobe before RP may improve patient counseling about urinary outcomes.
Managerial determinants of intramammary coliform and environmental streptococci infections in Ohio dairy herds.

Forty-eight dairy herds in Ohio were selected as a stratified random sample for participation in a disease monitoring study to relate the prevalence of IMI with coliform and environmental streptococci to herd management and environmental conditions. Management and environmental conditions were assessed by farm inspection and by an interview with the dairy producers. A separate analysis for each independent variable identified many potential disease determinants. A multivariable analysis of a covariance model to predict the prevalence of coliforms had 6 model df (R2 = .47). Increased prevalence of coliform infection was associated with an increased amount of milk remaining in the udder after milking, use of free stalls, regular use of a running water wash, increased person hours per cow spent milking, and poor sanitation. The multivariable model for environmental streptococci used 5 model df (R2 = .51). Increased prevalence of environmental streptococci was associated with poor sanitation, increased number of days dry, use of tie stalls, no use of a shared wash cloth, and no use of an individual dry cloth.
Drawing Between Reportage and Memory: Diego Rivera's Moscow Sketchbook*

The extraordinary proliferation of political demonstrations around the world over the past several years has reminded us once again of the phenomenal power of the real-time convergence of people in public space, a power to which Diego Rivera's Moscow Sketchbook—a corpus of forty-five small watercolor drawings—bears graphic witness. The sketchbook dates from Rivera's seven- or eight-month sojourn in Moscow, which began in early November 1927 with his direct participation in the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the revolution as a delegate to the inaugural internat ional Congress of Friends. Publicly announcing the artist's arrival in Moscow on November 3, the Communist Party's national daily newspaper Pravda discussed his “extraordinary frescoes” in the new Secretar iat of Public Educat ion in Mexico City—which the poet Vladimir Mayakovski had earlier lauded as “the world's first Communist mural”—and went on to explain that, as a revolutionary artist, Rivera now prefers the collective address of “wa...
Challenges of subsurface geo-sensing and monitoring using wireless signal networks

Real time global subsurface geo-sensing and monitoring can be achieved using a new concept of wireless sensor networks. The new concept uses the signal strength variation of wireless sensor nodes in the host medium as the main indicator of a subsurface event or change in physical properties of the soil such as water content, density, and formation of discontinuities. The feasibility of implementing the wireless signal networks for subsurface monitoring has been investigated through laboratory simulation experiments which demonstrated that the wireless signal networks is a viable approach for a reliable geo-sensing and monitoring of subsurface hazards. The challenges facing the wireless signal networks for implementation in geo-sensing and subsurface monitoring are discussed in this paper. These challenges are divided into network and geo-media categories and potential solutions to these challenges are offered for most cases.
Relations among stress, coping strategies, coping motives, alcohol consumption and related problems: A mediated moderation model

Although prominent models of alcohol use and abuse implicate stress as an important motivator of alcohol consumption, research has not consistently identified a relationship between stress and drinking outcomes. Presumably stress leads to heavier alcohol consumption and related problems primarily for individuals who lack other adaptive methods for coping effectively with stressful experiences. To test this hypothesis, we examined four adaptive coping approaches (active coping, planning, suppression of competing activities, and restraint), as predictors of alcohol use and related problems as well as moderators of relations between stress and drinking outcomes in an undergraduate population (N=225). Further, we examined coping motives for drinking as potential mediators of the effects of coping strategies as well as stress by coping strategy interactions. Analyses supported both restraint and suppression of competing activities as moderators of the influence of stress on alcohol use but not problems. The stress by restraint interaction was also evident in the prediction of coping motives, and coping motives were related to higher levels of both weekly drinking and alcohol-related problems. Finally, coping motives for drinking served to mediate the stress by restraint interaction on weekly drinking. Overall, these results suggest that efforts to suppress competing activities and restrain impulsive responses in the face of stress may reduce the risk for heavy drinking during the transition from high school to college.
Analysis of the deformation of a symmetrically-loaded fiber embedded in a matrix material

Abstract An elasticity solution for the fiber pull-out-type problem is developed using sets of orthogonal functions and compared with two approximate methods. The problem itself consists of two concentric cylinders. The inner core or fiber is uniformly loaded in tension while the ends of the outer cylinder or matrix are traction free. In this paper, both the fiber and matrix are considered to be linear elastic and isotropic. The interface between the two materials is also assumed to be perfectly bonded. One of the most interesting features of the solution is the nature of the stress field in the neighborhood of the interface at the free surface of the cylinder. At these points, the stresses are singular. Since the singularities are not explicitly determined by the solution procedure, various mathematical difficulties are encountered; the resolution of these are discussed in some detail in the body of the paper.
Innovative data weighting for iterative reconstruction in a helical CT security baggage scanner

X-ray computed tomography (CT) currently has widespread application in air travel security systems for the purpose of baggage screening. This work presents an implementation of a fully 3D model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm mapped to a multi-slice helical CT security scanner. We introduce innovations in the data model that are designed to enhance image quality for typical scenes encountered in the security setting. In particular, we explore alternatives in the weighting of the measurements in order to more accurately reconstruct uniform regions and suppress metal artifacts. We compare images from the model-based approach to direct analytical reconstructions, indicating that the MBIR produces higher resolution and lower-noise reconstructions with suppressed metal streaking. The image improvements afforded by MBIR can provide for better operator experience and potentially enable enhanced performance of automatic threat detection (ATD).
Distribution of synapses on identified cell types in a gustatory subdivision of the nucleus of the solitary tract.

Two morphological types of neurons in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) in the hamster send axons to the parabrachial nucleus (PBN). Elongate cells have oval cell bodies and 2 mediolaterally oriented primary dendrites. Large stellate cells have polygonal cell bodies and 3–5 radiating primary dendrites. Both cell types are located in the rostral central subdivision of the NST, surrounded by primary afferent axons from the oral cavity. This study uses electron microscopy to evaluate the synaptic inputs to horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labelled elongate and stellate PBN projection cells. Three types of axon terminals provide most of the synapses on the labelled cells. Primary-like terminals contain large, clear, round vesicles and engage in asymmetrical synaptic junctions; they resemble gustatory (facial) afferent terminals identified previously (Whitehead, J. Comp. Neurol. 244:72, 1986). Axon terminals containing small, pleomorphic vesicles (SP terminals), form symmetrical junctions, and resemble Golgi II endings. Terminals containing medium-sized pleomorphic vesicles (MP terminals) form asymmetrical junctions. These types of axon terminals distribute differentially on the labelled cells. Primary-like inputs are largely restricted to distal dendrites and their spines. SP terminals provide more synaptic coverage than primary-like or MP terminals; for both cell types the SP inputs are concentrated proximally on dendrites and cell bodies. The data suggest that elongate and large stellate cells function as second-order projection neurons in the ascending taste system. The density, spatial distribution, and timing of activation of the various types of synapses could relate to the electrophysiological response properties of the projection neurons. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Limits to the H-mode pedestal pressure gradient in DIII-D

The spatial and temporal evolution of the total pedestal pressure profile has been measured during the pedestal evolution between successive edge localized modes (ELMs) of type-I ELMing H-mode discharges in DIII-D. Measurements are used to test a model that predicts that kinetic ballooning modes (KBMs) provide a strong constraint on the pedestal pressure gradient obtained during an inter-ELM cycle and cause the pedestal width to scale as the square root of the pedestal poloidal beta. Discharges in two different parameter regimes are examined for evidence that the evolution of the pressure gradient reaches a limit prior to the onset of an ELM. Both discharges show evidence of rapid evolution of the pressure profile very early in the recovery phase from an ELM. In one discharge, the pressure gradient reached approximate steady state within ~3 ms after the ELM event. In the other discharge, the pressure gradient just inboard of the last closed flux surface reached steady state early in the ELM recovery phase even as the pedestal expanded into the core and the maximum pressure gradient continued to rise during the remainder of the ELM cycle. Simple quantitative theoretical metrics show that pressure gradients in both discharges reached levels that were large enough to excite KBMs. In addition, the peeling–ballooning theory for the onset of type-I ELMs and the EPED1 model for pedestal height and width make predictions consistent with the data of both discharges.
The distributive consequences of machismo: a simulation analysis of intra‐household discrimination

Empirical evidence questions the unitary allocation model of the household that underpins the standard measurement of monetary poverty and inequality. Intra-household gender discrimination has been widely shown to shape expenditure decisions, nutrition status, and human capital accumulation of household members. However, conventional poverty and inequality analyses are conducted for the household as a whole, which might lead to different conclusions compared with studies based on individuals. Using recent developments in intra-household bargaining modelling, this paper constructs non-cooperative allocation rules dominated by gender discrimination among household members. Estimates for Chile show a substantial worsening of poverty and inequality under such allocation rules. This suggests that intra-household discrimination deserves some of the attention typically directed to extra-household discrimination in labour markets, access to public services or political participation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spinal Cord Compression from a Thoracic Paraganglioma: Case Report

A 34-year-old man with a 4-month history of midthoracic back pain sought treatment for a recent onset of lower extremity paresthesia and stiffness. A myelogram and computed tomographic myelogram disclosed an extradural block at the level of the 8th thoracic vertebral body with involvement of the pedicles, lamina, and spinous process. A posterior decompression of the spinal cord with subtotal resection of a highly vascular tumor was performed. The tumor was identified as a paraganglioma. In a second stage, the remainder of the tumor was embolized preoperatively, and gross total excision and sequential stabilization of the spine with a Luque rectangle and sublaminar wires were performed. The patient has been symptom free and without signs of a recurrence in the spine for over 13 months. A large abdominal paraganglioma was recently resected from its probable origin from the adventitia of the abdominal aorta.
Gossypiboma: tales of lost sponges and lessons learned.

Objective To review the details surrounding cases of patients found to have retained laparotomy sponges after surgical procedures and share policy changes that have led to process improvements at one academic medical center. Design Retrospective medical record review as part of a quality improvement process. Setting Single academic medical center. Patients Patients identified through the quality improvement process as having had retained foreign bodies after surgery. Conclusions Sentinel events such as retained foreign bodies after surgery require intensive review to identify systems problems. This can lead to protocol changes to improve the process. After a series of incidents, protocol changes at our institution have led to no further incidents of retained foreign bodies.
Lack of in Vivo Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity with Antibody Containing Gold Nanoparticles

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a cytolytic mechanism that can elicit in vivo antitumor effects and can play a significant role in the efficacy of antibody treatments for cancer. Here, we prepared cetuximab, panitumumab, and rituximab containing gold nanoparticles and investigated their ability to produce an ADCC effect in vivo. Cetuximab treatment of EGFR-expressing H1975 tumor xenografts showed significant tumor regression due to the ADCC activity of the antibody in vivo, while the control antibody, panitumumab, did not. However, all three antibody containing nanoparticles are not able to suppress tumor growth in the same in vivo mouse model. The antibody containing nanoparticles localized in the tumors and did not suppress the immune function of the animals, so the lack of tumor growth suppression of the cetuximab containing nanoparticle suggests that immobilizing antibodies onto a nanoparticle significantly decreases the ability of the antibody to promote an ADCC response.
Computed Tomographic Modeling Before and After Treatment for Posttraumatic Empyema: Early Decortication Is Superior to Catheter Drainage

Background Posttraumatic empyema is relatively unusual. There are little data comparing the results of various interventions, and no data that have documented the restoration of lung volumes. Methods We compared patients with posttraumatic empyema who were treated with catheter drainage or decortication. Computed tomographic scans of the chest were obtained before and after treatment, and computed tomographic modeling was used to determine the change in lung volumes after each intervention. Results From 2006 to 2010 there were 478 patients admitted after sustaining chest trauma and 25 (5%) developed an empyema. The definitive treatment was decortication in 15 patients (60%) and chest tube or catheter drainage in 10 (40%). Four patients (16%) initially treated with chest tubes later required decortication. The overall complication rate was 33% for decortication and 100% for catheters. There was no significant difference in days of mechanical ventilation (catheter-median 0, SD ± 13 days; decortication-median 10, SD ± 12 days; p = 0.6), total length of stay (catheter-median 15, SD ± 36 days; decortication-median 27, SD ± 17 days; p=0.9), and intensive care unit days (catheter-median 6, SD ± 19 days; decortication-median 15, SD ± 17 days; p=0.5). After chest tube drainage, the lung volume increased on average by 751 cubic centimeters (range, 99 to 1,982 cc). After decortication, the lung volume increased on average by 1,519 cc (range, 616 to 2,916, p=0.02). Conclusions Decortication for posttraumatic empyema results in higher postoperative lung volumes than catheter drainage and has a lower complication rate. Decortication is more effective in restoring full pulmonary capacity in the treatment of posttraumatic empyema.
Synthetic musk fragrances in human milk from the United States.

Synthetic musk compounds are used as additives in many consumer products, including perfumes, deodorants, and detergents. Earlier studies have reported the occurrence of synthetic musks in environmental and wildlife samples collected in the United States. In this study, human breast milk samples collected from Massachusetts, were analyzed for the determination of concentrations of synthetic musks such as musk xylene (1-tert-butyl-3,5-dimethyl-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene), musk ketone (4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitroacetophenone), HHCB (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[γ]-2-benzopyran), AHTN (7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene), and HHCB-lactone, the oxidation product of HHCB. In addition, we estimated the daily intake of synthetic musks by infants based on the ingestion rate of breast milk. Synthetic musks were found in most of the samples analyzed, and the concentrations ranged from <2 to 150 ng musk xylene/g, <2 to 238 ng musk ketone/g, <5 to 917 ng HHCB/...
Lab kits using the Arduino prototyping platform

We present a lab kit platform based on an Arduino microcontroller board and open hardware that enables students to use low-cost, course specific hardware to complete lab exercises at home. The platform is designed to be accessible to a wide range of students and easily adapted for other applications. Careful hardware selection allows existing laboratory exercises to be modified for use with the platform, and the platform enables new exercises that would not be possible in a traditional lab. We describe the adoption of these kits in a course designed for on-campus and remote students that teaches the science and technology of modern display systems. We find that the platform delivers a consistent, high quality laboratory experience for both on-campus and remote students.
Gold(I) analogues of a platinum-acridine antitumor agent are only moderately cytotoxic but show potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Cationic gold(I) complexes containing 1-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-1,3-dimethylthiourea (1), [AuL(1)]n+ (where L is Cl−, Br−, SCN−, PEt3, PPh3, or 1), derived from a class of analogous platinum(II) antitumor agents, have been synthesized. Unlike platinum, gold does not form permanent adducts with DNA, and its complexes are 2 orders of magnitude less cytotoxic in non-small-cell lung cancer cells than the most active platinum-based agent. Instead, several gold analogues show submicromolar and selective antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Symbolic manipulation in an extended l-calculus

A symbolic differentiation functional that handles expressions containing free and bound variables in an extended λ-calculus programming language (SRL) is described. A formalization of partial derivatives of functions wrt position of parameters is presented.
Pituitary gonadotropins in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during photoperiodically induced gonadal growth

The gonadotropin content of the anterior pituitary in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was studied in relation to photoperiodically induced gonadal development. The content was low in birds held on short daily photoperiods and in which there was no gonadal development. Long daily photoperiods caused complete gonadal development and a steady increase in gonadotropin content during the first 21 days with a slight decline thereafter. The anterior pituitary gland increased in weight under a long daily photoperiod. The results are discussed with respect to the balance between hormone synthesis and hormone release.
Ultrastructure of the glomus jugulare tumor.

An electron microscopic study was done on a glomus jugulare tumor from a 69-year-old male. With the electron microscope, it was found that most of the tumor cells and their processes seemed to be in close contact with capillaries, whose endothelial cells were fenestrated by pores. The most significant structure in the glomus tumor cell is a large number of membrane-bounded electron dense granules, morphologically similar to the catecholamine-containing granules. The functional significance of the occurrence of such granules is discussed.
Human plasminogen catalytic domain undergoes an unusual conformational change upon activation.

Activation of the serine protease plasmin from its zymogen, plasminogen, is the key step in fibrinolysis leading to blood clot dissolution. It also plays critical roles in cell migration, such as in tumor metastasis. Here, we report the crystal structure of an inactive S741A mutant of human plasminogen catalytic domain at 2.0 A resolution. This structure permits a direct comparison with that of the plasmin catalytic unit. Unique conformational differences are present between these two structures that are not seen in other zymogen-enzyme pairs of the trypsin family. The functional significance of these differences and the structural basis of plasminogen activation is discussed in the light of this new structure.
Galectin-3 is a substrate for prostate specific antigen (PSA) in human seminal plasma.

BACKGROUND Galectin-3 is a multivalent carbohydrate-binding protein involved in cell adhesion, cell cycle control, immunomodulation, and cancer progression, including prostate cancer. Galectin-3 function is regulated by proteolytic cleavage that destroys galectin-3 multivalency while preserving carbohydrate-binding activity. In human semen, galectin-3 is present in seminal plasma and is also associated with prostasomes, exosome-like vesicles secreted by the prostate. In the current study, we characterized the proteolytic activity that cleaves galectin-3 in human seminal plasma. METHODS An in vitro assay was developed to investigate galectin-3 cleavage in seminal plasma. The effect of protease inhibitors, divalent ion chelators, and Zn2+ on the cleavage activity was determined. Proteases enriched from seminal plasma were tested for their ability to cleave galectin-3. Affinity purification and microsequence analysis were used to identify the cleavage site in galectin-3. RESULTS Galectin-3 was identified in human seminal plasma in an intact and truncated form. Gelatinases enriched from seminal plasma did not cleave galectin-3. Inhibitor studies indicated that the galectin-3 cleavage activity in seminal plasma is a Zn2+ sensitive, serine protease. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was demonstrated to cleave galectin-3 between tyrosine107-glycine108 and produce a functionally active, monovalent lectin. CONCLUSIONS PSA is a chymotrypsin-like serine protease secreted by the prostatic epithelium and normally functions in liquefaction of semen following ejaculation. Furthermore, PSA is implicated in the promotion of localized prostate tumors and bone metastases by its roles in immunomodulation, invasion, and apoptosis. Our results indicate that PSA regulates galectin-3 in human semen and may regulate galectin-3 function during prostate cancer progression. Prostate 71: 197–208, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A LOCAL LIMIT THEOREM FOR SUMS OF DEPENDENT RANDOM VARIABLES

A version of central limit is established normalized sums dependent random when a theorem is and conditional are sufficiently The proof ideas from by representing density as integral of score function a translation of distributions. 1980 Subject 60F99.
PC-TRIO: A Power Efficient TCAM Architecture for Packet Classifiers

PC-TRIO is an indexed TCAM architecture for packet classification. In addition to index TCAMs, PC-TRIO uses wide SRAM words. On our packet classifier data sets, PC-TRIO reduced TCAM power by 96 percent and lookup time by 98 percent on an average, compared to PC-DUOS+ [28] that does not use indexing or wide SRAMs. PC-DUOS+ was shown to be better than STCAM, which is a single TCAM architecture conventionally used for packet classification [28] . In this paper, we also extend PC-DUOS+ by augmenting it with wide SRAMs and index TCAMs using the same methodology as used in PC-TRIO, to obtain PC-DUOS+W. On ACL data sets, PC-DUOS+W reduced TCAM power by 86 percent and lookup time by 98 percent, compared to PC-DUOS+, which demonstrates the effectiveness of indexing and usage of wide SRAMs in reducing power and lookup time for packet classifiers.
Undergraduate optical design courses at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Three optical design courses are taught at the junior-senior undergraduate level at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. This paper will discuss a lens design course which utilizes complimentary keys to Code V provided by ORA and two design courses in which students work on projects motivated by commercial industry.
Implementation of High Bandwidth Sensor Arrays Using Feedback Mechanisms

Proposed in this paper is a new method to implement the high operating bandwidth sensor arrays. In certain control applications, it is necessary that a high bandwidth sensor be used to improve the efficiency of feedback. The design of a single sensor with the desired high bandwidth may not be easy and economically feasible. It is shown that the idea of sensor arrays can be utilized to obtain a cost effective and efficient solution to the problem posed. It is discussed that an effective data fusion scheme is necessary in order to implement the proposed sensor array that consists of low bandwidth pass-band sensors with possible overlapping operating regions. Moreover, we point out that obtaining accurate sensor models may not be always easy in practice and this may make the proposed sensor arrays inapplicable for certain applications. To address this issue, a new implementation scheme that utilizes feedback mechanisms to combine multi-sensor data is developed. The proposed framework is validated using simulation examples.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Congenital hearing impairment

Establishing the etiology of congenital hearing impairment can significantly improve treatment for certain causes of hearing loss and facilitates genetic counseling. High-resolution CT and MRI have contributed to the evaluation and management of hearing impairment. In addition, with the identification of innumerable genetic loci and genetic defects involved in hearing loss, genetic testing has emerged as an invaluable tool in the assessment of hearing impairment. Some of the common forms of congenital hearing loss are reviewed and their imaging features illustrated.