cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A measurement-based model to predict the performance impact of system modifications: a case study

The paper presents a performance case study of parallel jobs executing in real multi user workloads. The study is based on a measurement based model capable of predicting the completion time distribution of the jobs executing under real workloads. The model constructed is also capable of predicting the effects of system design changes on application performance. The model is a finite state, discrete time Markov model with rewards and costs associated with each state. The Markov states are defined from real measurements and represent system/workload states in which the machine has operated. The paper places special emphasis on choosing the correct number of states to represent the workload measured. Specifically, the performance of computationally bound, parallel applications executing in real workloads on an Alliant FX/80 is evaluated. The constructed model is used to evaluate scheduling policies, the performance effects of multiprogramming overhead, and the scalability of the Alliant FX/8O in real workloads. The model identifies a number of available scheduling policies which would improve the response time of parallel jobs. In addition, the model predicts that doubling the number of processors in the current configuration would only improve response time for a typical parallel application by 25%. The model recommends a different processor configuration to more fully utilize extra processors. The paper also presents empirical results which validate the model created. >
Cellular N-Ras Promotes Cell Survival by Downregulation of Jun N-Terminal Protein Kinase and p38

Cellular N-Ras provides a steady-state antiapoptotic signal, at least partially through the regulation of phosphorylated Akt and Bad levels. Fibroblasts lacking c-N-Ras expression are highly sensitive to the induction of apoptosis by a variety of agents. Reduction of pBad and pAkt levels using a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor was not sufficient to sensitize the control cell population to the high level of apoptosis observed in the N-Ras knockout cell lines, suggesting that c-N-Ras provides at least one other antiapoptotic signal. Stimulation of the control cells with apoptotic agents results in a transient increase in Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK)/p38 activity that decreased to baseline levels during the time course of the experiments. In all cases, however, sustained JNK/p38 activity was observed in cells lacking c-N-Ras expression. This correlated with sustained levels of phosphorylated MKK4 and MKK3/6, upstream activators of JNK and p38, respectively. Mimicking the sustained activation of JNK in the control cells did result in increasing their sensitivity to apoptotic agents, suggesting that prolonged JNK activity is a proapoptotic event. We also examined the potential downstream c-N-Ras targets that might be involved in regulating the duration of the JNK/p38 signal. Only the RalGDS 37G-N-Ras protein protected the N-Ras knockout cells from apoptosis and restored transient rather than sustained JNK activation. These data suggest that cellular N-Ras provides an antiapoptotic signal through at least two distinct mechanisms, one which regulates steady-state pBad and pAkt levels and one which regulates the duration of JNK/p38 activity following an apoptotic challenge.
Evaluation and management of genital anomalies in two patients with Klinefelter syndrome and review of literature

Abstract Objectives To present the evaluation and management of cryptorchidism and varicocele in patients with Klinefelter syndrome and review the literature. Recent advances in reproductive medicine have resulted in fertility in patients with Klinefelter syndrome. However, cryptorchidism and varicocele can affect the fertility potential on their own. Methods We present 2 cases and review the literature with an emphasis on the fertility potential. Results Germ cells were present in the testicular biopsy of an infant with cryptorchidism but not in the adolescent with a varicocele. The latter biopsy showed tubular sclerosis. Conclusions The fertility potential of patients with Klinefelter syndrome and cryptorchidism may be preserved or enhanced by an early orchiopexy. However, the potential benefit of ligation of internal spermatic veins in patients with Klinefelter syndrome and a varicocele warrants further study. Cryopreservation should be considered early in adolescence or adulthood as germ cells become depleted at an accelerated rate after puberty.
Robotic Kidney and Spine Percutaneous Procedures Using a New Laser-Based CT Registration Method

We present a simple method for robot registration in computer tomography imaging systems. Lhe method uses the laser markers readily available on any CL scanner and does not require imaging thus eliminating radiation exposure. Its accuracy is inherited from the laser positioning system. This approach does not require additional hardware, laser alignment being performed on the instrument used in the clinical application. Moreover, robotic guidance allows for radiological interventions to be performed on scanners without fluoro-CL capability. Unlike the manual approach, the method allows for performing oblique insertions, for which the skm entry point and the target are located indifferent slices.The implementation is realized using the latest version of the PAKY-RCM robot developed in our laboratory. This is an increased precision system based on our new Ball-Worm technology.The system was successfully used for five CL-guided biopsy and radio-frequency ablation procedures on the kidney and spine and a nephrostomy tube placement. Further investigation will explore its application to other organs and procedures.
Barriers to mobility during hospitalization from the perspectives of older patients and their nurses and physicians.

BACKGROUND Low mobility is common during hospitalization and is associated with adverse outcomes. Understanding barriers to the maintenance or improvement of mobility is important to the development of successful interventions. OBJECTIVES To identify barriers to mobility during hospitalization from the perspectives of older patients and their primary nurses and physicians, to compare and contrast the perceived barriers among these groups, and to make a conceptual model. DESIGN Qualitative interviews analyzed and interpreted using a grounded theory approach. SETTING Medical wards of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-nine participants—10 patients ≥ 75 years, 10 nurses, and 9 resident physicians. MEASUREMENTS Participants were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide, with similar questions for patients and health care providers. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and reviewed for common themes by independent reviewers. Perceived barriers to mobility were identified, and their nature and frequency were examined for each respondent group. RESULTS Content analysis identified 31 perceived barriers to increased mobility during hospitalization. Barriers most frequently described by all 3 groups were: having symptoms (97%), especially weakness (59%), pain (55%), and fatigue (34%); having an intravenous line (69%) or urinary catheter (59%); and being concerned about falls (79%). Lack of staff to assist with out-of-bed activity was mentioned by patients (20%), nurses (70%), and physicians (67%). Unlike patients, health care providers attributed low mobility among hospitalized older adults to lack of patient motivation and lack of ambulatory devices. CONCLUSIONS Recognizing and understanding perceived barriers to mobility during hospitalization of older patients is an important first step toward developing successful interventions to minimize low mobility. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:305–313. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Competency to consent to medical treatment in cognitively impaired patients with Parkinson’s disease

Objectives: To investigate capacity to consent to medical treatment (competency) in cognitively impaired patients with PD. Background: Although competency has been studied empirically in patients with cortical dementia (AD), no empirical studies have examined competency in patients with PD or other subcortical neurodegenerative disorders. Methods: Patients with PD with cognitive impairment (n = 20) and older controls (n = 20) were compared using a standardized competency measure (Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument [CCTI]) and neuropsychological test measures. The CCTI tests competency performance and assigns outcomes (capable, marginally capable, incapable) under four different legal standards (LS). Results: Patients with PD performed below controls on the four LS: capacity to evidence a treatment choice (LS1) ( p p p p Conclusions: Cognitively impaired patients with PD are likely to have impaired consent capacity, and are at risk of losing competency over the course of their neurodegenerative illness. Patients with PD have parti-cular difficulty meeting more stringent, clinically relevant competency standards that tap reasoning skills and comprehension of treatment information. Executive dysfunction appears to be a primary neurocognitive mechanism for competency loss in PD.
Comparison of Manual and Automated Determination of Hippocampal Volumes in MCI and Early AD

MRI-based hippocampal volume analysis has been extensively employed given its potential as a biomarker for brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and accurate and efficient determination of hippocampal volumes from brain images is still a challenging issue. We compared an automated method, FreeSurfer (V4), with a published manual protocol for the determination of hippocampal volumes from T1-weighted MRI scans. Our study included MRI data from 125 older adult subjects: healthy controls with no significant cognitive complaints or deficits (HC, n = 38), euthymic individuals with cognitive complaints (CC, n = 39) but intact neuropsychological performance, and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 37) or a clinical diagnosis of probable AD (AD, n = 11). Pearson correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to evaluate the relationship between results of the manual tracing and FreeSurfer methods and to estimate their agreement. Results indicated that these two methods derived highly correlated results with strong agreement. After controlling for the age, sex and intracranial volume in statistical group analysis, both the manual tracing and FreeSurfer methods yield similar patterns: both the MCI group and the AD group showed hippocampal volume reduction compared to both the HC group and the CC group, and the HC and CC groups did not differ. These comparisons suggest that FreeSurfer has the potential to be used in automated determination of hippocampal volumes for large-scale MCI/AD-related MRI studies, where manual methods are inefficient or not feasible.
Habitual violence and self-mutilation.

Thirty-seven percent of a group of 22 habitually violent patient/inmates were observed on admission to a special prison facility to have scars resulting from self-inflicted wounds. The author found that these men revealed considerable psychopathology beginning at an early age. He discusses the importance of identifying such patients and treating them separately from other violent individuals.
A Case of Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetic patients. The occurrence of non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) in diabetic patients has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Generally, renal injuries in DN are deemed difficult to reverse, whereas some NDRDs are often treatable and even remittable. Thus, the diagnosis of NDRD in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) via a kidney biopsy would be significant for its prognosis and therapeutic strategy. According to recent studies, the most common NDRD is IgA nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients, and some cases of minimal change disease and membranous glomerulonephritis have been reported in Korea. However, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is an uncommon condition in diabetic patients. To our knowledge, there has been no case yet of MPGN, except in a child with type 1 DM. We present an unusual case of a 27-year-old woman who had type 2 DM with MPGN, as confirmed via a kidney biopsy.
Virus/Allergen Interactions and Exacerbations of Asthma

Clinical research findings indicate that there are synergistic interactions between allergy and viral infection that cause increased severity of asthma exacerbations. This article summarizes the current literature linking these 2 risk factors for asthma exacerbation, and reviews experimental data suggesting potential mechanisms for interactions between viral infection and allergy that cause asthma exacerbations. In addition, the authors discuss clinical evidence that treatment of allergic inflammation could help to reduce the frequency and severity of virus-induced exacerbations of asthma.
Pathway and Enzyme Redundancy in Putrescine Catabolism in Escherichia coli

Putrescine as the sole carbon source requires a novel catabolic pathway with glutamylated intermediates. Nitrogen limitation does not induce genes of this glutamylated putrescine (GP) pathway but instead induces genes for a putrescine catabolic pathway that starts with a transaminase-dependent deamination. We determined pathway utilization with putrescine as the sole nitrogen source by examining mutants with defects in both pathways. Blocks in both the GP and transaminase pathways were required to prevent growth with putrescine as the sole nitrogen source. Genetic and biochemical analyses showed redundant enzymes for -aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase (PatD/YdcW and PuuC), -aminobutyrate transaminase (GabT and PuuE), and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GabD and PuuC). PuuC is a nonspecific aldehyde dehydrogenase that oxidizes all the aldehydes in putrescine catabolism. A puuPmutant failed to use putrescine as the nitrogen source, which implies one major transporter for putrescine as the sole nitrogen source. Analysis of regulation of the GP pathway shows induction by putrescine and not by a product of putrescine catabolism and shows that putrescine accumulates in puuA,puuB, andpuuCmutants but not in any other mutant. We conclude that two independent sets of enzymes can completely degrade putrescine to succinate and that their relative importance depends on the environment.
Performance evaluation of finite normal mixture model-based image segmentation techniques

Finite normal mixture (FNM) model-based image segmentation techniques adopt the following detection-estimation-classification paradigm: (1) detect the number of image regions by using theoretical information criteria; (2) estimate model parameters by using expectation-maximization (EM)/classification-maximization (CM) algorithms; and (3) classify pixels into regions by using various classifiers. This paper presents a theoretical framework to evaluate the performance of this class of image segmentation techniques. For the detection performance, probabilities of over-detection and under-detection of the number of image regions are defined, and the associated formulae in terms of model parameters and image quality are derived. For the estimation performance, both EM and CM algorithms are showed to produce asymptotically unbiased ML estimates of model parameters in the case of no-overlap. Cramer-Rao bounds of variances of these estimates are derived. For the classification performance, misclassification probability for the Bayesian classifier is defined, and a simple formula based on parameter estimates and classified data is derived to evaluate segmentation errors. This evaluation method provides both theoretically approachable accuracy limits of the techniques and practically achievable performance of the given images. Theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement and indicate that, for images of moderate quality, the detection operation is robust, the parameter estimates are accurate, and the segmentation errors are small.
Image processing in catadioptric planes: spatiotemporal derivatives and optical flow computation

Images produced by catadioptric sensors contain a significant amount of radial distortion and variation in inherent scale. Blind application of conventional shift-invariant operators or optical flow estimators yields erroneous results. One could argue that given a calibration of such a sensor we would always be able to remove distortions and apply any operator in a local perspective plane. In addition to the inefficiency of such an approach, interpolation effects during warping have undesired results in filtering. In this paper, we propose to use the sphere as the underlying domain of image processing in central catadioptric systems. This does not mean that we will warp the catadioptric image into a spherical image. Instead, we will formulate all the operations on the sphere but use the samples from the original catadioptric plane. As an example, we study the convolution with the Gaussian and its derivatives and as well as the computation of optical flow in image sequences acquired with a parabolic catadioptric sensor.
Visualizing search results: some alternatives to query-document similarity

A digital library of computer science literature, Envision provides powerful information visualization by displaying search results as a matrix of icons, with layout semantics under user control. Envision’s Graphic View interacts with an Item Summary Window giving users access to bibliographic information, and XMosaic provides access to complete bibliographic information, abstracts, and full content. While many visualization interfaces for information retrieval systems depict ranked query-document similarity, Envision graphically presents a variety of document characteristics and supports an extensive range of user tasks. Formative usability evaluation results show great user satisfaction with Envision’s style of presentation and the document characteristics visualized.
State estimation methods applied to transformer monitoring

State estimation methods are valuable for monitoring complex systems with not directly measurable states. One case in point is the monitoring of power transformers. The thermal condition of the transformer is very crucial in determining the life expectancy of the transformer, yet the hot spot temperature of the transformer cannot be directly measured. Other events such as inter-coil discharges cannot be directly measured unless they develop into a power fault. This paper describes the application of state estimation methods in a transformer diagnostic system. This system consists of hardware and software that continuously monitor the transformer electro-thermal states. The transformer states are obtained from redundant measurements of transformer terminal voltages, currents, tank temperature, oil temperature and ambient temperature. This data are fitted into the electro-thermal model of the transformer via state estimation methods that provide the full range of the transformer electro-thermal states. The paper describes the electrothermal model, the unique features of the data acquisition system and focuses on the application of the state estimation methods to derive important transformer quantities such as: (a) loss of life; and (b) transformer coil integrity. The system has been implemented on a trial basis on four Entergy System transformers. In the present implementation, the minimum input data requirements are: (1) phase currents and voltages at both ends of the transformer (a total of twelve); (2) top of oil and bottom of oil temperatures; and (3) load tap changer position. Actual data and the performance of the state estimation methods are presented.
On the use of contrast stretch and adaptive filter to enhance ground penetrating radar imagery

We propose using an adaptive filter to enhance ground penetrating radar (GPR) images. It is well known that GPR images are usually dominated by the specular ground reflection. The specular reflection makes the object scattered signals difficult to observe, so it first must be removed before more refined detection and classification processing can be employed. To remove the specular reflection, the biggest challenge is that, due to ground roughness, the reflection cannot be satisfactorily subtracted by some simple methods such as a moving-average filter. Using contrast stretch we can enhance the object reflect signal and then use standard background removal method to eliminate most of the specular reflection. During the contrast stretch, the GPR images may have "streaky" artifacts because of the background removal. To overcome this side-effect, we apply an adaptive filter to remove "streaky" artifacts. Using field data, we show that images of higher quality can be obtained by our method.
Preferences for and Barriers to Formal and Informal Athletic Training Continuing Education Activities

Context: Our previous research determined the frequency of participation and perceived effect of formal and informal continuing education (CE) activities. However, actual preferences for and barrie...
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of B-cell, T-cell, and natural killer (NK)-cell neoplasms that lack the pathologic characteristics seen in Hodgkin disease (HD).
Resistance to EGFR-targeted therapy by Ets-1 inactivation.

In non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—the leading cause of cancer death worldwide—mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), are found in about 14%. Treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) had shown promise; however, a recent trial with erlotinib found tumor reduction >90% in only 5% of patients.1 This discrepant response raised the possibility of an inherent, not acquired, resistance in the tumor cells.
Local Kernel Density Ratio-Based Feature Selection for Outlier Detection

Selecting features is an important step of any machine learning task, though most of the focus has been to choose features relevant for classication and regression. In this work, we present a novel non-parametric evaluation criterion for lter-based feature selection which enhances outlier detection. Our proposed method seeks the subset of features that represents the inherent characteristics of the normal dataset while forcing outliers to stand out, making them more easily distinguished by outlier detection algorithms. Experimental results on real datasets show the advantage of this feature selection algorithm compared to popular and state-of-the-art methods. We also show that the proposed algorithm is able to overcome the small sample space problem and perform well on highly imbalanced datasets.
Isolation and characterization of three cadmium-inducible promoters from Oryza sativa

Cadmium (Cd) is an important soil pollutant. Developing genetically engineered crops might be a feasible strategy for Cd decontamination and damage prevention. Both genes and promoters are critical for the effective construction of genetically modified plants. Although many functional genes for Cd tolerance and accumulation have been identified, few reports have focused on plant Cd-inducible promoters. Here, we identified three Cd-inducible genes in the rice genome: two tau class glutathione S-transferase (GSTU) genes, OsGSTU5 and OsGSTU37, and an HSP20/alpha crystallin family protein gene, OsHSP18.6. The promoter sequences were isolated and tested in transgenic rice lines using a GUSplus reporter gene. All of the promoters exhibited low background expression under normal conditions and could be strongly induced by Cd stress. Although their strength was comparable to that of the constitutive OsACTIN promoter under Cd stress, their time-dependent expression patterns under both short- and long-term Cd exposure were markedly different. The responses of the three promoters to other heavy metals were also examined. Furthermore, heavy metal-responsive cis elements in the promoters were computationally analyzed, and regions determining the Cd stress response were analyzed using a series of truncations. Our results indicate that the three Cd-inducible rice promoters described herein could potentially be used in applications aimed at improving heavy metal tolerance in crops or for the bio-monitoring of environmental contamination.
Plasmid topoisomer separation by capillary gel electrophoresis

We report capillary electrophoretic separation of pUC8 and pBr322 plasmid topoisomers in cross-linked polyacrylamide (PAA) gels in 1X TBE buffer. Plasmid topoisomers are supercoiled forms that have exactly the same chain length but differ in their number of superhelical turns. Because the size in base pairs is invariant, topoisomer mobilities reflect conformational details and differ by only small increments. In cross-linked PAA rapid topoisomer separation can be achieved by DC electrophoresis in capillary lengths as short as 3 cm and near-baseline resolution in longer capillaries. We propose that the separation depends upon the regular structure obtained when a gel is prepared intra-capillary. The isothermal environment promotes formation of a cross-linked polymer of low polydispersity. Such PAA is a sieving matrix of high resolving power, but usable over a relatively narrow DNA size range. It is also possible to prepare gels in which a wide base pair range of supercoiled and nicked plasmids as well as linear ds-DNA may be separated, but without topoisomers resolution. In this paper, we discuss the latest results in topoisomer resolution using a range of plasmids employed in molecular biology and gene therapy.
Cutting off the Flow of Funds to Terrorists: Whose Funds? Which Funds? Who Decides?

This paper describes how the drafters of Canada's Anti-Terrorism Act have responded to the challenge of defining the relationship that must exist between individuals and property on the one hand, and terrorist activity on the other hand, in terms of both certainty and proximity, in order to trigger criminal penalties. The approach taken in the new legislation is compared to the approach that Canadian law has previously taken to similar issues, as well as to the approach adopted in the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. The fact that the legislation is potentially applicable to a broad range of conduct and property - the Act essentially applies to all people who knowingly engage in commercial dealings with terrorists and to any related property - is defended on the grounds that when facing poorly understood threats it would be unwise to decide precipitously that certain types of conduct are not subject to criminal sanction or that certain types of property are not subject to forfeiture. However, the legislation is criticized on the grounds that it gives law enforcement officials too much power to determine which persons and property will be targeted, and judges, especially appellate judges, too little power. In this respect, relatively vague yet potentially broad legislation would have been preferable.
Basic Network Plotting and Layout

As suggested in Chap. 2, producing and examining a network plot is often one of the first steps in network analysis. The overall purpose of a network graphic (as with any information graphic) is to highlight the important information contained in the underlying data. However, there are innumerable ways to visually layout network nodes and ties in two-dimensional space, as well as using graphical elements (e.g., node size, line color, figure legend, etc.) to communicate the story in the network data. In the next three chapters we go over basic principles of effective network graph design, and how to produce effective network visualizations in R.
Studies on the Nesting Behavior of Digger Wasps of the Tribe Sphecini Part I: Genus Priononyx Dahlbom

Few attempts have been made to correlate the many observations recorded on nesting behavior in this group so that its evolution can be understood. Some original observations are presented here on several species of Priononyx, and the recorded observations on species of this genus are reviewed briefly. Four Nearctic species (P. atratus, thomae, pubidorsus, and striatus) and one Palaearctic species (P. subfuscatus) all appear to be very similar in their nesting behavior. The prey always consists of Acrididae; it is paralyzed lightly, carried forward over the ground in a characteristic manner, and left in a protected place during digging. The nest is dug after the prey has been captured, and is simple, shallow, and unicellular; it is dug and filled very rapidly and in a characteristic manner. The prey is placed in the cell head-in, dorsum-up, and the egg is laid with one end in contact with the membrane of a hind coxa. Certain Neotropical species are reported to differ from this type of behavior. P. spinolae prepares the nest before hunting, makes several cells per nest, places 5 to 10 grasshoppers in a cell, and lays the egg on the thoracic venter. P. spinolae. resembles Sphex species in these respects, and it seems possible that this species represents something of a link between these two genera.
Human Factors and Trainability of Piloting a Simulated Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

In 2004, the U.S. Army Research Institute's (ARI) Simulator Systems Research Unit began studies involving the training requirements for operators of a micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (MAV). Our research involved the use of a touch-screen operator control interface developed for the DARPA MAV Advanced Technology Demonstration. This control system allowed operators to plan and run autonomous flight missions or to tele-operate a simulated MAV around a static synthetic environment. An initial study focused primarily on the usability of the system. Extensive heuristic evaluations were conducted by seven volunteers with backgrounds in human factors and military training systems. Each evaluator completed a self-paced training session including exercises that tested their ability to perform various control functions. Lack of immediate feedback from touch-screen inputs and missing or obscure status information formed the basis of several of the usability issues. Manually piloting the MAV presented the most difficult...
Multi-Objective Optimization of Time-Delayed Fractional-Order Damping for Better Step Response

In this paper, a multi-objective optimization of a time-delayed fractional order damping system is presented. In previous studies, a single objective optimization of this system was based on minimizing the integral of the squared error JISE, integral of the time-weighted squared error JITSE, integral absolute error JIAE, or integral time-weighted absolute error JITAE. However, from the practical point of view other design goals such as those related to system’s response and stability should be also included since an error-based optimized system can result in a system having the smallest error but at the expense of other crucial objectives. Moreover, the one-objective optimization returns only one design option hiding many important details about other possible design preferences. Here, the system under study is optimized by considering three objectives: peak time tp, the percentage overshoot Mp(%), and JISE. The results show that the multi-objective optimization technique provides more information about the system behavior and grants the decision maker different design options, called the Pareto set. In addition, this study investigates the meaning of the aforementioned integral errors within the multi-objective optimization scope.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Cell differentiation in vascular calcification.

Ectopic tissue formation is commonly found in calcified atherosclerotic plaques. This suggests that cell differentiation plays an important role in vascular calcification, even though the origin of the cells involved is unclear. Calcifying vascular cells (CVCs), derived from bovine aortic media, have been used as an in vitro model for vascular calcification. CVCs have many characteristics in common with bone cells, but there are also differences suggesting mechanisms that may be applicable to the problem of osteoporosis in the setting of vascular calcification.
A Simultaneous Assay for T-CelIs and B-Cells Using Immunobeads

A comparison was made between a new, commercially available light microscope assay for T- and B-lymphocyte enumeration and existing procedures. The Quantigen® assay employs two color-coded Immunobeads®; one Immunobead binds to and labels T-cells, while the second labels B-cells. Phagocytic cells contaminating lymphocyte preparations ingest both types of beads. A high degree of correlation was found between this simultaneous assay for T- and B-cells and the E-rosette method for T-cells and FITC-labeling of B-cell surface immunoglobulin. The results of a comparison of the Quantigen assay to flow cytometric analyses are also given. Data on chronic lymphocytic leukemia samples are presented, demonstrating that these cells are double-markers with the Quantigen assay because of the use of monoclonal antibody T101, which recognizes T-cells and B-CLL cells.
Retrograde posterior interosseous flap transfer for reconstruction of hand defects

Objective To study the clinical effect of the reconstruction of retrograde posterior interosseous flap in repairing hand defects.Methods From Oct.2007 to Dec.2011,21 patients with hand defects were repaired by reconstruction of retrograde posterior interosseous flap.There were 14 males and 7 females,with average age of 16-72 years.The wound area ranged from 3cm×5cm to 9cm×7cm.Results Twenty flaps were survived and 1 flap was necrosized.Nineteen patients were followed up for 6-24 months,with average of 10 months.According to the criteria defined by Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association,there was excellent in 11 cases,good in 6 cases and fair in 2 cases;with excellent and good rate of 89.47%.Conclusion The retrograde posterior interosseous flap is a simple and effective method for repairing hand skin and soft tissue defect,which can achieve trauma repair and sensation reconstruction and benefit for functional recovery of injured limbs.
Aeolian sand transport and aeolian deposits on Venus: A review

Abstract We review the current state of knowledge about aeolian sand transport and aeolian bedforms on planet Venus. This knowledge is limited by lack of observational data. Among the four planetary bodies of the Solar System with sufficient atmospheres in contact with solid surfaces, Venus has the densest atmosphere; the conditions there are transitional between those for terrestrial subaerial and subaqueous transport. The dense atmosphere causes low saltation threshold and short characteristic saltation length, and short scale length of the incipient dunes. A few lines of evidence indicate that the typical wind speeds exceed the saltation threshold; therefore, sand transport would be pervasive, if sand capable of saltation is available. Sand production on Venus is probably much slower than on the Earth; the major terrestrial sand sinks are also absent, however, lithification of sand through sintering is expected to be effective under Venus’ conditions. Active transport is not detectable with the data available. Aeolian bedforms (transverse dunes) resolved in the currently available radar images occupy a tiny area on the planet; however, indirect observations suggest that small-scale unresolved aeolian bedforms are ubiquitous. Aeolian transport is probably limited by sand lithification causing shortage of saltation-capable material. Large impact events likely cause regional short-term spikes in aeolian transport by supplying a large amount of sand-size particles, as well as disintegration and activation of older indurated sand deposits. The data available are insufficient to understand whether the global aeolian sand transport occurs or not. More robust knowledge about aeolian transport on Venus is essential for future scientific exploration of the planet, in particular, for implementation and interpretation of geochemical studies of surface materials. High-resolution orbital radar imaging with local to regional coverage and desirable interferometric capabilities is the most effective way to obtain essential new knowledge about aeolian transport on Venus.
Sugar maple height-diameter and age-diameter relationships in an uneven-aged northern hardwood stand

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) height-diameter and age-diameter relationships are explored in a balanced uneven-aged northern hardwood stand in central New York. Results show that although both height and age vary considerably with diameter, these relationships can be described by statistically valid equations. The age-diameter relationship compares favorably to one reported by Tubbs (1977)for sugar maple in unmanaged (virgin) northern hardwoods, suggesting that periodic cuttings improved growing conditions in our stand. Deliberate attempts to control size-class distribution and tree spacing should continue to increase diameter growth rates and decrease the time needed to reach certain threshold tree sizes. Growth rates that can be reasonably expected in this and similarly structured stands are provided. Lastly, a wide range of heights and diameters are documented, confirming the structural complexity associated with the balanced selection system. An equation to predict sugar maple height from diameter is provided and may prove useful when assessing habitat or visual characteristics of complex uneven-aged stands. North. J. Appl. For. 16(1):43-47.
Experimental and Numerical Framework for Study of Low Velocity Water Droplet Impact Dynamics

Impacting water droplets are capable of eroding soil, rock, turbine blades and even high speed aircraft. Research has shown that high velocity water droplet impingement onto a solid workpiece can strip paint, remove rust, and serve as a machining operation. This technique is different from waterjet cutting as a train of water droplets are used to transport momentum to a workpiece rather than a continuous jet. Also, no abrasive medium is used which produces an environmentally friendly process. The exploitation of this water droplet impact phenomenon in industrial applications as a means to deform and remove material does not currently exist. If the impact dynamics of water droplets can be understood and controlled, then industries would have the framework upon which they could employ this phenomenon in novel manufacturing equipment. In this paper, as a starting point, the impact force of 2.9mm diameter water droplets impacting at low velocities (∼2m/s) was studied experimentally and numerically. A piezoelectric force sensor was used to measure the transient force of impacting water droplets, while numerical simulations were used to identify the solid-fluid interaction and develop the basis for high velocity (>100m/s) liquid droplet impact dynamics. Agreement was established between experimental observations and numerical predictions for the impact velocities considered.
New Designs for Participatory Research: Modified Photoethnography and the Personal Resource Systems Management (PRSM) Model

Learning environments significantly influence student behaviors, academic success, school attendance and participation, all of which are problematic today. Less than half of high school students surveyed in 2005 would select the same high school again if given the opportunity, and only 38% agreed that the support they get at school encourages them to learn more. Pursuing increased educational effectiveness, this paper discusses a study that gathered and evaluated middle and high school students’ concepts of ideal student-centered learning environments in selected classrooms. This multi-method, participatory approach put cameras in student hands and ask them to photograph elements desired in their ideal classroom, “things that help you learn.” Interviews were conducted to explore the meaning behind each photo. Analysis was performed using the Personal Resource Systems Model (PRSM). Findings clearly indicate existing physical and emotional needs, left un-addressed by No Child Left Behind, that might be met by improving the material and social classroom environment.
Computed tomography imaging system design for shape threat detection

In the first part of this work, we present two methods for improving the shape-threat detection performance of x-ray computed tomography. Our work uses a fixed-gantry system employing 25 x-ray sources. We first utilize Kullback–Leibler divergence and Mahalanobis distance to determine the optimal single-source single-exposure measurement. The second method employs gradient search on Bhattacharyya bound on error rate (Pe) to determine an optimal multiplexed measurement that simultaneously utilizes all available sources in a single exposure. With limited total resources of 106 photons, the multiplexed measurement provides a 41.8× reduction in Pe relative to the single-source measurement. In the second part, we consider multiple exposures and develop an adaptive measurement strategy for x-ray threat detection. Using the adaptive strategy, we design the next measurement based on information retrieved from previous measurements. We determine both optimal “next measurement” and stopping criterion to insure a target Pe using sequential hypothesis testing framework. With adaptive single-source measurements, we can reduce Pe by a factor of 40× relative to the measurements employing all sources in sequence. We also observe that there is a trade-off between measurement SNR and number of detectors when we study the performance of systems with reduced detector numbers.
Abstract 425: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocyte Tissue Engineered Scaffold Improves Left Ventricular Function and Electro-Mechanical Coupling in Rats with Heart Failure

Background: Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) is the leading cause of hospital readmissions in the United States. It may result from systolic or diastolic dysfunction, which often coexists. Here we report the effects of delivering human induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) via a bioengineered patch on left ventricular function in rats with CHF. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left coronary artery ligation and were randomized to Sham, CHF, and hiPSC-CM patch. High purity human hiPSC-CMs were obtained from Cellular Dynamics International, seeded and co-cultured onto a vicryl matrix embedded with human dermal fibroblasts. Echocardiography was performed at 3 and 6 weeks post-randomization. Hemodynamic pressure measurements were performed at 6 weeks post-ligation with Millar solid state micromanometer catheters. Open chest Electrophysiologic (EP) mapping was performed at 6 weeks post ligation. Results: Patches constructed with hiPSC-CMs displayed synchronized and spontaneous contractions within 48hrs of culture which developed in robustness over time. At maximal robustness, contractions were visualized across the full thickness of the construct. Contractions were recorded at 36+5 beats BPM. Three weeks after implantation, the hiPSC-CM patch decreased LV EDP (45%), Tau (29%), E/e’ (23%) and increased, EF (14%), e’ (20%), and e’/a’ (36%) versus CHF. EP studies show electro-mechanical coupling between the patch and the native myocardium with normal activation through the patch and increases (P<0.05) voltage amplitude in CHF versus hiPSC-CM patch treated rats (1±0.5 mV vs 6±1.5mV). Conclusion: Cardiac patch implantation with human iPSC derived cardiomyocytes is an effective and feasible method of treating CHF with improvements in systolic function, diastolic function, and electro-mechanical coupling in rats with CHF.
Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block

: Primarily used for acute postoperative abdominal pain with bilateral blocks covering midline surgical site. Best for incisional pain with unilateral coverage of the abdominal wall from dermatome T7 to L1 (most consistently T10 to L1) with each block. Can be single shot or with catheter deployment for continuous pain control. May also be used as both treatment modality and diagnostic maneuver for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES).
Two-Year Experience of Performing a Next-Generation-Sequencing Based Panel Test in an Academic Medical Center and Its Clinical Impact

Our ability to interrogate a broad array of genetic alterations in myeloid neoplasm has increased significantly with the advance in next-generation sequencing (NGS). In addition to morphologic examination, flow cytometry and cytogenetics, NGS-based testing can add additional useful information to the diagnostic workup. With improved turnaround time, decreasing costs and an expanding knowledge of the therapeutic and prognostic significance of the detected variants, NGS-based panel testing has increasingly played a major role in the management of patients with myeloid neoplasm. Rapid Heme Panel (RHP) is a custom, 95-gene, amplicon-based NGS panel (PMID: 27339098) that was launched at the Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics (CAMD), Brigham and Women9s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in August of 2014. RHP covers a total territory of ~200 KB, including hotspots of oncogenes and whole coding exons of tumor suppressor genes that are frequently mutated in myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. Single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions up to 52-bp, and copy number variations are detected. In the two years following its launch, over 5,000 RHP was performed and reported with an average turnaround time of 7.2 days from time of receipt into the lab. The specimen failed rate is Over half of the specimens came from patients with a known myeloid disease: 25% with acute leukemia, 15% with a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 10% with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and a minor fraction each with a variety of other myeloid neoplasms such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), aplastic anemia, systemic mastocytosis or chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Twenty percent of the specimens came from patients with known lymphoid malignancies such as hairy cell leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, or splenic marginal zone lymphoma. The remainder 25-30% of the specimens came from patients with abnormal blood count (CBC) such as anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis and/or abnormal serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) where a myeloid or a lymphoid neoplasm was suspected. Greater than 98% of the time, the test was ordered by a hematologist/oncologist. Among patients with a prior diagnosis, >80% of them had at least one pathogenic alterations identified by RHP while about 30% of the patients with abnormal CBC or abnormal SPEP had positive findings. RHP results have been used to (1) provide eligibility for enrollment into clinical trials of targeted therapies; (2) monitor effect of therapy by quantifying variant allele fraction; (3) identify disease progression with detection of emergence of new variants; (4) evaluate post-transplant status by following allele fractions of pre-transplant pathogenic variants; (5) shorten the time and cost to diagnosis by establishing clonality and identification of disease-defining alterations. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.