cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wheel chair transfer techniques for the dental office

Three simple techniques to transfer a patient from his wheel chair to the dental chair are presented. Physically handicapped individuals may not receive dental care because of the number of structural barriers confronting them during a visit to the dental office. Three techniques to transfer the patient from his wheel chair to the dental chair are presented.
Comment on Moore et al. Increased Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Diabetes Is Associated With Metformin. Diabetes Care 2013;36:2981–2987

Moore et al. (1) report that the risk of cognitive impairment is increased in patients with diabetes who take metformin in comparison with patients who do not take metformin. Given that metformin is now recommended as first-line drug treatment for type 2 diabetes (2), such a potentially impactful finding must be based on robust evidence. Unfortunately, several deficiencies call this study’s conclusions into question. The authors acknowledged several of these, including lack of data on diabetes duration, diabetes severity, metformin duration, and use of other antidiabetes agents. This does not mitigate against several potential hidden sources of bias, which could render the study’s metformin users more susceptible to cognitive impairment for reasons unrelated to metformin. The …
On the Validity of an Augmented Structured Interview for Measuring Subcomponents of the Type a Behavior Pattern

This study was designed to provide validity data for the Augmented Structured Interview (ASI), which has been developed to measure subcomponents (as opposed to the global) Type A behavior pattern (TABP). Eighty subjects from a large private southwestern medical center were administered a self-report measure of the TABP (the Jenkins Activity Survey--JAS) and the ASI. Forty of the subjects were being treated for post-infarction coronary heart disease (CHD). The remaining forty subjects did not possess documented CHD. The obtained ratings for all the six ASI-measured Type A subcomponents were significantly higher for the CHD than for the non-CHD group. A discriminant functions analysis revealed that the ASI was superior to the JAS in correctly classifying CHD and non-CHD subjects. These outcomes are interpreted as providing initial support for the validity of the ASI.
Fractal multilayered superconductors

Artificially prepared multilayerd films with periodic and fractal structure, consisting of amorphous superconducting and normal-metal layers have been made by magnetron sputtering. The structure has been confirmed directly by transmission electron micrographs of cross sections of the multilayers. The observed upper parallel critical field of the superconducting transition is related to the layering geometry.
The change of volume produced by martensitic transformation in lithium and sodium

Abstract The volume change produced by the martensitic transformation in lithium and sodium has been measurcd. The h.c.p. phase has in lithium a smaller volume, and in sodium a larger volume, than the cubic phase. The values are δV/V≃−7×10−4 and δV/V≃+3×10−3 for lithium and sodium respectively.
Parallelizing MCMC for Bayesian spatiotemporal geostatistical models

When MCMC methods for Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling are applied to large geostatistical problems, challenges arise as a consequence of memory requirements, computing costs, and convergence monitoring. This article describes the parallelization of a reparametrized and marginalized posterior sampling (RAMPS) algorithm, which is carefully designed to generate posterior samples efficiently. The algorithm is implemented using the Parallel Linear Algebra Package (PLAPACK). The scalability of the algorithm is investigated via simulation experiments that are implemented using a cluster with 25 processors. The usefulness of the method is illustrated with an application to sulfur dioxide concentration data from the Air Quality System database of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Interactions of aspirin and salicylic acid with prednisolone for inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.

Abstract The anti-inflammatory properties of salicylates and prednisolone were investigated using inhibition of in vitro phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in human whole blood from healthy male and female subjects. Steroids and salicylates are used in conjunction for the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor, NFκB, by different mechanisms. Data generated using various combinations of these drugs were analyzed using isobolograms and the universal surface response approach based on the Loewe additivity principle. The interaction between aspirin and prednisolone was mildly antagonistic while that between salicylic acid and prednisolone was modestly synergistic at therapeutic concentrations. Further, aspirin was slightly more potent in males, but the nature of the steroid–salicylate interaction was similar across genders. This study helps rationalize part of the beneficial effects of steroids and salicylates in treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Affinity and Kinetic Analysis of P-selectin Binding to P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1

Leukocytes use the cell-surface mucin P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) to tether to and roll on P-selectin on activated endothelial cells and platelets. By using surface plasmon resonance, we measured the affinity and kinetics of binding of soluble monomeric human P-selectin to immobilized PSGL-1 from human neutrophils. Binding was specific, as documented by its Ca2+-dependence, its inhibition by specific monoclonal antibodies to P-selectin and PSGL-1, and its abrogation by treating PSGL-1 with sialidase. Similar binding was observed for soluble P-selectin that contained the lectin and epidermal growth factor domains plus all nine consensus repeats, and for a soluble construct that contained only the lectin and epidermal growth factor domains. Soluble P-selectin bound saturably to a single class of sites on PSGL-1 with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 320 +/- 20 nM. The measured koff was 1.4 +/- 0.1 s-1, and the calculated kon was 4.4 x 10(6) M-1 s-1. We conclude that monomeric P-selectin binds to PSGL-1 with fast association and dissociation rates and relatively high affinity. These features may be important for efficient tethering and rolling of leukocytes at physiologic densities of PSGL-1 and P-selectin.
Formation of Fluorescent Heme Degradation Products during the Oxidation of Hemoglobin by Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract Hemoglobin and methemoglobin oxidized by hydrogen peroxide generate ferrylhemoglobin and oxoferrylhemoglobin, respectively. Two fluorescent compounds were found to be produced during the reaction of oxyhemoglobin, but not methemoglobin, with H2O2. These two compounds had excitation wavelengths of 321 nm and 460 nm, respectively, with emission wavelengths of 465 nm and 525 nm, respectively. The formation of the same fluorescent products during the reaction of H2O2with ferroprotoporphyrin-IX and ferriprotoporphyrin-IX demonstrate that these compounds originate from the heme moiety. The release of heme iron during the formation of these fluorescent compounds indicates that they are associated with heme degradation. The time course for the formation of fluorescent products show that the extent of heme degradation is dependent on H2O2concentration. The results of this investigation indicate that the heme moiety of Fe(II) hemoglobin undergoes degradation in presence of H2O2. The ability to detect this process by fluorescence provides a sensitive marker in order to asses hemoglobin and RBC oxidative stress under pathological conditions.
Congenital immunodeficiencies and sepsis.

Objective Because a hallmark of congenital immunodeficiency disorders is susceptibility to recurrent, unusual and/or severe infections, an effort was undertaken to identify a subset of these patients with an increased risk for sepsis. Design Literature review. Results Twenty congenital immunodeficiency disorders were identified with increased sepsis susceptibility. Conclusion Distinguishing patients with congenital immunodeficiencies from others with sepsis has important implications for the future well-being of the immunodeficient patient because many of the diseases are modified favorably by appropriate treatment. In addition, better understanding of sepsis in the setting of congenital immunodeficiency has numerous implications for both immunodeficiency and sepsis research. As a group, these disorders define components of the human immune system that are essential for defense against severe infection and demonstrate immunologic themes underlying sepsis susceptibility.
Observations of Wave Breaking Kinematics in Fetch-Limited Seas

Abstract Breaking waves play an important role in air–sea interaction, enhancing momentum flux from the atmosphere to the ocean, dissipating wave energy that is then available for turbulent mixing, injecting aerosols and sea spray into the atmosphere, and affecting air–sea gas transfer due to air entrainment. In this paper observations are presented of the occurrence of breaking waves under conditions of strong winds (10–25 m s−1) and fetch-limited seas (0–500 km) in the Gulf of Tehuantepec Experiment (GOTEX) in 2004. An airborne nadir-looking video camera, along with a global positioning system (GPS) and inertial motion unit (IMU), provided digital videos of the breaking sea surface and position in an earth frame. In particular, the authors present observations of Λ(c), which is the distribution of breaking wave crest lengths per unit sea surface area, per unit increment in velocity c or scalar speed c, first introduced by O. M. Phillips. In another paper, the authors discuss the effect of processing met...
Chronic posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic pain in Vietnam combat veterans

A study was conducted to investigate chronic pain patterns in Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Combat veterans with PTSD completed standardized PTSD severity, pain, somatization, and depression measures. Of 129 consecutive out-patient combat veterans with PTSD, 80% reported chronic pain. In descending order were limb pain (83%), back pain (77%), torso pain (50%), and headache pain (32%). Compared to PTSD combat veterans without chronic pain, PTSD veterans who reported chronic pain reported significantly higher somatization as measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory 2 hypochondriasis and hysteria subscales. In the sample of 103 combat veterans with PTSD and chronic pain, MMPI 2 hypochondriasis scores and B PTSD symptoms (reexperiencing symptoms) were significantly related to pain disability, overall pain index, and current pain level MMPI 2 hypochondriasis and depression scores were also significantly related to percent body pain. These results are discussed in the context of current conceptualizations of PTSD.
Facial and Full-Length Ratings of Attractiveness Related to the Social Interactions of Young Children.

The present study investigated the relationship between ratings of attractiveness based on facial and those based on full-length photographs and how these ratings are related to peer interaction in preschoolers. Aggressive and prosocial peer interactions were observed in 38 preschool-age children. Attractive girls received more prosocial and fewer aggressive advances than unattractive girls. There was no differential treatment of boys related to attractiveness. Results were discussed in relationship to possible developmental implications and their parallel to the adult literature.
Is human failure a stochastic process

Abstract Human performance results in failure events that occur with a risk-significant frequency. System analysts have taken for granted the random (stochastic) nature of these events in engineering assessments such as risk assessment. However, cognitive scientists and error technologists, at least those who have interest in human reliability, have, over the recent years, claimed that human error does not need this stochastic framework. Yet they still use the language appropriate to stochastic processes. This paper examines the potential for the stochastic nature of human failure production as the basis for human reliability analysis. It distinguishes and leaves to others, however, the epistemic uncertainties over the possible probability models for the real variability of human performance.
Enabling Student Accomplishment Online: An Overview of Factors for Success in Web-Based Distance Education

Student success in Web-based degree programs depends on an individual's course learning experience as well as the academic and administrative services provided by a virtual institution throughout the degree. This article explains essential factors found in recent research for online student accomplishment and how these can be facilitated in the course level through instructional design, teaching, and technical assistance. Then it examines academic and administrative services at the institutional level. Online academic services include counseling and advising, prior learning assessment, discussion support, career facilities, and access to academic resources such as libraries and bookstores. Online administrative services include admissions, enrollment and registration, assistance service, financial aid, and records. Factors at both levels are explained with examples provided from several institutions offering online distance education.
Autonomic responses to stress in Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

This study tested the hypothesis that combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience sympathetic nervous system activation in response to war-related laboratory stimuli. Circulating plasma catecholamines, vital signs, and affect ratings were measured in 10 Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD and 11 control subjects, during and after viewing combat and noncombat stress films. PTSD subjects responded more strongly than controls to the combat film, with greater increases in plasma epinephrine, pulse, blood pressure, and subjective distress. The increases in autonomic activity of PTSD subjects was more pronounced and long lasting in response to the combat film than to the noncombat film, but type of film had no systematic effect on control subjects' responses. These findings are consistent with biological models that posit sympathoadrenal activation in response to memory-evoking cues of traumatic events in PTSD.
The rate of the gas phase iodination of cyclobutane. The heat of formation of the cyclobutyl radical

The gas phase iodination of cyclobutane was studied spectrophotometrically in a static system over the temperature range 589° to 662°K. The early stage of the reaction was found to correspond to the general mechanism where the Arrenius parameters describing k1 are given by log k1/M−1 sec−1 = 11.66 ± 0.11 – 26.83 ± .31/θ, θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mole. The measured value of E1, together with the fact that E−1 = 1 ± 1 kcal/mole, provides ΔH(c-C4H7.) = 51.14 ± 1.0 kcal/mole, and the corresponding bond dissociation energy, D(c-C4H7H) = 96.8 ± 1.0 kcal/mole. A bond dissociation energy of 1.8 kcal/mole higher than that for a normal secondary CH bond corresponds to one half of the extra strain energy in cyclobutene compared to cyclobutane and is in excellent agreement with the recent value of Whittle, determined in a completely different system. Estimates of ΔH and entropy of cyclobutyl iodide are in very good agreement with the equilibrium constant K12 deduced from the kinetic data. Also in good agreement with estimates of Arrhenius parameters is the rate of HI elimination from cyclobutyl iodide.
Closing the legal services gap in prisoner reentry programs

Formerly incarcerated individuals face significant legal barriers as they seek to reenter society. The legal barriers include preclusion from public housing and public assistance, licensing prohibitions and employment prohibitions. This article examines the data from major reentry initiatives to determine whether the legal needs of formerly incarcerated individuals are being met. The data suggest that reentry programs do not adequately address the legal needs of their clients. This article then examines the potential for partnership between reentry programs and existing legal service providers in an effort to close the legal services gap in reentry.
Linewidth-insensitive coherent optical analog links

Coherent optical analog links offer several important advantages over conventional direct detection links including the ability to separate wavelength-division multiplexed signals, frequency translation, and utilization of angle modulation formats. However, the wide linewidth of semiconductor lasers can cause substantial performance degradation of these links. This paper analyzes the signal-to-noise ratio and the dynamic range of amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) coherent links, and compares them to direct detection links. It is concluded that a properly designed AM system is insensitive to laser linewidth. For optical powers less than 1mW, the performance of coherent AM links is better than that of direct detection links; for optical powers greater than 1mW, the performance of the two links is nearly the same. Coherent FM links have the potential to increase the SNR and the dynamic range by more than 10 dB as compared to direct detection and coherent AM links. However, FM links are potentially sensitive to laser linewidth, and require elaborate phase noise cancellation techniques when semiconductor lasers are used.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prostate-specific antigen bounce after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES To report prostate-specific antigen (PSA) bounce in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) alone. Previous studies have reported PSA bounce in prostate cancer patients treated with conventional radiotherapy, 3D conformal radiotherapy, and permanent seed brachytherapy. METHODS From January 1997 to July 2002, 102 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were treated with IMRT alone. No patients received androgen ablation. PSA bounce was defined as a PSA increase of at least 0.4 ng/mL, followed by any PSA decrease. Biochemical failure was defined by both the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 1996 and 2006 consensus definitions. RESULTS The median follow-up was 76 months. The median length of time until the first PSA bounce was 13.6 months. Thirty-three patients (32.4%) had at least 1 PSA bounce, with 25 (24.5%) having 1 bounce; 6 (5.9%), 2 bounces; and 2 (2.0%), 4 bounces. PSA bounce was not significantly associated with biochemical no evidence of disease survival, clinical stage, pretreatment PSA, Gleason combined score, prostate planning target volume, PSA nadir, or mean dose to the prostate. The rate of PSA bounce in patients aged ≤ 70 and > 70 years was 44.4% and 22.8%, respectively (P = .032). CONCLUSIONS Our patient series is the first report on PSA bounce in patients treated with IMRT. Our study confirms that the majority of patients with a bouncing PSA remain biochemically and clinically free of disease with extended follow-up.
Risk factors and long-term survival in adult patients with primary malignant spinal cord astrocytomas

Primary intramedullary spinal cord tumors are a rare entity, comprising 4–10 % of all spinal cord tumors. The current report presents data on intramedullary spinal cord anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas in adults using the national surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database (1973–2008), and evaluates the impact of demographic and treatment factors on survival. Eighty nine adults were evaluated (mean age of 43 years); 49 % of patients had anaplastic astrocytoma and 51 % of patients had glioblastoma. 88 % of patients had surgical intervention and 85 % of patients had radiotherapy. In univariate analysis, male gender (HR = 0.50, CI: 0.29–0.86, P = 0.01), surgical treatment (HR = 0.37, CI: 0.15–0.93, P = 0.03), and tumor histology (HR = 1.83, CI: 1.06–3.18, P = 0.03) were significant predictors of survival. Results remained significant or marginally significant after multivariate adjustment analyses. Adjuvant radiotherapy and age at diagnosis did not have a significant influence on survival. Future prospective studies from collaborative institutions combining richer detail in perioperative treatment, radiotherapy dosing, chemotherapy treatment, neurologic examinations, functional outcomes, and quality of life measures would contribute to more concrete, evidence-based treatment protocols for adult patients with primary malignant spinal cord astrocytomas.
A Viable Route for Dense TiO2 with a Low Microwave Dielectric Loss

Dense, high-purity TiO2 was prepared from commercially available powders. These powders were deagglomerated, colloidally stabilized in aqueous NH3, followed by screening to remove residual agglomerates. Homogeneous compacts were formed using colloidal-filtration followed by sintering. TiO2 with >99.5% density and 400 MPa flexural strength was obtained at a sintering temperature as low as 1000°C. The dielectric loss of this TiO2 was 1.4 × 10−4 at 6.4 GHz at room temperature. This implied that the product of the quality factor and frequency, (Q×f )=f/tan δ, was 46 000 GHz, ∼7.6 times higher than 6000 GHz (Q<2000 at 3 GHz) reported previously. This high-quality factor is attributed to the low sintering temperature as well as a homogeneous dense microstructure with 2.2 μm grain size. The process described can be applied to realize complex TiO2 structures in new microwave antenna concepts, that require components with a high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss.
In-Parallel Attachment of a Low-Resistance Compliant Thoracic Artificial Lung Under Rest and Simulated Exercise

Background Previous thoracic artificial lungs (TALs) had blood flow impedance greater than that of the natural lungs, which could cause abnormal pulmonary hemodynamics. New compliant TALs (cTALs), however, have an impedance lower than that of the natural lung. Methods In this study, a cTAL of new design was attached between the pulmonary artery (PA) and the left atrium (LA) in 5 sheep (60.2 ± 1.9 kg). A distal PA band was placed to control the percentage of cardiac output (CO) routed to the cTAL. Rest and exercise conditions were simulated using a continuous dobutamine infusion of 0 and 5 μg/kg/min, respectively. At each dose, a hemodynamic data set was acquired at baseline (no flow to the cTAL), and 60%, 75%, and 90% of CO was shunted to the cTAL. Results Device resistance did not vary with blood flow rate, averaging 0.51 ± 0.03 mm Hg/(L/min). Under all conditions, CO was not significantly different from baseline. Pulmonary system impedance increased above baseline only with 5 μg/kg/min of dobutamine and 90% of CO diverted to the cTAL. Conclusions Results indicated minimal changes in pulmonary hemodynamics during PA–LA cTAL attachment for high device flows under rest and exercise conditions.
Aripiprazole-associated hiccups: a case and closer look at the association between hiccups and antipsychotics.

Aripiprazole’s pharmacologic properties (including dopamine 2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A [5HT1A] receptor partial agonism and 5HT2A receptors antagonism) may be associated with the onset of hiccups.Case Description:A 21-year-old, antipsychotic-naive patient with bipolar I disorder and remote brain trauma developed persistent hiccups following aripiprazole titration. Despite trials of metoclopramide and chlorpromazine, hiccups continued. Remission of hiccups occurred with discontinuation of aripiprazole.Discussion:The exact etiology of hiccups is unknown but likely involves dopamine and/or γ-butyric acid. Highlighting the uncertainty related to drug-induced hiccups is the fact that multiple antipsychotics have been reported to not only induce hiccups but also to alleviate them. As the development of persistent hiccups may result in extensive medical workup, clinicians should be aware of drug-associated causes including aripiprazole.
Sympathetic influence on carotid chemoreceptor response to substance P in the cat

Abstract Previous studies have suggested that substance P (SP) may play a role in the carotid chemoreceptor response to hypoxia. Given the data from these studies we speculated that within the carotid body hypoxia might release SP which then acts on the chemosensitive unit. Concomitantly SP might be released in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and increase sympathetic outflow to the carotid body by interacting with acetylcholine in the SCG. The resulting vasoconstriction in the carotid body would further increase neural output from the carotid body. Hence we hypothesized that the exogenous SP on the carotid chemoreceptor neural activity would decrease after eliminating preganglionic inflow into the SCG. The hypothesis was tested using anesthetized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated cats. Neural activity from the carotid body (carotid chemoreceptor activity) or from the SCG (ganglioglomerular efferent nerve activity (GGN)) was measured. Close intra-arterial administration of SP (10 μg) caused a sustained stimulation of the carotid chemoreceptor activity which was accompanied by a fall in arterial blood pressure. The magnitude and time-course of the carotid body responses were extremely variable among the cats. The duration of increased chemoreceptor activity was significantly shortened after a transection of the cervical sympathetic nerve (CVSN). As a control, the duration of carotid body stimulation produced by the second injection of SP in a group of sham-operated cats was measured. This was essentially the same as the first injection, suggesting that the tachyphylactic effect of SP was negligible. The effects of the commonly used pharmacological agents (nicotine, cyanide, dopamine) on carotid chemoreceptor activity were not affected by the transection of the CVSN. GGN activity was also increased by exogenous SP. These results suggest that the effect of exogenous SP on carotid chemoreceptor activity consists of two components: (1) an initial direct excitatory effect; (2) a slowly developing excitatory effect mediated by the sympathetic outflow to the carotid body. The effects could be augmented by the accompanying hypotension.
Measurement of neuronal activity of individual neurons after stroke in the rat using a microwire electrode array.

Abstract Background and purpose Ischemic stroke induces spreading depression of brain waves and ischemic depolarizations, suggesting electrical activity of neurons is sensitive to stroke. The present study was designed to measure the electrophysiological response of an array of individual neurons to ischemic stroke in rats. Methods A custom-made microwire electrode array (16 channels) was implanted in the cortical area supplied by the middle cerebral artery, spanning the core and boundary of the ischemic lesion. The electrophysiological activity of individual neurons was simultaneously recorded before, during and one week after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Results Neuronal activities were significantly reduced immediately after MCAo. Intermittent silent periods (SP) appeared within minutes or hours after MCAo and lasted variable times. Between intermittent SP, neurons fired irregular bursting spikes (BS) with small magnitudes. Intermittent SP and irregular BS progressed in one day post stroke to persistent SP in channels close to the ischemic core or to regular BS with small amplitudes in the penumbral zone. Both persistent SP and regular BS persisted for at least seven days. Conclusions Electrode array can be used to simultaneously record multiple individual neurons in response to ischemic stroke. This study provides the first evidence that the primary electrophysiological activity of multiple individual neurons to ischemic stroke is reduced in the lesion boundary and/or stopped in and adjacent to the lesion core.
ALMOST PERIODICITY AND THE QUANTAL H THEOREM

It is proved that the H theorem for an ensemble of isolated quantal systems with a discrete energy spectrum is false provided the systems satisfy certain broad conditions: the theorem is false for bounded many‐particle systems with potential interaction, provided that interaction contains no repulsive singularities stronger than r−2 and no attractive singularities stronger than r−1. Ensembles of such systems behave almost periodically, in the sense of H. Bohr. The entropy and the probability of finding an observable in a given range are both almost periodic functions of time.
The Influence of Various Culture Conditions on the Oxygen Consumption of Channel Catfish

Abstract Several experiments were conducted on relationships between oxygen consumption of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and environmental dissolved oxygen concentrations, feeding status, weight of fish, and temperature. Estimates of oxygen consumption under culture conditions were obtained by determining the rate of oxygen depletion in a still tank without aeration. Respiratory dependence (decrease in oxygen consumption rate with a decrease in environmental oxygen concentration) in both well-fed and fasted fish was noted at oxygen concentrations between 1 and 7 milligrams/liter. The oxygen consumption rates obtained one hour after feeding were higher than those taken immediately after feeding or from fasted fish. A log-log relationship between oxygen consumption and body weight of fish (2.3-1,006 g) was demonstrated. The slope (b) for the equation, oxygen consumption = (a) (weight)b was 0.80 for both well-fed and fasted fish. The relationship between oxygen consumption and environmental temperatu...
Workshop: Algorithms for discovery of mutated pathways in cancer

We apply our algorithms to several cancer types including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), lung adenocarcinoma, and ovarian carcinoma (OV). HotNet identifies significant subnetworks that are part of well-known cancer pathways as well as novel subnetworks. Among the most significant subnetworks identified in OV data is the Notch signaling pathway, and this result appears in the first TCGA OV publication [1]. We also extend HotNet to identify mutated pathways associated with patient survival [2]. In the TCGA OV data, we discover 9 subnetworks containing genes whose mutations are associated with survival. Genes in 4 of these subnetworks overlap pathways known to be associated to survival, including focal adhesion and cell adhesion pathways. In GBM and lung Dendrix finds significant sets of genes that are mutated in large subsets of patients and whose mutations are approximately exclusive, including genes in well known cancer pathways (e.g., Rb1 and p53 pathways).
Drainage of a ventral epidural atlantoaxial abscess via the transoral approach

We present a 28-year-old man with neck pain, fevers, elevated acute-phase reactant levels and progressive quadraparesis. He had a history of intravenous drug abuse. Contrast-enhanced cervical spine MRI revealed a heterogeneously enhancing mass in the anterior atlantoaxial region with spinal cord compression. The patient was taken emergently to the operating room for decompression. Although the transoral approach for access to the ventral atlantoaxial complex for resection of compressive inflammatory and neoplastic lesions is well described, reports of evacuation of infectious lesions via this route are limited. Thus, we report drainage of a ventral high cervical abscess via the transoral approach.
Drinking and driving: a prospective assessment of the relation between risk cognitions and risk behavior

This study examined the relations between risk cognitions and risk behavior. Adolescents’ perceptions of the risks associated with driving after drinking (DAD) and their perceptions of the prevalence of this behavior among their peers were assessed, and these perceptions were used to predict their DAD behavior. Results provided evidence of a type of cognitive social influence: the more common adolescents thought the behavior was, the less risk, both personal and general, they attributed to it. As expected, however, this relation was significant only for those who were high in a tendency to engage in social comparison. Perceptions of risk, in turn, were prospectively related to risk behavior for all participants. Specifically, low perceived risk, especially personal risk, was associated with an increase in DAD behavior. Implications of the results for DAD interventions are discussed.
Biologically inspired neural controllers for motor control in a quadruped robot

This paper presents biologically inspired neural controllers for generating motor patterns in a quadruped robot. Sets of artificial neural networks are presented which provide 1) pattern generation and gait control, allowing continuous passage from walking to trotting to galloping, 2) control of sitting and lying down behaviors, and 3) control of scratching. The neural controllers consist of sets of oscillators composed of leaky-integrator neurons, which control pairs of flexor-extensor muscles attached to each joint. The networks receive sensory feedback proportional to the contraction of simulated muscles and to joint flexion. Similarly to what is observed in cats, locomotion can be initiated by either applying tonic (i.e. non-oscillating) input to the locomotion network or by sensory feedback from extending the legs. The networks are implemented in a quadruped robot. It is shown that computation can be carried out in real time and that the networks can generate the above mentioned motor behaviors.
Cognitive Neuroscience-Based Approaches to Measuring and Improving Treatment Effects on Cognition in Schizophrenia: The CNTRICS Initiative

The goal of this article is to discuss ways to further improve the search for potentially procognitive agents that could be used to enhance cognition and functional outcome in schizophrenia. In particular, we focus on the potential advantages to this process of using a contemporary, cognitive neuroscience-based approach to measuring cognitive function in clinical trials of procognitive agents in schizophrenia. These tools include computer-administered tasks that measure specific cognitive systems (such as attention, working memory, long-term memory, cognitive control) as well as the component cognitive processes that comprise these more overarching systems. The advantages of using these tools include the ability to identify and use homologous animal and human models in the drug discovery and testing process and the ability to incorporate noninvasive functional imaging measures into clinical trial contexts at several different phases of the drug development process. However, despite the clear potential advantages to using such methods, a number of barriers exist to their translation from basic science tools to tools for drug discovery. We discuss the development and implementation of a new project, Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia, designed to identify and overcome these barriers to the translation of cognitive neuroscience measures and methods into regular use in the drug discovery and development process of cognition-enhancing agents for use in schizophrenia.
Ultrafast Dynamics of Myoglobin without the Distal Histidine: Stimulated Vibrational Echo Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Ultrafast protein dynamics of the CO adduct of a myoglobin mutant with the polar distal histidine replaced by a nonpolar valine (H64V) have been investigated by spectrally resolved infrared stimulated vibrational echo experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In aqueous solution at room temperature, the vibrational dephasing rate of CO in the mutant is reduced by ∼50% relative to the native protein. This finding confirms that the dephasing of the CO vibration in the native protein is sensitive to the interaction between the ligand and the distal histidine. The stimulated vibrational echo observable is calculated from MD simulations of H64V within a model in which vibrational dephasing is driven by electrostatic forces. In agreement with experiment, calculated vibrational echoes show slower dephasing for the mutant than for the native protein. However, vibrational echoes calculated for H64V do not show the quantitative agreement with measurements demonstrated previously for the native protein.
Value flows: Inter-domain routing over contract links

Due to the Internet's commercialized ISP structure, inter-domain routing is perceived as more of a commercial service (and market decision) instead of an optimization problem subject to purely technical criteria. In this perspective, routing could be defined as a service which matches perishable resources to requested level of service demands. This diversity in demanded services and proliferation of diverse set of existing and emerging applications cannot be responded by a single mindset of priorities, limited set of metrics or protocol characteristics. Instead, we propose a contract-based routing service architecture which allows manageable dynamism or routing protocol characteristics. By considering routing as a contracted service, network traffic can be treated as “value flows” rather than bare bits. Such value-based treatment of routing will significantly help improving inter-domain routing economics and dynamics, where policy can be expressed as contracting terms. In this paper, we present a Link-State Contract Routing (LSCR) protocol for long-term services and explore how inter-domain routing dynamics could be managed by adjusting “contract term” or routing service lifetime.
Undulatory swimming in sand: experimental and simulation studies of a robotic sandfish

A previous study of a sand-swimming lizard, the sandfish, revealed that it swims within granular media at speeds up to 0.4 body-lengths/cycle using body undulations (approximately a single period sinusoidal traveling wave) without limb use. Inspired by the organism, we develop a numerical model of a robot swimming in a simulated granular medium to guide the design of a physical device. Both in simulation and experiment the robot swims limblessly subsurface at speeds up to 0.3 body-lengths/cycle and, like the animal, increases its speed by increasing its oscillation frequency. The performance of the robot measured in terms of its wave efficiency I·, the ratio of its forward speed to wave speed, is 0.34 Â± 0.02, within 8% of the simulation prediction. Both in simulation and experiment, I· increases with increasing particleâparticle friction but decreases with increasing bodyâparticle friction. On a flat, rigid surface the robot fails to move forward, as expected, due to the frictional isotropy between the interacting surfaces. However, the surface and subsurface performance of the robot on low friction particles are comparable. Our work provides a validated simulation tool and the design of a robot that can move on or within yielding terrestrial substrates.
Reflections on Teaching Discourse Functions Using a Science Thesis

This paper presents a novel approach to the teaching of discourse functions, such as defining, comparing, hedging, and so on, in an advanced graduate writing course for international students. Rather than relying on made-up examples or those drawn from a variety of sources as is typically the case with writing textbooks, all of the examples are drawn from a single exemplary doctoral thesis in cryobiology. It is argued that such an approach can serve as a useful supplement to the course textbook and other resources, as well as providing doctoral students with a peer model for their own writing. Following a brief discussion of discourse functions in writing, explanations and examples of eleven discourse functions garnered from the cryobiology thesis are presented, along with a description of how the material is integrated into the second half of a graduate writing course to help students fill in gaps and review discourse functions encountered in previous study.
Design of Protein–Ligand Binding Based on the Molecular-Mechanics Energy Model

Abstract While the molecular-mechanics field has standardized on a few potential energy functions, computational protein design efforts are based on potentials that are unique to individual laboratories. Here we show that a standard molecular-mechanics potential energy function without any modifications can be used to engineer protein–ligand binding. A molecular-mechanics potential is used to reconstruct the coordinates of various binding sites with an average root-mean-square error of 0.61 A and to reproduce known ligand-induced side-chain conformational shifts. Within a series of 34 mutants, the calculation can always distinguish between weak (Kd > 1 mM) and tight (Kd
Laser Fizeau interferometer for silicon wafer site flatness testing

Requirements on wafer flatness, like most semiconductor specifications, are becoming increasingly tight, with greater accuracy and resolution needed for measurements. In addition to traditional peak-to-valley surface deviation and root-mean- square roughness measurements, it is desirable to measure the flatness of silicon wafers over a small area, or site flatness. This involves dividing the wafer into many sub- regions and calculating the surface statistics for these smaller regions in addition to the overall wafer statistics. Veeco Metrology has developed a high-resolution phase-shifting laser Fizeau interferometer for site flatness testing. The system is designed with 40 mm X 40 mm square field and a 1000 X 1000 pixel CCD camera. Features as small as 100 micrometer may be measured by the system with high resolution, repeatability, and accuracy. A motorized stage allows any region of the wafer to be measured by the system such that problem areas do not escape measurement. This paper discusses the overall system design and presents data from the wafer flatness tester developed by Veeco. Data on lateral resolution, vertical repeatability and accuracy are presented. In addition, the site flatness statistics of a silicon wafer measured by the instrument are given.
A Red Team/Blue Team Assessment of Functional Analysis Methods for Malicious Circuit Identification

Recent advances in hardware security have led to the development of FANCI (Functional Analysis for Nearly-Unused Circuit Identification), an analysis algorithm that identifies stealthy, malicious circuits within hardware designs that can perform backdoor operations to compromise security. Evaluations of such methods using benchmarks and academically known attacks are not always equivalent to the dynamic attack scenarios that can arise in the real world. For this reason, we apply a red team/blue team approach to stress-test the abilities of the FANCI prototype.In the Embedded Systems Challenge (ESC) 2013, teams from research groups from multiple continents created designs with backdoors hidden in them as part of a red team effort to circumvent FANCI. Notably, these backdoors were not placed into a priori known designs. The red team was allowed to create arbitrary, unspecified designs. Two interesting results came out of this effort. The first was that FANCI was surprisingly resilient to this wide variety of attacks and was not circumvented by any of the stealthy backdoors created by the red teams. The second result is that frequent-action backdoors, which are non-stealthy backdoors, were often successful. These results emphasize the importance of combining FANCI with a reasonable degree of validation testing. The blue team efforts also exposed some areas where the FANCI prototype could be made more performant, which motivates further development of the prototype.
A PELOX isolated sub-0.5 micron thin-film SOI technology

The integration of Poly-Encapsulated LOCOS (PELOX) into a high performance sub-0.5 /spl mu/m thin-film SOI technology is described. The 700 /spl Aring/ (per side) bird's beak encroachment of PELOX eliminates the need for a field implant and results in a significant reduction of the MOSFET narrow width effect. Partially-depleted N+/P+ dual poly gate MOSFET's with 70 /spl Aring/ Tox and 0.35 /spl mu/m Lpoly were fabricated with /spl les/1 /spl mu/m active/isolation pitch. A 40% reduction in power-delay product, compared to bulk CMOS, is achieved with a CMOS ring oscillator propagation-delay of 51 psec at 2 V supply voltage.
EVALUATING EARLY-STAGE PROSTATE CANCER: What Pretreatment Criteria Best Guide Therapeutic Decision Making?

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in me11.9~ Application of the quantitative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to an aging population has led to a dramatic increase in the number of newly diagnosed prostatic carcinomas (PCa),6Z and it has brought clinical and public attention to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The social and economic impacts of screening for PCa are subjects of major controversy, and therapeutic options are also under debate. Many of these issues are reviewed in this Clinics issue and elsewhere. Perhaps foremost among these issues, particularly for the 200,000 men that will be diagnosed with prostatic carcinoma this year, is the determination of the likelihood of tumor progression. For patients with metastatic disease at presentation, the long-term prognosis is predictably poor and treatment options are currently limited. Fortunately, the majority of newly diagnosed patients have localized tumors, as determined by digital rectal examination, pelvic CT scan, ultrasonography, and/or endorectal coil MR imaging. These patients are faced with a much wider choice of potential therapies, but they also face a less predictable prognosis. This article focuses on the prognostic evaluation of tumors that are clinically and radiographically confined within the prostate gland. The extent to which transurethral resection (TUR) specimens and needle core biopsies can provide pretreatment information on the pathologic stage and grade of localized tumors is considered in detail. Other prognostic factors discussed include serum PSA, tumor volume, DNA ploidy, and altered p53 expression. An emerging theme in the recent literature on PCa is that there is considerable heterogeneity among clinically localized prostatic tumors. No single parameter stands out in their prognostic evaluation, and therefore the best assessment is based on a combination of both clinical and histopathologic factors.
Pediatric melanoma of the head and neck: a single institutions experience.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to review our experience with pediatric melanoma of the head and neck and discuss proper diagnostic protocols and suggest a possible treatment algorithm. Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of patients under the age of 18 who underwent treatment for melanoma of the head and neck at a tertiary care university hospital. Results: Six patients were identified in the last 25 years at our institution. Four patients had melanomas in the auricle, one in the cheek, and one in the forehead. All occurrences identified presented in the past 7 years. All were treated with wide local excision. Three patients received sentinel lymph node biopsy, one received a neck dissection after identification of positive sentinel nodes, and two patients received postoperative interferon therapy. No surgical complications were reported. At the time of this submission, no patients were found to have recurrence of the disease. Conclusions: Pediatric melanoma of the head and neck may be managed effectively using current techniques used in treating adult patients. The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended when the depth of invasion cannot be determined from original biopsy, the original pathologic diagnosis is ambiguous, or depth of invasion from biopsy is sufficient to warrant its use. In addition, the use of adjuvant interferon α-2b is recommended in patients at high risk for recurrence.