cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs and ultraconserved genes as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in cancer and cardiovascular diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), approximately 19-25 nucleotides in length, are posttranscriptional regulators of protein expression that target and inhibit translation of messenger (m) RNAs. Recent research on miRNAs has produced a plethora of new material on the role of miRNAs in disease. Deregulation or ablation of miRNA expression has led to major pathologies including heart disease and cancer. Signatures of differential miRNA expression have been uncovered for nearly every disease. Recent research has focused on exploitation of the selectivity of these signatures as markers of disease and for therapeutic applications. The significance of additional mechanisms of abnormal posttranscriptional regulation, such as ultraconserved genes (UCGs), has recently been recognized. This review focuses on the identification of aberrant posttranscriptional regulators (miRNAs and UCGs) in cancer and cardiovascular disease and addresses the applications of this work towards diagnosis and therapy.
Investigation of hand muscle atrophy in stroke survivors

Abstract Background Weakness is often profound in the contralesional hand after stroke. Relative contributions of various neural and mechanical mechanisms to this impairment, however, have not been quantified. In this study, the extent of one potential contributor, muscle atrophy, was noninvasively assessed in index finger musculature using ultrasonographic techniques. Methods Twenty-five stroke survivors (45–65 years old) with severe hand impairment resulting from a stroke occurring 2–4 years prior participated, along with 10 age-matched control subjects. Muscle cross sectional area and thickness were geometrically measured from ultrasound images on both limbs of participants. Findings Muscle size on the paretic limb of stroke survivors was smaller for all 7 hand muscles investigated. An average difference of 15% (SD 4) was seen for muscle cross sectional area and 11% (SD 2) for muscle thickness, while the difference between the dominant and non-dominant limbs for control subjects (6% (SD 2) and 1% (SD 4) for the muscle cross sectional area and muscle thickness, respectively) was not significant. Interpretation Although muscle atrophy was detected in the paretic limb following stroke, it is not explanatory of the marked impairment in strength seen in this stroke population. However, other alterations in muscle morphology, such as fatty infiltrations and changes in fiber structure, may contribute to the emergent muscle weakness post-stroke.
Silica suspended waveguide splitter-based biosensor

Recently, a novel integrated optical waveguide 50/50 splitter was developed. It is fabricated using standard lithographic methods, a pair of etching steps and a laser reflow step. However, unlike other integrated waveguide splitters, the waveguide is elevated off of the silicon substrate, improving its interaction with biomolecules in solution and in a flow field. Additionally, because it is fabricated from silica, it has very low optical loss, resulting in a high signal-to-noise ratio, making it ideal for biosensing. By functionalizing the device using an epoxy-silane method using small samples and confining the protein solutions to the device, we enable highly efficient detection of CREB with only 1 μL of solution. Therefore, the waveguide coupler sensor is representative of the next generation of ultra-sensitive optical biosensors, and, when combined with microfluidic capabilities, it will be an ideal candidate for a more fully-realized lab-on-a-chip device.
Treating Infrainguinal Deep Venous Thrombosis

Endovascular DVT therapy has historically been directed at patients with the most extensive DVT. As evidence has been developed to support the use of catheter-directed thrombolysis for iliofemoral DVT, interventional radiologists are increasingly being referred patients with DVT that is anatomically less severe. In this article, we outline the key considerations that should be weighed in determining whether or not to provide aggressive therapy to patients with DVT limited to the femoropopliteal veins.
The development of a population-based automated screening procedure for PTSD in acutely injured hospitalized trauma survivors.

Abstract Objective This investigation aimed to advance posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk prediction among hospitalized injury survivors by developing a population-based automated screening tool derived from data elements available in the electronic medical record (EMR). Method Potential EMR-derived PTSD risk factors with the greatest predictive utilities were identified for 878 randomly selected injured trauma survivors. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Results Ten EMR data elements contributed to the optimal PTSD risk prediction model including International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification ( ICD-9-CM ) PTSD diagnosis, other ICD-9-CM psychiatric diagnosis, other ICD-9-CM substance use diagnosis or positive blood alcohol on admission, tobacco use, female gender, non-White ethnicity, uninsured, public or veteran insurance status, E-code identified intentional injury, intensive care unit admission and EMR documentation of any prior trauma center visits. The 10-item automated screen demonstrated good area under the ROC curve (0.72), sensitivity (0.71) and specificity (0.66). Conclusions Automated EMR screening can be used to efficiently and accurately triage injury survivors at risk for the development of PTSD. Automated EMR procedures could be combined with stepped care protocols to optimize the sustainable implementation of PTSD screening and intervention at trauma centers nationwide.
Signal-to-Noise Behavior for Matches to Gradient Direction Models of Corners in Images

Gradient direction models for corners of prescribed acuteness, leg length, and leg thickness are constructed by generating fields of unit vectors emanating from leg pixels that point normal to the edges. A novel FFT-based algorithm that quickly matches models of corners at all possible positions and orientations in the image to fields of gradient directions for image pixels is described. The signal strength of a corner is discussed in terms of the number of pixels along the edges of a corner in an image, while noise is characterized by the coherence of gradient directions along those edges. The detection-false alarm rate behavior of our corner detector is evaluated empirically by manually constructing maps of corner locations in typical overhead images, and then generating different ROC curves for matches to models of corners with different leg lengths and thicknesses. We then demonstrate how corners found with our detector can be used to quickly and automatically find families of polygons of arbitrary position, size and orientation in overhead images.
Effects of barge traffic on distribution and survival of ichthyoplankton and small fishes in the upper Mississippi river

Abstract Short-term impacts of commercial barge traffic on fish eggs, larvae, young-of-the-year (age-0) fishes, and small adults in the main channel of the upper Mississippi River were examined. Barge passages caused significant changes in the distribution of eggs and larvae in the study area. The mean catch of ichthyoplankton was reduced in both surface and bottom waters for 90 min after passage of vessels (generally loaded barges) downstream. The effects of upstream traffic (unloaded barges) on catch ranged from nil in surface or bottom samples to short-term increases in surface samples immediately after passage. No consistent effect on the catch of age-0 or small adult fishes in surface or bottom trawls was evident. Physical damage to eggs, but not to larvae or small fish, was significant.
Theoretical analysis of the dynamic interactions of vapor compression heat pumps

Abstract A detailed mathematical model of vapor compression heat pumps is described. Model derivations of the various heat pump components are given. The component models include the condenser, evaporator, accumulator, expansion device, and compressor. Details of the modeling techniques are presented, as is the solution methodology. Preliminary simulation results are also illustrated. The model developed predicts the spatial values of temperature and enthalpy as functions of time for the two heat exchangers. The temperatures and enthalpies in the accumulator, compressor and expansion device are modeled in lumped-parameter fashion. Pressure responses are determined by using continuity satisfying models for both the condenser and evaporator. The discussion of the solution methodology describes the combined implicit/explicit integration formulation that is used to solve the governing equations. The summary provides a list of future work anticipated in the area of dynamic heat pump modeling.
Silicon-on-insulator eight-channel optical multiplexer based on a cascade of asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometers

A monolithically integrated eight-channel optical multiplexer (Mux) with a 400 GHz channel spacing ~1550 nm is presented based on a silicon-on-insulator rib waveguide and an asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer. All channels were optimized independently with integrated heaters. The fully tuned Mux shows an adjacent channel isolation of ~13 dB, an excess loss of ~2.6 dB, and a channel uniformity of ~1.5 dB over a 25 nm wavelength span. In addition, the phase tuning efficiency for different interlevel dielectric layer thicknesses and thermal crosstalk were investigated.
Growth of Campylobacter pylori in liquid media.

Until recently, broth cultivation techniques for Campylobacter pylori were unavailable. We developed a method to cultivate bacterial cells within 24 h in liquid media. Cultivation in broth depended on the adequate dispersion of appropriate gases. A static broth at 37 degrees C in a GasPak jar (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) with a CampyPak (BBL) envelope did not support growth after 5 days of incubation. A broth placed in a flask on a Gyrotory water bath shaker (150 rpm; New Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc., Edison, N.J.) fitted with a gassing hood connected to a gas mixture of 10% CO2, 5% O2, and 85% N2 supported good growth. An initial inoculum of 10(5), 10(3) to 10(4), or 10(2) CFU/ml resulted in greater than or equal to 10(8) CFU/ml after incubation for 24, 48, or 72 h, respectively. Under these conditions, the bacteria grew as motile, spiral bacilli rather than the oval and coccal bacilli occasionally reported. Several bases supported good growth when supplemented with serum. For the determination of basal growth conditions, brucella broth base was used. Fetal calf serum (1%) provided maximum growth. Vitox was not necessary for growth and did not augment growth. C. pylori grew over a wide optimal pH range of 5.5 to 8.5.
STUDIES ON THE SENSITIZATION OF ANIMALS WITH SIMPLE CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS

Experiments on the sensitization of guinea pigs with simple chemical compounds are described. Positive effects were obtained by the administration of small quantities, namely fractions of milligrams, with 1:2:4 chlorodinitrobenzene, p-nitrosodimethylaniline, 1:2:4 trinitrobenzene, picryl chloride, four dichlorodinitrobenzenes, and a number of other aromatic compounds. Several substances chemically similar to those enumerated gave negative results. The first named compound is known to produce hypersensitiveness in human beings, a large number of cases having been observed in factory workers. The mechanism of these effects is discussed.
Multiple amyloidomas in an HIV patient presented as inguinal and mediastuinal masses: A case report diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration

Systemic amyloidosis can occur rarely as multiple masses with replacement of lymph nodes, causing lymphadenopathy and potentially mimicking neoplasms. We report a case of multiple amyloidomas in the inguinal lymph nodes and mediastinum in a 30-yr-old HIV positive woman with remote history of high grade dysplasia. Abundant amorphous material was obtained on fine-needle aspiration, making metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with abundant keratin a potential differential diagnosis. The prudent use of special stains such as Congo red, crystal violet, and immunohistochemical stains for keratin and kappa and beta light chains can be invaluable in helping to clarify the diagnosis. In patients with chronic inflammation, amyloidomas must be considered in the differential diagnosis of mass lesions so the appropriate work-up can be undertaken to minimize this potential pitfall. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:505–507. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway confers growth advantages in c-Myc/E2F1 transgenic mouse model of liver cancer

Background/Aims Previously, we showed that activation of the β-catenin/Wnt pathway is a dominant event during c-Myc/E2F1 hepatocarcinogenesis. Majority of c-Myc/E2F1 HCCs displayed nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in the absence of β-catenin mutations, suggesting that alterations in other members of the Wnt pathway might be responsible for nuclear localization of β-catenin. Here, we investigated the mechanisms responsible for nuclear translocation of wild-type β-catenin and addressed the potential contribution of the Wnt pathway in c-Myc/E2F1 hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods Status of the members of the Wnt pathway was determined through microsatellite and Western blot analysis. Results Majority of c-Myc/E2F1 HCCs exhibited multiple abnormalities in the Wnt pathway regardless of the presence of β-catenin mutations. The observed abnormalities included overexpression of Wnt-1, Frizzled 1 and 2 receptors, Dishevelled-1, downregulation of Secreted frizzled-related protein-1, GSK-3β inactivation, microsatellite instability at the Axin locus as well as induction of β-catenin target genes, such as glutamine synthetase, glutamate transporter-1, and Wisp-1. HCCs with β-catenin activation displayed significantly higher proliferation rate and larger tumor size when compared with β-catenin negative tumors. Conclusions The data demonstrate that multiple abnormalities in the members of the Wnt pathway lead to nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and suggest that activation of Wnt pathway provides proliferative advantages in c-Myc/E2F1-driven hepatocarcinogenesis.
The Epidemiology of Adult Spinal Deformity and the Aging Population

The American population is aging, and aging is associated with a rise in the prevalence of degenerative spinal disorders. According to the 2010 Census, while the percentage of younger people in the USA between the working ages of 25–44 years old declined by 3.4 %, the older population within the working age, that is, ages 45–64 years old, increased by 31.5 % and now make up 81.5 million people in the US population [1]. The growth of people within the retirement age bracket, age 62 years and older, in the US population grew by 21.2 % from 2000 to 2010. Overall, people over the age of 65 years and considered typically retired from the work force make up 40.3 million people and represent 39 % of the total US population. Between 2000 and 2010, this older age group represented the fastest growth sector in the USA and has been associated with the increase in spinal care needed, including adult degenerative spinal deformities (Table 1.1).
Molecular mechanism of sphingosine-1-phosphate action in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle-wasting disease. Studies in Drosophila showed that genetic increase of the levels of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) or delivery of 2-acetyl-5-tetrahydroxybutyl imidazole (THI), an S1P lyase inhibitor, suppresses dystrophic muscle degeneration. In the dystrophic mouse (mdx), upregulation of S1P by THI increases regeneration and muscle force. S1P can act as a ligand for S1P receptors and as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Because Drosophila has no identified S1P receptors and DMD correlates with increased HDAC2 levels, we tested whether S1P action in muscle involves HDAC inhibition. Here we show that beneficial effects of THI treatment in mdx mice correlate with significantly increased nuclear S1P, decreased HDAC activity and increased acetylation of specific histone residues. Importantly, the HDAC2 target microRNA genes miR-29 and miR-1 are significantly upregulated, correlating with the downregulation of the miR-29 target Col1a1 in the diaphragm of THI-treated mdx mice. Further gene expression analysis revealed a significant THI-dependent decrease in inflammatory genes and increase in metabolic genes. Accordingly, S1P levels and functional mitochondrial activity are increased after THI treatment of differentiating C2C12 cells. S1P increases the capacity of the muscle cell to use fatty acids as an energy source, suggesting that THI treatment could be beneficial for the maintenance of energy metabolism in mdx muscles.
Coexpression with β1-subunit modifies the kinetics and fatty acid block of hH1α Na+channels

Voltage-gated cardiac Na+ channels are composed of α- and β1-subunits. In this study β1-subunit was cotransfected with the α-subunit of the human cardiac Na+ channel (hH1α) in human embryonic kidne...
Atmospheric moisture measurements: a microwave radiometer-radiosonde comparison

The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Crustal Dynamics Project microwave Water Vapor Radiometer (WVR-J03) is used to measure the thermal emission of the sky at three frequencies (20.7, 22.2, and 31.4 GHz). Measurements were taken during the Atmospheric Moisture Intercomparison Study (ATMIS) held at Wallops Island, VA during April 1989. These measurements were compared with brightness temperatures inferred from measurements from VAISALA radiosonde packages launched every 3 h during the experiment period. An error analysis for the radiosonde-inferred brightness temperatures was performed, assuming reasonable random uncertainties for the pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements and propagating these uncertainties through the analysis algorithm. Two different water vapor emission models were used for the derivation of the brightness temperatures from the radiosonde measurements. Differences between the two models increase as the moisture content increases and vary as a function of frequency. >
Technology and Online Education: Models for Change.

This paper contends that technology changes advance online education. A number of mobile computing and transformative technologies will be examined and incorporated into a descriptive study. The object of the study will be to design innovative mobile awareness models seeking to understand technology changes for mobile devices and how they can be used for online learning. These models will take information from technology vicissitudes, online education systems, along with mobile device literature, and build a picture of past, current, and future trends for online learning. The application of such an approach should lead to a better definition of mobile awareness requirements and greater online visibility relative to selection of the appropriate model criteria and requirements. The models will identify online problem definitions, hardware and software advancements, analysis mobile objectives, and the selection of evaluation criteria and requirements to design online mobile awareness. By using technology vicissitudes, online education systems, and mobile device variables that are found in the literature, models can be designed to achieve awareness for online learning and changing technologies. These futuristic models can help to identify the appropriate techniques and methods to be used in facilitating the overall effort in future mobile devices for online learning. Hopefully, seamless technology integration and borderless networks for mobile awareness will motivate and benefit all future online teaching and learning groups.
A comparison of Holter and polysomnogram-based detection of bed and wake times

To determine if bed and wake times can be determined from continuous ECG recordings in the elderly, PSG (polysomnogram), ECG channels were extracted and scanned on a Holter analyzer for N=56 participants (age 76plusmn3) in the Sleep Heart Health Study who had 2 PSGs 5 years apart. Bed and wake times were determined from a combination of 5-min averaged HR and HRV patterns and from HR tachograms of normal-to-normal intervals. Bed and wake times were also extracted from the PSGs. PSG- and HRV bed and wake times were compared via paired t-tests and correlation analysis. Correlations between PSG- and HRV-determined bed and wake times were les0.95. HRV-derived bed and wake times were slightly (4plusmn7 min) earlier for and 5plusmn11 min earlier the 2 PSGs, ples0.001. Mean PSG and ECG-based wake times were closer (12plusmn20s earlier, p=0.069 and 2plusmn8 min later, p=0.049 for the 2 PSGs). Therefore, determination of bedtime and wake time patterns in large Holter cohorts without activity diaries is feasible.
Changes produced in postprandial urinary calcium excretion by thyroidectomy and calcitonin administration in rats on different calcium regimes.

The results reported in this study demonstrate that the amount of calcium excreted into the urine postprandially is a reflection of calcitonin (CT) activity during the feeding process. Comparisons were made among normal rats, rats with intact thyroids and functional parathyroid transplants (TI), and thyroidectomized rats (maintained on T4) with functional parathyroid transplants (TX). CT replacement was provided by hormone injection at both 30 min and 2 h after the onset of feeding. A 4-h urine collection was made, commencing 2 h after providing the rats with their daily allowance of food. Postprandial urinary calcium values were determined on the day rats were transferred from a calcium-containing diet to a calciumfree diet. CT was only administered on days the rats received the calcium-containing diet. The following results were obtained. In rats maintained on a constant calcium-containing diet, postprandial urinary calcium values were lower in TI than in TX rats. The reverse was true for the first day ...
Recent progress in the design and fabrication of Spheral Solar modules

Texas Instruments has begun design and fabrication of photovoltaic modules using its unique Spheral Solar technology. The solar cell structure, especially the aluminum foil conductors, presents challenges in several areas of product design. This paper presents the design of the cell interconnection and junction box, both of which are affected by the aluminum cell structure and are also key to product reliability. Environmental testing of the cells and modules is discussed, and electrical performance data are presented. >
What can be learned from silage breeding programs

Improving the quality of cellulosic ethanol feedstocks through breeding and genetic manipulation could significantly impact the economics of this industry. Attaining this will require comprehensive and rapid characterization of large numbers of samples. There are many similarities between improving corn silage quality for dairy production and improving feedstock quality for cellulosic ethanol. It was our objective to provide insight into what is needed for genetic improvement of cellulosic feedstocks by reviewing the development and operation of a corn silage breeding program. We discuss the evolving definition of silage quality and relate what we have learned about silage quality to what is needed for measuring and improving feedstock quality. In addition, repeatability estimates of corn stover traits are reported for a set of hybrids. Repeatability of theoretical ethanol potential measured by near-infrared spectroscopy is high, suggesting that this trait may be easily improved through breeding. Just as cell wall digestibility has been factored into the latest measurements of silage quality, conversion efficiency should be standardized and included in indices of feedstock quality to maximize overall, economical energy availability.
A time domain method for electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering

Explicit time integration of Maxwell's equations has been demonstrated previously by using Yee's leapfrog method and also using a Lax-Wendroff method. A staggered grid (in space and time) is employed with the leapfrog method, while there is, in general, a dissipation error with the Lax-Wendroff method. In the present work, a novel unstaggered-grid scheme is introduced to solve the system of first-order partial-differential equations, with a parameter to control dissipation errors. Simulation of plane waves scattered from circular and square cylinders is discussed, including the treatment of the far field and the corners. Some preliminary numerical results are presented. >
Goals and Curriculum

In the talks and discussions this morning, we were concerned with informatics as a profession; now the question is what should be the education of a person who will be a professional in this field. As I indicated in my earlier talk, I believe strongly that a person in this field should be engineering-oriented — sophisticated scientifi­cally but thoroughly pragmatic, with a good awareness of the ever-present economic limitations.
Organische Phosphorverbindungen XXXI. Ein einfaches Verfahren zur Herstellung von Alkylen‐ bzw. Arylen‐ bzw. diphosphiniten und von Bis‐(dialkyl‐ und diaryl‐phosphinyl)‐alkanen

The reactions of dialkylamino-dialkyl- or diaryl-phosphines, R2PNR′2 (R = C6H5 C4H9, C2H5; R′ = CH3, C2H5) with unsaturated alcohols, functional alcohols, α, ω-alkane-diols and α, ω-alkane-dithiols have been studied. The preparation of a large number of alkylene (or arylene) bis-phosphinites and of bis-phosphinyl-alkanes is reported and their physical properties listed.
Dynamic mechanical analysis and image analysis characterization of crimped yarns

The Quantimet image analysis system and dynamic mechanical analysis have been applied to characterization of crimped yarns. The image analysis system is useful for obtaining accurate measurements of crimps per inch, uncrimped versus crimped length, crimp wavelength, and crimp amplitude. In addition, the dynamic tensile mechanical properties of fibers and the dynamic compression mechanical properties of the fiber masses were examined. These analyses identify the relationships between crimp parameters and loss tangents for the first time. The loss tangents of fiber masses increase with increasing crimp frequency. The higher loss tangents of crimped yarns in the glassy region quantify both the internal friction of constituent fibers and the external fiber to fiber friction separately.
The role of the aldehyde radical in neurofibrillar argyrophilia.

If tissue aldehydes are blocked prior to silvering in the Cajal and Protargol technics, subsequent neurofibrillar argyrophilia is not appreciably affected. This would appear to indicate that this particular radical does not play an important part in neurofibrillar silver-tissue affinity.
Estimating the diets of animals using stable isotopes and a comprehensive Bayesian mixing model.

Using stable isotope mixing models (SIMMs) as a tool to investigate the foraging ecology of animals is gaining popularity among researchers. As a result, statistical methods are rapidly evolving and numerous models have been produced to estimate the diets of animals—each with their benefits and their limitations. Deciding which SIMM to use is contingent on factors such as the consumer of interest, its food sources, sample size, the familiarity a user has with a particular framework for statistical analysis, or the level of inference the researcher desires to make (e.g., population- or individual-level). In this paper, we provide a review of commonly used SIMM models and describe a comprehensive SIMM that includes all features commonly used in SIMM analysis and two new features. We used data collected in Yosemite National Park to demonstrate IsotopeR's ability to estimate dietary parameters. We then examined the importance of each feature in the model and compared our results to inferences from commonly used SIMMs. IsotopeR's user interface (in R) will provide researchers a user-friendly tool for SIMM analysis. The model is also applicable for use in paleontology, archaeology, and forensic studies as well as estimating pollution inputs.
Multiple stable equilibria in a predator-prey system.

Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for three equilibria to occur in a predatorprey model and conditions are given for two of these to be stable. The existence of two stable equilibria requires predator intraspecific competition for either space or food, and the lower the prey growth rate the stronger this predator self-regulation must be. A prey growth rate that is skewed to the right, the ability of a few predators to survive at low prey densities, and predators with high searching effectiveness, long handling times, and large maximum per capita rate of increase all make two stable equilibria more likely.
Partial sensing coverage in 3D wireless lattice sensor networks

Although most research in lattice wireless sensor networks are focus on determining the optimal deployment pattern to provide full sensing coverage while maximizing the deployment efficiency, we study the partial sensing coverage problem and the corresponding node saving rate in 3D lattice WSNs. Two popular 3D deployment patterns including cube and triangular prism are considered. The partial sensing coverage and the note saving rate with respect to full sensing coverage are derived through mathematically modeling and theoretical analysis. Research results show that partial sensing coverage is of paramount significance to 3D lattice WSN design and implementation as a large amount of expensive 3D sensors can be saved by sacrificing a small amount of sensing coverage. For example, 38.43% and 22.14% sensors can be saved when providing 0.9864 and 0.9898 sensing coverage with respect to full sensing coverage in a cubic pattern and a triangular prism pattern based lattice WSN respectively. Computer-based simulations results validate the modeling and analysis.
Age dependent aneuploidy and telomere length of the human vascular endothelium

Rationale: aneuploidy and telomere length are two major parameters that have been associated with cellular senescence in vitro. In order to explore the role of aneuploidy and telomere length in aging of the human vasculature, we studied these two parameters in direct preparations of endothelial cells of the human abdominal aorta. Methods: using fluorescent in situ hybridization on ‘touch prep’ slides, we evaluated aneuploidy of two autosomes (chromosomes 6 and 16) and sex chromosomes in non cultured endothelial cells of the abdominal aorta as a function of the donor's age. Results: we found that the frequency of aneuploidy of vascular endothelial cells significantly increased with age. This was expressed by age-dependent tetrasomy (rs=0.56, P=0.006 for chromosome 6; and rs=0.54, P=0.008 for chromosome 16), and age dependent loss of the Y chromosome (rs=0.85, P=0.0003). In addition, we found that telomere length was inversely correlated with age (r=−0.38, P=0.008). Data interpretation: these findings suggest that indicators of cellular senescence, earlier observed in vitro, are also expressed in the human vascular endothelium in vivo. Aneuploidy and telomere attrition might thus play a role in the aging of the human vasculature.
Examiner Reliability in Dental Radiography

In long-term investigations involving a large number of study participants, it is frequently necessary to employ the use of multiple examiners who must exhibit high levels of inter- and intra-examiner reliability in order to minimize examiner bias, which can distort scientific findings. This report on the calibration of four examiners in a large project investigating the efficacy of dental radiography shows high levels of examiner reliability using various statistical measures of agreement. Levels of intra-examiner agreement using Cohen's Kappa index were 0.75 and higher at baseline, and remained at approximately the same level (0.80) throughout the 24-month period of the study. The Kappa index of inter-examiner agreement among the six pairings of the four examiners ranged from 0.68 to 0.80 for caries and 0.72 and 0.83 for periodontal disease. Values of four statistical measures of agreement (proportional agreement, Kendall's rank correlation, Cohen's Kappa index, and Cohen's weighted Kappa index) were determined to show the importance of using measures, such as the Kappa index, which take chance agreement into account.
Formant measurement in children's speech based on spectral filtering

Children's speech presents a challenging problem for formant frequency measurement.A spectral filtering technique is proposed for analysis of children's speech.The method was tested with child-like simulated speech samples.The new approach produced less error than a linear prediction algorithm. Children's speech presents a challenging problem for formant frequency measurement. In part, this is because high fundamental frequencies, typical of a children's speech production, generate widely spaced harmonic components that may undersample the spectral shape of the vocal tract transfer function. In addition, there is often a weakening of upper harmonic energy and a noise component due to glottal turbulence. The purpose of this study was to develop a formant measurement technique based on cepstral analysis that does not require modification of the cepstrum itself or transformation back to the spectral domain. Instead, a narrow-band spectrum is low-pass filtered with a cutoff point (i.e., cutoff "quefrency" in the terminology of cepstral analysis) to preserve only the spectral envelope. To test the method, speech representative of a 2-3 year-old child was simulated with an airway modulation model of speech production. The model, which includes physiologically-scaled vocal folds and vocal tract, generates sound output analogous to a microphone signal. The vocal tract resonance frequencies can be calculated independently of the output signal and thus provide test cases that allow for assessing the accuracy of the formant tracking algorithm. When applied to the simulated child-like speech, the spectral filtering approach was shown to provide a clear spectrographic representation of formant change over the time course of the signal, and facilitates tracking formant frequencies for further analysis.
To size or not to size--there is no question: balloon sizing for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

When the association of paravalvular leak (PVL) and increased mortality was first described in 2012 at the 2-year PARTNER I presentation [(1)][1], the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) community reacted with great concern that this promising technology was beginning to show signs of
Geologic Evidence of Permian Climate

The Permian Period represents both a transition and a beginning in global paleoclimate. Continental glaciation, which peaked in the Late Carboniferous, declined and ceased during the Permian, and climate typical of the Pangean (Permian through Middle Jurassic; Parrish 1992) megamonsoon (Kutzbach and Gallimore 1989) began. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a global paleoclimatic context for this Volume, by summarizing current information about the development of global climate during the Permian Period.
Early and Late Postoperative Alignment Following Unilateral Lateral Rectus Recession for Intermittent Exotropia

PURPOSE Bilateral lateral rectus recession is useful in the treatment of intermittent exotropia. A unilateral recession may be used in the treatment of small-to-moderate angle intermittent exotropia as well. An early overcorrection following bilateral surgery has been shown to carry the best prognosis for future alignment. The relationship between the early and late postoperative alignment following unilateral surgery is unknown. The current study was designed to establish this relationship. METHODS Thirty-seven patients undergoing a unilateral lateral rectus recession for intermittent exotropia were prospectively evaluated to determine the relationship between early and late postoperative alignment. Patients were evaluated 1 week and 6 months following surgery. A satisfactory result was considered to be alignment within 8 prism diopters (delta). RESULTS Of the 37 patients who underwent surgery, 35 completed the study. Overall, 77% of patients achieved a satisfactory result at the 6-month exam (27/35). Satisfactory alignment at 6 months was obtained in all patients who were orthophoric (14/14), 77% (10/13) of patients with an exodeviation less than 9 delta (10/13), and 60% (3/5) of patients with an exodeviation less than 9 delta at the 1-week postoperative exam. Twenty-nine percent of patients changed alignment status during this time period (10/35), and 29% of all patients became more divergent (10/35). The average divergent shift for the entire group was 1.6 delta and was not significant. Among those patients who experienced a divergent shift, the average amount was 6 delta. CONCLUSIONS There is not a significant difference in early versus late alignment following unilateral lateral rectus recession. Surgeons performing this procedure should not expect a significant divergent shift from the first postoperative week. Unlike bilateral recessions where an early overcorrection is desirable, acceptable alignment in the first week following surgery carries the best prognosis for later alignment.
Abstract WMP69: Monocyte-derived Macrophages Can Reduce Damage After Experimental Ischemic Stroke

Background Post-ischemic inflammation plays an important role in stroke pathology. Understanding the details and mechanisms of post-stroke inflammation is essential to develop therapeutics that can reduce the damage and promote recovery. Macrophages are known to promote both injury and repair in various pathologies, and these divergent properties may be due to different macrophage subtypes. Here, we identify different macrophage subtypes in the brain after ischemic stroke and investigate their effects on stroke outcome. Methods C57BL/6 mice (male, 11-14 weeks old) were subjected to left transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo). To deplete blood monocytes, clodronate-filled liposomes (CL) were used. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-filled liposomes (PL) served as controls. Behavior was assessed using a neurological score. Infarct size was assessed by TTC at 2d and silver staining at 7d post-stroke. Immune cells in brain, blood, spleen and bone marrow were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results A time-course analysis of immune cells after stroke identified two macrophage subpopulations in the brain: Ly6Chigh and Ly6Clow. Ly6Chigh macrophages were the dominant cell population early after stroke, peaking by 3d and then decreasing in number by 5d. Conversely, the number of Ly6Clow macrophages were initially low and peaked at 5d. To investigate the effects of these macrophage subpopulations, we used clodronate depletion of monocytes with different injection paradigms. Injecting clodronate just after reperfusion, to target the Ly6Chigh macrophages, had no significant effect on infarct size at 2d and 7d post-stroke, or on functional deficit, compared to the PL group. However, when the injections were given every other day after stroke, from day 0 to day 6, CL-treated mice had significantly larger infarct sizes at 7d post-stroke (48.9±4.3 vs 35.6±5.8, % of contralateral hemisphere, n=10; p Conclusion Macrophage can reduce brain damage and play a role in promoting recovery after stroke.
Balancing Bt Toxin Avoidance and Nutrient Intake by Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae

To evaluate how the Cry1Ac Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin and the ratio of dietary protein to carbohydrate (P:C) independently and jointly affect Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) larval feeding performance and behavior, we conducted no-choice and binary choice experiments using chemically defined diets. We tested two related strains of this polyphagous pest: a strain selected for resistance to Cry1Ac in the laboratory (GA-R), and its field-derived parent strain (GA). In no-choice tests, feeding performance in GA and GA-R was superior on a non-Cry1Ac 80P:20C diet compared to a non-Cry1Ac 35P:65C diet or an 80P:20C diet containing Cry1Ac. Based on consumption and position measurements in binary choice tests, larvae preferred the non-Cry1Ac 80P:20C diet over the other two diets mentioned above. However, the association between preference and performance was weaker when comparing the Cry1Ac 80P:20C diet versus a Cry1Ac 35P:65C diet, and when comparing the Cry1Ac 80P:20C diet versus the non-Cry1Ac 35P:65C diet. In all choice situations, consumption preference occurred mainly by the percentage of larvae that fed almost entirely from one or the other diet, rather than from variation in the extent of diet mixing by individuals. Resistance to Cry1Ac affected the balance between toxin avoidance and nutrient intake: larvae from the more resistant GA-R strain consumed significantly more of the Cry1Ac 80P:20C diet when paired with non-Cry1Ac 35P:65C diet, while GA larvae consumed more of the latter, though not significantly. The results show that dietary P:C ratio, Cry1Ac, and resistance to Cry1Ac affected feeding behavior and performance of H. zea larvae.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF HALDANE'S RULE.

In 1940, H. J. Muller offered a now-classic explanation of "Haldane's rule"-the remarkable observation that, when only one hybrid sex is sterile or inviable in crosses between species, it is the heterogametic (XY or WZ) sex (Haldane 1922). Although geneticists had long recognized that hybrid sterility and inviability are caused by incompatibilities between different loci (e.g., Dobzhansky 1937), Muller emphasized two points. First, he argued that hybrid sterility and inviability probably most often involve incompatibilities between X-linked loci from one species and autosomal loci from other [Haldane (1932) had implicated incompatibilities between the X and Y chromosomes]. More important, Muller emphasized that whereas some of the alleles causing these incompatibilities might be fairly dominant, others "are more or less recessive" (1940, p. 203). In homogametic (XX) hybrids, these recessive alleles would be masked as heterozygotes whether they resided at autosomal or X-linked loci. Among heterogametic hybrids, however, any X-linked recessive (or partial recessive) would be fully expressed. If this allele happened to be incompatible with an autosomal allele from the other species, some hybrid sterility or inviability might result. Thus, Muller argued, it is not surprising that heterogametic hybrids are sterile or inviable far more often than homogametic ones: dominant and recessive X-linked alleles affect heterogametic hybrids, whereas only the former can affect homogametic hybrids. Moreover, Muller (1940, p. 204) noted, this theory can also account for the observed large effect of the X chromosome on hybrid fitness (see Coyne and Orr 1989). Muller's theory has become the standard text-
Operation of the Unfair Trade Practices Act in the Large Cities of Kansas

O N APRIL 15, I94I an Unfair Trade Practices Act became law in Kansas. The Act follows closely the model bill of the National Food and Grocery Conference Committee' and requires: (i) that a wholesaler must add a markup of at least two per cent to the cost of his merchandise; (2) that a retailer must add a markup of at least six per cent to the cost of his merchandise; and (3) that cost to the retailer must include cartage from the wholesaler or warehouse which is presumed to be three-fourths of one per cent in the absence of proof to the contrary. Organized retailers, particularly grocers, had been trying to get such a law passed by the Kansas legislature for several sessions. They were successful in 1941 partly because, during the winter of I940-4I, severe price-cutting wars developed in the grocery business of Wichita, Topeka, and several other Kansas towns. Soap was the chief "football" and the price of popular brands of laundry soap dropped to one and one-half cents a bar in the stores that engaged in the battle. In order to determine the extent of loss leader price-cutting and the effect of the act on prices, the writer interviewed wholesalers and retailers operating in
Conflicts of interest among articles published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology

6633 Background: The integrity of scientific and clinical research is dependent on the avoidance of conflicts of interest (COI). Hence, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has implemen...
A FEED ADAPTER FOR CONTINUOUS AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OF SOLUTIONS INTO VACUUM EVAPORATION SYSTEMS.

The design of a simply constructed feed adapter for continuous transportation of solutions into a vacuum evaporation system is described.
Staphylococcus aureus pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and drug resistance phenotype analysis

Objective To study the molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food and food poisoning related samples, and analyze the homology and drug resistance among the strains. Methods A total of 40 strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food and food poisoning-related samples were selected. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing by restriction endonuclease enzyme Sma I was used. A total of 12 kinds of antibiotics were used to do the drug test by using K-B disk diffusion method. Results A total of 40 strains Staphylococcus aureus were divided into eight clusters, 26 types by PFGE, there was isolates from gathered cases among one food poisoning and different years, different food poisoning, the isolates were highly resistant to penicillin G, the rate of resistance drug was 95%(38/40), with multiple drug resistance; There was an obvious difference among resistant phenotype in different molecular clusters and the same molecular cluster. Conclusion Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis is applicable to the analysis of correlation and homology of Staphylococcus aureus.
Female genital mutilation: Some ethical questions

This paper provides some basic information about female genital mutilation (FGM) as a social problem and as a health problem. It includes selected actions taken over the last 45 years by the United Nations regarding FGM. The focus here is on the ethics of individuals and institutions, such as the World Health Organization, attempting to intervene in traditional cultural practices like FGM. This discussion raises some questions about ethical universals and ethical relativism with regards to FGM and the attempts to change or eradicate this practice.
Images as the text: Pictographs and pictographic rhetoric

In this paper we are proposing an abstract rhetoric of relations for graphic forms. This rhetoric provides the primary groundwork for conceptualizing information design in visual and textual environments, not on the basis of their specific content or form, but at a level of organizational structure usually left inexplicit. Our premise is that the concept of a pictographic rhetoric, or metagraphic rhetoric, is a useful way of making explicit the abstract ordering of elements in texts, images, and graphic forms. These principles, critical to writing systems, pictographic and otherwise, also underlie the structure of graphs and diagrams of various kinds. Furthermore, they can be used to make explicit the rhetorical effects of the structure of inscribed or printed texts in their embodied, visual terms.