cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ewing Sarcoma Causing Back and Leg Pain in 2 Patients

A 69-year-old woman was referred by neurosurgery for evaluation of intractable left leg pain. The pain began 8 months earlier in the left low back, with radiation down the posterior thigh and lateral calf, and into the top of the left foot. The pain had a burning, aching quality and was more prominent at night. Treatments to date included restricting ankle motion in a walking boot for 4 weeks for presumed Achilles tendinopathy, physical therapy, spinal epidural injections, and oral agents including NSAIDs, gabapentin, and opioid analgesics. None of these treatments provided lasting benefit. Of note, the patient had a medical history of T-cell lymphoma 12 years previously. She had experienced 1 recurrence but had been in remission for 5 years. On review of systems, she mentioned marked ongoing fatigue, night pain, impaired sleep and appetite, weight loss, depression, and anxiety. Physical examination revealed a woman appearing of stated age in no apparent distress. Inspection demonstrated that her lower limbs were symmetric and without atrophy. Neurologic examination of the lower extremities was significant for decreased sensation over the left lateral calf, dorsum of the foot, and left medial malleolus. Tinel test at the left fibular head did not reproduce sensory symptoms. Strength of the lower limbs was normal and symmetric throughout, with the exception of left great toe extension, which was 4/5, and left knee flexion, which was 5–/5. Patellar and Achilles reflexes were 1 but symmetric. alpation of the inguinal region did not demonstrate inguinal lymphadenopathy. Vascular xamination showed symmetric distal lower limb pulses that were 2 , with good capillary efill. During the musculoskeletal examination, left hip external rotation reproduced familar buttock pain. There was marked tenderness over the left distal Achilles tendon and the orsum of the left foot. There was minimal lumbosacral tenderness. Lumbar spine range of otion, including flexion, side bending, and rotation, was unrestricted and painless; umbar extension, however, reproduced her familiar left gluteal pain. A prior outside umbar magnetic resonance image (MRI) demonstrated multilevel mild-moderate lumbar pondylosis most prominent at L3-L4 but no neural compression from disk herniation or entral or foraminal stenosis was present at any level. The differential diagnosis included left L4-L5 radiculitis, left L4-L5 lumbosacral plexpathy, left sciatic neuropathy, and a neuropathic tumor. We would expect sensory changes n the thigh with radiculopathy, which were not present. The distal distribution most closely pproximated the L5 nerve root, but L4 must be included for the abnormal medial malleolar ensation. An isolated left peroneal or saphenous neuropathy would not explain the roximal symptoms. Focal gluteal tenderness in conjunction with sensory changes rompted us to order an MRI. The sacrum (arrow), without bony involvement as seen on a 1 coronal oblique image, is demonstrated in Figure 1A. A coronal T1 image (Figure 1B)
Preparation and Properties of Nanocomposites from Pristine and Modified SWCNTs of Comparable Average Aspect Ratios

Low color, flexible, space-durable polyimide films with inherent and robust electrical conductivity to dissipate electrostatic charge (ESC) have been under investigation as part of a materials development activity for future NASA space missions. The use of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is one means to achieving this goal. Even though the concentration of SWCNTs needed to achieve ESC dissipation is typically low, it is dependent upon purity, size, dispersion, and functionalization. In this study, SWCNTs prepared by the electric arc discharge method were used to synthesize nanocomposites using the LaRC(TradeMark) CP2 backbone as the matrix. Pristine and functionalized SWCNTs were mixed with an alkoxysilane terminated amide acid of LaRC(TradeMark) CP2 and the soluble imide form of the polymer and the resultant nanocomposites evaluated for mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Due to the preparative conditions for the pristine and functionalized SWCNTs, the average aspect ratio for both was comparable. This permitted the assessment of SWCNT functionalization with respect to various interactions (e.g. van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, covalent bond formation, etc.) with the matrix and the macroscopic effects upon nanocomposite properties. The results of this study are described herein.
Perception of human motion with different geometric models

Human figures have been animated using a variety of geometric models, including stick figures, polygonal models and NURBS-based models with muscles, flexible skin or clothing. This paper reports on experimental results indicating that a viewer's perception of motion characteristics is affected by the geometric model used for rendering. Subjects were shown a series of paired motion sequences and asked if the two motions in each pair were the same or different. The motion sequences in each pair were rendered using the same geometric model. For the three types of motion variation tested, sensitivity scores indicate that subjects were better able to observe changes with the polygonal model than they were with the stick-figure model.
Using Lamina Emergent Mechanisms to Develop Credit-Card-Sized Products

The compactness and portability of credit-card-sized products create a strong motivation for their development. This paper proposes that lamina emergent mechanisms (LEMs) provide a means for expanding the capabilities of credit-card-sized mechanisms. LEMs are a type of compliant mechanism that is fabricated from sheet goods with motion that emerges from the sheet. A review of the current state-of-the-art in credit-card-sized mechanisms reveals that there are two primary types of mechanisms most commonly used in this form factor: rigid-body mechanisms and in-plane compliant mechanisms. The challenges of each of these mechanism areas and the LEM advantage corresponding to each challenge are described. Criteria are developed for determining if a product is a suitable candidate for using LEM technology to create a credit-card-sized mechanism. The credit-card-sized LEM advantages and suitability criteria are illustrated through an example product—a compact lancing device that could be used as a main component for a more portable epinephrine syringe.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Structure of Random Materials

Light scattering and small angle x-ray scattering results are reported for a variety of random materials. Random processes such as polymerization and aggregation account for the structure of these materials. Materials studied include linear and branched polymers, colloidal aggregates (prepared in solution, in flames and at an air-water interface), and composites. Although the concept of fractal geometry is essential to interpretation of the scattering curves, not all the materials show fractal character.
A Distributional proof of a theorem of Plessner

The paper presents a proof, using methods of the theory of distributions of the famous result of A. Plessner characterizing the absolutely continuous measures among the class of Borel measures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Healthy Days Measures – Population tracking of perceived physical and mental health over time

To promote the health and quality of life of United States residents, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – with 54 state and territorial health agencies – has supported population surveillance of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL was defined as "perceived physical and mental health over time." Commonly-used measures of health status and activity limitation were identified and a set of "Healthy Days" HRQOL measures was developed and validated. A core set of these measures (the CDC HRQOL-4) asks about self-rated general health and the number of recent days when a person was physically unhealthy, mentally unhealthy, or limited in usual activities. A summary measure combines physically and mentally unhealthy days. From 1993 to 2001, more than 1.2 million adults responded to the CDC HRQOL-4 in each state-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) telephone interview. More than one fifth of all BRFSS respondents also responded to a set of related questions – including five items that assess the presence, main cause and duration of a current activity limitation, and the need for activity-related personal and routine care; as well as five items that ask about recent days of pain, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and vitality. The Healthy Days surveillance data are particularly useful for finding unmet health needs, identifying disparities among demographic and socioeconomic subpopulations, characterizing the symptom burden of disabilities and chronic diseases, and tracking population patterns and trends. The full set of 14 Healthy Days Measures (the CDC HRQOL-14) has shown good measurement properties in several populations, languages, and settings. The brief standard CDC HRQOL-4 is now often used in surveys, surveillance systems, prevention research, and population health report cards.
Authenticated group key distribution scheme for a large distributed network

The authors propose a decentralized key distribution scheme. In this scheme, there are as many local key centers as needed and each user needs to select a key center at which to register when first joining the network. The most significant feature of the method is that each center needs only a single secret key. All personal keys that it needs for delivering encrypted keys to groups of users can be derived from this single key through a one-way function. >
General Aviation Collision‐Avoidance Alternatives

Midair collisions are often perceived as the number‐one safety issue in aviation. Though the actual incidence of such accidents is (thankfully) small, public perception of the problem, and the government's reaction to it, may threaten the very future of general aviation. Midair collisions are primarily a general aviation problem. Its solution starts with the review of accident statistics and nearmidair report data, an exploration of prior art, and an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of TCAS (Threat alert and Collision Avoidance System), the FAA's supplement to visual traffic avoidance. This paper contemplates the need for an “ideal” general aviation collision avoidance system—one which is selfcontained, noncooperative in nature (requiring no equipment in the “other” plane), transparent to the Air Traffic Control System, and fully compatible with TCAS and all other FAA proposals.
Political Tolerance in Poland and the United States

Some experts say that in Eastern Europe, under the surface of pro-democratic attitudes, persists an authoritarian and intolerant political culture. Synchronic and diachronic comparisons of tolerance in Poland (1993 Polish General Social Survey, N = 1649) and the U.S. (1954 Stouffer's data and National Opinion Research Center General Social Survey, NORC GSS, data, 1972-93) do not support this view. Polish opinions appear nearly as tolerant as contemporary American opinions, and more tolerant than American opinions in the past. Education, stratification, and age predict tolerance similarly in Poland and America. Combined with findings from previous research, these data suggest that intolerance in Eastern Europe may be a transient result of recent and current conflicts rather than a primordial politico-cultural element
Path Planning Methods for Adaptive Sampling of Environmental and Acoustical Ocean Fields

Adaptive sampling aims to predict the types and locations of additional observations that are most useful for specific objectives, under the constraints of the available observing network. Path planning refers to the computation of the routes of the assets that are part of the adaptive component of the observing network. In this paper, we present two path planning methods based on Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The methods are illustrated with some examples based on environmental ocean fields and compared to highlight their strengths and weaknesses. The stronger method is further demonstrated on a number of examples covering multi-vehicle and multi-day path planning, based on simulations for the Monterey Bay region. The framework presented is powerful and flexible enough to accommodate changes in scenarios. To demonstrate this feature, acoustical path planning is also discussed.
Ultrasmall Dysplastic Nevi: Atypia can be Seen in Moles Less than 2 MM in Diameter

The recognized breadth of dysplastic nevi has quickly shrunk. We now present very small dysplastic nevi below any described breadth. A cluster of mostly punched-out nevi derived from a single clinician who recognizes as ‘atypical’ even very small lesions was also assigned histologic dysplasia on architectural and cytologic basis. From 536 junctional nevi with dysplasia ranging from mild to moderate, 136 (25.3%) were 1 mm. in vitro or less while 371 (69.2%) were 1.1–2 mm. Among 155 compound nevi with the same range of dysplasia, 19 (12.2%) were 1 mm or less and 95 (61.2%) were 1.1–2 mm. Moderate or, less so, severe atypia was even seen in more than half of either 18 junctional and 18 compound nevi of dysplastic type between 2.1 and 3 mm. While the above threshold for dysplasia may not be similar to the one than many dermatopathologists could use, it is still evident that sliding down our higher-grade nevi to meet milder degrees of perceived atypia in a more conservative diagnostic scale, the breadth of these nevi still remains minuscule in general. In sum, we adhere to the idea that dysplastic nevi are not only common but can be extremely small: “bonsai nevi.”
SocialSwarm: Exploiting distance in social networks for collaborative flash file distribution

Social networks can serve as an effective mechanism for distribution of vulnerability patches and other malware immunization code. We propose a novel approach—SocialSwarm—by which peers exploit distances to their social peers to approximate levels of altruism and to collaborate on flash distribution of large files. SocialSwarm supports heterogeneous BitTorrent swarms of mixed social and non-social peers. We implement SocialSwarm as an extension to the Rasterbar libtorrent library—widely used by BitTorrent clients—and evaluate it on a testbed of 500 independent clients with social distances extracted from Facebook. We show that SocialSwarm can significantly reduce the average file distribution time, not only among socially connected peers, but also among other swarm participants.
After-Rape Among Three Populations in the Southwest A Time of Mourning, a Time for Recovery

Narrative analysis of open-ended interviews with 62 female survivors of rape from three populations in the Southwest (Native American, Mexican American, Anglo) uncovered commonalities and dissimilarities in women's description of their experience of afterrape (rape survival). Although all three groups reported experiences that confirm aspects of prior analyses of reactions to rape, the narrative analysis highlights variations in reactions to rape across the three groups. These variations, and more established commonalities, provide baseline material for strengthening primary and secondary interventions for women who have experienced sexual violence.
The Trial-Heat Forecast of the 2008 Presidential Vote: Performance and Value Considerations in an Open-Seat Election

The trial-heat forecasting equation grew out of an examination of Gallup's trial-heat polls (“if the election were held today, who would you vote for?”) at various points in election years as predictors of the November vote (Campbell and Wink 1990). My co-author Ken Wink and I found, not surprisingly, that polls as literal forecasts were not very accurate until just before the election, that taking the historical relationship between the polls and votes into account through a bivariate regression significantly increased their accuracy, and that taking the contemporary context of the election as measured by economic growth in the election year into account increased their accuracy even further. Corroborating Lewis-Beck and Rice's earlier finding (Lewis-Beck 1985, 58), we found that an equation combining the Labor Day trial-heat poll standing of the in-party candidate and the second-quarter growth rate in the economy produced the most accurate forecast of the national two-party popular vote.
Predictive Simulation of a Validation Forging Using a Recrystallization Model

Recrystallization is the process by which a strained microstructure is replaced by a strain-free set of grains through nucleation and growth. A constitutive model for recrystallization has been developed within the framework of an existing dislocation-based rate and temperature-dependent plasticity model. The theory includes an isotropic hardening variable to represent the statistically stored dislocation density, a scalar misorientation variable related to the spacing between geometrically necessary boundaries, and a variable that tracks the recrystallized volume fraction. The theory has been implemented and tested in a finite element code. Material parameters were fit to data from monotonic compression tests on 304L steel for a wide range of temperatures and strain rates. The model is then validated by using the same parameter set in predictive simulations of experiments in which wedge forgings were produced at elevated temperatures. From the forgings, tensile specimens were machined and tested. Model predictions of the final yield strengths compare well to the experimental results.
Parameterization of gravity current entrainment for ocean circulation models using a high-order 3D nonhydrostatic spectral element model

Building on the work by Turner [Turner, J.S., 1986. The development of the entrainment assumption and its application to geophysical flows. J. Fluid Mech. 173, 431–471] and Hallberg [Hallberg, R., 2000. Time integration of diapycnal diffusion and Richardson number dependent mixing in isopycnal coordinate ocean models. Mon. Weather Rev. 128, 1402–1419], an algebraic parameterization of the entrainment process in gravity current has been derived for isopycnic coordinate ocean models. It casts the entrainment into layers as a function of the layer Richardson number (Ri) times the velocity difference across layers. In order to determine the function f(Ri), simulations of generic gravity currents over various bottom slope angle are conducted with the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) and compared to similar experiments with the high-resolution, three-dimensional, nonhydrostatic model Nek5000, which serves as ground truth. A simple linear function, E = 0.20(1 � Ri/0.25), is found to reproduce quite well the entrainment, salt flux, Richardson number, velocity profile and plume propagation speed in Nek5000. The parameterization is then applied to a realistic-topography simulation of the Mediterranean outflow with HYCOM and shown to produce realistic equilibration depth and water mass properties of the outflow plume. � 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
ANATOMICAL FEATURES, OTHER THAN WOOD, IN SUBFAMILY OPUNTIOIDEAE (CACTACEAE)

Abstract Fifty species of Opuntioideae were examined to establish 1) the range of anatomical variation occurring in this subfamily, 2) characters these plants share with other desert-adapted plants, and 3) information about phylogenetic relationships within Cactaceae. Only three characters are universally present in stem-photosynthetic, stem-succulent plants: 1) a persistent epidermis, 2) a thickened cortex, and 3) a palisade cortex. A multiseriate hypodermis with extremely thick walls and crystals is almost universally present in Opuntioideae and Cactoideae but is not uniformly present in non-cactus succulents. Opuntioideae lack many features common in Cactoideae: they have no extremely thick cortex, no extensive system of cortical bundles, no collapsible cortex cells, and no medullary bundles. Features common to Pereskia, Cactoideae and Opuntioideae, which may be relictual in the family, are 1) a tendency to form multiple epidermis, 2) a multiseriate, thick-walled hypodermis with druses in at least one ...
Molecular chaperones: guardians of the proteome in normal and disease states.

Proteins must adopt a defined three-dimensional structure in order to gain functional activity, or must they? An ever-increasing number of intrinsically disordered proteins and amyloid-forming polypeptides challenge this dogma. While molecular chaperones and proteases are traditionally associated with protein quality control inside the cell, it is now apparent that molecular chaperones not only promote protein folding in the “forward” direction by facilitating folding and preventing misfolding and aggregation, but also facilitate protein unfolding and even disaggregation resulting in the recovery of functional protein from aggregates. Here, we review our current understanding of ATP-dependent molecular chaperones that harness the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to fuel their chaperone functions. An emerging theme is that most of these chaperones do not work alone, but instead function together with other chaperone systems to maintain the proteome. Hence, molecular chaperones are the major component of the proteostasis network that guards and protects the proteome from damage. Furthermore, while a decline of this network is detrimental to cell and organismal health, a controlled perturbation of the proteostasis network may offer new therapeutic avenues against human diseases.
Why We Gather: Localizing Filipino America and Community Cultural Development

World expositions, UNESCO designations, and local visual culture that "depicts 4,000 years of Filipino and Filipino American experience and history" illustrate a wide range of what we classify as "cultural heritage." There have always been individuals and groups in communities that focus their time and resources toward preserving a vibrant cultural heritage. Likewise, there have been other individuals and groups in those communities that have opposed their efforts. Cultural conflict seems to be inherent in the process of creating culture in communities. Culture matters, and, because of its political importance, people fight for it or against it, as the case may be. Controversies over artistic freedom and freedom of speech emerge out of public dissension over what constitutes proper art, whether it be Maya Lin's design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Andreas Serrano's photo Piss Christ, or Manuel Ocampo's Ugat Pilipino. Each of these pieces challenges our perception and understanding of deeply felt ideal...
Effect of phenylalanine on toxicity of S-(dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine in the rat and the calf

SummaryBoth enantiomers of phenylalanine when injected intraperitoneally into rats can greatly reduce the toxicity of S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine. To be most effective the DCVC and Phe must be administered simultaneously, a delay of one hour in injection of phenylalanine reducing its effectiveness markedly. Administration of L-phenylalanine to calves failed to reduce the toxic effects of S-(dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine and development of fatal aplastic anemia.
Remote Sensing by Plasmonic Transport

Arrays of periodically disposed silver nanowires embedded in alumina were shown to be capable of conducting plasmons excited by laser illuminating one end of the array to its opposite end where surface-enhanced Raman of molecules resident among the tips of the nanowires was excited. The SERS signals, in turn, excited plasmons which propagated back to the originally illuminated ends of the nanowires where they emitted light signals that were collected and spectroscopically dispersed, in essence creating a sensor capable of exciting and collecting SERS remotely. For nanowire arrays with interwire gaps of ∼11 nm and lengths of ∼3.3 μm (i.e., after a ∼6.6 μm round trip) the SERS signals obtained by remote sensing were rather strong, ∼5% the intensity of those obtained by exciting the molecules resident among the nanowire tips directly.
Robust Method for Fast and Accurate Simulation of Random Dopant Fluctuation-Induced Vth Variation in MOSFETs with Arbitrary Complex Doping Distribution

We present a robust, fast, and accurate method for prediction of threshold voltage fluctuations induced by random placement of dopants in the MOSFETs. It is used to accurately predict the threshold voltage fluctuation for an analog transistor design. The method allows easy coupling to a process and device simulation framework, and, hence, evaluation of dopant induced threshold voltage fluctuation at the transistor design stage. The methodology is also used to compare the threshold voltage fluctuation in ultra-short channel devices having different profile architectures.
On Understanding the Relationship Between Ultrasound Speckle and the Scattering Microstructure

Recent studies on the statistics of the envelope of the ultrasound echo signal from a random scattering medium suggest that the statistical moments of the signal may carry quantitative information about the scattering microstructure.
Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Colon and Rectum

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the colon and rectum are derived from the same stem cell which gives rise to glandular cells and other cells lining the epithelium. Neuroendocrine carcinomas are more common in the colon, whereas neuroendocrine tumors are more common in the rectum. In the colon neuroendocrine carcinomas can be seen mixed with other types of tumors including adenocarcinomas. These tumors are mainly nonfunctional, but the neuroendocrine tumors in the cecum and right colon which composed of EC cells can be functional and in rare cases can cause carcinoid syndrome. These neoplasms share some of the molecular changes that are seen in these neoplasms in other parts of the GI system.
To achieve Massive MIMO with much less antennas by nested placement

Nested array-A new type of two dimensional arrays with sensors(antennas) on lattice was proposed these years. This paper designs a novel antenna placement scheme at base station based on 2-D nested array. We utilize the difference co-array, which is an important characteristic of nested array, to model and generate all antennas(virtual antennas) in the covariance matrix of channel(virtual channel) coefficients. Based on this fact and inferences, we also model a Massive MIMO antenna system with nested configuration and list all mathematics procedures to calculate its performance with achievable rate. A zero forcing detector is applied to this Massive MIMO system and the spectral efficiency is given at the end. The numeric result proves our mathematics derivation and also the feasibility in real world. What's more, given the same number of antennas, the proposed method could achieve higher sum-rate capacity and better spectral efficiency.
Stable Numerical Solutions of the Reactor Kinetics Equations

A numerical procedure for the integration of the reactor kinetics equation is developed. It has the property of being numerically unconditionally stable for all values of the reactivity or integrat...
Surface Ifitms on Megakaryocytes and Platelets Regulate Fibrinogen Endocytosis Under Inflammatory Conditions

Background IFITM proteins (IFITM-1, -2, and -3) mediate cellular resistance to influenza, dengue, and other viruses. IFITM expression on human platelets has not been previously recognized. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that IFITMs are robustly expressed by human platelets and megakaryocytes after stimulation by pathogens and inflammatory mediators and restrict viral infection. IFITMs, which are interferon inducible, also mediate clathrin localization and associated protein endocytosis. Nevertheless, whether IFITMs regulate protein endocytosis by platelets and megakaryocytes remains unknown. Aims We investigated IFITM expression on murine megakaryocytes and platelets and determined whether IFITMs regulate fibrinogen endocytosis under basal and inflammatory conditions. Methods We examined the expression of IFITMs and clathrin in bone-marrow derived murine megakaryocytes and platelets under basal conditions and following interferon-beta (IFN-β) stimulation. To determine whether upregulation of IFITM causes increased fibrinogen endocytosis, megakaryocytes were stimulated ex vivo with IFN-β and treated with labeled fibrinogen. Endocytosis of labeled fibrinogen was then measured by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. To determine whether this response also occurred in vivo, C57Bl/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 50,000 units of IFN-β over four days. On the fourth day, 100 μg of labeled fibrinogen was injected into the tail vein and the amount of endocytosed, labeled fibrinogen in platelets was determined the next day via flow cytometry. Parallel experiments were performed in age and gender matched IFITM-/- mice. Results Bone-marrow derived murine megakaryocytes and platelets basally express IFITMs. Upon IFN-β stimulation, IFITM and clathrin expression significantly increased (p Summary/Conclusions These findings suggest IFITMs, in addition to their anti-viral roles, mediate fibrinogen endocytosis. Further, in settings where inflammatory stimuli such as interferons are increased, enhanced IFITM expression may promote upregulation of fibrinogen endocytosis by platelets and megakaryocytes. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Bike battles: a history of sharing the American road

In Bike battles, James Longhurst recounts the history of bicycling in the US through the lens of cyclistsâ€™ rights to use the public way. It begins in the nineteenth century with a legal battle, in ...
Experimental demonstration of the fallacy of certainty

Within a small homogeneous group of college students there were disagreements held with a very high degree of certainty on both sides even on issues of seemingly determinable fact. In each instance one side or the other must seemingly be in error despite the reported certainties.
Towards a joint reflection-distortion otoacoustic emission profile: Results in normal and impaired ears

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) provide salient information about cochlear function and dysfunction. Two broad classes of emissions, linear reflection and nonlinear distortion, arise via distinct cochlear processes and hence, appear to provide independent information about cochlear health and hearing. Considered in combination, these two OAE types may characterize sensory hearing loss most effectively. In this study, the level-dependent growth of stimulus-frequency OAEs (a reflection-type emission) and distortion-product OAEs (a distortion-type emission) were measured in ten normal-hearing ears and eight ears with slight-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Metrics of OAE strength and compression were derived from OAE input/output functions and then considered in a combined fashion. Results indicate that SFOAEs and DPOAEs differ significantly in their strength and compression features. When SFOAE and DPOAE metrics are displayed together on a two-dimensional plot, relatively well-defined data clusters describe their normative relationship. In hearing-impaired ears, this relationship is disrupted but not in a uniform way across ears; ears with similar audiograms showed differently altered joint-OAE profiles. Hearing loss sometimes affected only one OAE or one more than the other. Results suggest a joint-OAE profile is promising and warrants study in a large group of subjects with sensory hearing loss of varied etiologies.
Glutamine addiction in kidney cancer suppresses oxidative stress and can be exploited for real-time imaging

Many cancers appear to activate intrinsic antioxidant systems as a means to counteract oxidative stress. Some cancers, such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), require exogenous glutamine for growth and exhibit reprogrammed glutamine metabolism, at least in part due to the glutathione pathway, an efficient cellular buffering system that counteracts reactive oxygen species and other oxidants. We show here that ccRCC xenograft tumors under the renal capsule exhibit enhanced oxidative stress compared with adjacent normal tissue and the contralateral kidney. Upon glutaminase inhibition with CB-839 or BPTES, the RCC cell lines SN12PM-6-1 (SN12) and 786-O exhibited decreased survival and pronounced apoptosis associated with a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, augmented nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2, and increased 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, a marker of DNA damage. SN12 tumor xenografts showed decreased growth when treated with CB-839. Furthermore, PET imaging confirmed that ccRCC tumors exhibited increased tumoral uptake of 18F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine compared with the kidney in the orthotopic mouse model. This technique can be utilized to follow changes in ccRCC metabolism in vivo Further development of these paradigms will lead to new treatment options with glutaminase inhibitors and the utility of PET to identify and manage patients with ccRCC who are likely to respond to glutaminase inhibitors in the clinic. Cancer Res; 77(23); 6746-58. ©2017 AACR.
Correlates of melanization in multiple high‐ and low‐elevation populations of the lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis: Behavior, hormones, and parasites

Hormones mediate the expression of suites of correlated traits and hence may act either to facilitate or constrain adaptive evolution. Selection on one trait within a hormone-mediated suite of traits may lead to a change in the strength of the hormone signal, causing changes in correlated traits. Growing evidence suggests that melanization, which is in part regulated by hormonal signals, is tightly linked to other traits, such as aggression and stress physiology. Here, we examine six populations of Sceloporus occidentalis lizards differing in degree of melanization (three dark higher-elevation populations and three less-melanized lower-elevation populations) to investigate potential correlations between behavior, hormones, and parasites. We measured aggression by recording behavioral responses of males to staged territorial intrusions; behavior was summarized by two principal components. Analysis revealed that males in the three darker populations signaled aggression less often and made more physical contact than males in the lighter populations. Analyses of plasma steroid hormones (corticosterone and testosterone) revealed significant population differences, but counter to expectation higher aggression was associated with lower testosterone compared across populations. Finally, the three darker populations had higher mean mite loads than the three lighter populations. Overall, this array of phenotypic correlations does not parallel patterns of within-population differences in melanization found in other vertebrates, suggesting that hormonal correlations do not constrain phenotype variation across populations in this species. Given this contradiction between population- and individual-level variation, we urge more study at both levels of variation in traits potentially associated with melanization in other vertebrates.
Folding of Bacterial RNase P RNA

This review summarizes our current knowledge on Mg2+-induced and co-transcriptional folding of bacterial RNase P RNAs. The chapter includes descriptions of experimental techniques and data analysis used in RNase P RNA folding studies; tertiary structures; folding of a B-type P RNA; folding of an A-type P RNA; and P RNA folding during transcription. The chapter ends with a brief discussion on future directions and challenges in RNase P RNA folding.
Differences in radial expansion force among inferior vena cava filter models support documented perforation rates.

Abstract Objective Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used in patients at risk for pulmonary embolism who cannot be anticoagulated. Unfortunately, these filters are not without risk, and complications include perforation, migration, and filter fracture. The most prevalent complication is filter perforation of the IVC, with incidence varying among filter models. To our knowledge, the mechanical properties of IVC filters have not been evaluated and are not readily available through the manufacturer. This study sought to determine whether differences in mechanical properties are similar to differences in documented perforation rates. Methods The radial expansion forces of Greenfield (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass), Cook Celect (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), and Cook Platinum filters were analyzed with three replicates per group. The intrinsic force exerted by the filter on the measuring device was collected in real time during controlled expansion. Replicates were averaged and significance was determined by calculating analysis of covariance using SAS software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Results Each filter model generated a significantly different radial expansion force (P Conclusions Differences in radial expansion forces among IVC filter models are consistent with documented perforation rates. Cook Celect IVC filters have a higher incidence of perforation compared with Greenfield filters when they are left in place for >90 days. Evaluation of Cook Celect filters yielded a significantly higher radial expansion force at minimum caval diameter, with greater force dispersion during expansion.
Decision Making in Cartilage Repair Procedures

The treatment of isolated articular cartilage lesions remains a difficult clinical problem. Cartilage has a poor intrinsic capacity for repair. Untreated lesions persist indefinitely and can predispose affected joints to pain and dysfunction. Fortunately, the treatment options for these lesions continue to evolve and expand. However, a validated approach to the treatment of such lesions remains elusive. Decision making in these circumstances is highly variable between practitioners. We describe an approach to the patient with a symptomatic articular cartilage lesion. Consideration of certain parameters, including lesion size, lesion location, patient demand, body mass index, limb alignment, and treatment history should be considered when selecting a surgical approach. In addition, surgeons should understand the physiology of the cartilage repair method employed and how this relates to the postoperative rehabilitation program. Cartilage repair strategies are classified into the following: enhancement intrinsic repair response, cell-based, scaffold-based, cell plus scaffold-based, and whole tissue transplantation. A treatment algorithm based on lesion size, patient demand, and treatment (primary vs secondary) is presented.
Initial hematocrit in trauma: a paradigm shift?

Background:After severe trauma and hemorrhage, it is generally assumed that the rate of fluid shift from the interstitial space into the vasculature is relatively slow and that initial hematocrit (Hct) does not reflect estimated blood loss. This study challenges that idea and tests the hypothesis th
A web spider project for an OOP Course

This programming assignment involves the incremental design and implementation of a web search tool as a semester-long project implemented in four phases. Further discussion, UML diagrams, and Java source code will be available on the author's web page[1].
Dementia: Risk Factors and Updated Review

With the tremendous rise in the aging population around the world, the prevalence of Major Neurocognitive Disorders is skyrocketing. In the same manner, the burden of the morbidity and mortality associated with the such disorders has been a global health problem. Most of the time, the cause of Major Neurocognitive Disorder is unknown. Our review article is an attempt to summarize the likely modifiable risk factors associated with the disorder. In this manner there could be insight into further confirmatory and exploratory evidence based studies of these factors for early intervention to prevent and delay the progression of full blown disease. Among the modifiable risk factors, the ones that have been discussed here are smoking, activity both physical and cognitive, cardiovascular risk factors, depression, traumatic brain injury and sleep.J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol. 6, No. 2, 2017, Page: 3-7
Co-Poly(ionic liquid) Films via Anion Exchange for the Continuous Tunability of Ion Transport and Wettability.

This manuscript details a novel and simple approach to achieve surface-tethered co-poly(ionic liquid) (coPIL) films through the exchange of the resident anion of a poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) film wit...
Tight Bounds on the Ratio of Network Diameter to Average Internode Distance

The average internode distance for a network is fairly difficult to derive. There is often no closed-form formula for this parameter, leading to the need for simulation-based derivation methods. Network diameter, by contrast, is relatively easier to determine and, for many networks of common interest, we have closed-form formulas for it. The bounds established in this paper show that the two parameters are usually not totally independent and that, from a practical standpoint, network diameter can be used in lieu of average internode distance for the evaluation of message-routing algorithms and assessment or comparison of communication performance, particularly for symmetric networks that are prevalent in many parallel systems.
Membranes with Functionalized Nanopores for Aromaticity-Based Separation of Small Molecules.

Membranes that can separate molecules of similar size based on chemical features could transform chemical manufacturing. We demonstrate membranes with functional, 1–3 nm pores prepared using a simple and scalable approach: coating a porous support with random copolymer micelles in alcohol, followed by precipitation in water and functionalization of pore surfaces. This approach was used to prepare membranes that can separate two hormones of similar size and charge, differentiated by aromaticity, mediated through π–π interactions between the aromatic solute and pore walls functionalized with phenol groups. The aromatic molecule permeates more slowly in single-solute experiments. In competitive diffusion experiments, however, it permeates 7.1 times faster than its nonaromatic analogue. This approach can be used to manufacture membranes for complex separations based on various intermolecular interactions.
Family Involvement in Traumatic Brain Injury Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Propensity Score Analysis of Effects on Outcomes During the First Year After Discharge.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of family attendance at inpatient rehabilitation therapy sessions on traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient outcomes at discharge and up to 9 months postdischarge. Design Propensity score methods are applied to the TBI Practice-Based Evidence database, a database consisting of multisite, prospective, longitudinal, and observational data. Setting Nine inpatient rehabilitation centers in the United States. Participants Patients (N=1835) admitted for first inpatient rehabilitation after an index TBI. Intervention Family attendance during therapy sessions. Main Outcome Measures Participation Assessment for Recombined Tools-Objective-17 (Total scores and subdomain scores of Productivity, Out and About, and Social Relations), Functional Independence Measure, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results Participants whose families were in attendance for at least 10% of the treatment time were more out and about in their communities at 3 and 9 months postdischarge than participants whose families attended treatment less than 10% of the time. Although findings varied by propensity score method, improved functional independence in the cognitive area at 9 months was also associated with increased family attendance. Conclusions Family involvement during inpatient rehabilitation may improve community participation and cognitive functioning up to 9 months after discharge. Rehabilitation teams should engage patients' families in the rehabilitation process to maximize outcomes.
Duration of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Colon Cancer: Current Standards and New Updates

Adjuvant therapy for 6 months is the standard of care for stage III colon cancer. The use of oxaliplatin-based therapy over fluoropyrimidine alone increases toxicity, including dose-dependent peripheral neuropathy. Evaluation of a shorter duration of adjuvant therapy was therefore warranted, aiming to reduce toxicity while maintaining clinical efficacy. The International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant chemotherapy (IDEA) collaboration was a pivotal prospective pooled analysis of 6 randomized phase III trials across 12 countries. IDEA evaluated the non-inferiority of 3 versus 6 months of adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. The 3-year disease-free survival was very similar between the 3-month and 6-month study arms. Despite this, non-inferiority was not confirmed. However, important differences were observed between FOLFOX and CAPOX regimens, and risk groups within stage III disease, which allow for greater individualization of adjuvant therapy. The IDEA results suggest 3 months of therapy is reasonable in most patients with stage III disease, especially those with low-risk disease. Importantly, 3 months of therapy is associated with a dramatic reduction in peripheral neuropathy. A thorough discussion of the risks and benefits with patients regarding the duration of therapy is required. In this review, we discuss the IDEA findings and the optimal duration of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer.
Subtle Motor Signs and Executive Functioning in Chronic Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Brief Report.

Background: Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are reported to have persistent deficits in executive functioning and subtle motor functionsAim: This study examined the relationship between ...
Modeling stress relaxation in dense, fine-particle suspensions

In this work, we examine the predictions of the constitutive model proposed in Baumgarten and Kamrin [Baumgarten and Kamrin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 116, 20828–20836 (2019)], as it relates to the transient relaxation of shear stresses in dense, fine-particle suspensions such as water-cornstarch or water-poly(methyl methacrylate) mixtures. Such mixtures are known to exhibit dramatic increases in viscosity when impacted or sheared, and in rate-controlled experiments, these mixtures are also observed to support shear stresses long after all macroscopic flow has stopped. We show that the experimental observations of substantially longer stress decay in these mixtures compared with standard Newtonian fluids can be captured by the model through its evolution of the internal state variable, f, which reflects the fraction of frictional contacts at the microscale. Analysis of the behavior of f suggests that the presence of system spanning granular contact networks and the associated rate of decay of the elastic energy stored in these networks is responsible for the observed phenomena.
Autonomy at the end of the Earth: an inclement weather autonomous driving data set

We have collected an extensive winter autonomous driving data set consisting of over 4TB of data collected between November 2019 and March 2020. Our base configuration features two 16 channel LiDARs, forward facing color camera, wide field of view NIR camera, and an ADAS LWIR camera. RTK corrected GNSS positioning and IMU data is also available. Portions include data from four different HD LiDARs operating in a variety of winter driving conditions. The set highlights some of the unique aspects of operating in northern climates including changing landmarks due to snow accumulation, wildlife, and snowmobiles operating on local roadways.