cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benign Tumors and Tumor-Like Conditions

The tumors that this chapter on benign tumors and tumor-like conditions encompasses represent a diverse group of lesions that do not necessarily have much in common as a group. Thus, the lesions will be grouped in many cases by the gross appearance and presentation, and when possible by the main histopathological features. Needless to say, the lesions for the most part are unusual tumors in the mediastinal compartment, and in some instances only a few cases have been described in the literature. In order to facilitate their study, this chapter will discuss three separate types of tumors, which have been separated into three main categories: cystic tumors, solid tumors and tumor-like conditions, and histiocytic tumors. These include: cystic tumors (foregut cysts: bronchogenic cyst, esophageal cyst, enteric cyst; mesothelial cysts: pericardial cyst, pleural cyst; thymic cyst: unilocular, multilocular), solid tumors and tumor-like conditions (sclerosing/fibrosing mediastinitis, thymic hyperplasia, adenomatoid tumor, glomus tumor, cholesteroloma, pecoma, sclerosing hemangioma), and histiocytic tumors (Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Rosai-Dorfman disease). This chapter will be presented from the practical point of view for the practicing pathologist who may be called upon to interpret these tumors. Clinical, pathological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, radiological, gross, molecular features will be discussed, as well as differential diagnoses and staging.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Transgender Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs (T-KAB) Scale

There remains a limited understanding of current levels of transgender-related knowledge and acceptance among members of the general public. This study sought to develop and psychometrically evaluate a transgender knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (T-KAB) scale in the general US population. We developed and evaluated the reliability and validity of the T-KAB scale in two phases. In phase one, we developed the T-KAB scale through a robust, iterative process that included a literature review; expert feedback from cisgender and transgender professionals engaged in psychometrics and transgender health; review of prior qualitative interviews with transgender individuals, healthcare providers with a range of experience caring for transgender patients, and members of the general population; and pilot testing. In phase two, a geographically diverse convenience sample of 195 adults recruited online from the US general population completed the T-KAB scale and measures to assess scale validity. Factor analyses revealed a 22-item, 3-factor measure representing: acceptance of the gender spectrum, social tolerance, and comfort and contact related to transgender people. The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .97) and evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Additionally, members of the general population were found to have moderate levels of transgender acceptance overall and across the three subscales. The T-KAB scale is a valid and reliable psychometric tool. Future application of the scale should seek to identify socio-demographic, cultural, and geographic factors driving lower T-KAB scores in order to identify subpopulations that would benefit from interventions to improve transgender-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in the general population.
An Evolutionary Computation Approach for Smart Grid Cascading Failure Vulnerability Analysis

The cyber-physical security of smart grid is of great importance since it directly concerns the normal operating of a system. Recently, researchers found that organized sequential attacks can incur large-scale cascading failure to the smart grid. In this paper, we focus on the line-switching sequential attack, where the attacker aims to trip transmission lines in a designed order to cause significant system failures. Our objective is to identify the critical line-switching attack sequence, which can be instructional for the protection of smart grid. For this purpose, we develop an evolutionary computation based vulnerability analysis framework, which employs particle swarm optimization to search the critical attack sequence. Simulation studies on two benchmark systems, i.e., IEEE 24 bus reliability test system and Washington 30 bus dynamic test system, are implemented to evaluate the performance of our proposed method. Simulation results show that our method can yield a better performance comparing with the reinforcement learning based approach proposed in other prior work.
Tapped Out? Racial Disparities in Extrahousehold Kin Resources and the Loss of Homeownership.

Research shows that extrahousehold kin economic resources contribute to the racial gap in transitions into homeownership, but the extent to which these resources matter for racial disparities in exits from homeownership is less understood. Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, 1984–2017, we examine the role of extrahousehold kin wealth and poverty in shaping racial inequalities in the risk of exiting homeownership. Our nonlinear decomposition results indicate that racial differences in family network resources explain a nontrivial portion of the racial gap in homeownership exit, but there is little evidence that the effects of kin resources on exit are moderated by race. Among both Black and White owners, having wealthier noncoresident kin does not lessen the negative impacts of adverse economic or health shocks on the probability of losing homeownership. Our findings have implications for policies and programs designed to buttress the ability of minority households, especially those in financial distress, to sustain the wealth-building state of homeownership.
Perceived stress, stressors, and coping strategies among nursing students in the Middle East and North Africa: an overview of systematic reviews

In nursing students, high stress levels can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Our objective is to characterize the epidemiology of perceived stress, stressors, and coping strategies among nursing students in the Middle East and North Africa region. We conducted an overview of systematic reviews. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and grey literature sources between January 2008 and June 2020 with no language restrictions. We included any systematic review reporting measurable stress-related outcomes including stress prevalence, stressors, and stress coping strategies in nursing students residing in any of the 20 Middle East and North Africa countries. We also included additional primary studies identified through a hand search of the reference lists of relevant primary studies and systematic reviews. Seven systematic reviews and 42 primary studies with data from Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan were identified. Most studies included nursing students undergoing clinical training. The prevalence range of low, moderate, and high perceived stress among nursing students was 0.8–65%, 5.9–84.5%, and 6.7–99.2%, respectively. Differences related to gender, training period, or the type of tool used to measure stress remain unclear given the wide variability in the reported prevalence measures across all stress levels. Common clinical training stressors were assignments, workload, and patient care. Academic training-related stressors included lack of break/leisure time, low grades, exams, and course load. Nursing students utilized problem focused (dealing with the problem), emotion focused (regulating the emotion), and dysfunctional (venting the emotions) stress coping mechanisms to alleviate their stress. Available data does not allow the exploration of links between stress levels, stressors, and coping strategies. Limited country-specific prevalence data prevents comparability between countries. Reducing the number or intensity of stressors through curriculum revision and improving students’ coping response could contribute to the reduction of stress levels among students. Mentorship, counseling, and an environment conducive to clinical training are essential to minimize perceived stress, enhance learning, and productivity, and prevent burnout among nursing students.
Abstract 645: Curcumin Modulates the Function(s) of Intestinal Epithelial Cells: Role in the Development of Diet-Induced Metabolic Diseases

Association between circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and metabolic diseases (such as Type 2 Diabetes and atherosclerosis) has shifted the focus from high fat high cholesterol containing western...
Reconceptualizing College Knowledge: Class, Race, and Black Students in a College-Counseling Field:

Past work and college–access programs often treat college knowledge as discrete pieces of information and focus on the amount of available college information. I use ethnographic and multiwave inte...
Partial Resolution of the Enzymes Catalyzing Oxidative Phosphorylation XVIII. THE MASKING OF ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE IN SUBMITOCHONDRIAL PARTICLES AND ITS REACTIVATION BY PHOSPHOLIPIDS

1. A mitochondrial membrane fraction from beef heart (TUA-CF0) was prepared from submitochondrial particles (TUA-particles) by fractionation with ammonium sulfate in the presence of 2% cholate. TUA-CF0 conferred rutamycin or dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) on soluble, mitochondrial ATPase (F1) provided that the rutamycin sensitivity factor (Fc) and phospholipids were added. 2. In the absence of Fc and phospholipids, binding of F1 to TUA-CF0 took place with only a partial recovery of ATPase activity. On addition of Fc, a pronounced masking of this ATPase activity was observed. Reactivation of ATPase activity, which was now sensitive to rutamycin and DCCD, was achieved by addition of crude soybean phospholipids. 3. Some purified phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine and cardiolipin, gave full reactivation of the masked ATPase activity, but low rutamycin sensitivity. Other phospholipids, e.g. phosphatidylethanolamine, gave only partial activation but high rutamycin sensitivity. 4. Exposure of TUA-CF0 or Fc to mild heating (55°) prevented the masking of added F1. Thus it appears that, like rutamycin sensitivity, the masking of the ATPase activity is dependent on two factors: one in the particles, the other in Fc.
Spheres of discharge of springs

Although springs have been recognized as important, rare, and globally threatened ecosystems, there is as yet no consistent and comprehensive classification system or common lexicon for springs. In this paper, 12 spheres of discharge of springs are defined, sketched, displayed with photographs, and described relative to their hydrogeology of occurrence, and the microhabitats and ecosystems they support. A few of the spheres of discharge have been previously recognized and used by hydrogeologists for over 80 years, but others have only recently been defined geomorphologically. A comparison of these spheres of discharge to classification systems for wetlands, groundwater dependent ecosystems, karst hydrogeology, running waters, and other systems is provided. With a common lexicon for springs, hydrogeologists can provide more consistent guidance for springs ecosystem conservation, management, and restoration. As additional comprehensive inventories of the physical, biological, and cultural characteristics are conducted and analyzed, it will eventually be possible to associate spheres of discharge with discrete vegetation and aquatic invertebrate assemblages, and better understand the habitat requirements of rare or unique springs species. Given the elevated productivity and biodiversity of springs, and their highly threatened status, identification of geomorphic similarities among spring types is essential for conservation of these important ecosystems.
The Problem of Collective Responsibility

In Chapter 2, a basic analysis of the nature of individual (retrospective) liability responsibility was set forth, and was taken as uncontroversial at least insofar as the basic conditions of responsibility are concerned. From that analysis, I now seek to build a notion of collective moral responsibility1 for use in criminal law. Indeed, just as the analysis of individual moral responsibility was used to determine the extent to which an individual moral agent is punishable, the analysis of this chapter will seek to serve as the conceptual means by which to determine the extent to which a collective might be “punishable,” i.e., forced by the state to compensate parties they harm wrongfully.
Predictors of Homophobia in Female College Students

Although much research has investigated predictors of homophobia in males, little attention has been given to the predictors of homophobia in females. The current study investigated how self-esteem, self-discrepancy (how much females think they fit others' expectations of how they should act with respect to gender-stereotyped attributes), and gender-attribute importance (how important gender stereotypes are to their gender identity) related to homophobia in 71 primarily White and middle-class college women. Other predictors evaluated were gender role attitudes, authoritarian attitudes, and extent of contact with lesbians and gay men. Results indicated that unlike for college men, self-discrepancy did not correlate with attitudes toward lesbians. The highest correlations with homophobia for college women were authoritarian attitudes, belief in sex role egalitarianism, degree of contact with gay men and lesbians, and importance of feminine attributes to participant's femininity. The only significant predictor, however, was authoritarian attitudes, which accounted for 62% of the variance.
A laboratory study of the wakes of ionospheric satellites

A steady-state plasma wind tunnel is described in which most of the similarity parameters governing the flow around ionospheric satellites can be reproduced. A study is presented of the wakes of bodies (mostly spheres) with dimensions ranging from comparable with the Debye length to large compared with the Debye length. No magnetic field was applied in these experiments. The measurements of near wakes agree in essence with available theory and/or previous experiment. The far wakes of spheres were found to have a wavelike character which was largely independent of body potential.
A Blueprint of Pain Curriculum Across Prelicensure Health Sciences Programs: One NIH Pain Consortium Center of Excellence in Pain Education (CoEPE) Experience

Abstract To improve U.S. pain education and promote interinstitutional and interprofessional collaborations, the National Institutes of Health Pain Consortium has funded 12 sites to develop Centers of Excellence in Pain Education (CoEPEs). Each site was given the tasks of development, evaluation, integration, and promotion of pain management curriculum resources, including case studies that will be shared nationally. Collaborations among schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and others were encouraged. The John D. Loeser CoEPE is unique in that it represents extensive regionalization of health science education, in this case in the region covering the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. This paper describes a blueprint of pain content and teaching methods across the University of Washington’s 6 health sciences schools and provides recommendations for improvement in pain education at the prelicensure level. The Schools of Dentistry and Physician Assistant provide the highest percentage of total required curriculum hours devoted to pain compared with the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work. The findings confirm the paucity of pain content in health sciences curricula, missing International Association for the Study of Pain curriculum topics, and limited use of innovative teaching methods such as problem-based and team-based learning. Perspective Findings confirm the paucity of pain education across the health sciences curriculum in a CoEPE that serves a large region in the United States. The data provide a pain curriculum blueprint that can be used to recommend added pain content in health sciences programs across the country.
Probabilistic Label Trees for Efficient Large Scale Image Classification

Large-scale recognition problems with thousands of classes pose a particular challenge because applying the classifier requires more computation as the number of classes grows. The label tree model integrates classification with the traversal of the tree so that complexity grows logarithmically. In this paper, we show how the parameters of the label tree can be found using maximum likelihood estimation. This new probabilistic learning technique produces a label tree with significantly improved recognition accuracy.
Fault steps and the dynamic rupture process: 2-D numerical simulations of a spontaneously propagating shear fracture

Fault steps may have controlled the sizes of the 1966 Parkfield, 1968 Borrego Mountain, 1979 Imperial Valley, 1979 Coyote Lake and the 1987 Superstition Hills earthquakes. This project investigates the effect of fault steps of various geometries on the dynamic rupture process. We have used a finite difference code to simulate spontaneous rupture propagation in two dimensions. We employ a slip-weakening fracture criterion as the condition for rupture propagation and examine how rupture on one plane initiates rupture on parallel fault planes. The geometry of the two parallel fault planes allows for stepover widths of 0.5 to 10.0 km and overlaps of −5 to 5 km. Our results demonstrate that the spontaneous rupture on the first fault segment continues to propagate onto the second fault segment for a range of geometries for both compressional and dilational fault steps. A major difference between the compressional and dilational cases is, that a dilational step requires a longer time delay between the rupture front reaching the end of the first fault segment and initiating rupture on the second segment. Therefore our dynamic study implies that a compressional step will be jumped quickly, whereas a dilational step will cause a time delay leading to a lower apparent rupture velocity. We also find that the rupture is capable of jumping a wider dilational step than compressional step.
Improved ATR performance evaluation via mode seeking

Improved performance evaluation results for complex data sets, in the Bayes error estimation sense, are shown by first decomposing the data sets into approximately normal modes before input to the error estimator. More specifically, the utility of a particular nonparametric Bayes error estimator, the Parzen error estimator, is generalized to multimodal data sets by preprocessing the data through a mode seeker before input to the error estimator. The utility of the mode seeker and the Parzen error estimator for data analysis and performance evaluation is demonstrated on a field collected radar data set.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The water mass transfer coefficient of an elliptical stoma

Abstract For purposes of analysis, the single stoma is split into three regions (a substomatal chamber, a stomatal pore, and an exterior) and the various approximation techniques for the water mass transfer coefficients of these regions discussed. Ultimately, the chamber is modeled as a wet-walled half space with an elliptical drain, the pore as a truncated elliptic cylinder with impermeable walls, and the exterior as an elliptical source set either at one end of a circular cylinder the distal end of which is the drain, or at the origin of a half space with the drain at infinity. It is shown that, under most circumstances, the dominant resistance to transpirational water loss resides in the pore even if the stoma considered is set in a normal stomatal array. It is suggested that, for anatomically realistic stomata, a diameter (or perimeter) law such as would obtain for a disk source is not an adequate descriptor of the loss process, since pore cross-sectional area is the controlling variable of greatest importance. However, the water mass transfer coefficient of the stoma should nonetheless be roughly linear in the width of the stomatal pore as it opens, because the process of opening is crudely isoperimetric, the major axis of the external aperture of the pore being fairly stable while its minor axis varies rapidly.
BREEDING BIRD RESPONSES TO THREE SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS IN THE OREGON COAST RANGE

Silvicultural alternatives to clear-cutting have been suggested to promote development, retention, or creation of late-successional features such as large trees, mul- tilayered canopies, snags, and logs. We assessed bird response to three silvicultural alter- natives to clear-cutting that retained structural features found in old Douglas-fir (Pseudo- tsuga menziesii) forests and that imitated natural disturbance regimes more closely than did traditional clear-cutting: (1) small-patch group selection treatment representing a low- intensity disturbance; (2) two-story treatment, representing a moderate to high-intensity disturbance; and (3) modified clear-cut treatment, representing a high-intensity disturbance. We counted diurnal breeding birds 1 yr prior to and 2 yr after harvest to estimate effects of the silvicultural treatments on bird communities compared with uncut controls. The small-patch group selection treatment was most similar in species composition to control stands. The two-story treatment was more similar to the modified clear-cut treatment. Ten bird species remained abundant following the small-patch group selection treatment. They declined in abundance in modified clearcuts and two-story stands. These species included four neotropical migratory species and five species with restricted geographic ranges and habitat associations. Nine species increased in response to moderate and/or high-intensity disturbances. This group included a larger proportion of species that were habitat generalists. Silvicultural treatments imitating low-intensity disturbances were most effective in retaining bird communities associated with mature forest; high-intensity disturbances such as the two-story and modified clear-cut treatments greatly altered bird community composition. Bird responses to the silvicultural treatments that we studied indicate that a variety of stand types is needed to meet needs of all species.
A photovoltaic high-voltage supply

Abstract We describe the development of a photovoltaic high-voltage supply, which transforms low-voltage DC to several kV. The device is noise-free since no use is made of alternating current. A prototype has been constructed to generate a variable voltage between 1.8 and 2.0 kV for the purpose of biasing a photomultiplier tube. The relative output voltage is stable to better than 0.05% for temperatures between 10 and 34 °C and for load currents up to 20 μA.
Intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma: radiologic–pathologic correlation

Infantile hemangiomas demonstrate a pattern of proliferative growth in infancy followed by a slow phase of involution. In contrast a rare type of vascular tumor, intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma, usually presents beyond the period of infancy with nonspecific symptoms and no evidence of involution. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical, imaging, histopathological characteristics and management of intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma. We performed a retrospective review of a 20-year period to identify children diagnosed with intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma. Patient demographics, imaging and histopathological findings were recorded. We included 18 children (10 boys, 8 girls) with histologically proven intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma – and adequate imaging. The mean age at presentation was 8.1 years (range 1 day to 19 years). Twelve lesions involved muscles of the extremities, 4 were located in the trunk and 2 were in the head and neck. MRI had been performed in all children and demonstrated a soft-tissue mass with flow voids, consistent with fast flow. The lesion was well-circumscribed in 16 children and intralesional fat was seen in 14. Doppler US demonstrated a heterogeneous lesion, predominantly isoechoic to surrounding muscle, with enlarged arterial feeders. Enlarged feeding arteries, inhomogeneous blush and lack of arteriovenous shunting were noted on angiography (n = 5). The most common histopathological findings were lobules of capillaries with plump endothelium and at least some adipose tissue. The lesions were excised in six children. Two children were lost to follow-up. In the remaining 10, follow-up MRI studies ranging from 3 months to 10 years showed that the lesion enlarged in proportion to the child (n = 7), demonstrated slow growth (n = 2) or remained stable (n = 1). There was no change in imaging characteristics on follow-up. Intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma is a rare benign vascular tumor of skeletal muscle. The most typical imaging features show a heterogeneous intramuscular mass with fast flow, and intralesional fat. Although the lesion is relatively stable in appearance over time, imaging does not obviate the need for a biopsy to rule out sarcoma. The diagnosis can usually be established by typical findings on histopathology.
Postural dependence of passive tension in the supraspinatus following rotator cuff repair: A simulation analysis☆

Abstract Background Despite surgical advances, repair of rotator cuff tears is associated with 20–70% incidence of recurrent tearing. The tension required to repair the torn tendon influences surgical outcomes and may be dependent on the gap length from torn tendon that must be spanned by the repair. Detailed understanding of forces throughout the range of motion (ROM) may allow surgeons to make evidence-based recommendations for post-operative care. Methods We used a computational shoulder model to assess passive tension and total moment-generating capacity in supraspinatus for repairs of gaps up to 3 cm throughout the shoulder (ROM). Findings In 60° abduction, increased gap length from 0.5 cm to 3 cm caused increases in passive force from 3 N to 58 N, consistent with those seen during clinical repair. For reduced abduction, passive forces increased substantially. For a 0.5 cm gap, tension throughout the ROM (elevation, plane of elevation, and rotation) is within reasonable limits, but larger gaps are associated with tensions that markedly exceed reported pull-out strength of sutures and anchors. Peak moment for a large 3 cm gap length was 5.09 Nm, a 53% reduction in moment-generating capacity compared to uninjured supraspinatus. Interpretation We conclude that shoulder posture is an important determinant of passive forces during rotator cuff repair surgery. Choosing postures that reduce forces intraoperatively to permit repair of larger gaps may lead to failure postoperatively when the shoulder is mobilized. For larger defects, loss of strength in supraspinatus may be substantial following repair even if retear is prevented.
A novel, non-iterative, analytic method to find the surface refraction point for air-coupled ground penetrating radar

An analytic algebraic formulation has been derived to find the ground surface refraction point for rays originating at a source point in air and arriving at a specific underground destination point. Finding precise refraction points is useful for air-coupled GPR underground imaging. The procedure is based on finding the parent hyperbola from which unbent rays originate, then finding initial guesses for ray intersection points based on the best fit asymptote or circle, then finding an improved intersection point using second-order perturbation analysis. The resulting approximations for a typical geometry are below 2% error.
Biomaterial and antibiotic strategies for peri-implantitis: a review

Dental implants have 89% plus survival rates at 10-15 years, but peri-implantitis or dental implant infections may be as high as 14%. Peri-implantitis can limit clinical success and impose health and financial burdens to patients and health providers. The pathogenic species associated with periodontitis (e.g., Fusobacterium ssp, A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis) are also associated with peri-implantitis. Incidence of peri-implantitis is highest within the first 12 months after implantation, and is higher in patients who smoke or have poor oral health as well as with calcium-phosphate-coated or surface-roughened implants. Biomaterial therapies using fibers, gels, and beads to deliver antibiotics have been used in the treatment of Peri-implantitis though clinical efficacy is not well documented. Guided tissue regeneration membranes (e.g., collagen, poly-lactic/glycolic acid, chitosan, ePTFE) loaded with antimicrobials have shown success in reosseointegrating infected implants in animal models but have not been proven in humans. Experimental approaches include the development of anti-bioadhesion coatings, coating surfaces with antimicrobial agents (e.g., vancomycin, Ag, Zn) or antimicrobial releasing coatings (e.g., calcium phosphate, polylactic acid, chitosan). Future strategies include the development of surfaces that become antibacterial in response to infection, and improvements in the permucosal seal. Research is still needed to identify strategies to prevent bacterial attachment and enhance normal cell/tissue attachment to implant surfaces.
The Subproteome of mitoBKCa from Cardiomyocytes Reveals Novel Insights into BK Channel Function and Pathology

The mitochondrial large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channel (mitoBKCa) of adult cardiomyocytes contains a C-terminal 50 amino acid insert (DEC) as essential for mitochondrial targeting. The activation of mitochondrial BK channels (mitoBKCa) protects the heart from ischemia and reperfusion injury, highlighting its significant role in cardiac function. Here, we characterized the subproteome of mitoBKCa in cardiomyocytes in the quest to better understand its physiological and pathological relevance in the heart. To this end, we used GST-DEC and GST proteins to pull down proteins interacting with DEC using cardiomyocyte lysates and mitochondrial lysates. We also used monoclonal BK antibody and IgG to immunoprecipitate proteins interacting with mitoBKCa using Percoll purified mitochondrial lysates from whole heart. In all, we identified 212 cellular proteins and 157 mitochondrial proteins interacting with DEC; and 60 mitochondrial proteins interacting with mitoBKCa. Gene oncology analysis revealed mitoBKCa potential contribution to multiple cellular functions. It could contribute to oxidative respiration through cytochrome c oxidase (5 subunits) and ADP/ATP translocase (AAC), including AAC1 (10 peptides, n=2) and AAC2 (13 peptides, n=2), and regulate mitochondrial metabolism through acetyl-Coenzyme transferase 2 (7 peptides, n=2). In addition, our data revealed that mitoBKCa has a broader impact. It might facilitate the pathological process of Parkinson's disease and multiple types of cancer by interacting with critical enzymes, such as NADH dehydrogenase (7 subunits, 3-7 peptides each) and integrin linked kinase (2 peptides, n =1). Excitingly, mitoBKCa interacted with 15 different subunits of the ATP synthase, which forms the permeability transition pore, underscoring a new mechanism for mitoBKCa to protect the heart. In summary, proteomic analysis identified a wide variety of cellular and mitochondrial proteins forming complex with mitoBKCa channel, revealing new paradigms for BK channel function.
Performance and lifetime assessment of magnetoplasmadynamic arc thruster technology

A summary of performance and lifetime characteristics of pulsed and steady-state magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters is presented. The technical focus is on cargo vehicle propulsion for exploration-class missions to the moon and Mars. Relatively high MPD thruster efficiencies of 0.43 and 0.69 have been reported at about 5000-s specific impulse using hydrogen and lithium, respectively. Efficiencies of 0.10 to 0.35 in the 1000to 4500-s specific impulse range have been obtained with other propellants (e.g., Ar, NHa, NI). Electrode power losses of less than 20% at megawatt power levels using pulsed thrusters indicate the potential of high MPD thruster performance. Extended tests of pulsed and steady-state MPD thrusters yield total impulses at least two to three orders of magnitude below that necessary for cargo vehicle propulsion. Performance tests and diagnostics for life-limiting mechanisms of megawatt-class thrusters will require high-fidelity test stands, which handle in excess of 10 kA, and a vacuum facility whose operational pressure is less than 4 x 10 ~ Pa.
Knowledge integration across multiple texts

One of the grand challenges of AI is to build systems that learn by reading. The ideal system would construct a rich knowledge base capable of automated reasoning. We have built a Learning-by-Reading system and this paper focuses on one aspect of it: the task of integrating together snippets of knowledge drawn from multiple texts to build a single coherent knowledge base. Our evaluation shows that our approach to the knowledge integration is both feasible and promising.
Multiple adaptation types with mitigation: A framework for policy analysis

Effective climate policy will consist of mitigation and adaptation implemented simultaneously in a policy portfolio to reduce the risks of climate change. Previous studies of the tradeoffs between mitigation and adaptation have implicitly framed the problem deterministically, choosing the optimal paths for all time. Because climate change is a long-term problem with significant uncertainties and opportunities to learn and revise, critical tradeoffs between mitigation and adaptation in the near-term have not been considered. We propose a new framework for considering the portfolio of mitigation and adaptation that explicitly treats the problem as a multi-stage decision under uncertainty. In this context, there are additional benefits to near-term investments if they reduce uncertainty and lead to improved future decisions. Two particular features are fundamental to understanding the relevant tradeoffs between mitigation and adaptation: (1) strategy dynamics over time in reducing climate damages, and (2) strategy dynamics under uncertainty and potential for learning. Our framework strengthens the argument for disaggregating adaption as has been proposed by others. We present three stylized classes of adaptation investment types as a conceptual framework: short-lived “flow” spending, committed “stock” investment, and lower capacity “option” stock with the capability of future upgrading. In the context of sequential decision under uncertainty, these subtypes of adaptation have important tradeoffs among them and with mitigation. We argue that given the large policy uncertainty that we face currently, explicitly considering adaptation “option” investments is a valuable component of a near-term policy response that can balance between the flexible flow and committed stock approaches, as it allows for the delay of costly stock investments while at the same time allowing for lower-cost risk management of future damages.
Antitumor effects of a variety of non-viable bacteria against the murine EL-4 lymphoma

Suppression of growth of the EL-4 murine lymphoma was achieved in syngeneic animals by the simultaneous injection of EL-4 cells and a variety of non-viable bacteria. Heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium bovis, Propionibacterium acnes, Streptococcus mutans, and Escherichia coli injected together with viable EL-4 cells resulted in significant tumor suppression. The antitumor effects observed were dependent upon the numbers of bacteria injected. Heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes caused no significant tumor suppression. Injections of S. aureus, M. bovis, P. acnes, and S. mutans into sites previously injected with EL-4 cells also produced significant antitumor effects, while L. monocytogenes and E. coli did not.
Segmental cervical spine motion during orotracheal intubation of the intact and injured spine with and without external stabilization.

Object. The purpose of this study was to establish a cadaveric model for evaluating cervical spine motion in both the intact and injured states and to examine the efficacy of commonly used stabilization techniques in limiting that motion. Methods. Intubation was performed in fresh human cadavers with intact cervical spines, following the creation of a C4–5 posterior ligamentous injury. Movement of the cervical spine during direct laryngoscopy and intubation was recorded using video fluoroscopy and examined under the following conditions: 1) without external stabilization; 2) with manual in-line cervical immobilization; and 3) with Gardner—Wells traction. Subsequently, segmental motion of the occiput through C-5 (Oc—C5) was measured from digitized frames of the recorded video fluoroscopy. The predominant motion, at all levels measured in the intact spine, was extension. The greatest degree of motion occurred at the atlantooccipital (Oc—C1) junction, followed by the C1–2 junction, with progressively less mo...
Interaction of TIA-1/TIAR with West Nile and dengue virus products in infected cells interferes with stress granule formation and processing body assembly

The West Nile virus minus-strand 3' terminal stem loop (SL) RNA was previously shown to bind specifically to cellular stress granule (SG) components, T cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) and the related protein TIAR. In vitro TIAR binding was 10 times more efficient than TIA-1. The 3'(-)SL functions as the promoter for genomic RNA synthesis. Colocalization of TIAR and TIA-1 with the viral replication complex components dsRNA and NS3 was observed in the perinuclear regions of West Nile virus- and dengue virus-infected cells. The kinetics of accumulation of TIAR in the perinuclear region was similar to those of genomic RNA synthesis. In contrast, relocation of TIA-1 to the perinuclear region began only after maximal levels of RNA synthesis had been achieved, except when TIAR was absent. Virus infection did not induce SGs and progressive resistance to SG induction by arsenite developed coincident with TIAR relocation. A progressive decrease in the number of processing bodies was secondarily observed in infected cells. These data suggest that the interaction of TIAR with viral components facilitates flavivirus genome RNA synthesis and inhibits SG formation, which prevents the shutoff of host translation.
The Natural History of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background & Aims: The natural history of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the community remains unknown. We sought to determine survival and liver-related morbidity among community-based NAFLD patients. Methods: Four hundred twenty patients diagnosed with NAFLD in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between 1980 and 2000 were identified using the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Medical records were reviewed to confirm diagnosis and determine outcomes up to 2003. Overall survival was compared with the general Minnesota population of the same age and sex. Results: Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 49 (15) years; 231 (49%) were male. Mean follow-up was 7.6 (4.0) years (range, 0.1–23.5) culminating in 3192 person-years follow-up. Overall, 53 of 420 (12.6%) patients died. Survival was lower than the expected survival for the general population (standardized mortality ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.003–1.76; P = .03). Higher mortality was associated with age (hazard ratio per decade, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7–2.7), impaired fasting glucose (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3–5.2), and cirrhosis (hazard ratio, 3.1, 95% CI, 1.2–7.8). Liver disease was the third leading cause of death (as compared with the thirteenth leading cause of death in the general Minnesota population), occurring in 7 (1.7%) subjects. Twenty-one (5%) patients were diagnosed with cirrhosis, and 13 (3.1%) developed liver-related complications, including 1 requiring transplantation and 2 developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions: Mortality among community-diagnosed NAFLD patients is higher than the general population and is associated with older age, impaired fasting glucose, and cirrhosis. Liver-related death is a leading cause of mortality, although the absolute risk is low.
Cigarette smoking and preeclampsia

Objective To examine the relationship between cigarette smoking during pregnancy and the development of preeclampsia. Methods A case-control study compared the smoking histories of 110 nulliparous preeclamptic women and 115 healthy nulliparas aged 15-35 years who delivered at North Carolina Memorial Hospital. Results Unconditioned logistic regression relating smoking during pregnancy to preeclampsia yielded an odds ratio of 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.33-1.50) when adjusting for working during pregnancy, alcohol use, medication use, contraceptive choices with the father of the index pregnancy, and family history of preeclampsia. There was no evidence of a dose-response effect of reduced risk for heavier smokers. Conclusions Despite major methodologic improvements from previous studies, including rigorous diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia, a negative, non-statistically significant association persisted between cigarette smoking during pregnancy and preeclampsia, similar in magnitude to that of previous reports.
The electrostatic potential of a uniformly charged disk as the source of novel mathematical identities

We use two different frameworks to calculate the electrostatic potential created by a uniformly charged disk in its plane. We first implement a standard direct integration approach and carry out the calculations to the extent possible while keeping them simple. We then apply a different method that relies on Bessel function transformations. This method allows us to derive compact analytic expressions for the electrostatic potential in terms of complete elliptic integrals of the first and second kind. By comparing the results obtained through the application of the two different approaches, we uncover interesting transformation formulas and novel mathematical identities that might be of interest to a broad range of researchers in mathematical and physical sciences.
On A Special Case of the Quadratic Assignment Problem with an Application to Storage-and-Retrieval Devices

In a storage-and-retrieval device, items are retrieved on demand from a storage bank by a picking mechanism. Many varieties of these robotic devices are in use in manufacturing, logistics and computer peripherals. In printed circuit board manufacturing, storage-and-retrieval is intertwined with component placement and product clustering. Under certain circumstances, the problem of assigning items by type to storage slots to minimize the expected retrieval time is a quadratic assignment problem. Although such models are very difficult to solve to optimality, an important special case considered here admits an easy solution, namely, the well known “organ pipe” arrangement of items.
One year follow-up of epikeratoplasty for myopia.

Abstract Eighteen surgeons performed 166 consecutive epikeratoplasty procedures to correct myopia in 103 patients. Of this total, 147 (89%) were first surgeries and 19 (11%) were repeat surgeries. First surgery patients were divided into three subpopulations based on preoperative spherical equivalents (low -5.00 diopters [D] to -9.49 D, medium -9.50 D to -14.00 D, and high > -14.00 D). The percentage of eyes with 20/40 or better best corrected visual acuity before surgery was 93% for the low group, 89% for the medium group, and 57% for the high group. The percentage of eyes with 20/40 or better uncorrected visual acuity at 12 months after surgery was 58% for the low group, 42% for the medium group, and 17% for the high group. The average and median spherical equivalent after one year was -1.40 D (2.45 SD) and -1.00 D, respectively; 41% of the eyes were within one diopter of emmetropia, 65% within two diopters, and 76% within three diopters. Clinically significant regression was only noted in low and medium myope groups under 25 years of age. Repeat surgery outcomes were equivalent to those in first surgery patients who had a single procedure.
The Physiological Basis of Urinary Bladder Hypertrophy

SummaryWhen both kidneys are removed from one partner of parabiosed rats, the unused bladder atrophies while that of the intact partner hypertrophies. This hypertrophy is brought about by a prompt and sustained increase of 30% in the frequency of micturition, together with a more gradual rise in the quantity of urine excreted at each voiding. The capacity of such bladders levels off at approximately double preoperative values by the fifth week, while the heightened frequency of urinations remains elevated. The two remaining kidneys of the intact rat undergo hypertrophy in compensation for the renal losses of its partner, but the degree of enlargement is less than half that observed in single rats deprived of one kidney.
Gain spectrum self controlling device and algorithm for mutiply pumped Raman amplifiers

For both forward- and backward-pumped Raman amplifiers, devices to perform gain-spectrum self-control of multi-laser pumps are depicted in this paper. The algorithm supporting the devices is presented also. The function of automatic control is suitable for on-line maintenance of WDM equipment.
A preliminary observation of weight loss following left gastric artery embolization in humans.

Background/Objectives. Embolization of the left gastric artery (LGA), which preferentially supplies the gastric fundus, has been shown to produce weight loss in animal models. However, weight loss after LGA embolization in humans has not been previously established. The aim of this study was to evaluate postprocedural weight loss in patients following LGA embolization. Subjects/Methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent LGA embolization for upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was performed. Postprocedural weight loss in this group was compared to a control group of patients who had undergone embolization of other arteries for upper GI bleeding. Results. The experimental group (N = 19) lost an average of 7.3% of their initial body weight within three months of LGA embolization, which was significantly greater than the 2% weight loss observed in the control group (N = 28) (P = 0.006). No significant differences were seen between the groups in preprocedural body mass index (BMI), age, postprocedural care in the intensive care unit, history of malignancy, serum creatinine, or left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions. The current data suggest that body weight in humans may be modulated via LGA embolization. Continued research is warranted with prospective studies to further investigate this phenomenon.