cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methods and analyzers for hemoglobin measurement in clinical laboratories and field settings.

This paper describes and compares methods and analyzers used to measure hemoglobin (Hb) in clinical laboratories and field settings. We conducted a literature review for methods used to measure Hb in clinical laboratories and field settings. We described methods to measure Hb and factors influencing results. Automated hematology analyzer (AHA) was reference for all Hb comparisons using evaluation criteria of ±7% set by College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Capillary fingerprick blood usually produces higher Hb concentrations compared with venous blood. Individual drops produced lower concentrations than pooled capillary blood. Compared with the AHA: (1) overall cyanmethemoglobin (1.0-8.0 g/L), WHO Colour Scale (0.5-10.0 g/L), paper-based devices (5.0-7.0 g/L), HemoCue® Hb-201 (1.0-16.0 g/L) and Hb-301 (0.5-6.0 g/L), and Masimo Pronto® (0.3-14.0 g/L) overestimated concentrations; (2) Masimo Radical®-7 both under- and overestimated concentrations (0.3-104.0 g/L); and (3) other methods underestimated concentrations (2.0-16.0 g/L). Most mean concentration comparisons varied less than ±7% of the reference. Hb measurements are influenced by several analytical factors. With few exceptions, mean concentration bias was within ±7%, suggesting acceptable performance. Appropriate, high-quality methods in all settings are necessary to ensure the accuracy of Hb measurements.This paper describes and compares methods and analyzers used to measure hemoglobin (Hb) in clinical laboratories and field settings. With few exceptions, mean concentration bias was within ±7%, suggesting acceptable performance. Appropriate, high-quality methods in all settings are necessary to ensure the accuracy of Hb measurements.
The Value of Near Real-Time Earth Observations for Improved Flood Disaster Response

Information is a critical resource in disaster response scenarios. Data regarding the geographic extent, severity, and socioeconomic impacts of a disaster event can help guide emergency responders and relief operations, particularly when delivered within hours of data acquisition. Information from remote observations provides a valuable tool for assessing conditions ‘on the ground’ more quickly and efficiently. Here, we evaluate the social value of a near real-time flood impact system using a disaster response case study, and quantify the Value of Information (VOI) of satellite-based observations for rapid response using a hypothetical flooding disaster in Bangkok, Thailand. MODIS imagery from NASA’s Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS (LANCE) system is used to produce operational estimates of inundation depths and economic damages. These rapid Earth observations are coupled with a decision-analytical model to inform decisions on emergency vehicle routing. Emergency response times from vehicles routed using flood damage data are compared with baseline routes without the benefit of advance information on road conditions. Our results illustrate how the application of near real-time Earth observations can improve the response time and reduce potential encounters with flood hazards when compared with baseline routing strategies. Results indicate a potential significant economic benefit (i.e. millions of dollars) from applying near real-time Earth observations for improved flood disaster response and management.
Autologous Transplantation of Skin-Derived Precursor Cells in a Porcine Model

Abstract Background Hirschprung's disease is characterized by aganglionic bowel and often requires surgical resection. Cell-based therapies have been investigated as potential alternatives to restore functioning neurons. Skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) differentiate into neural and glial cells in vitro and generate ganglion-like structures in rodents. In this report, we aimed to translate this approach into a large animal model of aganglionosis using autologous transplantation of SKPs. Methods Juvenile pigs underwent skin procurement from the shoulder and simultaneous chemical denervation of an isolated colonic segment. Skin cells were cultured in neuroglial-selective medium and labeled with fluorescent dye for later identification. The cultured SKPs were then injected into the aganglionic segments of colon, and the specimens were retrieved within seven days after transplantation. SKPs in vitro and in vivo were assessed with histologic samples for various immunofluorescent markers of multipotency and differentiation. SKPs from the time of harvest were compared to those at the time of injection using PCR. Results Prior to transplantation, 72% of SKPs stained positive for nestin and S100b, markers of neural and glial precursor cells of neural crest origin, respectively. Markers of differentiated neurons and gliocytes, TUJ1 and GFAP, were detected in 47% of cultured SKPs. After transplantation, SKPs were identified in both myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the treated colon. Nestin co-expression was detected in the SKPs within the aganglionic colon in vivo. Injected SKPs appeared to migrate and express early neuroglial differentiation markers. Conclusions Autologous SKPs implanted into aganglionic bowel demonstrated immunophenotypes of neuroglial progenitors. Our results suggest that autologous SKPs may be potentially useful for cell-based therapy for patients with enteric nervous system disorders. Type of Study Basic science.
A case study on integrating a diagnostic medical device into the health care system of Sierra Leone

Ukweli Test Strips is a point-of-care medical technology that screens for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Preeclampsia. Such screening and diagnostic tools can be revolutionary in saving lives of mothers and their children in low and middle income countries (LMICs) because of their ability to be dispersed at the community level, allowing for easier access to the device and for the patient to gain such access at a local clinic. These devices therefore have the potential to provide screening or diagnosis earlier on in the disease or infection's life cycle for better management to ultimately to save lives. Though these devices have the potential to be significant in its affordability, accessibility and specificity, several challenges persist in attempts to integrate such a product into the health care system of LMICs. This paper studies the ways in which Ukweli Test Strips are being integrated into the health care system in Sierra Leone in order to reduce the country's maternal mortality rate, which is the highest in the world [7]. Through key partnerships, an understanding of the system, trusted in-country employees and end-to-end operations that reach the target customer, Ukweli Test Strips is prepared to achieve better health outcomes. The integration of low-cost screening and diagnostic tools into such complex hierarchical primary and pre-primary health care systems has the unique ability to achieve these goals, chief among them saving lives, while working within the system established in LMICs.
NF-κB Inhibition Suppresses Experimental Melanoma Lung Metastasis.

Background: Although novel therapeutic regimens for melanoma continue to emerge, the best current clinical response rate is still less than 60%. Moreover, anti-melanoma treatments contribute to toxicities in other vital organs. In this study, we elucidate the therapeutic advantages of siRNA targeting melanoma NF-κB canonical signaling pathway with a peptide-based gene delivery nanoplex system. Methods and Results: In vitro treatment of melanoma B16-F10 cells was used to demonstrate delivery and efficacy of anti-NF-kB siRNA to cell cytoplasm with a 55 nm peptide-based gene delivery system. NF-κB (p65) knockdown was validated both at mRNA and protein levels by using RT2-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence cellular staining. Canonical p65 mRNA was reduced by 82% and p65 protein was reduced by 48%, which differed significantly from levels in control groups. In vivo treatment of a melanoma lung metastasis mouse model with 3-serial i.v. injections of p5RHH-p65 siRNA nanoparticles retarded growth of lung metastasis within one week by 76% (p=0.003) as compared to saline control treatments. Conclusion: Inhibition of melanoma NF-κB (p65) with systemically-delivered siRNA effectively impedes the growth and progression of experimental melanoma lung metastasis.
Performance degradation due to anodic failure mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract We report a mechano-chemical model for anodic degradation during fast-charging of nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC)/graphite (C) cell due to SEI growth, lithium plating/stripping, dead lithium storage, and film fracture of composite SEI and plated lithium film. Degradation of the battery is analyzed for a range of charging rates from 1 to 6 C-rates, and the influence of plating mechanisms – lithium plating and dead lithium deposition and recovery during stripping – on the film resistance of the anode are accounted for in the model. Dynamic evolution of the interfacial properties is modeled using rule-of-mixture approach. Model predictions of plating associated stress fields are used to compute critical energy release rate for film cracking. The results indicate an increased tendency of fracture for thinner SEI film with lithium plating at higher charging rates. The process of reforming the cracked film absorbs a significant portion of the electrode current thereby reducing the cell capacity and plating efficiency. The mechano-chemical model provides an extensive analytical framework for understanding the synergistic coupling of anodic degradation mechanisms, prognosticating conditions of SEI failure, and evaluating the capacity fade and efficiency of lithium-ion battery.
Intelligent Roadside Unit Deployment in Vehicular Network

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have been an important research area focused on improving the efficiency of future transportation systems. In an ITS, vehicular networks are used to collect and transmit data from various points of interest. In these vehicular networks, the Roadside Unit (RSU) is a key infrastructure component facilitating communications among all elements of the transportation system.Inspired by the concept of edge computing, we believe RSUs can store data from points of interest and perform certain pre-processing tasks before further uploading the data to the Cloud. It is important to carefully deploy RSUs in vehicular networks in order to ensure full coverage of data generators. However, RSUs have limited data storage capacities and restricted communication ranges. In this paper, we jointly consider these two aspects with a goal of deploying the minimal number of RSUs while still covering all points of interest. Performance evaluation demonstrates our solution improves coverage performance under these constraints.
Freezing of a Disorder Induced Spin Liquid with Strong Quantum Fluctuations

${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{CuTe}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{W}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ is a square-lattice magnet with superexchange between $S=\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ spins mediated by randomly distributed Te and W ions. Here, using sub-K temperature and $20\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{eV}$ energy resolution neutron scattering experiments we show that this system transits from a gapless disorder-induced spin liquid to a new quantum state below ${\mathbit{T}}_{\mathbit{f}}=1.7(1)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$, exhibiting a weak frozen moment of $⟨\mathbit{S}⟩/\mathbit{S}\ensuremath{\sim}0.1$ and low energy dynamic susceptibility, ${\mathbit{\ensuremath{\chi}}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}(\ensuremath{\hbar}\mathbit{\ensuremath{\omega}})$, linear in energy which is surprising for such a weak freezing in this highly fluctuating quantum regime.
Bending the Arc

This piece, delivered as a speech, is intended to remind all of us of our invaluable role in the quest for social justice. I delivered this speech in acceptance of the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis inaugural Public Interest Award during the University's Loan Repayment Assistance Program fundraising dinner.A day may come when you find yourself doubting your role or searching for inspiration in the quest for social justice. I hope you never will, but if you do, it is my hope that these impassioned messages and stories will remind you of your own journey and the reasons why you cannot wait to get back to your important justice work.
Framework for Integration of Virtual Reality into Model Based Systems Engineering Approach

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an ever-growing philosophy in order to develop, manage and sustain the increasingly complex systems. In present practice, MBSE is overwhelmingly replacing document centric approach by model centric approach. Most widely used MBSE language is the “Systems Modeling Language (SysML)”, which follows Object Oriented Systems Engineering Methodology (OOSEM). Most MBSE approaches including SysML leverages static viewpoints and limited simulation capability to create and analyze a system model. Now, SysML as a MBSE language is matured enough to incorporate widespread dynamic modeling and simulation into MBSE practices. Virtual Reality can play an important role on creating dynamic MBSE approaches. This research work has proposed a framework for incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) tools into MBSE practices in order to develop “true” model centric approach. The framework consists of a System Model built using SysML, VR tool (Unity 3D), scripting languages and System data sources. SysML diagrams can represent Requirements, Use Cases, Concept of Operations, System Architecture, System Behaviors, Parametric analysis of a System of Interest (SOI) in the System Model. The framework will facilitate dynamic simulation of the system being described in the System model. VR tools can visualize the use case scenarios and simulate the behaviors of the system described in the Model. This framework will also facilitate automatic requirements verification through interactive VR environment. The system model is fed into the VR environment for the analysis of the proposed system architecture, use cases and requirements. Based on the VR environment simulation results, modifications are incorporated into the System Model. The integration of VR tool with the SysML System Model (which acts as a source of truth) is performed with the aid of scripting languages. Moreover, a System Data source will support both the model and VR environment simulation. Finally, the research paper has mentioned few implications to implement the framework and proposed possible solutions.
Comparison of cell size, chlorophyll fluorescence and cadmium (Cd 2+ ) bioaccumulation between wild-type and mutant strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii upon exposure to Cd 2

Background: Heavy metal contamination presents a constant threat to biological systems. Simultaneously, heavy metals have become one of the major contaminants in the aquatic ecosystems. In this regard, the investigation of heavy metal-tolerance genes in algae is relevant. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular green alga, and an excellent model organism used in heavy metal studies. In C. reinhardtii, a novel gene designated as Cia7 , was hypothesized to play a role in heavy metal homeostasis due to CIA7’s conserved cysteine-residue motif. This study compared two strains of C. reinhardtii , cc4425 , the wild-type with the functional CIA7 protein and cc5013 , the mutant strain with the disrupted cia7 - gene. The hypothesis was that the expression of Cia7 contributes to an increased cadmium (Cd)-tolerance in C. reinhardtii . The Cd-tolerance would be described by physiological markers of microalgae health, and by intracellular accumulation of the metal. Methods: The objectives of this study were (1) to compare chlorophyll fluorescence and cell size in cc4425 and cc5013 exposed to Cd 2+ , and (2) to compare Cd 2+ bioaccumulation in cc4425 and cc5013 strains in different growth media. Flow cytometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis were performed. Results: There was no significant statistical difference in Cd 2+ bioaccumulation between the two strains, cc4425 and cc5013 , regardless of growth media. However, a statistically significant difference in Cd 2+ bioaccumulation (p<0.0001) was determined between the media (with acetate and without acetate). The cia7 - mutant, cc5013 was found to be more susceptible to a Cd 2+ -induced decrease in chlorophyll fluorescence and had a reduced cell size compared to cc4425, the wild-type strain. Conclusions: These observed differences between the strains suggest that CIA7’s biological activity could play a direct or indirect role in increasing Cd tolerance in C. reinhardtii .
Experimental framework for evaluating autonomous guidance and control algorithms for agile aerial vehicles

This paper describes the design of an indoor experimental setup for evaluating autonomous guidance and control algorithms for agile aerial vehicles operating in challenging 3D environments and flight conditions. The setup is based on a vision tracking system which dispenses the need for onboard instrumentation making it possible to use highly miniaturized R/C rotorcraft and airplanes. Thanks to the small scale and the indoor setting it is possible to create realistic testing conditions in a controlled fashion. The facility will help develop a methodological framework and benchmark to evaluate the performance of planning algorithms. In addition, the experimental setup provides high quality flight data needed to accurately model small-scale aircraft. It also, provides a unique environment to study human pilot performance and conduct interactive experiments involving piloted and autonomous vehicles.
The immunologic problem of pregnancy

Abstract Hybrid neonatal and adult skin grafts were transplanted to virgin and pregnant inbred female mice. Pregnancy in C3H mice had no effect on the survival of neonatal (C3H × C57)F 1 skin grafts. Neonatal (C3H × CBA)F 1 skin grafts demonstrated slightly prolonged survival when compared with adult grafts on CBA virgin mice. Homozygous pregnancy of the CBA female mice lengthened the survival of neonatal and adult (C3H × CBA)F 1 skin grafts only slightly. Specific heterozygous pregnancy by C3H males permitted a significant prolongation of survival of both neonatal and adult grafts. Several neonatal (C3H × CBA)F 1 skin grafts were prolonged indefinitely. The results indicate that pregnancy, in itself, does not significantly impair allograft reactivity even across weak histocompatibility barriers. A single heterozygous pregnancy confers a state of partial specific nonreactivity to paternal antigens. The relatively feeble antigenic expression of the neonatal skin graft allows this partial nonreactivity to be manifest.
Selected urban population characteristics of Moscow.

This paper investigates total and regional population characteristics in Moscow during 1979-1989, specifically nationality, age, sex and education and their interrelationships. Population dynamics of Russians, Ukrainians, Jews, and, to a lesser extent, other groups are examined based on a regionalization scheme dividing the city into Inner Zone and Outer Zone rayons. The same spatial framework is employed in an analysis of changes in the age and sex structures of the city's overall population, as well as in levels of education. Linkages between these characteristics and rates of housing construction, recent demographic history, and city migration policy are explored.
NF-κB inducible BCL-3 expression is an autoregulatory loop controlling nuclear p50/NF-κB1 residence

NF-κB is a transcription factor whose nuclear residence is controlled by IκB family members. In the NF-κB-IκB autoregulatory loop, activated (nuclear) Rel A·NF-κB1 induces the resynthesis of IκBα recapturing nuclear Rel A back into the cytoplasm within 1 h of stimulation. In contrast, NF-κB1 subunits redistribute more slowly into the cytoplasm (from 6 to 12 h). Here we examine the role of inducible cytoplasmic BCL-3 expression in terminating nuclear NF-κB1. Although BCL-3 is a nuclear protein in B lymphocytes, surprisingly, BCL-3 is primarily a cytoplasmic protein in HepG2 cells. Cytoplasmic BCL-3 abundance is induced 6–12 h after tumor necrosis factor-α stimulation where it complexes with NF-κB1 homodimers. Moreover, BCL-3 mRNA and protein expression are induced by NF-κB-activating agents. Two observations are interpreted to indicate that bcl-3 is transactivated by NF-κB/Rel A: 1) expression of a dominant negative NF-κB inhibitor blocks tumor necrosis factor-α-induced BCL-3 expression and 2) expression of constitutively active Rel A is sufficient to induce BCL-3 expression. In gene transfer studies, we identify two high affinity NF-κB-binding sites, κB1 (located at −872 to −861 nucleotides) and κB2 (−106 to −96 nucleotides), and although both bind with high affinity to Rel A, only κB2 is required for NF-κB-dependent induction of the native BCL-3 promoter. Down-regulation of BCL-3 induction results in prolonged, enhanced NF-κB1 binding and increased NF-κB-dependent transcription. Together, these data suggest the presence of an NF-κB-BCL-3 autoregulatory loop important in terminating NF-κB1 action and that individual NF-κB isoforms are actively terminated through coordinate induction of inhibitory IκB molecules to restore cellular homeostasis.
Myth and Religion in Mircea Eliade

Myth and Religion in Mircea Eliade. Douglas Allen. Levittown, PA: Taylor and Francis, Inc., 1998. 375 pp.
Image registration using the length code algorithm

Traditional image registration algorithms are often computationally intensive and therefore costly and time consuming. For instance, methods based on the cross-correlation function or on the average magnitude difference function (AMDF) involve a considerable amount of computation time. The paper investigates a technique which is referred to as the "length code algorithm". The length code of an object in an image is the distance between the centroid of the object and a point on the object boundary. An object can therefore be represented as a sequence of length codes. Since the cyclic auto-correlation of a length code sequence is both translational and rotational invariant, the translational and rotational displacements between two images can be determined. A set of experiments devised to compare the cost/performance of length code based image registration to the AMDF based registration shows that the length code algorithm is more efficient than the AMDF. That is, the length code algorithm produces about the same registration result with less computational effort.
Transgenic Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease

This chapter describes transgenic (Tg) technologies and discusses the clinical, genetic, and neuropathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), with particular emphasis on the autosomal dominant forms of these diseases. ALS and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) are characterized by paralysis, muscular atrophy, spasticity, and a variety of other motor signs, with relative preservation of eye movements, potency, and sphincters. Some mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1) show normal enzyme activity but acquire neurotoxic properties and in vitro studies have provided information concerning amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin (PS) processing and the effects of mutations on the generation of β-amyloid (Aβ). Advances have been made using Tg strategies that allow investigators to reproduce features of these human disorders in mice. Tg mice with SOD1 mutations develop weakness and muscle atrophy associated with degenerative changes in motor neurons that result from the acquisition of toxic properties by mutant SOD1. The Tg mice that express mutant HuFAD-linked genes show behavioral impairments Aβ42 deposits associated with dystrophic neurites. It is found that the formation of Aβ42, derived by the aberrant processing of APP is influenced by APP mutations that increase the amount, length, and fibrillogenic properties of Aβ.
Comparison of Agar Diffusion Methodologies for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common pathogen infecting the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Improved antimicrobial chemotherapy has significantly increased the life expectancy of these patients. However, accurate susceptibility testing of P. aeruginosa isolates from CF sputum may be difficult because the organisms are often mucoid and slow growing. This study of 597 CF isolates of P. aeruginosa examined the correlation of disk diffusion and Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) results with a reference broth microdilution method. The rates of interpretive errors for 12 commonly used antipseudomonal antimicrobials were determined. The disk diffusion method correlated well (zone diameter versus MIC) for all of the agents tested. However, for mucoid isolates, correlation coefficients (r values) for piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and meropenem were <0.80. The Etest correlation with reference broth microdilution results (MIC versus MIC) was acceptable for all of the agents tested, for both mucoid and nonmucoid isolates. Category interpretation errors were similar for the disk diffusion and Etest methods with 0.4 and 0.1%, respectively, very major errors (false susceptibility) and 1.1 and 2.2% major errors (false resistance). Overall, both agar diffusion methods appear to be broadly acceptable for routine clinical use in susceptibility testing of CF isolates of P. aeruginosa.
Data, disciplines, and scholarly publishing

Data are becoming an essential product of scholarship, complementing the roles of journal articles, papers, and books. Research data can be reused to ask new questions, to replicate studies, and to verify research findings. Data become even more valuable when linked to publications and other related resources to form a value chain. Types and uses of data vary widely between disciplines, as do the online availability of publications and the incentives of scholars to publish their data. Publishers, scholars, and librarians each have roles to play in constructing a new scholarly information infrastructure for e-research. Technical, policy, and institutional components are maturing; the next steps are to integrate them into a coherent whole. Achieving a critical mass of datasets in public repositories, with links to and from publisher databases, is the most promising solution to maintaining and sustaining the scholarly record in digital form.
Interactions between lipopolysaccharide and phosphatidylethanolamine in molecular monolayers

Abstract Lipopolysaccharide and phosphatidylethanolamine are the two major lipid constituents of the membrane of Salmonella typhimurium. Interactions between the purified lipopolysaccharide and phosphatidylethanolamine were studied in molecular monolayers at air-water interfaces. The equilibrium surface pressures of mixed films of lipopolysaccharide and phosphatidylethanolamine were determined as a function of the film composition. The plot of the equilibrium surface pressure vs. the area occupied by phosphatidylethanolamine molecules exhibited two distinct regions. Below a phosphatidylethanolamine surface concentration at which 55% of the surface was occupied by phosphatidylethanolamine molecules, the equilibrium pressure was invariant and had the value of a pure lipopolysaccharide monolayer at maximum compression. At phosphatidylethanolamine surface concentrations in excess of 55% surface area occupation (phosphatidylethanolamine/lipopolysaccharide (mol/mol) > 16), the equilibrium surface pressure was a function of the surface concentration of phosphatidylethanolamine. The results suggest a simple model in which lipopolysaccharide and phosphatidylethanolamine form a complex in which each lipopolysaccharide molecule is surrounded (‘lipidated’) by a shell of approx. 16 phosphatidylethanolamine molecules.
2012 Special Issue: Metamodeling and the Critic-based approach to multi-level optimization

Large-scale networks with hundreds of thousands of variables and constraints are becoming more and more common in logistics, communications, and distribution domains. Traditionally, the utility functions defined on such networks are optimized using some variation of Linear Programming, such as Mixed Integer Programming (MIP). Despite enormous progress both in hardware (multiprocessor systems and specialized processors) and software (Gurobi) we are reaching the limits of what these tools can handle in real time. Modern logistic problems, for example, call for expanding the problem both vertically (from one day up to several days) and horizontally (combining separate solution stages into an integrated model). The complexity of such integrated models calls for alternative methods of solution, such as Approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP), which provide a further increase in the performance necessary for the daily operation. In this paper, we present the theoretical basis and related experiments for solving the multistage decision problems based on the results obtained for shorter periods, as building blocks for the models and the solution, via Critic-Model-Action cycles, where various types of neural networks are combined with traditional MIP models in a unified optimization system. In this system architecture, fast and simple feed-forward networks are trained to reasonably initialize more complicated recurrent networks, which serve as approximators of the value function (Critic). The combination of interrelated neural networks and optimization modules allows for multiple queries for the same system, providing flexibility and optimizing performance for large-scale real-life problems. A MATLAB implementation of our solution procedure for a realistic set of data and constraints shows promising results, compared to the iterative MIP approach.
Psychoeducational Assessment Practices for the Learning Disabled A Philosophical Analysis

Four lines of argument are adduced to support the contention that current disease-modeled approaches to learning disability (LD) are inadequate and that a more environmentally-centered approach should be utilized. The first argument employs philosophy of science to criticize the blatant operationalism of the extant theorizing, while noting that the theories frequently try to employ a realist slant. The second line of argument attacks the disease model itself, employing the work of other philosophers who have noted the extent to which "disease" is a value-laden construct. Still another line notes that, at first glance, current work on paternalism might seem to provide some kind of rationale for LD placement, but that this is probably not the case. The fourth line of argument adverts to the possibility that sociopolitical motivations underlie some of the labeling efforts. It is concluded that current efforts are fruitless and that a new definitional effort is needed, one which specifically cites the locus o...
Combined HPV and cytology better than cytology for protection against cervical cancer

Commentary on: Ronco G, Dillner J, Elfstrom KM, et al. Efficacy of HPV-based screening for prevention of invasive cervical cancer: follow-up of four European randomised controlled trials. Lancet 2014;383:524–32.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Over the past 20 years, cervical cancer screening guidelines have evolved from advising performance of cervical cytology on every sexually active woman every year, to advising no screening on women under the age of 21 years and use of cervical cytology every 3 years only in women aged 30–65 years with an intact cervix.1 Many clinicians use human papillomavirus (HPV) testing with cervical cytology to triage abnormal cytology. Others have begun to use HPV alongside normal cytology. The data to support this strategy was based solely on protection from cervical … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.volume%253D383%26rft.spage%253D524%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0140-6736%252813%252962218-7%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24192252%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0140-6736(13)62218-7&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=24192252&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F4%2F148.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000331136400028&link_type=ISI
PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE AND THE USE OF ANATOMICALLY DETAILED DOLLS IN CHILD SEXUAL-ABUSE ASSESSMENTS

Many devices are used in child assessment and treatment as communication aids, projective tools, and symbolic means of interaction. None are as hotly debated in their application among mental health professionals as dolls with genital details. Anatomically detailed (AD) dolls are often used in sexual-abuse evaluation and treatment with children, but such applications are controversial. This article is the product of a working group formed to review AD doll research and practice. This article reviews historical use of dolls in clinical inquiry and research on sexual behaviors in children, normative use of AD dolls in nonreferred children, differences in children's play behavior and emotional reactions to AD dolls, and memory and suggestibility issues relating to AD-doll use. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Factors that drive variation among gut microbial communities

Surveys of humans from around the world have revealed differences in gut microbiota composition among geographically separated populations. But because humans from the same regions often share common ancestry as well as dietary and cultural habits, most studies have not been able to differentiate among the effects of heritable factors and external factors on the composition of the gut microbiota. Here we discuss how the analysis of gut microbial communities of chimpanzees residing in Gombe Stream National Park has provided an unprecedented opportunity to measure the effects of external factors while controlling for heritable factors. The differences in gut microbiota composition between separated host populations of chimpanzees are due almost entirely to external factors, with the contribution of heritable factors to intraspecific variation in gut microbiota composition being too small to detect. The dominant influence of external factors in generating differences among the gut microbiota of our closest r...
Implications of reaction mechanism and kinetics on the synthesis of stoichiometric LiNiO2

The reaction mechanism and kinetics of formation of LiNiO 2 using the particulate sol-gel (PSG) process derived precursors have been investigated using a combination of X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It has been confirmed that Li 2 CO 3 and NiO are the intermediate products formed after decomposition of the xerogel. Subsequent heat-treatment initiates a further reaction between Li 2 CO 3 and NiO to form LiNiO 2 . A single peak observed in the differential weight loss profile suggests a direct reaction between Li 2 CO 3 and NiO with simultaneous evolution of CO 2 . The activation energy associated with this direct reaction is estimated as 98.5 kJ/mol using the nonisothermal Kissinger's method. The reasons for the faster reaction kinetics of the PSG derived xerogel compared to the precursors generated using the conventional solid-state process are also investigated using TGA and transmission electron microscopy. Results of the mechanism and kinetics studies have facilitated the synthesis of nearly stoichiometric LiNiO 2 with <2% anti-site defects.
Proton-deuteron elastic scattering at medium energy and relativistic models of multiple scattering

Abstract We have constructed a simple model of proton-deutron elastic scattering which can incorporate either a two-dimensional Pauli matrix or four-dimensional Dirac matrix parametrization of the nucleon-nucleon scattering amplitude. The model includes the S-and D-wave components of the deuteron wave function but neglects interactions with the spins of the target nucleons and is intended to provide an estimate of the magnitude of the differences between relativistic and non-relativistic treatments. We find these differences to be quite large and attribute them primarily to the intermediate negative energy states which are present only in the relativistic calculation.
ECOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR RURAL LAND-USE PLANNING

How can ecologists be more effective in supporting ecologically informed rural land-use planning and policy? Improved decision making about rural lands requires careful consideration of how ecological information and analyses can inform specific planning and policy needs. We provide a brief overview of rural land-use planning, including recently developed approaches to conservation. Effective participation in land-use planning requires ecologists to understand trade-offs—for example, the need to balance a land owner's desire for a fair and predictable process with the “learn as you go” approach of adaptive management—and the importance of integrating local knowledge with landscape-level information. Four primary challenges require attention from ecologists to improve rural land-use planning. First is the mismatch between the spatial and temporal scales in which ecological processes occur and the scales and tempos of land-use planning. Second, ecologists must engage in interdisciplinary research to critica...
Lung cancer lymph node micrometastasis detection using real-time polymerase chain reaction: correlation with vascular endothelial growth factor expression

Objectives Lymph node staging provides critical information in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lymphangiogenesis may be an important contributor to the pathophysiology of lymphatic metastases. We hypothesized that the presence of lymph node micrometastases positively correlates with vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) A, C, and D as well as VEGF-receptor-3 (lymphangiogenic factors) expression in lymph nodes. Methods Forty patients with NSCLC underwent preoperative positron emission tomography-computed tomography and mediastinoscopy. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for messenger RNA expression of epithelial markers (ie, cytokeratin 7; carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5; and palate, lung, and nasal epithelium carcinoma-associated protein) were performed in selected fluorodeoxyglucose-avid lymph nodes. VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGF receptor-3 expression levels were measured in primary tumors and lymph nodes. Wilcoxon rank sum test was run for the association between the RT-PCR epithelial marker levels and VEGF expression levels in the lymph nodes. Results RT-PCR for cytokeratin 7; carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5; or palate, lung, and nasal epithelium carcinoma-associated protein indicated lymph node micrometastatic disease in 19 of 35 patients (54%). There was a high correlation between detection of micrometastases and VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, or VEGF receptor-3 expression levels in lymph nodes. Median follow-up was 12.6 months. Conclusions RT-PCR analysis of fluorodeoxyglucose-avid lymph nodes results in up-staging a patient's cancer. Micrometastases correlate with the expression of VEGF in lymph nodes in patients with NSCLC. This may reflect the role of lymphangiogenesis in promoting metastases.
Light dissociates enzymatically-cleaved rhodopsin into two different fragments

Abstract Thermolysin cleaves rhodopsin in retinal disc membranes into two large fragments, which can be solubilized in detergent as a non-covalent complex. Fragment 1 (F1) contains a binding site for concanavalin A, whereas fragment 2 (F2) contains an N -retinyl group after borohydride reduction and a reactive sulfhydryl group. The complex of F1 and F2 exhibits 500 nm absorbance and is regenerable after bleaching. Light dissociates F2 from F1, which can be separated by concanavalin A-agarose chromatography. The photodissociation of F1 and F2 may be an expression of conformational changes that are part of the process of visual excitation.
Adrenomyeloneuropathy presenting as Addison's disease in childhood.

Abstract Adrenoleukodystrophy, a sex-linked peroxisomal disorder that results in the impaired oxidation of long-chain saturated fatty acids and causes neurologic impairment, is a rare cause of Addison's disease in children. Adrenomyeloneuropathy is the name given to a biochemically identical but milder and more slowly progressive variant of adrenoleukodystrophy that affects young adults, in whom adrenal insufficiency may long precede nervous system dysfunction. The transmission of adrenomyeloneuropathy, like that of most cases of adrenoleukodystrophy, is sex-linked. Because of a preponderance of male patients among a group of patients with the onset of adrenal failure in childhood, we questioned whether this condition might be the initial manifestation of adrenomyeloneuropathy. We therefore measured the plasma concentrations of very-long-chain saturated fatty acids in eight patients with adrenal insufficiency; of these, five had elevated plasma hexacosanoic acid concentrations (range, 2.42 to 6.43 μmol pe...
Myopic progression and dark focus variation in optometric students during the first academic year.

Background: The aim of this research was to investigate the change in refractive error (RE) of optometric students during their first academic year and whether these changes relate to changes in th...
The expression of trophoblastic cell markers by lung carcinomas

The authors studied the expression of trophoblastic cell markers in lung carcinomas cells by immunoperoxidase staining using antibodies against three trophoblastic glycoproteins (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]; human placental lactogen [hPL]; pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein [SP-1]). One hundred five tissue sections from 44 lung carcinomas of various histological types were examined for positive staining with three antibodies. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections from the same tissue blocks were examined for the presence of tumor giant cells. The aim was to study the relationship between tumor giant cells and the trophoblastic glycoprotein expression in lung carcinomas. Small cell carcinoma (SCC) did not show any positive reaction with all three markers. Squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) showed positive staining with hCG in 21% of cases, hPL in 28%, and SP-1 in 64%. Adenocarcinoma showed positive staining with hCG in 60% of cases, hPL in 10%, and SP-1 in 80%. Large cell carcinoma (LCC) showed positive staining with hCG in 93% of cases, hPL in 56%, and SP-1 in 93%. The positive reaction did not appear to be restricted to nor associated with the tumor giant cells. It was concluded that these trophoblastic cell markers are expressed in various types of lung carcinomas and that they are not associated with certain histological types or with tumor giant cells.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Bowel Changes: Constipation and Fecal Incontinence

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often associated with many gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, vomiting, and heartburn; however, the most troublesome complaints in some women are defecatory disorders such as constipation and fecal incontinence, especially postpartum. These disorders are often multifactorial in etiology, and many studies have looked to see what risk factors lead to these complications. This review discusses the current knowledge of pelvic floor and anorectal physiology, especially during pregnancy, and reviews the current literature on causes and treatments of postpartum bowel symptoms of constipation and fecal incontinence.
A Controls-Based Methodology for Generating Turbulence in Direct and Large-Eddy Simulations of Wall-Bounded Flows

An integral control scheme is used to optimize a method for generating turbulent fluctuations for DNS and LES of wall-bounded flows. Similar to previous investigations, the method employs a series of control planes in which a body force is applied to the wall-normal momentum equation that amplifies and shapes velocity fluctuations seeded into the flow towards a target resolved shear-stress profile. The focus of the current work is on a methodology for specifying the controller gains and ensuring numerical stability without the introduction of criteria that override the control commands in order to prevent unphysical effects. The first method used to analyze the control process is based on identification of a linear model formed from the open-loop response of the shear stress to random inputs at the control planes. Optimal gains for the controller are specified based on the location of the poles of the linear model in the closed-loop configuration. The second method consists of measuring the response of the non-linear system to preset gain values and incrementally increasing the gains until the onset of numerical instabilities. The schemes have been tested using computations of turbulent channel flow at Reynolds numbers based on friction velocity and channel halfwidth of 400 and 5000. Simulation results obtained using both methods show that using the second approach the resolved shear stress reaches the target levels at the control planes, without ad hoc tuning of the control parameters. The predicted optimal gain values at the control planes are sensitive to the stirring force used to create fluctuations. In addition, the magnitude of the stirring force also affects rms values of the velocity fluctuations downstream of the control planes.© 2007 ASME
Measurement of adsorbed and total 232Th/230Th ratios from marine sediments

The predictable in situ production of 230Th from the decay of uranium in seawater, and its subsequent removal by scavenging onto falling particles, provides a valuable tool for normalizing fluxes to the seafloor. We describe a new application, determination of the 232Th that dissolves in the water column and is removed to the seafloor. 232Th is supplied to the ocean in continental minerals, dissolution of which leads to a measurable standing stock in the water column. Sedimentary adsorbed 232Th/230Th ratios have the potential to provide a proxy for estimating the amount of dissolved material that enters the ocean, both today and in the past. Ten core top samples were treated with up to eight different leaching techniques in order to determine the best method for the separating adsorbed from lattice bound thorium. In addition, separate components of the sediments were analyzed to test whether clay dissolution was an important contribution to the final measurement. There was no systematic correlation between the strength of acid used in the leach and the measured 232Th/230Th ratios. In all cases clean foraminifera produced the same ratio as leaches on bulk sediment. In three out of five samples leaches performed on non-carbonate detritus in the < 63 [mu]m size fraction were also identical. Without additional water column data it is not yet clear whether there is a simple one to one correlation between the expected deep-water 232Th/230Th and that produced by leaching, especially in carbonate-rich sediments. However, higher ratios, and associated high 232Th adsorbed fluxes, were observed in areas with high expected detrital inputs. The adsorbed fraction was ~ 35-50% of the total 232Th in seven out of ten samples. Our 230Th normalized 232Th fluxes are reasonable by comparison to global estimates of detrital inputs to the ocean. In nine cases out of ten, the total 230Th-normalized 232Th flux is greater than predicted from the annual dust fall at each specific location, but lower than the average global detrital input from all sources.