cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte-Carlo model for speckle contrast imaging

Speckle contrast imaging has been shown to be useful in measuring blood flow in vivo. Recently spatial frequency domain imaging has been combined with speckle contrast to provide information about the depth of the blood vessels. Here we develop a Monte-Carlo model for speckle contrast imaging using a pattern of binary illumination bars. Our model is constructed in such a way that we can simulate different time steps in the imaging process from a single Monte-Carlo run. We show that the technique can measure flow using either spatial or temporal contrast, and that differences in depth can be seen in the pattern of speckle contrast. With this tool, we can investigate different processing algorithms to optimize the imaging process and extract useful depth information. Further work will exploit the harmonic frequencies in the Fourier transform of the binary bar chart.
DEVELOPING ORGANISMS AS MODEL SYSTEMS FOR THE STUDY OF DEGRADATIVE PROCESSES

Degradative processes are important in normal morphogenesis, both as the degradation that is part of turnover, and as massive cell death. Examples of massive programmed cell death in the modelling of structure are presented, notably the development of the limbs, the palate and the aortic arches. Abnormalities of cell death and tissue degeneration, either excessive or insufficient in quantity, or incorrect in timing, result in development of anomalous structures. Such examples are seen in various mutants. The mechanisms underlying cell death and its control are discussed, and possible experimental models for its study are presented. Attention is focused on nutrient deficiencies during prenatal development and research is discussed on congenital abnormalities resulting from deficiencies of zinc, magnesium, and manganese, and of mutant genetrace element interactions involving manganese and copper.
Participation in the Imagination Library Book Distribution Program and its Relations to Children’s Language and Literacy Outcomes in Kindergarten

Relations between participation in Imagination Library, a book distribution program that serves children from birth through age 5, and children’s literacy outcomes in kindergarten were examined. Ch...
Contralateral breast cancer risk according to first breast cancer characteristics among United States women from 1992 to 2015.

1549Background: After recent advances in breast cancer treatment and increasing uptake of contralateral prophylactic mastectomies, estimates of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk by year of dia...
Effective Use of Channel Capacity in a Sensor Network

While Shannon information theory deals with the optimum coding of data in a bandwidth and signal to noise ratio (SNR) constrained communications channel, he provides no guidance on what data to transmit through the channel. With the increased demand for information from networked sensors, we propose the use of expected information value rate (EIVR) as the criterion to maximize the usage of the effective channel capacity in an information constrained channel. This criterion, utilizing the concepts of both situation information and sensor information, is able to determine which information to acquire as well as the sensor which has the best next collection opportunity to obtain that information.
Dynamic Pavement Response Analysis under Moving Truck Loads with Random Amplitudes

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to analyze dynamic responses of asphalt pavements induced by random loads under moving truck wheels due to surface roughness. A full-vehicle model was applied...
CHAPTER 8 – STATISTICAL METHODS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the statistical methods of all measurement techniques. Probability is concerned with the measured outcomes of experiments that are individually unpredictable. The general shape of a probability density diagram indicates a feature known as the probability distribution of which there is an infinite variety. However, certain types of probability distribution arise from theoretical concepts, and many practical situations in nature can be regarded as approximating to one or other of these special distributions. A basic form is the binomial distribution that is associated with events having only a binary or go-no-go outcome. Auto-correlation analysis is seen to describe the variability of a function. However, when an experiment results in the production of an irregular waveform it is not unreasonable to try to break it down in terms of a Fourier series. If the waveform is truly random noise it is essentially aperiodic, and no fundamental frequency can be present.
Describing the “Gray” Area of Consent: A Comparison of Sexual Consent Understanding Across the Adult Lifespan

Sexual violence or misconduct can occur at any age, yet sexual consent understanding is not well studied, especially beyond early adulthood. This project aimed to describe how sexual consent is con...
The implementation of an aminoglycoside induced ototoxicity algorithm for people with cystic fibrosis

Aminoglycoside antibiotics treat respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (CF). An aminoglycoside induced ototoxicity algorithm (AIOA) was implemented to assess ototoxicity among people with CF treated with intravenous and/or inhaled aminoglycosides. Prior to AIOA implementation, 14 of 52 patients (27%) treated with intravenous aminoglycosides had an audiogram. In the 24 months post AIOA implementation, 43 of 44 patients (98%) treated with intravenous aminoglycosides had an audiogram, with 27 (63%) demonstrating abnormalities. Prior to AIOA development, 18 of 70 patients (26%) who received at least two courses of inhaled aminoglycosides had an audiogram. Post AIOA implementation, 33 patients qualified for an audiogram after receiving inhaled aminoglycosides. Of these, 19 (58%) had an audiogram and 10 (53%) had abnormalities. Overall, we identified 46 (61%) people with CF with hearing abnormalities compared to 2.4% in the CF Foundation Patient Registry. This suggests an urgent need for CF programs to implement AIOAs.
Scale-resolving simulations of spatially evolving turbulence: Physically consistent inflow specification of unresolved velocity and length-scale profiles

In scale-resolving simulations of spatially evolving turbulence, it is vitally important to specify mutually compatible inflow profiles for the resolved flow field and unresolved turbulence. Here, inflow profiles are developed for the unresolved turbulence by employing the equilibrium boundary layer analysis. Based on the proposed algorithm, unresolved kinetic energy and turbulence frequency or dissipation are compatible with each other and consistent with the inflow resolved velocity field.
Measuring EUV mask 3D effects with hyperspectral Zernike phase contrast

Achieving the ultimate resolution limit of EUV lithography is greatly impeded by the 3D photomask geometry, including an absorber whose thickness is comparable to the minimum lateral dimensions of the pattern, and a reflection plane a similar depth beneath the surface of the multilayer mirror. Rigorous simulations have shown that these effects can in theory be mitigated by adopting a thinner absorber and a multilayer with a reflection plane closer to the surface. But regardless of how rigorously the design is optimized, there is clearly a need to experimentally confirm that the as-built photomask conforms to the simulation’s predicted complex electric field. This experimental confirmation is difficult because only the field’s intensity is directly observable. One promising approach to unambiguously make this measurement is Zernike phase contrast imaging, which determines the complex electric field from intensity images acquired from a single illumination condition with different phase shifts on the 0 order. In this work we present an extension to a hyperspectral version of the technique. By varying the wavelength, we are able to empirically observe the complicated interaction between absorber, multilayer, pattern, and illumination. We performed an experimental demonstration of the technique on a patterned EUV mask with 60nm TaN absorber using specially fabricated zone plates on the SHARP EUV microscope at the Center for X-Ray Optics. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of hZPC to both the Fresnel reflectance as well as more subtle 3D effects also observed in rigorous simulations.
GATA-3 expression in a de-differentiated chondrosarcoma with cutaneous iatrogenic implantation: a diagnostic pitfall with important clinical implications.

De-differentiated chondrosarcoma (DDCS) is an extremely aggressive tumor of the bone characterized by a high-grade, non-chondroid sarcoma adjacent to a low- or intermediate-grade chondrosarcoma. Adequate tumor sampling demonstrating the biphasic features is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis may be challanging as histopathology may mimic other neoplasms. We present a case of 76-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer who presented with a pathologic non-displaced fracture. A bone biopsy demonstrated a high-grade neoplasm composed of pleomorphic spindled and epithelioid cells with focal expression of AE1/3 and GATA3, most likely consistent with metastatic breast carcinoma. After a difficult clinical course, the tumor was resected demonstrating a similar morphology to her prior biopsy, as well as an area of a low-grade cartilaginous neoplasm consistent with chondrosarcoma. The biphasic tumor alongside a low-grade chondrosarcoma allowed for a diagnosis of DDCS. Several days after her procedure, the patient developed violaceous nodules overlying and surrounding the surgical site. Skin biopsy demonstrated a malignant epithelioid neoplasm with identical histomorphologic features identical to her prior bone resection. Given the location of the skin lesions directly within the surgical site right after resection, the clinical-pathological picture was that of sarcomatosis cutis by iatrogenic cutaneous implantation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Neuroimmune regulatory networks of the airway mucosa in allergic inflammatory disease

Communication between the nervous and immune systems serves a key role in host-protective immunity at mucosal barrier sites including the respiratory tract. In these tissues, neuroimmune interactions operate in bidirectional circuits that can sense and respond to mechanical, chemical, and biologic stimuli. Allergen- or helminth-induced products can produce airway inflammation by direct action on nociceptive afferents and adjacent tissues. The activity of nociceptive afferents can regulate innate and adaptive immune responses via neuropeptides and neurotransmitter signaling. This review will summarize recent work investigating the role of neuropeptides CGRP, VIP, neuromedins, substance P, and neurotransmitters dopamine and the B2-adrenoceptor agonists epinepherine/norepinepherine, each of which influence type 2 immunity by instructing mast cell, innate lymphoid cell type 2, dendritic cell, and T cell responses, both in the airway and the draining lymph node. Afferents in the airway also contain receptors for alarmins and cytokines, allowing their activity to be modulated by immune cell secreted products, particularly those secreted by mast cells. Taken together, we propose that further investigation of how immunoregulatory neuropeptides shape respiratory inflammation in experimental systems may reveal novel therapeutic targets for addressing the increasing prevalence of chronic airway disease in humans.
Does Compulsory Voting Affect How Voters Choose? A Test Using a Combined Conjoint and Regression Discontinuity Analysis

Authors writing since the late 1800s have identified political sophistication as a consequence of the requirement to vote. Many recent studies in the flourishing empirical literature on the secondary effects of compulsory voting find evidence of this relationship. This suggests that the criteria compelled voters use to choose between candidates should differ from those who are not obligated to turn out, with personal qualities such as gender and family background mattering more for voluntary voters. To test this, I amalgamate a conjoint experiment with a regression discontinuity design, exploiting age-based cutoffs in the application of compulsory voting. This allows me to causally identify the impact of compulsory voting on the attributes individuals take into account when choosing between candidates. While I recover compulsory voting's upward impact on turnout, I find no evidence that compelled and voluntary voters differ in how they select candidates.
Chronic E-Cigarette Aerosol Inhalation Alters the Immune State of the Lungs and Increases ACE2 Expression, Raising Concern for Altered Response and Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2

Conventional smoking is known to both increase susceptibility to infection and drive inflammation within the lungs. Recently, smokers have been found to be at higher risk of developing severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). E-cigarette aerosol inhalation (vaping) has been associated with several inflammatory lung disorders, including the recent e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) epidemic, and recent studies have suggested that vaping alters host susceptibility to pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To assess the impact of vaping on lung inflammatory pathways, including the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor known to be involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection, mice were exposed to e-cigarette aerosols for 60 min daily for 1-6 months and underwent gene expression analysis. Hierarchical clustering revealed extensive gene expression changes occurred in the lungs of both inbred C57BL/6 mice and outbred CD1 mice, with 2,933 gene expression changes in C57BL/6 mice, and 2,818 gene expression changes in CD1 mice (>abs 1.25-fold change). Particularly, large reductions in IgA and CD4 were identified, indicating impairment of host responses to pathogens via reductions in immunoglobulins and CD4 T cells. CD177, facmr, tlr9, fcgr1, and ccr2 were also reduced, consistent with diminished host defenses via decreased neutrophils and/or monocytes in the lungs. Gene set enrichment (GSE) plots demonstrated upregulation of gene expression related to cell activation specifically in neutrophils. As neutrophils are a potential driver of acute lung injury in COVID-19, increased neutrophil activation in the lungs suggests that vapers are at higher risk of developing more severe forms of COVID-19. The receptor through which SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells, ACE2, was found to have moderate upregulation in mice exposed to unflavored vape pens, and further upregulation (six-fold) with JUUL mint aerosol exposure. No changes were found in mice exposed to unflavored Mod device-generated aerosols. These findings suggest that specific vaping devices and components of e-liquids have an effect on ACE2 expression, thus potentially increasing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. In addition, exposure to e-cigarette aerosols both with and without nicotine led to alterations in eicosanoid lipid profiles within the BAL. These data demonstrate that chronic, daily inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols fundamentally alters the inflammatory and immune state of the lungs. Thus, e-cigarette vapers may be at higher risk of developing infections and inflammatory disorders of the lungs.
Ecological momentary assessment of interpersonal theory of suicide constructs in people experiencing psychotic symptoms.

Abstract Background People with psychotic disorders are at an increased risk of suicide, but there is little understanding of suicidal ideation (SI) in this population. The Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide posits that perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belonginess (TB) contribute to SI. To our knowledge there are no studies using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess these interpersonal risk factors in a sample of individuals with psychotic disorders. This study investigated the validity and variability of PB and TB, and whether SI, EMA-measured psychotic symptoms, mood, and social context relate to PB and TB. Method Ninety-six participants with a psychotic disorder, including mood disorders with psychosis completed in-lab assessments of current SI, and then EMA surveys on a smartphone 3×/day for 10 days, answering questions about burdensomeness, belongingness, symptoms (i.e., hearing voices, experiencing suspiciousness), mood (i.e., happy, sad), and social context. Results Burdensomeness varied within-participants less than belongingness (t (95) = -3.74, p= Conclusions This study examined the real-time influences of SI and psychotic symptoms on burdensomeness and belongingness. Hearing voices, suspiciousness, mood, and SI are related to interpersonal suicide-related risk factors. In this sample, social context had a differential effect on burdensomeness and belongingness.
Moiré Skyrmions and Chiral Magnetic Phases in Twisted CrX3 (X = I, Br, and Cl) Bilayers.

We present a comprehensive theory of the magnetic phases in twisted bilayer chromium trihalides through a combination of first-principles calculations and atomistic simulations. We show that the stacking-dependent interlayer exchange leads to an effective moire field that is mostly ferromagnetic with antiferromagnetic patches. A wide range of noncollinear magnetic phases can be stabilized as a function of the twist angle and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction as a result of the competing interlayer antiferromagnetic coupling and the energy cost for forming domain walls. In particular, we demonstrate that for small twist angles various skyrmion crystal phases can be stabilized in both CrI3 and CrBr3. Our results provide an interpretation for the recent observation of noncollinear magnetic phases in twisted bilayer CrI3 and demonstrate the possibility of engineering further nontrivial magnetic ground states in twisted bilayer chromium trihalides.
Towards Enhancing Blind Users' Interaction Experience with Online Videos via Motion Gestures

Blind users interact with smartphone applications using a screen reader, an assistive technology that enables them to navigate and listen to application content using touch gestures. Since blind users rely on screen reader audio, interacting with online videos can be challenging due to the screen reader audio interfering with the video sounds. Existing solutions to address this interference problem are predominantly designed for desktop scenarios, where special keyboard or mouse actions are supported to facilitate 'silent' and direct access to various video controls such as play, pause, and progress bar. As these solutions are not transferable to smartphones, suitable alternatives are desired. In this regard, we explore the potential of motion gestures in smartphones as an effective and convenient method for blind screen reader users to interact with online videos. Specifically, we designed and developed YouTilt, an Android application that enables screen reader users to exploit an assortment of motion gestures to access and manipulate various video controls. We then conducted a user study with 10 blind participants to investigate whether blind users can leverage YouTilt to properly execute motion gestures for video-interaction tasks while simultaneously listening to video sounds. Analysis of the study data showed a significant improvement in usability by as much as 43.3% (avg.) with YouTilt compared to that with default screen reader, and overall a positive attitude and acceptance towards motion gesture-based video interaction.
Immigrant Wage Disadvantage in Sweden and the United Kingdom: Wage Structure and Barriers to Opportunity.

This article examines immigrant/native-born wage inequalities among workers in two Western European countries: Sweden, social democratic and with comparatively low wage dispersion, and the United Kingdom, economically liberal and with comparatively high wage dispersion. The analysis includes immigrants from 26 countries of origin. Findings demonstrate that inequalities in terms of real wages are smaller in more egalitarian Sweden. However, in terms of relative positions within the labor market, inequalities are if anything smaller in the UK. These findings highlight the role of wage dispersion in magnifying immigrant disadvantage, but also the limits of wage compression for ameliorating barriers to immigrant opportunity.
A Study on Preconditioning Multiwavelet Systems for Image Compression

We present a study on applications of multiwavelet analysis to image compression, where filter coefficients form matrices. As a multiwavelet filter bank has multiple channels of inputs, we investigate the data initialization problem by considering prefilters and postfilters that may give more efficient representations of the decomposed data. The interpolation postfilter and prefilter are formulated, which are capable to provide a better approximate image at each coarser resolution level. A design process is given to obtain both filters having compact supports, if exist. Image compression performances of some multiwavelet systems are studied in comparison to those of single wavelet systems.
Regulation of the mammalian alcohol dehydrogenase genes.

Abstract The review focuses on the regulation of the mammalian medium-chain alcohol dehydrogenase ( ADH ) genes. This family of genes encodes enzymes involved in the reversible oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes. Interest in these enzymes is increased because of their role in the metabolism of beverage alcohol as well as retinol, and their influence on the risk for alcoholism. There arc six known classes of ADH genes that evolved from a common ancestor. ADH genes differ in their patterns of expression: most arc expressed in overlapping tissue-specific patterns, but class III ADH genes arc expressed ubiquitously. All have proximal promoters with multiple cis-acting elements. These elements, and the transcription factors that can interact with them, arc being defined. Subtle differences in sequence can affect affinity for these factors, and thereby influence the expression of the genes. This provides an interesting system in which to examine the evolution of tissue specificity. Among transcription factors that arc important in multiple members of this gene family arc the C/EBPs, Sp1, USF, and AP1. HNF-1, CTF/NF-I, glucocorticoid, and retinoic acid receptors, and several as-yet unidentified negative elements, arc important in at least one of the genes. There is evidence that cis-acting elements located far from the proximal promoter arc necessary for proper expression. Three of the genes have upstream AUGs in the 5′ nontranslated regions of their mRNA, unusual for mammalian genes. The upstream AUGs have been shown to significantly affect expression of the human ADH5 gene.
Probabilistic Cumulative Damage Numerical Modeling of the Mechanical Response of a Ceramic Matrix Composite in Flexure

Studies of fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have shown non symmetric monotonic stress-strain response for tensile and compressive uniaxial loading. Because most CMC components experience multi-axial loading, it is imperative that the composite behavior and resulting cumulative damage be predictable using the data from uniaxially-loaded laboratory tests. A finite element analysis (FEA) model of a prismatic, rectangular beam composed of separately meshed fiber and matrix elements was subjected to four-point flexural loading. Cumulative damage was incorporated into the model using an element kill command to change the stiffnesses of elements whose probabilistically-distributed strengths were exceeded by the resulting stresses. Unsupported fibers were not allowed to support compression. Although the model does not directly incorporate the behavior of the interphase material, good agreement between the FEA model and experimental results were found for a 3-D, braided SiC fiber/CVI SiC matrix CMC. The probabilistically-based cumulative damage FEA model gave a variety of force-displacement curves which formed an envelope of curves encompassing the experimental results.
Resonance structures in Saturn's rings probed by radio occultation: II. Results and interpretation

Abstract Twenty-nine wave features in the Voyager 1 radio occultation profiles of Saturn's rings are examined, individually and comparatively, by the wavelength dispersion and waveform modeling methods described by Rosen et al. (1991, Icarus, 93, 3–24) . The wave regions have a surface mass density of 30 ⪅ σ ⪅ 70 in Ring A, σ ⪆ 65 in Ring B, and σ − 1 g cm−2 in Ring C. Surface density estimates from waveform modeling are 20 to 40% larger than dispersion-derived values, suggesting accumulation of mass near resonance. The average offset from theoretical resonance of wave locations derived from waveform modeling in Ring A is about 4 km. Fitted wave amplitudes imply new mass estimates for Pandora and Prometheus of 2.3 ± 1.2 × 10−10 and 2.6 ± 1.2 × 10−10 Saturn's mass, respectively. Model waveforms of overlapping waves excited by the satellites Janus and Epimetheus agree well with observed morphologies in the linear region near resonance, and imply new mass estimates for Janus and Epimetheus of 2.3−0.6+3 × 10−9 and 0.76−0.2+0.3 × 10−9 Saturn's mass, respectively. Using the satellite volumes of Thomas (1989) , the density of Janus is 0.45−0.08+0.65 g cm−3, consistent with Yoder et al. (1989) as underdense relative to water ice. Epimetheus, Pandora, and Prometheus are also underdense, with densities of 0.49−0.15+0.23, 0.42−0.24+0.28, and 0.27−0.14+0.16 g cm−3, respectively. A density wave is excited at the Mimas 4:1 inner Lindblad resonance (ILR) and possibly at the Atlas 2:1 ILR, both in Ring C. The locations of all identified Ring C resonances stronger than the Mimas 4:1 ILR coincide with gap-ringlet features. The regions of Ring C resonances weaker than the Atlas 2:1 ILR are featureless. If gap-ringlet features are created by the resonances, the required deficit of viscous torque relative to satellite torque limits the ring thickness to 2H ⪅ 1 m. From wave damping lengths in Ring C, 2H ⪅ 5 m at least locally. Eight new wave features in Ring C are unique to the radio observations and remain unexplained; however, bounds are placed on their strengths and azimuthal symmetry if resonantly driven: each experiences a satellite torque comparable to the Mimas 4:1 ILR if a density wave or the Mimas 3:1 inner vertical resonance if a bending wave and has only a few spiral arms. The difference between σ estimated here and by Zebker et al. (1985) suggests Ring C particles are also underdense, with density 0.38−0.23+0.43 g cm−3.
Multiple component end-member mixing model of dilution: hydrochemical effects of construction water at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, USA

The standard dual-component and two-member linear mixing model is often used to quantify water mixing of different sources. However, it is no longer applicable whenever actual mixture concentrations are not exactly known because of dilution. For example, low-water-content (low-porosity) rock samples are leached for pore-water chemical compositions, which therefore are diluted in the leachates. A multicomponent, two-member mixing model of dilution has been developed to quantify mixing of water sources and multiple chemical components experiencing dilution in leaching. This extended mixing model was used to quantify fracture-matrix interaction in construction-water migration tests along the Exploratory Studies Facility (ESF) tunnel at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, USA. The model effectively recovers the spatial distribution of water and chemical compositions released from the construction water, and provides invaluable data on the matrix fracture interaction. The methodology and formulations described here are applicable to many sorts of mixing-dilution problems, including dilution in petroleum reservoirs, hydrospheres, chemical constituents in rocks and minerals, monitoring of drilling fluids, and leaching, as well as to environmental science studies.
Oral History Theory

Oral History Theory is a book of large ambitions. It seeks to winnow through the increasingly large and varied literature on oral history and the body of theory that underlies and defines the pract...
Prevalence of marijuana and other substance use before and after Washington State's change from legal medical marijuana to legal medical and nonmedical marijuana: Cohort comparisons in a sample of adolescents

ABSTRACTBackground: A growing number of states have new legislation extending prior legalization of medical marijuana by allowing nonmedical marijuana use for adults. The potential influence of this change in legislation on adolescent marijuana and other substance use (e.g., spillover or substitution effects) is uncertain. We capitalize on an ongoing study to explore the prevalence of marijuana and other substance use in 2 cohorts of adolescents who experienced the nonmedical marijuana law change in Washington State at different ages. Methods: Participants were 8th graders enrolled in targeted Tacoma, Washington public schools and recruited in 2 consecutive annual cohorts. The analysis sample was 238 students who completed a baseline survey in the 8th grade and a follow-up survey after the 9th grade. Between the 2 assessments, the second cohort experienced the Washington State nonmedical marijuana law change, whereas the first cohort did not. Self-report survey data on lifetime and past-month marijuana, c...
Soft tissue limitations in orthodontics: Treatment planning guidelines

Orthodontists have traditionally viewed structural discrepancies as the major limitation of treatment. In reality, it is the soft tissues that more closely determine therapeutic modifiability. The boundaries of dental compensation for an underlying jaw discrepancy are established by pressures exerted on the teeth by the lips, cheeks, and tongue; limitations of the periodontal attachment; neuromuscular influences on mandibular position; and the contours of the soft tissue facial mask. The ability of the soft tissues to adapt to changes in tooth-jaw relationships are far narrower than the anatomic limits in correcting occlusal relationships. The tolerances for soft tissue adaptation from equilibrium, periodontal, and facial balance standpoints are in the range of 2 to 3 mm for expansion of the mandibular arch and even less for changes in condylar position. Thus, analysis of the soft tissues is the critical step in orthodontic decision making, and this can only be accomplished through physical examination of the patient. Although quantitative measurements cannot be rigorously applied, guidelines for soft tissue assessment, with particular emphasis on facial esthetics, are proposed. From this perspective, a contemporary philosophy of orthodontic practice is offered, with general indications and contraindications for nonextraction, extraction, and surgical treatment.
A novel nuclear miRNA mediated modulation of a non‐coding antisense RNA and its cognate sense coding mRNA

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are 21–23 nucleotide long RNAs that associate with the Argonaute family of proteins and direct interactions of these and RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) components to the 3′‐UTRs of mRNAs that harbour partially complementary sequences. The paradigm for miRNA function has been that they inhibit gene expression by translational inhibition and subsequent mRNA degradation. However, a series of recent studies have revealed that subsets of miRNAs are also localized in the nucleus, suggesting that they perform different functions in this cellular compartment. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , Hansen et al (2011)
Spheroid organization kinetics of H35 rat hepatoma model cell system on elastin‐like polypeptide–polyethyleneimine copolymer substrates

Though two-dimensional systems have yielded some success in deriving morphological and functional markers of hepatocyte culture, they largely fail to capture the three-dimensional organization, long-term viability, and functionality of the hepatic tissue. We have engineered a system for inducing self-assembly of model H35 rat hepatoma spheroids using a copolymer comprised of biocompatible elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) chemically conjugated to positively charged polyethyleneimine (PEI). We have achieved a conjugation ratio of 30 mol %, though our studies analyzing spheroid organization kinetics indicate conjugate ratios of 5 mol % and greater to be optimal for cell culture based on least variability in spheroid sizes and minimum incidence of overgrown aggregates. Furthermore, our ELP-PEI system indicated the potential for influencing ultimate spheroid dimensions, with spheroid size inversely related to polyelectrolyte conjugation. Overall, this study provides a good starting point to investigate functional correlations between spheroid size and functional markers and their future use as an in vitro diagnostic or tissue engineering tool.
The influence of an emergency medicine ultrasonography program on the ranking of senior medical students who choose emergency medicine residencies: A prospective survey

Study objectives: We assess the importance of an active ultrasonography program on residency program selection among senior medical students applying to enter an emergency medicine residency. Methods: This institutional review board–approved, prospective survey was sent by electronic mail to 250 senior medical students who had submitted their e-mail address to our emergency medicine residency program (subsequent to match list submission). The survey consisted of 12 questions pertaining to how the inclusion of an active ultrasonography program influenced their residency match list choices. Results: A total of 62 (25%) senior medical students responded. (A small number of surveys were returned unanswered because of e-mail address changes.) Ninety-four percent of the senior medical students stated that an active ultrasonography program was a priority to them. The majority (80%) stated that an active ultrasonography program was either somewhat important (53%) or extremely important (27%) in their ranking of an emergency medicine residency program. Sixty-two percent stated that if the emergency medicine residency program did not have an ultrasonography machine in the emergency department, they would change their program choice, and 66% said that they would not rank the program "highly." Seventy-four percent stated that an ultrasonography rotation would be a priority in their training, and 55% stated that it was an influencing factor in their decision to rank emergency medicine residency programs. Additionally, 53% stated that a 1-month rotation was desirable. Ninety percent stated that ultrasonography was either very important (56%) or extremely important (34%) to the emergency practice, although faculty without credentials or who had not published did not affect ranking of emergency medicine residency programs, 97% and 100%, respectively. The ultrasonographic techniques stated to be most important are as follows; echo/cardiac tamponade (95%), right upper quadrant ultrasonography/hepatobiliary disease (92%), pneumothorax/pleural effusion (75%), central venous access (61%), paracentesis (56%), and gastric content assessment for sedation (37%). Conclusion: Emergency medicine residency applicants are greatly influenced by an active ultrasonography program, and it is a major determinant in the decision to rank a program more highly.
Determination of the Confidence Interval of the Relative Standard Deviation Using Convolution

Coefficient of variation is a widely used measure of dispersion and is important in comparing variables with different units or average values. In pharmaceutical industry, it is termed as the relative standard deviation (RSD) and is used widely to describe blend concentration variability, finished dose variability, dissolution q point variability, etc. Although theoretical formula and simulation methods for the estimation of the RSD confidence interval have been developed in previous literature, they are not well known, and they are either too complex to apply easily or require intensive computation. As a result, the statistical reliability of RSD estimates are rarely evaluated, which increases process risk as well as consumer risk. In this paper, we introduce a novel convolution numerical method for the quick and straightforward estimation of RSD confidence intervals. A standard statistical distribution group is developed, denoted as the Chi-on-Mu-square distribution, which is similar to the widely used Chi-square distribution. Results indicate the Chi-square distribution itself can be a good approximation in the RSD confidence interval calculation, especially when small RSD is expected or large number of samples is involved. The effect of deviations from the normal distribution populations is also discussed.
Effect of tip electronic states on molecular NO images

An interesting tip-induced molecular NO image on Rh(111) was observed. Under CO partial pressure, NO molecules which were imaged as bright ball-like features can be imaged as ring-shaped features with 5 × 10−8 Torr of CO. This can be attributed to px and py tip states induced by CO attaching to the apex of the tip.
Ecological and Economic Analysis of Watershed Protection in Eastern Madagascar

Watershed protection is one of the many goods and services provided by the world's fast disappearing tropical forests. Among the variety of watershed protection benefits, flood damage alleviation is crucial, particularly in upland watersheds. This study is a rare attempt to estimate flooding alleviation benefits, resulting from the protection of upland forests in Eastern Madagascar. A three stage model is used to examine the relationship between the economic concept of value and the bio-physical dimensions of the protected area. This approach combines techniques from remote sensing, soil and hydrologic sciences and economics. In stage one, the relationship between changes in land use practices and the extent of flooding in immediate downstream is established by using remotely sensed and hydrologic-runoff data. Stage two relates the impact of increased flooding to crop production by comparing the hydrologic data with the agronomic flood damage reports for the same time period. In stage three, a productivity analysis approach is adopted to evaluate flood damage in terms of lost producer surplus. The presence of the Mantadia National Park, in eastern Madagascar, is designed to prevent land conversions and changes in hydrologic patterns, thereby alleviating flood damage. This averted flood damage is a measure of the watershed protection benefits to society. Given that natural systems are subject to considerable stochastic shocks, sensitivity analysis is used to examine the uncertainty associated with the key random variables. The results of this analysis should help policy makers assess trade-offs between the costs and benefits of protecting tropical rainforest.
The role of general ability in prediction

Abstract Several data sets were analyzed to compare the prediction possible from a uniform general factor score with that produced by a separately tailored set of regression weights when those weights are applied to a new cross-validation sample. Double cross-validation designs were used. When regression weights were derived from large groups, they provided an increase of 10–15% in the prediction over that possible from a uniform general factor measure. However, with smaller samples, of the size typical of industrial personnel research, the uniform general factor score was clearly superior.
Abstract 4994: E2F1 deficiency causes increased migration through upregulation of MYLK

Malignant melanoma is an extremely aggressive disease with high metastatic potential. Several studies have shown that the transcription factor E2F1 is overexpressed in melanoma. E2F1 belongs to the family of E2F transcription factors; is more abundant in melanoma cells than in normal melanocytes, which highlights its relevance to melanoma biology. E2F1 participates in a variety of biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, development, differentiation, DNA damage and repair, oxidative metabolism, and self-renewal by virtue of its transcriptional activator functions. However, its role in many of these biological processes in melanoma is not yet fully addressed. In this study, we show that E2F1 deficiency increased migration and invasion of melanoma cells, which was associated with increased MYLK at both RNA and protein level. MYLK is a calcium-calmodulin (Ca2+//CaM)-dependent myosin light chain kinase, which phosphorylates Ser-19 of myosin II after activation. This process is implicated in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. In non-smooth muscle, MYLK is known to be involved in many inflammatory diseases through regulation of tight junction and intestinal epithelial barrier function. MYLK is also involved with proliferation and migration in cancers of the breast, prostate and colon, but its expression and role in melanoma cells is unknown. ML-7, the specific inhibitor for MYLK abrogated the increased migration and invasion due to E2F1 deficiency. Transient knockdown of MYLK also significantly abrogated the increased migration and invasion from E2F1 deficiency. Our results strongly suggest that E2F1 deficiency enhanced migration and invasion through regulating MYLK expression. We also found increased pERK in E2F1 knockdown cells, which suggest that ERK activation may be involved in the up-regulation of MYLK. All of our data taken together suggests that E2F1-mediated inhibition of melanoma cell migration occurs through a complex cross-talk between E2F1-ERK-MYLK and is not through a simple linear relationship between signaling molecules. Supported by R21 CA125719 (RG). Citation Format: Peng Meng, Rita Ghosh. E2F1 deficiency causes increased migration through upregulation of MYLK. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4994. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4994
Regulation of NF-κB-dependent Gene Expression by the POU Domain Transcription Factor Oct-1

Maintenance of the cells of the vessel wall in a quiescent state is an important aspect of normal vascular physiology. Transcriptional repressors are widely believed to regulate this process, yet the exact factors involved and the mechanism of repression are not known. Here, we report that the POU domain transcription factor Oct-1 represses the expression of E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), two cytokine-inducible, NF-kappaB-dependent endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules that participate in the leukocyte recruitment phase of the inflammatory response. Co-transfection and microinjection studies demonstrate that Oct-1 blocks tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated E-selectin and VCAM-1 expression. Gene expression arrays indicate that control of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced, NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression by Oct-1 is promoter-specific. A DNA-binding mutant of Oct-1 represses NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene expression. Biochemically, Oct-1 interacts with p65, suggesting that Oct-1 is involved in the regulation of NF-kappaB transactivation function. NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression is more pronounced in Oct-1-deficient than in wild-type murine embryonic fibroblasts, and reintroduction of human Oct-1 abolishes these differences. Finally, the cytokine interleukin-6 induces Oct-1 gene expression, providing a biologically relevant means by which NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression can be selectively reverted by Oct-1 to quiescent levels.
Cross-sectional vascular imaging with CT and MR angiography.

Both CTA and MRA are highly advanced noninvasive vascular imaging modalities. CTA is more readily available with approximately 30,000 installed systems worldwide. MDCTA offers faster scan times than ceMRA and offers higher resolution. Disadvantages are the use of ionizing radiation and nephrotoxic contrast agents. Calcified plaques occasionally can make the determination of ruminai patency difficult. MRA does not have this problem, but offers somewhat inferior spatial resolution and is unsuitable for the evaluation of the patency of stented vessels.
A Survey of General Surgeons in Rural Missouri: Potential for Rapid Decrease in Work Force

: General surgeons have an essential role in the rural health care system. This telephone survey of 39 rural general surgeons in Missouri found that more than half were 55 or older. Most reported they practiced a broader scope of surgery than colleagues in urban areas, and half believed that current residency graduates are not prepared for surgical practice in rural areas. One-fifth had sought special training experiences to prepare them for rural practice. On balance, 70 percent of the respondents’practices was general surgery, 13 percent “specialty surgery” and 17 percent primary care. Many reported feeling professionally isolated. One-fourth had literally “returned home” to practice. The results suggest that if present trends continue, the next 10 years will see a substantial reduction in the number of general surgeons in rural Missouri.
Validation of Partin tables for predicting pathological stage of clinically localized prostate cancer.

Purpose: The accurate prediction of pathological stage of prostate cancer using preoperative factors is a critical aspect of treatment. In 1997 Partin et al published tables predicting pathological stage using clinical stage, Gleason score and prostate specific antigen (PSA). We tested the validity of the Partin tables.Materials and Methods: From 1990 to 1996 inclusively 5,780 patients underwent bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer at the Mayo Clinic. However, only 2,475 of these patients met all inclusion criteria of no preoperative treatment, known biopsy Gleason score, available preoperative PSA done either before biopsy or more than 28 days after biopsy and clinical stage T1, T2 or T3a. Among the 2,475 patients 15 had positive lymph nodes and planned prostatectomy was abandoned. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve area, observed and predicted Partin rates of each pathological stage, and positive and negative predictive values were used to compar...
Revisiting the curvilinear relation between job insecurity and work withdrawal: : The moderating role of achievement orientation and risk aversion

Although speculation of the curvilinear relations between job insecurity and job-related behaviors is theoretically appealing, the empirical evidence has been sparse. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the literature on job insecurity and work withdrawal behaviors by reexamining their curvilinear relation, and the effects of achievement orientation and propensity for risk aversion on this U-shaped relationship. Using samples with both secure and insecure job situations, we hypothesized that job insecurity could have both positive and negative effects on work withdrawal simultaneously; however, one of these effects could dominate the other at different levels of job insecurity. That is, a U shape would best describe such a relationship, since a moderate level of job insecurity would result in the lowest level of work withdrawal. Furthermore, we hypothesized that achievement orientation and propensity for risk aversion moderates this relationship in such a way that the curvilinear relationship is weaker (flattened curve) when the individual's achievement orientation is high, and that the curvilinear relationship is stronger (steep curve) when the individual's propensity for risk aversion is high. Results show that these hypotheses were supported; implications and limitations of the study are discussed.