cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validity of a Self-reported History of a Positive Tuberculin Skin Test: A Prospective Study of Drug Users

Targeted screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection is a key component of the national plan to eliminate tuberculosis in the United States by the year 2010.1 High rates of latent tuberculosis among illicit drug users, and high rates of progression to active disease among those coinfected with HIV, justify targeted screening and treatment for such high-risk patients.2 Substance users who report prior screening for tuberculosis without formal documentation of the result present a dilemma for clinicians, who must decide whether to replant the PPD or rely on the patient's self-report of the prior positive result. The optimal approach to managing patients who report a prior positive PPD but who have not been treated for latent tuberculosis is unknown. Because drug users with HIV infection have an increased risk of both active tuberculosis and of cutaneous anergy, and because retesting tuberculin-positive persons may pose risk of adverse reactions, clinicians may opt to offer treatment to persons reporting a positive PPD without a current documented positive result.3 However, the potential for adverse isoniazid-associated consequences, such as hepatoxicity, may disuade some physicians from treating based on self-reported history alone.4 Scant evidence exists to help clinicians decide whether self-reported PPD status predicts the measured PPD status, and if so, what factors are associated with this relationship. We sought to determine the safety of repeat PPD testing in participants with self-reported prior positive results, the relationship between self-reported and measured PPD status, and factors associated with discordance between these two measures.
The value of formalism: re-examining external costs and decision costs with multiple groups

Several authors have examined the optimal k-majority rule using a variety of criteria. We formalize and extend the original argument laid out by Buchanan and Tullock (The calculus of consent: logical foundations of constitutional democracy, 1962) using a decision theoretic analysis from the perspective of an individual voter. Unlike previous formalizations, voters in our study are members of one or more groups. This allows us to examine cases wherein different voters have starkly different interests. Furthermore, voters in our study can err in their judgments of proposals allowing us to model potential irra- tionalities in the choice of an optimal k-majority rule. We consider both up or down votes on a single proposal as well as votes over a series of proposals. We find that the optimal k- majority rule depends on a number of parameters, most notably the number of rounds needed to create a proposal that will pass. Group membership has almost no affect. Fur- thermore, if two groups are at odds, then the external cost function can actually rise over some range of k; if voters err systematically in their judgment, more inclusive k-majority rules, such as unanimity rule, can fail to pass Pareto preferred proposals. Our results should help advance a classic work in Public Choice.
Electrical Impedance Cardiography Using Artificial Neural Networks

This study evaluates the use of artificial neural networks to estimate stroke volume from pre-processed, thoracic impedance plethysmograph signals from 20 healthy subjects. Standard back-propagation was used to train the networks, with Doppler stroke volume estimates as the desired output. The trained networks were then compared to two classical biophysical approaches. The coefficient of determination R2 × 100%) between the biophysical approaches and the Doppler was 8.20% and 9.90%, while it was 77.38% between the best neural network and the Doppler. Among these methods, only the neural network residuals had a significant zero mean Gaussian distribution (α =0.05). Our results indicate that an invertible relationship may exist between thoracic bioimpedance and stroke volume, and that artificial neural networks may offer a potentially advantageous approach for estimating stroke volume from thoracic electrical impedance, both because of their ease of use and their lack of confounding assumptions. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC98: 8780+s, 8437+q, 8435+i, 0630Bp
Oxidation of Gas-Phase Protactinium Ions, Pa+ and Pa2+: Formation and Properties of PaO22+(g), Protactinyl

Oxidation reactions of bare and ligated, monopositive, and dipositive Pa ions in the gas phase were studied by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Seven oxidants were employed, ranging from the thermodynamically robust N(2)O to the relatively weak CH(2)O-all oxidized Pa(+) to PaO(+) and PaO(+) to PaO(2)(+). On the basis of experimental observations, it was established that D[Pa(+)-O] and D[OPa(+)-O] > or = 751 kJ mol(-1). Estimates for D[Pa(+)-O], D[OPa(+)-O], IE[PaO], and IE[PaO(2)] were also obtained. The seven oxidants reacted with Pa(2+) to produce PaO(2+), indicating that D[Pa(2+)-O] > or = 751 kJ mol(-1). A particularly notable finding was the oxidation of PaO(2+) by N(2)O to PaO(2)(2+), a species, which formally comprises Pa(VI). Collision-induced dissociation of PaO(2)(2+) suggested the protactinyl connectivity, {O-Pa-O}(2+). The experimentally determined IE[PaO(2)(+)] approximately 16.6 eV is in agreement with self-consistent-field and configuration interaction calculations for PaO(2)(+) and PaO(2)(2+). These calculations provide insights into the electronic structures of these ions and indicate the participation of 5f orbitals in bonding and a partial "6p hole" in the case of protactinyl. It was found that PaO(2)(2+) catalyzes the oxidation of CO by N(2)O-such O atom transport via a dipositive metal oxide ion is distinctive. It was also observed that PaO(2)(2+) is capable of activating H(2) to form the stable PaO(2)H(2+) ion.
Galanin activates an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance in mudpuppy atrial myocytes.

Galanin- and bethanechol-activated K+ currents have been studied in mudpuppy atrial myocytes. The galanin and bethanechol K+ currents were time-dependent and inwardly rectifying. In GTPγS, the galanin and bethanechol currents were reduced progressively as G-protein gated K+ channels became activated. GDPβS inhibited agonist-induced outward currents. We conclude that galanin and bethanechol activate the same or a very similar inwardly rectifying K+ conductance and that activation of a G protein is required.
Guest Editorial: A note on the notion of commercialism.

The essays in this Special Section are about the ethics of Commercialism in Medicine. They are written, for the most part, by bioethicists, with the support of several prominent physicians and a health policy lawyer. This journal is, of course, devoted to ethics. Thus, our intent is to subject the question of commercialism in medicine to ethical scrutiny. Much has been written about commercialism in healthcare but very little about the ethics of commercialism in healthcare. One of our authors, Dr. Jerome Kassirer, has encouraged a national dialogue about these issues. We hope to start that dialogue in the bioethical community and, through that community, into the nation. Special thanks to J. Westly McGaughey for his editorial assistance in preparing this collection of papers.
a Generalized BÄCKLUND Transformation for the (super Symmetric) Self-Dual Yang-Mills Fields

We derive a Backlund transformation for the self-dual Yang-Mills fields by using the method of special Riemann problem with one zero, in which the moving poles in the complex parameter plane are incorporated. This BT is more general than a previously given one and is capable of generating in one step monopole or instanton solutions from a vacuum solution. We further extend this result to the case of the supersymmetric self-dual Yang-Mills fields.
Visual programming system for development of image processing applications

Visualprogramming using reusable software components and a dataflow model of computation is proposed as a method to reduce software development time and cost in the construction of image processing applications. A graphical editor is described that allows interactive definition of logical relationships among components of systems through direct manipulation of on-screen icons. This editor manages the syntax of datafiow graphs and catalogs of component parts while the semantics of the operation of these parts is provided by a separate postprocessor. The postprocessor includes a user extensible set of primitive (i.e., low-level) component parts for image processing from which more complex algorithms may be constructed. This environment provides a powerful visual programming system for rapid interactive development of machine vision algorithms and management of reusable image processing software. A case study describing construction of a medical image processing application is included.
Multigrid methods for numerical simulation of laminar diffusion flames

This paper documents the result of a computational study of multigrid methods for numerical simulation of 2D diffusion flames. The focus is on a simplified combustion model, which is assumed to be a single step, infinitely fast and irreversible chemical reaction with five species (C3H8, O2, N2, CO2 and H2O). A fully-implicit second-order hybrid scheme is developed on a staggered grid, which is stretched in the streamwise coordinate direction. A full approximation multigrid scheme (FAS) based on line distributive relaxation is developed as a fast solver for the algebraic equations arising at each time step. Convergence of the process for the simplified model problem is more than two-orders of magnitude faster than other iterative methods, and the computational results show good grid convergence, with second-order accuracy, as well as qualitatively agreement with the results of other researchers.
The structure of bull-free graphs II and III-A summary

The bull is a graph consisting of a triangle and two pendant edges. A graph is called bull-free if no induced subgraph of it is a bull. This is a summary of the last two papers [2,3] in a series [1–3] (Chudnovsky, 2012). The goal of the series is to give a complete description of all bull-free graphs. We call a bull-free graph elementary if it does not contain an induced three-edge-path P such that some vertex c∉V(P) is complete to V(P), and some vertex a∉V(P) is anticomplete to V(P). Here we prove that every elementary graph either belongs to one of a few basic classes, or admits a certain decomposition, and then uses this result together with the results of [1] (this issue) to give an explicit description of the structure of all bull-free graphs.
A simple technique for obtaining the MTBF of complex systems through numerical integration of the reliability function

This paper describes a simple BASIC computer program which can easily be used to obtain the MTBF of a complex system through the numerical integration of the system's reliability function R(t). The technique provides results which are as close as desired to the exact solution, by allowing the user to vary the interval of integration and the criterion for truncating the calculation. It can be applied to quite complex nonmaintainable systems, to complex systems with refurbishment, and to maintainable systems with relatively simple redundancies.
Echographies from my life in the bush of ghosts

When Brian Eno and David Byrne's record My Life in the Bush of Ghosts was re-released on its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2006, it occasioned much reflection on a piece of music that many listeners ...
A power supply IC for 120/240-VAC line input

A Monolithic power supply which operates over a range of 30-264-V ac has been realized in a 500-V dielectrically isolated process. The circuit uses a GTO SCR current switch together with a series regulator to provide a 5-V dc output. With the addition of a resistor, the output can be adjusted to 24-V. Output power is 250∼mW at 5-V, increasing to 1.2-W at 24-V. The die measures 2.0 × 2.3 sq. mm and is packaged in a 8 lead plastic minidip.
Crystal-storing histiocytosis with IgD κ-associated plasma cell neoplasm.

![Figure][1] Crystal-storing histiocytosis is characterized by intra-cytoplasmic accumulation of crystallized immunoglobulins in histiocytes and is typically associated with disorders that express monoclonal immunoglobulins. A 43-year-old woman with stage IV chronic kidney disease due to
Architecting ultra-large-scale green information systems

As environmental sustainability issues have come to the societal and governmental forefront, a new breed of Green Information Systems (IS)---Ultra-Large-Scale (ULS) Green IS---is emerging. A ULS Green IS is an open socio-technical ecosystem that differs from traditional IS in scale, complexity and urgency. Design issues found in ULS systems, System of Systems, Edge-dominant, Metropolis systems and Green IS converge and multiply in the ULS Green IS context. This paper presents a design framework and an architecture analysis method, ECO-ARCH, to address the design of such systems. Through an action research study on architecting for Demand Response systems in the Smart Grid, this article illuminates the system characteristics of ULS Green IS and endorses a fundamental shift in design thinking for its design -- from "bounded rationality" for problem solving to "expandable rationality" for design for the unknown and for innovation. ECO-ARCH advances existing software architecture analysis methods by complimenting expandable rationality design thinking with proven engineering techniques in a dual-level macroscopic-microscopic analysis. This tackles the unique architecting problems of ULS Green IS where many stakeholders are unknown and design goals are not provided, where no architecture pre-exists, where system behavior is non-deterministic and continuously evolving, and where co-creation with consumers and prosumers is essential to achieving triple bottom line goals.
A Latent Variable Approach for Meta-Analysis of Gene Expression Data from Multiple Microarray Experiments

Background: With the explosion in data generated using microarray technology by different investigators working on similar experiments, it is of interest to combine results across multiple studies. Results: In this article, we describe a general probabilistic framework for combining highthroughput genomic data from several related microarray experiments using mixture models. A key feature of the model is the use of latent variables that represent quantities that can be combined across diverse platforms. We consider two methods for estimation of an index termed the probability of expression (POE). The first, reported in previous work by the authors, involves Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques. The second method is a faster algorithm based on the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. The methods are illustrated with application to a meta-analysis of datasets for metastatic cancer. Conclusion: The statistical methods described in the paper are available as an R package, metaArray 1.8.1, which is at Bioconductor, whose URL is http://www.bioconductor.org/.
Toward a New Model of Senior Adult Ministry

ABSTRACT Churches across the nation are experiencing a rate of aging that dramatically exceeds the trend in the general population. In light of the demographic shift, it is imperative that a new model of senior adult ministry be adopted. The new model emphasizes ministry with senior adults rather than just to them, contains social, service, and spiritual components, and is biblically-based. The emergence of the new model has implications for seminary curriculum, existing senior adult ministries, and intergenerational efforts in the local church.
Immunity induced by DNA immunization with herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoproteins B and C.

The complete sequence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoproteins B and C (gB & gC) were cloned into plasmid expression vectors and evaluated in murine and guinea pig genital HSV-2 models. Balb/c mice were immunized with either pgB-2 or pgC-2 plasmids intramuscularly (IM) or intradermally (ID). The vaccines induced HSV-2-specific neutralizing and ELISA IgG antibody, but little or no enhancement of viral clearance from the vagina was detected following intravaginal challenge. Immunization of guinea pigs with pgB-2 or pgC-2 induced ELISA IgG antibody; however, antibody titers were approximately one log10 unit lower than that seen in HSV-2 convalescent sera. IM immunization of guinea pigs with either plasmid also did not decrease vaginal viral shedding following vaginal challenge, but the severity of the acute disease and the subsequent number of recurrent lesion days were reduced in animals immunized with pgB-2. Lastly, IM immunization of latently infected guinea pigs with a combined gB-2 and gC-2 plasmid vaccine significantly reduced the number of subsequent HSV-2 recurrences. DNA vectors expressing gB-2 or gC-2 were both immunogenic, although the gB-2 plasmid induced higher titers of antibody and significantly reduced primary and recurrent herpetic disease in the guinea pig model. These results also suggest that immunotherapy with plasmid expression vectors may be effective against recurrent genital HSV-2 disease.
Electron-beam generation, transport, and transverse oscillation experiments using the REX injector

The REX machine at LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory) is being used as a prototype to generate a 4-MV, 4.5-kA, 55-ns flat-top electron beam as a source for injection into a linear induction accelerator of the 16-MeV dual-axis radiographic hydrotest facility. The pulsed-power source drives a planar velvet cathode producing a beam that is accelerated through a foilless anode aperture and transported by an air core magnetic lens for injection into the first of 48 linear induction cells. Extensive measurements of the time-resolved ( >
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells exhibit immature nucleus pulposus cell phenotype in a laminin-rich pseudo-three-dimensional culture system

Cell supplementation to the herniated or degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) is a potential strategy to promote tissue regeneration and slow disc pathology. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUCMSCs) – originating from the Wharton’s jelly – remain an attractive candidate for such endeavors with their ability to differentiate into multiple lineages. Previously, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied as a potential source for disc tissue regeneration. However, no studies have demonstrated that MSCs can regenerate matrix with unique characteristics matching that of immature nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues of the IVD. In our prior work, immature NP cells were found to express specific laminin isoforms and laminin-binding receptors that may serve as phenotypic markers for evaluating MSC differentiation to NP-like cells. The goal of this study is to evaluate these markers and matrix synthesis for HUCMSCs cultured in a laminin-rich pseudo-three-dimensional culture system. HUCMSCs were seeded on top of Transwell inserts pre-coated with Matrigel™, which contained mainly laminin-111. Cells were cultured under hypoxia environment with three differentiation conditions: NP differentiation media (containing 2.5% Matrigel™ solution to provide for a pseudo-three-dimensional laminin culture system) with no serum, or the same media supplemented with either insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) or transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Cell clustering behavior, matrix production and the expression of NP-specific laminin and laminin-receptors were evaluated at days 1, 7, 13 and 21 of culture. Data show that a pseudo-three-dimensional culture condition (laminin-1 rich) promoted HUCMSC differentiation under no serum conditions. Starting at day 1, HUCMSCs demonstrated a cell clustering morphology similar to that of immature NP cells in situ and that observed for primary immature NP cells within the similar laminin-rich culture system (prior study). Differentiated HUCMSCs under all conditions were found to contain glycosaminoglycan, expressed extracellular matrix proteins of collagen II and laminin α5, and laminin receptors (integrin α3 and β4 subunits). However, neither growth factor treatment generated distinct differences in NP-like phenotype for HUCMSC as compared with no-serum conditions. HUCMSCs have the potential to differentiate into cells sharing features with immature NP cells in a laminin-rich culture environment and may be useful for IVD cellular therapy.
The Meaning Of Everyday Occupation

The second edition of The Meaning of Everyday Occupation broadens, deepens, and updates thought on the human experience of occupation. Occupation is described as integral to one's being in relation...
The IL-2 Defect in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Has an Expansive Effect on Host Immunity

IL-2 production is decreased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and affects T cell function and other aspects of host immunity. Transcription factors regulating IL-2 production behave aberrantly in SLE T cells. In addition to IL-2 dysregulation, other IL-2 family members (IL-15 and IL-21) are abnormally expressed in SLE. Decreased IL-2 production in SLE patients leads to many immune defects such as decreased T(reg) production, decreased activation-induced cell death (AICD), and decreased cytotoxicity. IL-2 deficiency results in systemic dysregulation of host immune responses in patients suffering from SLE disease.
An unrestrictedly parallel scheme for ultra-high-rate reprogrammable Huffman coding

This paper proposes a comprehensive method for overcoming the inherently serial nature of variable-length near-entropy coding to obtain unrestrictedly parallel realizations of Huffman compression. A codestream rearrangement technique together with a symbol-stream order-recovery procedure form a concurrent approach capable of exceeding all previously attainable code rate figures. Furthermore, the method is noteworthy for achieving 100% hardware utilization with no code rate overhead while maintaining data output in a traditional streamed format. To further this endeavor, bit-serial encoder and decoder designs that possess compelling speed and area advantages are developed for service as parallel processing elements. However, both are suitable in more general contexts as well. The decoder, in particular, is optimally fast. The encoder and decoder designs are programmable, thus suggesting the appropriateness of the composite approach for a general-purpose ultra-high-speed codec. The benefits for low-power and variable-rate applications are briefly discussed.
Of course I wouldn't do that in real life: advancing the arguments for increasing realism in HCI experiments

We offer a nuanced examination of the way that realism can impact internal and external validity in HCI experiments. We show that if an HCI experiment lacks realism across any of four dimensions--appearance, content, task and setting--the lack of realism can confound the study by interacting with the treatment and weakening internal or external validity. We argue furthermore, that realism can be increased while still maintaining control: analogue experiments allow researchers to conduct experiments in more ecologically valid environments and online experiments bridge the gap between the cleanroom and field. While increasing the level of realism in an experiment can introduce noise, technological developments have made it easier to collect rich analytics on behavior and usage.
From Embargo to Ostpolitik: The German problem and linkage politics

I say, as Voltaire said of God, that if there were no Germans we should have to invent them, since nothing so successfully unites the Slavs as a rooted hatred of Germans. Mikhail Bakunin, 1865 [I]f war is too important to be left to the generals, surely commerce is, in this context, too salient to be left to bankers and businessmen.… Another misconception is that the potential for economic leverage, even if it exists, cannot be translated into effective pressure against the Soviets, because they will not make political concessions for economic purposes. In fact, however, only rarely have Western countries attempted to use economic leverage against them. Samuel P. Huntington, 1978 The German problem has been a major source of instability in European and world politics for over a century. Although it has been resolved for the time being since the normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and its Eastern neighbors in the early 1970s, it could once again become a source of international tension. It is a central issue for Soviet foreign policy. The relationship between Germany and the USSR remains one of the most important determinants of East–West security today. It is therefore vital to understand the process of postwar Soviet–German conflict and rapprochement to outline future developments in East–West relations. Although political questions have dominated the evolution of West German Ostpolitik and Soviet Westpolitik, the economic aspects of the relationship have at times played a significant role in the development of German-Soviet detente, interacting with political issues.
Cytokines in experimental otitis media with effusion.

Studies in the authors' laboratory have recently demonstrated the presence of potent inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) in human middle ear effusions. The clinical significance of this finding has not been fully elucidated because of the limitations of human studies. We hypothesized that the chinchilla model of otitis media may be an appropriate system with which to study the role of cytokines in otitis media with effusion. To begin to investigate this possibility, 30 chinchillas underwent surgical blockage of the eustachian tube (ET) to promote effusion development. After 2 weeks, examination by otoscopy demonstrated 27 ears to have developed an effusion. Next, all middle ear clefts, in random manner, were either injected with heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae 1 x 10(6) in 0.1 mL normal saline, injected with 0.1 mL normal saline alone, or received no injection at all. Middle ear effusions were obtained and analyzed for IL-1 beta and TNF alpha by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study demonstrated a significant correlation between IL-1 beta and the presence of an effusion (P < .001). Additionally, increased TNF alpha levels correlated with bacterial component presence (P < .001), i.e., mean TNF alpha level was 108, 10.8, and 0 pg/mL in bacteria, normal saline, and noninjected ears, respectively. These findings would suggest that cytokine expression may relate to specific pathological conditions and that the chinchilla model for otitis media with effusion (OME) could be used to further explore the role of cytokines in OME.
Development and Validation of a High-Fidelity Porcine Laryngeal Surgical Simulator.

ObjectiveDesign and validate a laryngeal surgical simulator to teach phonomicrosurgical techniques.Study DesignDevice development and prospective validation.SettingTertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsA novel laryngeal fixation device and custom laryngoscope were produced for use with ex vivo porcine larynx specimens. Vocal fold lesions such as nodules and keratotic lesions were simulated with silicone injections and epithelial markings. A prospective validation using postsimulation surveys, global rating scales, and procedure-specific checklists was performed with a group of 15 medical students, otolaryngology residents, fellows, and attending laryngologists. Three procedures were performed: vocal fold augmentation, excision of a simulated vocal fold nodule, and excision of a simulated vocal fold keratosis.ResultsParticipants overwhelmingly agreed that the simulator provided a realistic dissection experience that taught skills that would transfer to real operating scenarios. Expert performance was...
Dihydroxyphenylalanine Production in Rat Brain Striatal Synaptosomes: Stimulation by a Calcium Chelator

: By inhibiting aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.28) in rat brain striatal synaptosomes, we have been able to measure dihydroxyphenylalanine production via high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical oxidation. This dihydroxyphenylalanine assay was compared to a standard radioisotopic assay of catecholamine synthesis (14CO2 production from L-[1 - 14C]-tyrosine) in terms of (1) units of activity, (2) effects of known inhibitory and stimulatory agents, and (3) effects of the calcium chelator, EGTA. The units of activity in the dihydroxyphenylalanine assay were 40% greater than the units in the radioisotopic assay, indicating a mixing of labeled and endogenous tyrosine pools before conversion of the labeled tyrosine to labeled dihydroxyphenylalanine. The inhibition of synthesis produced by either 3-iodotyrosine or 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine was similar in the two assays, as was the stimulation produced by 8-bromo cyclic AMP. The calcium chelator, EGTA, also activated synthesis to the same extent in the two assays, indicating that the increase observed in the radioisotopic assay is not an artifact of altered precursor specific activity. These data thus indicate the general utility of the synaptosomal dihydroxyphenylalanine synthesis assay, and also demonstrate the specific advantages of this assay for analyzing the effects of agents such as EGTA, which can alter tissue catecholamine precursor levels.
Giant bistratified bipolar cells in monkey retina

A bipolar cell type with a dendritic span in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) larger than any other type of monkey retinal bipolar cell and an axon which terminates in two separate strata (Polyak's 7a and 7d) of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) are described from Golgi-impregnations of the rhesus monkey retina. These giant bistratified bipolar cells connect with many cones in the OPL, and although the axon has terminals in both the outer and inner parts of the IPL, Golgi-electron microscopy (EM) demonstrates that the nature of this cell type's dendritic contacts with cones is as wide-cleft basal junctions.
Early pregnancy failure as a training tool for chorionic villus sampling.

Objectives The goal of this study is to evaluate the success of a training program in chorionic villus sampling (CVS) of early pregnancy failure (EPF) for maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) fellows. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of a new training program in CVS for MFM fellows. Women with EPF up to 13 weeks estimated gestational age were offered inclusion in our program and counseled on alternatives. Transcervical CVS was performed for both fellow education and cytogenetic diagnosis. The primary outcome was a successful diagnosis, and the secondary outcome was cell growth by fellow experience. Results Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with EPF from December 2011 to March 2013 underwent CVS. Villi obtained via CVS yielded a diagnosis in 62% of cases. CVS samples with successful karyotype had more villi but were otherwise similar. CVS by experience showed a trend towards increased success and villi volume after the first five procedures. Abnormal results were obtained in 72% of cases, 15% of which led to changes in care. Conclusion CVS of EPF is an option for the training of MFM fellows as it was acceptable to most patients, and the majority of CVS specimens yielded a karyotype diagnosis. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An assessment of the solar irradiance record for climate studies

Total solar irradiance, the spatially and spectrally integrated radiant output from the Sun at a mean Sun-Earth distance of 1 astronomical unit, provides nearly all the energy driving the Earth’s climate system. Variations in this energy, particularly over long time scales, contribute to changes in Earth’s climate and have been linked to historical glaciation and inter-glacial periods as well as having a small effect on more recent global warming. Accurate measurements of solar irradiances require measurements above the Earth’s atmosphere. The total solar irradiance spaceborne record began in 1978 and has been uninterrupted since, with over a dozen instruments contributing to the present solar climate data record. I assess the required and achieved accuracies of this record with a focus on its value for climate studies.
38 Attenuated Vaccinia in the Elective Primary Vaccination of Eczema Patients

1009 patients suffering from eczema or other skin disorders have received elective primary vaccination with the CVI-78 strain of vaccinia. The vaccine is attenuated by repeated passage through chick embryoes; its infectivity titer is 8.4 (TCD50/ml), and it is free of bacteria. It was administered by one of three routes (multiple pressure, subcutaneously or jet gun) with a minimal dose of TCID50 of 1000 and a maximal dose of TCID50 of 30,000. Local and systemic reactions and temperature elevations in these children were significantly less marked than those experienced with a standard strain of vaccinia in normal children. No virus dissemination or other complications occurred, except for two instances of mild erythema multiforme. Seroconversion was noted in all 387 patients tested to date. Multiple pressure revaccination with a standard strain one to six months later resulted in marked modification in the reaction to the standard strain; no systemic reactions developed. It would appear that CVI strain of vaccinia virus is effective for elective primary vaccination of children suffering from eczema for prevention of eczema vaccinatum. (APS)
Iran’s Northern Exposure: Foreign Policy Challenges in Eurasia

This paper analyzes Iran’s evolving interest and geopolitical challenges to its foreign policy in Central Eurasia. Historically, Iran, Turkey,and Russia have wielded the greatest influence in Central Asia and the Caucasus region. Therefore, it is not surprising that these three countries reemerged as principal actors in the region during the first decade of the post-Soviet era. Since the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union, Iran performed a balancing act. That is, it aspired to develop closer relations with a region with which it shared significant historical and cultural ties. At the same time, Russia regards Central Eurasia as its sphere of influence and would like to keep the “intruders” at bay. Hence, the United States’ expanding presence in the region has added a new twist to Iran’s geopolitical calculations in how to define its policy toward the region. Turkish-Iranian cooperation and competition in the region is yet another piece in the strategic triangle that molds Iranian regional political posture. The looming impact of these three countries aside, as an emerging regional power with its own political agenda, perception, and calculus of its interests, Iran uses identity politics and shared cultural and religious values, where appropriate, to forge closer relations with Central Eurasian countries. Beyond this motif in Iran’s foreign policy, this paper concentrates on political, economic, and strategic variables affecting Iran’s foreign policy decisions in Central Eurasia. Islamic factors are treated as variables within the broader context of sociocultural factors that have played a role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy in the region.
Pt3Re alloy nanoparticles as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract Development of renewable energy technologies requires advanced catalysts for efficient electrical-chemical energy conversion reactions. Here we report the study of Pt-Re alloy nanoparticles as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). An organic solution approach is developed to synthesize monodisperse and homogeneous Pt 3 Re alloy nanoparticles. Electrochemical studies show that these nanoparticles exhibit an improvement factor of 4 in catalytic activity for the ORR compared to commercial Pt catalysts of similar particle sizes. Fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship is established by combining material characterization using X-ray spectroscopy and atomically resolved electron microscopy, as well as Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Our work revealed that an electronic modification of the surface properties of Pt by subsurface Re ( ligand effect ) accounts for the catalytic enhancement.
Abstract T P16: Availability of Endovascular Services at Primary Stroke Centers

Background: Endovascular treatments (EVTs) are useful for treating various types of cerebrovascular disease. There is little data about the availability of such services at stroke centers and how outcomes are tracked. Our hypothesis was that some of these services may be available at Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs), but that outcome tracking may be sub-optimal. Methods: We conducted an Internet-based survey of hospitals certified by The Joint Commission (TJC) as PSCs in the U.S. The survey inquired about EVTs such as IA lytics, IA mechanical clot removal, coiling of aneurysms, and cervical arterial stenting; physician training, coverage models, hospital type, and outcomes. We used chi-square analysis to detect differences between academic and community PSCs. Results: Data were available from 352 certified PSCs, of which 75% were community hospitals, 23% academic centers, and 80% were non-profit; almost half (48%) see 300 or more patients with acute ischemic stroke annually. A majority (60%) provided some or...
In Re Bilski

In its recent decision in In Re Bilski, the Federal Circuit articulates a new test for whether a given innovative process falls within the subject matter of federal patent law. In this podcast, Professors Rob Merges and John Duffy join moderator Doug Lichtman to think through what the new test actually means; where it came from; and whether it will actually change the kinds of patents that issue. Podcast available for free in the archives at ipcolloquium.com.
RELATIONSHIP OF OXYGEN UPTAKE CAPACITY, SERUM URIC ACID AND GLUCOSE TOLERANCE IN MALES AND FEMALES, AGE 10–69

Age 10-69, 793 males and 80 females were tested on the treadmill as they walked at 4.83 km per hour (3.27 km per hour in subjects 60 years and older). Every three minutes, the grade was increased 3%. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max.) and related measurements were recorded during the third minute at each grade. Subjects age 10-39 exercised to exhaustion and VO2max. was measured. In subjects age 40-69, VO2max. was estimated from sub-maximal VO2 and heart rate. The sum of four skinfolds, serum uric acid (SUA) and one-hour glucose tolerance were also measured on these subjects. Body fatness was positively correlated with SUA and blood glucose and negatively correlated with VO2max. Age was negatively correlated with VO2max. and positively correlated with blood glucose. After removing the effects of age, weight and fatness, the correlation of VO2max. and SUA was low. Similarly, there was little or no correlation between VO2max. and blood glucose after the effects of age, weight and fatness were removed.
War Stories

For humans, war remains an inexhaustible subject of storytelling and analysis—such a compelling topic that experts trace the origins of written history, historiography, to the Athenian general Thucydides, who wrote The Peloponnesian War nearly 2,500 years ago. The appeal of war stories, whether we read them for elevation or escape, is eternal. Science fiction, like every other genre whose authors have written for economic gain and popular acclaim, has plenty of combat. This installment of BiblioTech focuses on two novels at opposite ends of the timeline: Robert A. Heinlein's Hugo-winning classic Starship Troopers and newcomer John Scalzi's Hugo-nominated novel Old Man's War.
Identifying State-Free Networked Tags

Traditional radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies allow tags to communicate with a reader but not among themselves. By enabling peer communications between nearby tags, the emerging networked tags represent a fundamental enhancement to today's RFID systems. They support applications in previously infeasible scenarios where the readers cannot cover all tags due to cost or physical limitations. This paper is the first study on identifying state-free networked tags, which is a basic, fundamental function for most tagged systems. To prolong the lifetime of networked tags and make identification protocols scalable to large systems, energy efficiency and time efficiency are most critical. Our investigation reveals that the traditional contention-based protocol design will incur too much energy overhead in multihop tag systems. Surprisingly, a reader-coordinated design that significantly serializes tag transmissions performs much better. In addition, we show that load balancing is important in reducing the worst-case energy cost to the tags, and we present a solution based on serial numbers.
Aeroelastic Analysis of a Folding Wing: Comparison of Simple and Higher Fidelity Models for a Wide Range of Fold Angles

The goal of folding wing research is to enable wing shape changes during flight in order to optimize aircraft performance over a multitude of mission segments. However, the additional mechanisms needed to implement the morphing capability tends to increase the weight, reduce the stiffness in comparison, and make it more susceptible to aeroelastic effects. In addition, the drastic geometric changes in itself affect the dynamics and aeroelastic behavior of the wing. This paper explores the effect of large geometric changes on the natural frequencies and modes, and subsequent effects on the flutter onset. The structural dynamics analysis compares beam theory results versus ANSYS finite element results, and the aeroelastic analysis compares results from using Theodorsen unsteady strip theory versus those obtained using unsteady vortex lattice method. This paper shows that the flutter onset of folding wings can be predicted using simplified beam dynamics and strip theory aerodynamics, as well as ANSYS structural analysis coupled with unsteady vortex lattice aerodynamics. However, when natural frequencies begin to migrate due to large changes in geometry, special care needs to be taken when studying the aeroelastic behavior.
THE SYNERGISTIC EXTRACTION OF THORIUM(IV) AND URANIUM(VI) BY 2-ETHYLHEXYL PHENYLPHOSPHONIC ACID AND MICELLES OF DINONYL NAPHTHALENE SULPHONIC ACID

ABSTRACT The extraction of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) from nitric acid solutions into ligroine solutions of 2-ethylhexyl phenylphosphonic acid (HEHφP), micellar dinonyl naphthalene sulphonic acid (HDNNS) extractants and mixture of the two extractants is reported. A synergistic enhancement factor of 66.9 and 10.8 were observed for Th and U, respectively, when extracted from 1 M HNO3 Although HDNNS shows better separation of thorium and uranium, the mixed ligand system exhibits superior extractability for both metals ions. Slope analysis method was used to establish the extraction stoichiometry. The extraction stoichiometry varies as the concentration of the micellar HDNNS in the organic phase and the acidity of the aqueous phase changes.
Launch Vehicle Performance Enhancement Using Aerodynamic Assist

A complete preliminary design model of a three-stage solid-fuel launch vehicle has been combined with a genetic algorithm to perform an optimization study with the goal to enhance performance using aerodynamic lifting during early flight. Three studies have been completed which include improving the suborbital and orbital flights of a modern intercontinental ballistic missile and improving on the orbital flight of a generic three-stage launch vehicle. The performance is enhanced by varying the geometric definition of the attached wing structure and the internal propellant. Initial system weights and propellant mass fractions were found to decrease for a given payload with the addition of the wing structure.
On Almost Relatively Prime Integers

The probability that two integers are relatively prime is 1/C(2), where C is the Riemann Zeta Function and C(2) = '2/6. One might then ask about the probability that two integers are "almost" relatively prime in some sense. More precisely, given a set P, what is the probability that the greatest common divisor of two integers is in P? It will be shown that this probability is that proportion of C(2) contributed by integers in P.
Native Californians at the Presidio of San Francisco: Analysis of Lithic Specimens from El Polín Spring

Relatively few archaeological studies have examined the experiences of native people at Spanish colonial military installations. A small flaked lithic assemblage at the Presidio of San Francisco provides insight into the lives and labor of Native Californians there. Technically proficient knappers, making do with poor-quality, locally available material, engaged in freehand core reduction and produced non-symmetrical, bifacially flaked tools through percussion production. These tools were most likely used for cutting during specific tasks. The analysis reveals how Native Californians in colonial institutions maintained flintknapping traditions in social spaces that were likely shared by native people and colonists.
The Stamping Application of High-Strength Steel

This disguisition introduced the quality vice of High-strength Steel Application on automobile of white body and Stamping.Base on the mechanics capability and stamping characterics,it bring forward stamping problems countermeasures,which from the design of press technics and die.It point out the boosting of the high-strength steel application proportion will become the emphase research task.in future.
Microwave technology synthesized the cathode materials of solid oxide fuel cell La_(1-x)Sr_xMnO_3

The cathode materials of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) La_(1-x)Sr_xMnO_3 powder have been synthesized by microwave method.The structure and the conductivity of the sample are measured.The influences of microwave synthesis conditions,such as,microwave power,reaction time and reactant size are examined,and the mechanism of reaction for the formation of La_(1-x)Sr_xMnO_3 have been studied.
Graph Indexing for Shortest-Path Finding over Dynamic Sub-Graphs

A variety of applications spanning various domains, e.g., social networks, transportation, and bioinformatics, have graphs as first-class citizens. These applications share a vital operation, namely, finding the shortest path between two nodes. In many scenarios, users are interested in filtering the graph before finding the shortest path. For example, in social networks, one may need to compute the shortest path between two persons on a sub-graph containing only family relationships. This paper focuses on dynamic graphs with labeled edges, where the target is to find a shortest path after filtering some edges based on user-specified query labels. This problem is termed the Edge-Constrained Shortest Path query (or ECSP, for short). This paper introduces Edge-Disjoint Partitioning (EDP, for short), a new technique for efficiently answering ECSP queries over dynamic graphs. EDP has two main components: a dynamic index that is based on graph partitioning, and a traversal algorithm that exploits the regular patterns of the answers of ECSP queries. The main idea of EDP is to partition the graph based on the labels of the edges. On demand, EDP computes specific sub-paths within each partition and updates its index. The computed sub-paths act as pre-computations that can be leveraged by future queries. To answer an ECSP query, EDP connects sub-paths from different partitions using its efficient traversal algorithm. EDP can dynamically handle various types of graph updates, e.g., label, edge, and node updates. The index entries that are potentially affected by graph updates are invalidated and re-computed on demand. EDP is evaluated using real graph datasets from various domains. Experimental results demonstrate that EDP can achieve query performance gains of up to four orders of magnitude in comparison to state of the art techniques.