cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weaving life's pattern.

Development is not just more than growth — it is more than maturation, requiring constant negotiation with the environment.
Revitalizing Legal Positivism: The Shari'a and the Contemporary Relevance of the Separation Thesis

Legal positivism, once a dominant theory of law, is showing many signs of trouble. A burst of books and articles have come out on the subject in the past decade, but the discussion is increasingly obscure and narrow, and of little interest to people outside a small circle of adherents. Consumed by an internecine battle between Internal and External Positivists, each claiming to be more coherent and offering the superior response to Dworkin, little attention is paid to the contemporary relevance of legal positivism. Current adherents see legal positivism as an exercise in legal philosophy, and dismiss concerns about relevance. Focusing on the separation thesis, this article will present a third way to understand legal positivism, one more true to the aims of the legal positivist tradition than either of the two leading modern schools. It will explore the surprising implications of Islamic Law, the Shari'a, for legal postivist as well as natural law schools of thought. The result of this exploration will be to demonstrate how the separation thesis applies even to merged forms of law and morality. Dworkin's core critique of legal positivism - that law and morality are not separate - will thereby be absorbed, without challenging the primary insight that makes legal positivism worthy of preservation as a theory of law.
Chinese International Students’ Experiences in American Higher Education Institutes: A Critical Review of the Literature

Using database searches in ProQuest Sociology, Education Research Complete, ERIC, and Google Scholar, this landscape literature review provides research synthesis and analysis on research designs, underlying assumptions and findings of 21 recent peer-reviewed scholarly articles focusing on Chinese international students’ experiences in American higher education institutes. Patterns observed across studies regarding colorblind racism are presented in the discussion. Towards the end, this review closes with implications and directions for future research.
Preparing for Leadership Turnover in Christian Higher Education: Best Practices in Succession Planning

In the face of unprecedented disruption and complexity, the higher education sector appears to be largely underprepared for the projected exodus of senior-level administrators due to retirements an...
Enhanced genome annotation strategy provides novel insights on the phylogeny of Flaviviridae

The ongoing and severe public health threat of viruses of the family Flaviviridae , including dengue, hepatitis C, West Nile, yellow fever, and zika, demand a greater understanding of how these viruses evolve, emerge and spread in order to respond. Central to this understanding is an updated phylogeny of the entire family. Unfortunately, most cladograms of Flaviviridae focus on specific lineages, ignore outgroups, and rely on midpoint rooting, hampering their ability to test ingroup monophyly and estimate ingroup relationships. This problem is partly due to the lack of fully annotated genomes of Flaviviridae , which has genera with slightly different gene content, hindering genome analysis without partitioning. To tackle these problems, we developed an annotation pipeline for Flaviviridae that uses a combination of ab initio and homology-based strategies. The pipeline recovered 100% of the genes in reference genomes and annotated over 97% of the expected genes in the remaining non-curated sequences. We further demonstrate that the combined analysis of genomes of all genera of Flaviviridae ( Flavivirus , Hepacivirus , Pegivirus , and Pestivirus ), as made possible by our annotation strategy, enhances the phylogenetic analyses of these viruses for all optimality criteria that we tested (parsimony, maximum likelihood, and posterior probability). The final tree sheds light on the phylogenetic relationship of viruses that are divergent from most Flaviviridae and should be reclassified, especially the soybean cyst nematode virus 5 (SbCNV-5) and the Tamana bat virus. We also corroborate the close phylogenetic relationship of dengue and zika viruses with an unprecedented degree of support.
The Memory Palace of Constantine Porphyrogenitus

An investigation of the roles of late antique visual and literary exemplars in Byzantine court culture of the ninth and tenth centuries. Three modes of memory are detected: the appropriative, the interpretative, and the sequential. Each can be seen at work in the time of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, although this reign represents the culmination rather than the origin of the renovatio hitherto attributed to his sponsorship. Instead of personal patronage, a model couched in terms of cultural needs is proposed.
Immunotherapy for inoperable gliomas

Abstract Due to improvements in surgical precision, postoperative care, and adjuvant therapies, tumors that were once deemed untreatable can now be managed. This chapter delves into the basic surgical tenets that have allowed for difficult lesions to be intervened upon. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of novel adjuvant therapies in facilitating treatment of inoperable gliomas. With foundations in multilayered therapeutic strategies, the advancement of treatments for these tumors is evolving with increasing pace as the underlying basic science continues to be developed.
Response of Sandwich Structures to Blast Loads

We first review works on characterizing loads produced by underwater and in-air explosions/blasts. We then summarize the work of Batra’s group on studying transient deformations of doubly-curved sandwich structures by using a third-order shear and normal deformable theory. For a given areal mass density we find structural designs that maximize the first failure load and then ascertain their ultimate failure loads by progressively degrading the material moduli. Subsequently, we briefly outline the work on fluid-structure interaction related to water slamming for deformable hulls and high-speed viscous flows interacting with rigid solids.
Unveiling the Missed 4.5G Performance In the Wild

In this paper, we study an important, yet unexplored problem in operational cellular networks: How close is the actual performance each mobile device gets in reality from what the device could have got at best? Fundamentally, this gauges the bridgeable performance gap for the device. It is deemed as the missed performance because the device fails to achieve the feasible, higher performance. In this work, we report our preliminary results that uncover, quantify, and understand such missed performance in the wild. We have conducted extensive measurements in the small city of West Lafayette, IN to quantify and analyze such performance gaps over four top-tier US carriers, all running 4.5G LTE-Advanced. Our study shows that, significant performance miss indeed happens and happens quite frequently. We have seen that, downlink throughput is merely 750 Kbps, while 47Mbps is available and feasible (60x miss) at one location; At more than 20% places, the missed data throughput (ratio) for four carriers is no less than 30 Mbps (7.4x, AT&T), 22.6 Mbps (6.8x, Verizon), 12.1 Mbps (6.9x, T-Mobile) and 25 Mbps (1.7x, Sprint), respectively. Even worse, such missed performance potentials can be readily reached with certain operations compatible with the current infrastructure (as confirmed by our study). We further analyze its root cause, and conclude that the current cellular practices on selecting serving cells should be held accountable.
How the Modified Bertrand Theorem Explains Regularities and Anomalies of the Periodic Table of Elements

Bertrand theorem permits closed orbits in 3d Euclidean space only for 2 types of central potentials. These are of Kepler-Coulomb and harmonic oscillator type. Volker Perlick recently designed new static spherically symmetric (Bertrand) spacetimes obeying Einstein's equations and supporting closed orbits. In this work we demonstrate that the topology and geometry of these spacetimes permits us to solve quantum many-body problem for any atom of periodic system exactly. The computations of spectrum for any atom are analogous to that for hydrogen atom. Initially, the exact solution of the Schrodinger equation for any multielectron atom (without reference to Bertrand theorem) was obtained by Tietz in 1956. We recalculated Tietz results by applying the methodology consistent with new (different from that developed by Fock in 1936) way of solving Schrodinger's equation for hydrogen atom. By using this new methodology it had become possible to demonstrate that the Tietz-type Schrodinger's equation is in fact describing the quantum motion in Bertrand spacetimes. As a bonus, we solved analytically the Lowdin's challenge problem. Obtained solution is not universal though since there are exceptions of the Madelung rule in transition metals and among lanthanides and actinides. Quantum mechanically these exceptions as well as the rule itself are treated thus far with help of relativistic Hartree-Fock calculations. The obtained results do not describe the exceptions in detail yet. However, studies outlined in this paper indicate that developed methods are capable of describing exceptions as well. The paper ends with some remarks about usefulness of problems of atomic physics for development of quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and (teleparallel) gravity.
The Influence of Trauma-Informed Yoga (TIY) on Emotion Regulation and Skilled Awareness in Sexual Assault Survivors

This study examined a Trauma-Informed Yoga (TIY) intervention created specifically for sexual assault survivors and delivered in a community-based group setting. Much of the existing research on this type of intervention has been conducted in clinical trials as opposed to community-based venues. As sexual assault is a common type of trauma and results more commonly in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the current study aimed to shed light on the potential benefits of a trauma-sensitive yoga and mindfulness intervention for survivors of sexual assault in the natural setting of a community-based organization. The intervention was developed and implemented by licensed mental health providers and registered yoga teachers and modeled on the evidence-based work of the Trauma Center at the Justice Research Institute. The study employed a traditional quantitative one-sample, pre- and posttest design. Survey items were drawn from two existing measures: (1) Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and (2) Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. The majority of the sample (n = 37) identified as White (67.6%), followed by Latina (13.5%), African American (8.1%), multiracial (5.4%), and other (2.7%). The mean age of participants was 29 years (standard deviation 8 years, range 18-56 years). All participants identified as female. Findings demonstrated statistically significant changes in participants' emotion regulation and skilled awareness, both of which have the potential to reduce PTSD symptomatology. The present discussion considers the results in light of previous research and presents study limitations.
Investigation of SiPM performance Stability for On-line PET Imaging with Scanning Proton Pencil Beams

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) change by radiation of neutrons induced by pencil scanning proton beam radiotherapy. Both dark current and gain changes of SiPM arrays were measured as they are the primary SiPM performance parameters. The experiment setup included a scanning proton pencil beam irradiated a human head phantom with SiPM arrays being placed nearby. Multiple repeated radiations and dark current/gain measurements were conducted. The results have shown that the impact of neutron radiations was negligible to small, with SiPM array’s both dark current and gain changes less than around 1% to 2%, well within the experiment uncertainty, accumulated proton beam dose up to 12 Gy. In conclusion, for the specific pencil scanning proton beam with this study, there is unlikely any impact of neutron radiations to SiPM’s performance within one fraction of the proton therapy, that is an important question for on-line PET image-based proton beam range monitoring. This conclusion is likely to be true for other pencil scanning proton beam facilities as well. On the other hand, the long term accumulated impact of neutron radiation to SPM’s performance over multiple fractions of proton therapy is still an issue and should be addressed appropriately.
High temperature air oxidation behavior of Hastelloy X processed by Electron Beam Melting (EBM) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Abstract The microstructure and oxidation behavior of Laser Beam Melted, Electron Beam Melted and wrought Hastelloy X were studied at 950 °C in dry air, 50 h cycles, up to 1000 h. The variability of processing parameters and powder compositions strongly impacted the oxidation and spallation behavior. The alloys with high Mn and Si were associated with higher oxidation rates, finer Cr2O3 grain microstructure and increased spallation was observed for the alloys with large elongated grain microstructures (aspect ratio of 10 ± 3).
Mobilization and calibration of the HTC VIVE for virtual reality physical therapy.

AimsThe HTC VIVE virtual reality (VR) system is a potential tool for collecting kinematic data during inpatient and outpatient physical therapy (PT). When validated against research-grade systems, ...
Toward More Inclusive Gender Identity Measurement in Speech, Language, and Hearing Practice and Research

Purpose This article discusses current trends in clinical and research settings for collecting gender identity demographic information and argues for clinicians and researchers in communication dis...
Unanticipated Fractures of the Zygomatic-Maxillary Suture in LeFort III Internal Distraction: Salvage of Midfacial Advancement via Rigid External Distraction of an Orphaned LeFort II Segment:

Currently, the most common approach for treating midface hypoplasia in syndromic craniosynostoses patients is the LeFort III with distraction osteogenesis. Distraction osteogenesis can be performed...
Scattering in Q1D

In this chapter, we will work out a few typical cases to calculate the relevant quantities explained in the previous chapter. Namely, the scattering amplitudes for systems of the type explained with Fig. 2.8 and a few members of the hierarchy of DOS for them. The new phase shift discussed in Chap. 2 and FSR like rules will also be revealed for these typical cases.
ExoGENI: A Multi-domain Infrastructure-as-a-Service Testbed

NSF’s GENI program seeks to enable experiments that run within virtual network topologies built-to-order from testbed infrastructure offered by multiple providers (domains). GENI is often viewed as a network testbed integration effort, but behind it is an ambitious vision for multi-domain infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS). This paper presents ExoGENI, a new GENI testbed that links GENI to two advances in virtual infrastructure services outside of GENI: open cloud computing (OpenStack) and dynamic circuit fabrics. ExoGENI orchestrates a federation of independent cloud sites and circuit providers through their native IaaS interfaces, and links them to other GENI tools and resources.
General principles and guidelines for formal testing

This chapter reviews some practical general principles and guidelines for formal testing, which include screening the patient's sensory abilities, optimizing the testing environment, orienting the patient to formal testing, and using psychometrists in test administration. Since the sensory abilities of older adults may already be compromised, it is important that testing be performed in a room that is quiet and well lit. It is important that the testing be conducted in quiet conditions with minimal auditory distraction, particularly for patients with hearing impairments. Ideally, the room's climate control (heating, air conditioning) should be adjustable to ensure the patient's comfort. Before formal testing begins, general instructions are provided to orient the patient to the general characteristics of the testing and what will be expected. These instructions facilitate continued development of rapport and promote the patient's cooperation and motivation. For a test to be useful, the test must not only be reliable but must also have validity for the purpose to which it is applied. Within the context of neuropsychological evaluation, validity most often refers to whether the test is able to produce measures reflecting the integrity of the behavior of interest or of the brain region of interest.
Adaptive Feedback Linearization Using Efficient Neural Networks

For a class of single-input, single-output, continuous-time nonlinear systems, a feedback linearizing neural network (NN) controller is presented. Control action is used to achieve tracking performance. The controller is composed of a robustifying term and two neural networks adapted on-line to linearize the system by approximating two nonlinear functions. A stability proof is given in the sense of Lyapunov. No off-line weight learning phase is needed and initialization of the network weights is straightforward. The NN controller is tested on a standard benchmark problem.
A 12-bit 200-MS/s 3.4-mW CMOS ADC with 0.85-V supply

A SAR ADC incorporates two VCOs and a TDC as a multi-bit quantizer to improve the conversion speed. Using background calibration and realized in 45-nm technology, the ADC exhibits an SNDR of 68 dB and an FOM of 8 fJ/conv. step at Nyquist.
Feed-forward path and gain-scaling - a swing and distortion reduction scheme for second order sigma-delta modulator

This paper proposed a two second-order sigma-delta modulator schemes for reducing the swing at the output of the first and the second integrators. The new schemes used feed-forward path to eliminate the term due to the input signal at the output of the first and second integrators completely. Hence, the integrators are processing only the quantization noise that is uncorrelated to the input signal. This paper also proposed a condition for scaling each integrator gain to further reduce the first integrator output swing using gain-scaling technique. Both techniques will make the modulator less sensitive to any harmonic distortion from the opamp used in the integrator.
Aromatic hydrocarbon degradation: a molecular approach.

Aromatic hydrocarbons have a ubiquitous distribution in nature. The majority of these compounds are formed through the pyrolysis of organic matter. Pyrolysis at high temperatures leads to the formation of unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (1). Pyrolysis at low temperatures, such as those at which crude petroleum is formed, leads to the formation of alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons (1). Many of these compounds are suspected carcinogens. Increased use of petrochemicals by modern society has increased the amount of aromatic hydrocarbons found in air and soil samples (2,3). It is not surprising then that due to the ubiquitous nature and increasing concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons microorganisms can be found that have the ability to degrade these compounds. The varied mechanisms by which microorganisms utilize aromatic hydrocarbons as carbon and energy sources have been the focus of several reviews (4–10).
Application of Tissue Culture Techniques to Study of Renal Tubular Epithelia

The sections in this article are: 1 Types of Renal Epithelial Tissue Cultures 1.1 Continuous Lines from Dispersed Cells 1.2 Primary Cultures 1.3 Continuous Lines from Dissected Renal Epithelia 1.4 Immortalization of Renal Epithelial Cells 2 Epithelial Cell Biology 2.1 Plasma Membrane Polarity 2.2 Intercellular Junctions 2.3 Junctional Complexes 2.4 Gap Junctions 2.5 Differentiation 3 Control of Renal Epithelial Cell Growth 3.1 Composition of the Medium 3.2 Substrata 4 Transport 4.1 Transepithelial Transport and the Formation of Domes 4.2 Transcytosis 4.3 Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride Fluxes 4.4 Na+,K+−ATPase 4.5 Cellular Electrophysiology 4.6 Cellular pH Regulation 4.7 Regulation of Cell Calcium 4.8 Sodium-Coupled Hexose Transport 4.9 Sodium-Coupled Phosphate Transport 4.10 Amino Acid Transport 4.11 Adjustment to Altered Osmolality 5 Effects of Hormones on Cultured Epithelia 5.1 Adenosine 5.2 Adrenergic Agents 5.3 Aldosterone 5.4 Atrial Natriuretic Factor 5.5 Calcitonin 5.6 Glucagon 5.7 Insulin 5.8 Parathyroid Hormone 5.9 Prostaglandins 5.10 Vasopressin 5.11 Activators of Protein Kinase C 6 Somatic Cell Genetics 7 Conclusions
Idiodynamics Vis-à-vis Psychophysiology: An Idiodynamic Portrayal of Cardiovascular Reactivity

Idiodynamics offers a conceptual foundation upon which alternatives to the prevailing model of cardiovascular reactivity could be advanced, built upon systematic investigations of individuals. The origins of a union of idiodynamics and psychophysiology are described, accompanied by an empirical study that exemplifies this synthesis. In the study, a montage of cardiovascular measures was used to assess autonomic patterns in six subjects across a range of laboratory tasks on three occasions. Cardiovascular profiles were derived with p-technique factor analysis and then group aggregated with chain p-technique. The group pattern suggested three components: rate, contractility, and peripheral resistance. When individual profiles were compared to the group, consistencies and disparities appeared. Differences in the number of factors, percentage of variance explained, and dominance of specific components distinguished subjects from one another, leading to a hypothesis about underlying cardiovascular complexity. Idiodynamics, combined with novel methodologies, can expand the construct of reactivity beyond traditional stimulus-response conceptualizations.
A scalable wideband equivalent circuit model for on-chip microstrips up to 110 GHz

This paper presents a scalable wideband equivalent circuit model for microstrips in silicon-based integrated circuits. The model was developed over a wide range of dimensions and was found to be accurate to within 10% over the wide parameter range. The model was validated by comparison with measurements of a fabricated test chip. The model is applicable across different process nodes and can be directly incorporated into standard circuit simulators to easily include it in designs.
Der Satz von Rolle und die Regel von Descartes

Wir untersuchen in diesem Kapitel reelle Funktionen der reellen Veranderlichen x; insbesondere sind die Koeffizienten a 0 , a v a 2, ... der zu betrachtenden Polynome \( {a_0} + {a_1}x + {a_2}{x^2} + \cdots + {a_n}{x^n} \) und Potenzreihen \( {a_0} + {a_1}x + {a_2}{x^2} + \cdots \) als reell anzunehmen. Wir setzen. wenn das Gegenteil nicht erwahnt ist, die vorkommenden Funktionen in den betreffenden Intervallen als analytisch voraus. Jedoch andern sich die Satze nur wenig oder gar nicht, wenn allgemeinere Voraussetzungen, z. B. Existenz der Ableitungen bis zu einer geeigneten Ordnung, eingefuhrt werden. Die Nullstellen sind im folgenden stets mit ihrer Multiplizitat zu zahlen.
Forecasting the dynamic and electrodynamic response to the January 2009 sudden stratospheric warming

[1] A whole atmosphere model has been used to simulate the changes in the global atmosphere dynamics and electrodynamics during the January 2009 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW). In a companion paper, it has been demonstrated that the neutral atmosphere response to the 2009 warming can be simulated with high fidelity and can be forecast several days ahead. The 2009 warming was a major event with the polar stratospheric temperature increasing by 70 K. The neutral dynamics from the whole atmosphere model (WAM) was used to drive the response of the electrodynamics. The WAM simulation predicted a substantial increase in the amplitude of the 8-hour terdiurnal tide in the lower thermosphere dynamo region in response to the warming, at the expense of the more typical semidiurnal tides. The increase in the terdiurnal mode had a significant impact on the diurnal variation of the electrodynamics at low latitude. The changes in the winds in the dayside ionospheric E region increased the eastward electric field early in the morning, and drove a westward electric field in the afternoon. The initial large increase in upward drifts gradually moved to later local times, and decreased in magnitude. The change in the amplitude and phase of the electrodynamic response to the SSW is in good agreement with observations from the Jicamarca radar. The agreement with observations serves to validate the whole atmosphere dynamic response. Since WAM can forecast the neutral dynamics several days ahead, the simulations indicate that the electrodynamic response can also be predicted.
ANGULAR DERIVATIVES AT BOUNDARY FIXED POINTS FOR SELF-MAPS OF THE DISK

Let X be a one-to-one analytic function of the unit disk D into itself, with O(O) = 0. The origin is an attracting fixed point for X, if X is not a rotation. In addition, there can be fixed points on &19D where X has a finite angular derivative. These boundary fixed points must be repelling (abbreviated b.r.f.p.). The Koenigs function of X is a one-to-one analytic function a defined on D0 such that X = -'(Ao}), where A = O'(0). If OK is the first iterate of / that does have b.r.f.p., we compute the Hardy number of a, h(a) = sup{p > 0: a E HP(D)}, in terms of the smallest angular derivative of OK at its b.r.f.p.. In the case when no iterate of X has b.r.f.p., then a E np . When COk acts on H2(D), by a result of C. Cowen and B. MacCluer, the spectrum of C0, is determined by A and the essential spectral radius of CQ, re(C4s). Also, by a result of P. Bourdon and J. Shapiro, and our earlier work, re (CO) can be computed in terms of h(o). Hence, our result implies that the spectrum of CQ is determined by the derivative of X at the fixed point 0 E D and the angular derivatives at b.r.f.p. of X or some iterate of k.
Ion channels and the genetic contribution to epilepsy.

Recent application of genetic analysis to rare, hereditary epilepsies has resulted in the identification of mutations in genes encoding ion channels or functionally related proteins in several human and animal syndromes. Reviewed here are selected human and murine epilepsies that result from ion channel mutations. In humans, three autosomal-dominant disorders— benign familial neonatal convulsions, nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, and "generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus"—result from mutations affecting voltage-sensitive potassium channels, a central nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and a voltage-sensitive sodium channel, respectively. In mice, four genetically distinct, autosomal-recessive models of absence epilepsy are caused by mutations in genes encoding three types of calcium channel subunits and a sodium-hydrogen ion exchanger. These findings suggest that variation in genes encoding ion channels could determine susceptibility to common human epilepsies. (J Child Neurol 1999;14:58-66).
Use of one-dimensional iris signatures to rank iris pattern similarities

A one-dimensional approach to iris recognition is presented. It is translation-, rotation-, illumination-, and scale-invariant. Traditional iris recognition systems typically use a two-dimensional iris signature that requires circular rotation for pattern matching. The new approach uses the Du measure as a matching mechanism, and generates a set of the most probable matches (ranks) instead of only the best match. Since the method generates one-dimensional signatures that are rotation-invariant, the system could work with eyes that are tilted. Moreover, the system will work with less of the iris than commercial systems, and thus could enable partial-iris recognition. In addition, this system is more tolerant of noise. Finally, this method is simple to implement, and its computational complexity is relatively low.
Structure-energy correlation for grain boundaries in f.c.c. metals—IV. Asymmetrical twist (general) boundaries

Abstract The zero-temperature energies and equilibrium volume expansions of pont-defect free asymmetrical grain boundaries (GBs) in f.c.c. bicrystals have been determined using both an embedded-atom-method potential fitted to Au and a Lennard-Jones potential fitted to Cu. The boundaries chosen involve one of the four densest planes on one side of the interface and a higher-index plane on the other. For both potentials it is found that the two asymmetrical tilt GBs at the endpoints of the GB-energy vs twist-misorientation curves give rise to pronounced energy cusps. These cusps are probably the main reason for the dominating appearance of tilt boundaries in rotating sphere-on-a-plate experiments, in spite of the fact that these boundaries represent an infinitely small subset in the total misorientation space comprised by the five macroscopic parameters needed to specify a general grain boundary. A comparison with earlier work on symmetrical GBs suggests that, except for the two densest lattice planes, symmetrical configurations may have higher energies than asymmetrical GBs with a densest plane on one side of the interface. A practically linear correlation between the energy of a GB and its volume expansion is observed, similar to that for the symmetrical GBs investigated earlier.
Unraveling the Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome: pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration is the name.

Purpose of reviewAfter the recent discovery of the major genetic defect in neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA, formerly Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome), this heterogeneous group of disorders can now be differentiated by clinical, radiographic, and molecular features.Recent findingsDis
Decision‐making incapacity among nursing home residents: Results from the 1987 NMES survey

Recent legislative and regulatory developments have focused attention on older adults' capacity for involvement in health care decision-making. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 87) focused attention on the rights of nursing home residents to be involved in health care decision-making to the fullest extent possible. This article uses data from the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey (NMES) to examine rates of incapacity for health care decision-making among nursing home residents. Elements of the Oklahoma statute were used to operationalize decision-making incapacity: disability or disorder, difficulty in decision-making or communicating decisions, and functional disability. Fifty-three percent of nursing home residents had a combination of either physical or mental impairment and an impairment in either self-care or money management. The discussion focuses on the policy and practice implications of significant rates of incapacity among nursing home residents.
Median cleft of the lower lip, mandible and manubrium. A case report

Summary There is a wide variation in the severity of median clefts of the lower lip and mandible. We report a severe case demonstrating clefts of the lower lip and mandible together with lack of supporting structures in the neck and upper sternum. Since a case with a cleft of the manubrium sterni is very rare, the literature is reviewed and discussed.
Spline-based spectrum cartography for cognitive radios

A cooperative approach to the sensing task of wireless cognitive radio (CR) networks is introduced based on a spatial model of the power spectrum density (PSD). The model entails a basis expansion of the PSD in frequency, weighted by unknown spatial functions that are estimated from CR measurements. A novel model estimator is developed using a least-squares (LS) criterion regularized with a smoothing penalty. The estimator yields a finitely-parameterized two-dimensional surface spanned by thin-plate splines, which approximates the distribution of power in space. An online PSD tracker is also developed for slowly time-varying power spectra. Different from existing approaches to interference spectrum cartography, the novel sensing scheme neither requires knowledge of second-order spatial statistics, nor it relies on stationarity assumptions.
Closed-form characterization of the Minkowski sum and difference of two ellipsoids

This paper makes three original contributions: (1) Explicit closed-form parametric formulas for the boundary of the Minkowski sum and difference of two arbitrarily oriented solid ellipsoids in n-dimensional Euclidean space are presented; (2) Based on this, new closed-form lower and upper bounds for the volume contained in these Minkowski sums and differences are derived in the 2D and 3D cases and these bounds are shown to be better than those in the existing literature; (3) A demonstration of how these ideas can be applied to problems in computational geometry and robotics is provided, and a relationship to the Principal Kinematic Formula from the fields of integral geometry and geometric probability is uncovered.
The Influence of Viscosity and Surface Curvature on the Pressure Distribution of a Stream Thrust Probe

*& † Determining the local stream thrust (a vector quantity) from a measured pitot pressure (a scalar quantity) requires either knowledge of the flow direction, or a probe shape that compensates for flow direction. This compensation would ideally make the measured pressure directly proportional to the component of momentum along the probe axis. The flow angle sensitivity required to resolve this component of momentum was determined theoretically previously. A proposed probe nose shape was analyzed using CFD and found to produce flow angle sensitivity close to the required sensitivity. The proposed nose shape was also tested in a wind tunnel at Mach 1.67, 2.45, and 3.48 at angles of attack from 0 to 15 degrees. The test results indicate that the flow angle sensitivity of the proposed nose shape agrees with the required sensitivity to within 1% up to a flow angle of 15°. The current work extends the original theoretical development for the optimum nose shape to include viscous affects and surface curvature. The new second-order theory agrees well with experimental results for both the stream thrust probe as well as other, independent data. Further work can be done to refine the theory.
Maturation-related changes in mass and elemental contents of secretory granules as measured by electron-microprobe.

The relationship between granule density, protein content, and Ca and S contents were studied in two secretory granule fractions, from parotid glands of the rat, previously shown to constitute different stages in granule maturation. The density of the lighter fraction was between 1.133 and 1.142 g/ml, while that of the heavier fraction was greater than 1.142 g/ml. The mean protein content of the denser granules was 12% greater than that of the lighter granules (P<0.03), while the dry-mass elemental concentrations in the two granule fractions were unchanged. These results indicate that protein is added to granules during the maturation process (presumably by vesicular traffic), and that the resulting increase in granule density is not driven simply by decrease in water content and/or increased concentrations of inorganic Ca or S in the granules. The elemental concentration values also indicate that the diffusible elements permeate the granule membrane during the fractionation procedures.
The relation of the thyroid and parathyroids to pancreatic diabetes in dogs

Conclusions1. Diabetic dogs are more susceptible to tetany after partial parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy than non-diabetic dogs after the same procedure.2. The removal of the thyroid in diabetic dogs seems to check the glycosuria provided tetany does not occur.3. If tetany does occur intravenous injections of calcium lactate may act as a palliative in checking temporarily both the tetanic seizures and glycosuria.
Geometry and electronic structure of neutral and charged B21 clusters

Abstract We use random searches, basin hopping and simulated annealing techniques to obtain low energy isomers of the B 21 cluster. Our search shows that planar structures dominate the low energy isomers of B 21 for the neutral as well as singly positively and negatively charged states continuing the trend seen for smaller clusters. The ring-like structures previously reported as global minima for the B 20 and B 21 are about 1 eV higher than the most stable planar isomer. The quantum chemical calculations using the second order Moller–Plasset perturbation theory agree with the DFT predictions.
Computational Modeling of Upper Airway Before and After Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Adenotonsillectomy, the first-line surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children, is successful in only 50% of obese children. Computational fluid dynamics tools, which have been applied to differentiate OSA patients from those without OSA based on the airway flow characteristics, can be potentially used to identify patients likely to benefit from surgical intervention. We present computational modeling of the upper airway before and after adenotonsillectomy in an obese female adolescent with OSA. The subject underwent upper airway imaging on a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, and three-dimensional airway models were constructed using airway boundary coordinates from cross-sectional MRI scans. Our results using computational simulations indicate that, in an obese child, the resolution of OSA after adenotonsillectomy is associated with changes in flow characteristics that result in decreased pressure differentials across the airway walls and thus lower compressive forces that predispose to airway collapse. Application of such findings to an obese child seeking surgical treatment for OSA can potentially lead to selection of the surgical procedure most likely to result in OSA resolution. Effective intervention for OSA in this high-risk group will result in reduction in morbidity and the public health concerns associated with OSA.
Feature selection for text clustering in limited memory using Monte Carlo wrapper

Feature selection is a natural choice of technique to scale up clustering. However, feature selection for clustering has received scant research attention compared to the vast literature on feature selection for classification. This is due to the absence of class labels in clustering. The approaches for feature selection for text clustering proposed in literature require (repeated) clustering of the entire corpus. We demonstrate that we can, instead, apply Monte Carlo (MC) techniques to “collect” features by inspecting only tiny portions of the entire dataset at any time. We do not require any global information about features to be computed over the entire dataset. We evaluate the trade-offs between the various cost parameters of the MC with the efficacy of the clustering produced and the time taken to produce it. Doing feature selection using MC, we are able to perform a clustering three to four times faster on standard text benchmarks. Such speed-up can enable near-real time clustering in enterprise workflows using limited memory.
Electrostatic potential in cylindrical dielectric media using the image charge method

We derive a simple analytical expression for the electric potential produced by a point charge in a cylindrical pore with relative permittivity different from that of the surrounding medium. The interface between the pore and the surrounding media may contain electric charge or be electrically neutral. The expression reduces to the known solutions when the surrounding dielectric medium is identical to the pore or an electric conductor. We discuss the convergence of the series expansion and numerically evaluate the electrostatic potential inside the cylindrical pore. The calculated potential shows the effect of the dielectric permittivity difference of the media. The results demonstrate that the expression can be implemented in a numerical dynamic simulation of charged systems in cylindrical geometry. We also give an expression for the case when the source charge is in the medium outside the cylinder.
Involvement of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase, but Not RalGDS, in TC21/R-Ras2-mediated Transformation

Oncogenic Ras and activated forms of the Ras-related protein TC21/R-Ras2 share similar abilities to alter cell proliferation. However, in contrast to Ras, we found previously that TC21 fails to activate the Raf-1 serine/threonine kinase. Thus, TC21 must utilize non-Raf effectors to regulate cell function. In this study, we determined that TC21 interacts strongly with some (RalGDS, RGL, RGL2/Rlf, AF6, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit p110δ), and weakly with other Ras·GTP-binding proteins. In addition, library screening identified novel TC21-interacting proteins. We also determined that TC21, similar to Ras, mediates activation of phospholipase Ce. We then examined if RalGDS, a RalA guanine nucleotide exchange factor, or PI3K are effectors for TC21-mediated signaling and cell proliferation in murine fibroblasts. We found that overexpression of full-length RalGDS reduced the focus forming activity of activated TC21. Furthermore, expression of activated Ras, but not TC21, enhanced GTP loading on RalA. In fact, TC21 attenuated insulin-stimulated RalA·GTP formation. In contrast, like Ras, expression of activated TC21 resulted in membrane translocation and an increase in the PI3K-dependent phosphorylation of Akt, and inhibition of PI3K activity interfered with TC21 focus formation. Finally, unlike Ras, TC21 did not activate the Rac small GTPase, indicating that Ras may not activate Rac by PI3K. Taken together, these results suggest that PI3K, but not RalGDS, is an important mediator of cell proliferation by TC21.
Positive parity states in 16O

Abstract The 16 O (0 + 2) h hω configurations have been investigated using the shell model. Large particle-hole components are found in the ground state. The level spectrum up to 20 MeV is fairly well given but not the strongly-enhanced E2 rates. Extended calculations are in progress.
58 Sorting Out the Intricacies of Multiparity Risk on Outcomes after Heart Transplantation

Purpose It has been demonstrated in the ISHLT registry that parous females have increased risk of rejection in the first year after heart transplant (HTx) vs. nulliparous females (JHLT 1997; 16(8):801-12). It has not been established whether the number of pregnancies incrementally increases this risk in patients (pts) on triple drug immunosuppression. Therefore we reviewed our female HTx pts for the number of pregnancies and 1st-year rejection after HTx. Methods and Materials We reviewed 280 female pts transplanted between 1994 and 2009 for number of pregnancies. Pts were divided according to number of pregnancies, from 0 to ≥5. These groups were assessed for the development of circulating antibodies (Ab) prior to transplant. Post HTx, we assessed 1st-year freedom from any-treated rejection and 5-year actuarial survival, freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, any stenosis > 30%), and non-fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF-MACE: myocardial infarction, heart failure, stents, defibrillator, stroke, and new peripheral vascular disease). Results Post Htx, pts in the 4 or ≥5 pregnancy groups had increased risk for antibody mediated rejection (AMR) and any-treated rejection compared to those pts with 0-3 pregnancies (p 10%) was comparable between the 4-5 pregnancy groups and the 0-3 pregnancy groups (15% vs. 16%, p=0.97) Conclusions Multiparity with ≥4 pregnancies appears to hold the greatest risk for AMR in the 1st year after HTx. We speculate that this may be due to increased memory B cells as pre-transplant sensitization was similar in all multiparous groups. Parous female pts with 1 to 3 pregnancies may not be at increased rejection risk compared to nulliparous female heart recipients.
Evolution and morphogenesis of the placenta in sharks

Placental sharks sequentially utilize three modes of embryonic/fetal nutrition to nourish their developing young—viz., vitellogenesis, histotroph secretion, and hematrophic placentation. These are the principal modes employed by vertebrates in general. The progressive shift from reliance on yolk, to histotroph, then to the placenta mirrors the probable stages in the evolution of placentation in sharks. Preimplantation shark embryos begin their ontogenetic development by reliance on yolk. In vitellogenesis, energy-rich precursors of hepatic origin are stored in oocytes prior to ovulation. Following fertilization, embryogenesis and fetal development proceed at the expense of the yolk stores sequestered in the yolk sac. Yolk is made available to the developing young by two means. Yolk is partially solubilized in the yolk syncytium of the yolk sac and subsequently modulated through the yolk sac endoderm. Yolk metabolites are then transported across the vitelline endothelium to reach the fetal circulation. Yolk granules are physically transported to the fetal gut by ciliated cells lining the ductus vitellointestinalis. The ductus is an endodermally lined conduit that extends from the yolk sac to connect to the fetal gut where digestion and absorption occur. Following depletion of the yolk stores and prior to development of the placenta, nutrient substances may be supplied to the fetus by secretory activity of the uterus in the form of histotroph. Histotroph may then be ingested and/or absorbed. In the transition from the yolk-reliant and histotrophic phases to a placental situation, there is a coincident shift in the function of the maternal uterus to one of a nutrient-producing or -transporting organ. Essential adaptations of the uterus include: enhanced secretory function, expansion to accommodate the embryos, respiration, osmoregulation, waste disposal, and protection of the young. As the yolk sac differentiates into a placenta, focal areas of the uterus become modified as uterine attachment sites. It is at the utero-placental complex that nutrient and metabolic exchange between mother and fetus will be effected. Paraplacental uterine sites may also continue to play a role in the elaboration of histotroph. The placenta is specialized into two segments: a proximal, smooth portion that has characteristics of a steroid-producing tissue and a more richly vascularized distal portion that is a nutrient-transporting tissue. Evolution of placentation involves modifications of existing maternal and fetal membranes. The ontogenetic transformation of the shark oviduct into a functional uterus for the retention and metabolic support of developing young certainly is modulated by endocrine regulation. In the developing fetus, the yolk sac and stalk display terminal differentiation into a regionally specialized placenta and an umbilical cord respectively. Accessory vascular structures of the umbilical cord, termed appendiculae, are present in some species.
Growth and characterization of GaAs/GaPAs metamorphic, epitaxial nanostructures

We discuss metamorphic, epitaxial nanostructures, using the III–V system GaAs/GaPAs as a particular example. The materials were synthesized by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, incorporating strain-engineered compositional grades. Vertically aligned, quantum-dot-array like structures were observed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy of short-period superlattice regions. Z-contrast images and geometric phase analysis of lattice images both confirm the presence of coherent GaAs dots within GaPAs barriers.